Following the success of his first book, the 2009 sleeper, "Why I Hate Straws," online humor columnist Barry Parham delivers again. Satire at its best! Includes the award-winning stories "Actuarial Family Theater" and "Perfect!" on Fads & Fashion... In the interest of full disclosure, I admit there's an extant 1970's photo of me and a date, posing for the obligatory parental pre-prom photo. My date was gorgeous, and sane. I, on the other hand, showed up with the hair of a medieval barber. I looked like an electrocuted yak. on St. Valentine's Day... Somehow, February got this reputation as a month of romance, maybe because it's cold. Plus, football's gone and we're stuck with the wildly popular sport of bowling, where you almost never get to see any serious violence. St. Valentine's Day contains vestiges of both early Christian and ancient Roman traditions, alongside other time-honored traditions, like hot-dish picnics and mass public executions. Holiday Factoid: "vestiges" is the classical Greek plural of "vest." on Typos... A local TV station was updating the community on snowstorm-based church closings. According to the typists at the station, there was a church somewhere called St. Martyer. Imagine - an entire religious sect dedicated to turning people into Ernest Borgnine.
The author, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family.
From the New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah comes a powerful novel of love, loss, and the magic of friendship. . . . now a #1 Netflix series! In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the "coolest girl in the world" moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all---beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer's end they've become TullyandKate. Inseparable. So begins Kristin Hannah's magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives. From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success . . . and loneliness. Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn't know is how being a wife and mother will change her . . . how she'll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she'll envy her famous best friend. . . . For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they've survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart . . . and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test. Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone's Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it's the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It's about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you'll never forget . . . one you'll want to pass on to your best friend.
Beloved and New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr uses his signature blend of playfulness and sensitivity to explore the value and joy in being kind to others. With his trademark bright colors and bold lines, Todd Parr takes on a topic more important than ever: being kind to each other. This idea is both a perfect fit for Todd's cheerful, child-friendly positivity and incredibly close to Todd's own heart. No matter what other people choose to do, you can always choose to be kind -- and what a wonderful thing to be! Today's parents and teachers are looking for ways to instill empathy and kindness in children at a young age -- this book is the perfect introduction to a timely and timeless topic.
Going through puberty? Thinking about puberty? Worried about growing up? Don't worry! This book is for you. Packed with facts and thoughtful advice, plus words of wisdom from older women and quotes and questions from girls who are also going through it, this book covers every aspect of going through puberty for girls (and even has a chapter on what's going on with boys because knowledge is power, after all). Also filled with quirky illustrations from the fabulous Flo Perry, coupled with space to scribble your own thoughts and ideas. From body basics like breasts, spots and periods, to the questions with no easy answers (Does how you look matter? Is a crush ever wrong? Is it bad to be jealous of your best friends – and does having a best friend even matter?) Plus, of course, clear and empowering information on sex, sexuality and gender and a whistle-stop guide to the wonderful world of online. Written by women who just happen to be mums: word whizz Sophie Elkan, psychotherapist Laura Chaisty and GP Dr Maddy Podichetty.
Set against the taut yet passionate landscape of the dry heat of Mirage, Arizona, Summer of Rescue illuminates the stunning, often ambiguous emotions of a woman coming to terms with her life. For Clare Nichols, wife and mother, the summer of her fortieth year is a time of reminiscences and regrets, a time to reconsider the past and to contemplate the possibilities of a new beginning. As Clare finds herself tempted by the romantic entreaties of a younger man, enviously watches her daughter become a woman, and confronts the memories of the tragic death of her son many years before, Nelson transforms the common events of life into a novel of uncommon grace and power.
“Filled with entertaining behind-the-scenes stories and technical tips . . . this cookbook will thrill meticulous bakers and Huckleberry's devotees” (Library Journal). “Everything in generosity” is the motto of Zoe Nathan, the big-hearted baker behind Santa Monica’s favorite neighborhood bakery and breakfast spot, Huckleberry Bakery & Café. This irresistible cookbook collects more than 115 of Huckleberry’s recipes and more than 150 color photographs, including how-to sequences for mastering basics such as flaky dough and lining a cake pan. Huckleberry’s recipes span from sweet (rustic cakes, muffins, and scones) to savory (hot cereals, biscuits, and quiche). True to the healthful spirit of Los Angeles, these recipes feature whole-grain flours, sesame and flax seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables, natural sugars, and gluten-free and vegan options—and they always lead with deliciousness. For bakers and all-day brunchers, Huckleberry will become the cookbook to reach for whenever the craving for big flavor strikes.
A man without honour is no man at all . . . France, 1636. The Thirty Years War rages across Europe, and a bloody and brutal campaign begins as Spanish armies flood into Picardy. In their way lies the border village of Dax-en-roi. The Chevalier de Roland rallies a valiant defence, but his household guard are slaughtered, his estate burned and his life forfeit. Only one survivor escapes the invaders' butchery: the Chevalier's son, and lone heir to the Roland name. But André de Roland is little more than a boy. What can someone so young do against so many? Yet he is determined to save his people from the savagery of their invaders. He will uphold the honour of the Roland name - to the death . . . Honour and the Sword is a sweeping and epic novel of love and heroism, betrayal and courage in the tradition of Alexandre Dumas - perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Patrick O'Brian. 'A brilliant, fast paced story . . . it reads like Bernard Cornwell crossed with The Three Musketeers' Conn Iggulden
