For Samantha, running means freedom. That is, until the day a morning run turns into a living nightmare. Samantha wakes up to find herself held hostage in a cabin. With a masked abductor repeatedly injecting her arm with an unknown substance, Samantha tries in vain to find out what he wants, but he refuses to speak. Until the day he breaks his silence and promises her one day she will fall in love with him but the best part will be that she won't know who he is... until it's too late.
Mona seems to have it all: youth, beauty, intelligence, and a privileged place in Germany’s elite Aryan society. At fifteen, she lives a life where power and wealth seem to affirm her family’s deeply ingrained beliefs. But as she uncovers the disturbing truths lurking behind the façade of her ‘perfect’ world, everything she has been taught begins to unravel. Those Hidden Monsters is a haunting journey through the dark corners of human nature, exploring themes of fear, flawed ideology, friendship turned betrayal, and the transformative power of love and loss. Although a work of fiction, the novel provides an emotionally charged window into the harrowing years of Nazi Germany and the Holocaust, as seen through the shattered innocence of its young characters. While they start as fervent supporters of Hitler’s regime, a series of betrayals eventually opens their eyes to its horrifying collapse. Masterfully crafted by author Trevor Ripley, the story delves into the complex emotional landscapes of its characters, revealing how evil can flourish in the most ordinary of homes, and how courage can emerge from the most unexpected places. A compelling tale of bravery and tragedy, Those Hidden Monsters forces us to confront the darkest and most hidden aspects of human history.
Mixed feelings about motherhood—uncertainty over having a child, fears of pregnancy and childbirth, or negative thoughts about one’s own children—are not just hard to discuss, they are a powerful social taboo. In this beautifully written book, Barbara Almond brings this troubling issue to light. She uncovers the roots of ambivalence, tells how it manifests in lives of women and their children, and describes a spectrum of maternal behavior—from normal feelings to highly disturbed mothering. In a society where perfection in parenting is the unattainable ideal, this compassionate book also shows how women can affect positive change in their lives.
Until Luka... Aleksandra Volkov happily escaped into the oblivion that alcohol and pills provided, longing to forget the memories that plague her. But sometimes, it takes someone as equally broken to mend the fractured pieces of her life. Until Alex... Luka Sergeyev willfully courted death by living in the midst of the very people who would have him killed if the truth of who he was ever came out. But he would gladly take that risk if it meant she would look at him like he mattered for just a little while longer. When it comes to life within the Volkov Bratva, love comes at a price, secrets are common, and most of all, one's survival is not guaranteed.
What is it like to live with hidden disabilities? You'll find out firsthand in Veronica Crawford's moving account of her life experiences with learning disabilities, bipolar disorder, ADHD, dyslexia, and sensory integrative disorder. Through Veronica's struggles in school, at work, and in her personal relationships, you'll gain insight into the emotional turmoil of living with hidden disabilities and be inspired by her resourcefulness as she learns to confront and accept them. You'll also get clinical commentary from a noted expert on these types of disabilities, Dr. Larry B. Silver, who concludes each chapter with information on what can be done to help individuals with hidden disabilities lead more positive, productive lives. Together, Veronica and Dr. Silver share with you what they've found really works in both living with and overcoming one's hidden disabilities.
The horrific and astonishing true story of the double life of Russell Williams, who was at once a respected figure in the Canadian military and a ruthless sado-sexual serial criminal and murderer. A model officer and elite pilot, Colonel Russell Williams was trusted with flying international dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth, as well as commanding Canada's most important military airbase. Yet his dark and violent secret life included breaking into 82 homes of girls and women; thefts of vast amounts of lingerie (which he dressed in); two bizarre sexual assaults that left an uncomprehending Ontario village on a knife's-edge; and eventually, two rape-murders. In A New Kind of Monster, veteran Globe and Mail crime reporter Tim Appleby chronicles a true story that could have been lifted from the darkest pages of pulp fiction, one that offers fascinating--and troubling--insights on human psychopathology.
A side-splitting and informative guide to creative writing by author/illustrator comedic duo Andy and Olaf, jam-packed with lashings of monster-inspired fun. Unleash your creative monster and write stories to inspire, amaze and awe your friends. With top tips on getting your story started, learn essential skills for storytellers in this brilliant guide to writing. Give your descriptions claws, add a little bite to your writing and feed your monster inspiration with over 50 writing prompts and exercises.
"A harrowing, perverse, laugh-aloud funny rocket ride of catastrophes…Gutsy, terse and cunning, Invisible Monsters may emerge as Palahniuk’s strongest book." —Greg Berkman, Seattle Times She’s a fashion model who has everything: a boyfriend, a career, a loyal best friend. But when a sudden freeway "accident" leaves her disfigured and incapable of speech, she goes from being the beautiful center of attention to being an invisible monster, so hideous that no one will acknowledge she exists. Enter Brandy Alexander, Queen Supreme, one operation away from becoming a real woman, who will teach her that reinventing yourself means erasing your past and making up something better. And that salvation hides in the last places you’ll ever want to look.
In a powerful debut novel author Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable characters, Beh, Shabnam and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism and a touch of magic we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah's family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring society. But as a sexual assault on thirteen-year-old Beh unleashes the past and destroys the family the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares We are a family of monsters? Or are the monsters all around us?
