Walls
Walls

Author: David Frye

Publisher: Scribner

Published: 2019-08-27

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1501172719

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“A lively popular history of an oft-overlooked element in the development of human society” (Library Journal)—walls—and a haunting and eye-opening saga that reveals a startling link between what we build and how we live. With esteemed historian David Frye as our raconteur-guide in Walls, which Publishers Weekly praises as “informative, relevant, and thought-provoking,” we journey back to a time before barriers of brick and stone even existed—to an era in which nomadic tribes vied for scarce resources, and each man was bred to a life of struggle. Ultimately, those same men would create edifices of mud, brick, and stone, and with them effectively divide humanity: on one side were those the walls protected; on the other, those the walls kept out. The stars of this narrative are the walls themselves—rising up in places as ancient and exotic as Mesopotamia, Babylon, Greece, China, Rome, Mongolia, Afghanistan, the lower Mississippi, and even Central America. As we journey across time and place, we discover a hidden, thousand-mile-long wall in Asia's steppes; learn of bizarre Spartan rituals; watch Mongol chieftains lead their miles-long hordes; witness the epic siege of Constantinople; chill at the fate of French explorers; marvel at the folly of the Maginot Line; tense at the gathering crisis in Cold War Berlin; gape at Hollywood’s gated royalty; and contemplate the wall mania of our own era. Hailed by Kirkus Reviews as “provocative, well-written, and—with walls rising everywhere on the planet—timely,” Walls gradually reveals the startling ways that barriers have affected our psyches. The questions this book summons are both intriguing and profound: Did walls make civilization possible? And can we live without them? Find out in this masterpiece of historical recovery and preeminent storytelling.

The 7 Keys of Thomas Green
The 7 Keys of Thomas Green

Author: Mark Bolton

Publisher: Xlibris Corporation

Published: 2011-01-31

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 1456862359

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When his friend Albert died leaving him a very special key, Thomas Green realized his life was to change from the mundane trudge of a poor existence, to a complete plethora of adventures. What would it be like to have the ability to travel from one world to another? To just disappear without a trace, to live adventures beyond your imagination. Thomas Green an ordinary man can do all this and more with the help of a key he obtained purely by chance. There is a catch however, There are seven keys and if Thomas fails to find the remaining six held in amazing worlds parallel to this one. Thomas will come to the same fate that befell his dear friend Albert. Can he find the keys in time? Embroiled in the mystery of his own mortality he has to understand what it is to be mortal. The cultures, beliefs and dangers of the creatures he meets during his travels introduce him to more and more adventure. A journey beyond all that is real. The key of Enof lies through a portal that only the key Thomas holds can open. He must retrieve the key of Enof. But so many perils lay in his path. The help from a small grabbit gnome named Stalta begins to make his journey easier. But when a selfish twist of fate rears its ugly head things become so much more difficult. However a prophecy brings help from a warrior breed that have tried to fight an evil ruling their land for an age. The Seeker is their Prophecy and to them Thomas is the Seeker.

The Family Upstairs
The Family Upstairs

Author: Lisa Jewell

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Published: 2023-09-26

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 1668026511

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"Soon after her twenty-fifth birthday, Libby Jones returns home from work to find the letter she's been waiting for her entire life. She rips it open with one driving thought: I am finally going to know who I am. She soon learns not only the identity of her birth parents, but also that she is the sole inheritor of their abandoned mansion on the banks of the Thames in London's fashionable Chelsea neighborhood, worth millions. Everything in Libby's life is about to change. But what she can't possibly know is that others have been waiting for this day as well--and she is on a collision course to meet them. In The Family Upstairs, the master of "bone-chilling suspense" (People) brings us the can't-look-away story of three entangled families living in a house with the darkest of secrets"--Page 4 of cover

The Color of Everything
The Color of Everything

Author: Cory Richards

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2024-07-09

Total Pages: 385

ISBN-13: 059359679X

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A renowned climber and National Geographic photographer shares his incredible adventures—and the early trauma that drove him to seek such heights. “An extraordinary memoir of mental illness that reads like a thriller.”—Amy Ellis Nutt, Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and author of Becoming Nicole “In order to escape madness, I will live madly. I will risk my life in order to save it.” Growing up in the mountains of Utah, Cory Richards was constantly surrounded by the outdoors. His father, a high school teacher and a ski patroller, spent years teaching Richards and his brother how to ski, climb, mountaineer, and survive in the wild. Despite a seemingly idyllic childhood, the Richards home was fraught with violence, grief, and mental illness. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and dropping out of high school, Richards subsumed himself in the worlds of photography and climbing, seeking out the farthest reaches of the world to escape the darkness. Then, in the midst of a wildly successful career in adventure photography, a catastrophic avalanche changed everything, forcing Richards to confront the trauma of his past, evaluate his own mental health, and learn to rewrite his story. The Color of Everything is a thrilling tale of risk and adventure, written by a man who has done it all: He’s stood at the top of the world, climbed imposing mountain faces alone in the dark, and become the only American to summit an 8,000-meter peak in winter. But it is also the story of a tumultuous life—a stirring, lyrical memoir that captures the profound musings of an unquiet mind grappling with the meaning of success, the cost of fame and addiction, and whether it is possible to outrun your demons. With exquisite prose and disarming candor, accompanied by stunning photos from his career, Richards excavates the roots of his trauma and shares what it took for him to climb out of it.

The Tower Princess
The Tower Princess

Author: Shonna Slayton

Publisher: Amaretto Press

Published: 2018-02-26

Total Pages: 303

ISBN-13: 0997449926

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A princess in a tower. A prince hidden at birth. Together, they'll tear down walls. The townspeople call her the Tower Princess, but Gressa's life is no fairy tale. She's never understood why she's been separated from the rest of the kingdom, but now that she's older the pieces are coming together. For too long she's been trapped in her brother's scheme to find a way through the magical wall dividing their kingdom in two. She doesn't expect any help from the prince to the south, even if he did manage to bumble his way to her rescue. If she could pick anyone to form an alliance, it would be the squire she watches train from her window; he shows promise. But, confined to her tower, there's nothing she can do...or is there? One day a hole opens up in the Dividing Wall and with it, a chance for Gressa to change everything. The Tower Princess is the first book in the Lost Fairy Tales series, a collection of loosely-connected stand-alone novels. If you like classic fairytale stories and sweet romance, then you'll love Gressa and Manny's desperate quest for rescuing their kingdom.

The Duke's Daughter
The Duke's Daughter

Author: Angela Thirkell

Publisher: Open Road Media

Published: 2024-01-23

Total Pages: 439

ISBN-13: 1504091159

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Matches are being made among the cream of postwar English society in this novel of “warmth, whimsy, quirks, and vinegar with a dash of vitriol”(The New York Times). The England of old may be fading away (it’s so hard to find good help these days!)—but that doesn’t stop the prominent families of Barsetshire from producing a new generation of genteel brides and grooms in this funny, entertaining portrait of stubbornly cherished traditions in a changing world. “It is difficult not to become charmed, amused and engrossed. [Thirkell’s] sense of the ludicrous is enchanting. Perhaps, above all, it is her basic human kindness and her remarkable insight into the delicate relationship between parents and adolescent and grown children, that endear her books to so many people.” —The New York Times “Thirkell writes with an asperity and wit and glorious clowning that are all her own.” —San Francisco Chronicle

The black Flemings
The black Flemings

Author: Kathleen Thompson Norris

Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

Published: 2024-06-14

Total Pages: 278

ISBN-13:

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Welcome to the engrossing world of Kathleen Thompson Norris' "The Black Flemings," a captivating tale of family dynamics, love, and societal challenges. As you immerse yourself in this narrative, prepare to be swept away by the rich character development and evocative storytelling. Join the journey of the Fleming family, whose lives are marked by intricate relationships and deep-seated secrets. Norris masterfully portrays the complexities of human emotions and the impact of societal expectations on individual choices. Through the eyes of the protagonists, we witness their struggles, triumphs, and the evolving dynamics that define their existence. Norris' storytelling interweaves themes of love, duty, and societal pressures, encouraging readers to reflect on the personal choices and external forces that shape our lives. The vivid descriptions and poignant dialogues offer a profound insight into the human condition, resonating with readers across generations. With its blend of drama, romance, and introspection, "The Black Flemings" sets an engaging tone that keeps readers invested in the narrative. From the bustling streets of their town to the intimate moments within their home, Norris paints a vivid picture of a world filled with both charm and conflict. Since its publication, "The Black Flemings" has garnered critical acclaim for its authentic portrayal of family life and its enduring themes. Its appeal lies in its universal truths and the emotional depth of its characters, captivating readers with its timeless relevance. As you immerse yourself in the world of "The Black Flemings," you'll find yourself drawn to its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and engaging storytelling. Norris' keen observations of human nature and her ability to craft a rich narrative make this novel a cherished favorite for readers seeking depth and meaning in their literary journey. In conclusion, "The Black Flemings" is more than just a novel—it's a profound exploration of family, society, and the human spirit that continues to resonate with readers. Whether you're discovering Norris' work for the first time or revisiting this classic, prepare to be moved by the emotional and intellectual depth of this enduring masterpiece. Don't miss your chance to experience the rich narrative and profound insights of Kathleen Thompson Norris. Let "The Black Flemings" transport you to a world of emotional depth and timeless themes. Grab your copy now and join the legions of readers who have been captivated by Norris' literary brilliance.