A long-haul flight. Two ambitious dance mums. A child in danger. Bridget and Simone aren't friends, but their daughters are in the same dance troupe: Expressions. They're flying to Los Angeles together so the girls can perform at Disneyland. Simone's daughter, Zahra, is the leader of the troupe, while Bridget's daughter, Becky, is a talent on the rise. An unexpected upgrade sees Bridget moved to business class and seated with Simone and her husband, Glen. Despite feeling out of her depth, Bridget is pleased to find that she and Simone share a lot in common, and the flight goes smoothly. That is until Bridget discovers shocking images of Zahra and other Expressions dancers on an old USB. A fierce examination of their dance world ensues. Tensions rise, and there's no way for anyone to escape. For two very different families, what unfolds over the course of the flight will shock and threaten to destroy them.
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A stunning “portrait of the enduring grace of friendship” (NPR) about the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves. A masterful depiction of love in the twenty-first century. NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST • MAN BOOKER PRIZE FINALIST • WINNER OF THE KIRKUS PRIZE A Little Life follows four college classmates—broke, adrift, and buoyed only by their friendship and ambition—as they move to New York in search of fame and fortune. While their relationships, which are tinged by addiction, success, and pride, deepen over the decades, the men are held together by their devotion to the brilliant, enigmatic Jude, a man scarred by an unspeakable childhood trauma. A hymn to brotherly bonds and a masterful depiction of love in the twenty-first century, Hanya Yanagihara’s stunning novel is about the families we are born into, and those that we make for ourselves. Look for Hanya Yanagihara’s latest bestselling novel, To Paradise.
Discover the essential thinking tools you’ve been missing with The Great Mental Models series by Shane Parrish, New York Times bestselling author and the mind behind the acclaimed Farnam Street blog and “The Knowledge Project” podcast. This first book in the series is your guide to learning the crucial thinking tools nobody ever taught you. Time and time again, great thinkers such as Charlie Munger and Warren Buffett have credited their success to mental models–representations of how something works that can scale onto other fields. Mastering a small number of mental models enables you to rapidly grasp new information, identify patterns others miss, and avoid the common mistakes that hold people back. The Great Mental Models: Volume 1, General Thinking Concepts shows you how making a few tiny changes in the way you think can deliver big results. Drawing on examples from history, business, art, and science, this book details nine of the most versatile, all-purpose mental models you can use right away to improve your decision making and productivity. This book will teach you how to: Avoid blind spots when looking at problems. Find non-obvious solutions. Anticipate and achieve desired outcomes. Play to your strengths, avoid your weaknesses, … and more. The Great Mental Models series demystifies once elusive concepts and illuminates rich knowledge that traditional education overlooks. This series is the most comprehensive and accessible guide on using mental models to better understand our world, solve problems, and gain an advantage.
In a world of magical adepts, every 25 years the five greatest talents must be brought together. For only this powerful union of strangers can prevent the prophesied return of the Evil Ones who enslaved the land. As one, they must stand against the odious treachery of past masters--and confront a fearsome depravity that hungers for their world.
No evacuation plan, no safety net ... Sometimes you just have to save yourself. A hilarious, big-hearted story about second chances from the author of Terms of Inheritance 'Whimsical and heartfelt ... A great beach read with an unforgettable heroine' Sophie Green Amelia Harris has played it safe all her life - but when a minor accident lands her in hospital, she dramatically quits the tedious office job she's been working at for a decade. When her mother, Toni, asks her what she wants to do, Amelia is at a loss. Out of sheer desperation, she tries her hand at the dream jobs she's always fantasised about. Soon Amelia's shadowing a thrilling cast of characters and professions - as a journalist, a florist, a wedding planner, a zookeeper, and more. Life couldn't be more exciting, especially when she meets the man of her dreams. But when Toni drops a truth bomb about their family, Amelia's whole world tilts on its axis. Meanwhile, each new job starts taking on a life of its own. Has she created a monster? As she's about to find out, where there's smoke, there's fire, and sometimes you just have to save yourself. PRAISE FOR EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY 'Emily Henry in the Queensland sunshine ... The perfect summer read' Hannah May Reads 'Amelia Harris is the heroine you didn't know you needed but you'll be very glad you met. Whimsical and heartfelt, Emergency Exit Only leads you directly to a great beach read with an unforgettable heroine' Sophie Green, author of Weekends with the Sunshine Gardening Society 'I adored Amelia's journey of self-discovery ... A fun read with a truckload of heart about following your dreams - and discovering exactly what those dreams are' Kelli Hawkins, author of Apartment 303 'A heartfelt tribute to family ties, the relationships that bind us and appreciating what we already have ... Inspiring' Books + Publishing 'A sweet summer read with charming, nostalgic rom com vibes and a touching heart' Vanessa McCausland, author of Dreaming in French 'A relatable romp that proves that it's never too late to find your way' Clare Fletcher, author Love Match 'Upbeat and full of heart, Emergency Exit Only is guaranteed to make you smile. A tender, funny tale about the pursuit of a happier life. Michelle's storytelling is delightful' Jessica Seaborn, author of Perfect-ish 'Divine ... Upbeat, funny and with characters who will make you laugh and cry' Meredith Jaffe, author of The Tricky Art of Forgiveness 'Funny, poignant and thought-provoking, Emergency Exit Only is a delightful read from start to finish.' Penelope Janu, author of Shelter from the Storm 'Funny, relatable and warm-hearted, this story is a joy' Cass Moriarty, author of Parting Words 'A sparkling, feel-good story about second chances and opening yourself up to possibilities. I absolutely loved it' Claudine Tinellis, Talking Aussie Books 'Fun, fast and completely full of heart. For absolutely everyone who has wanted to stop playing it safe' Anna Loder, ReadABook
