Western China, 1196: Yun Cai, a handsome poet in his youth, is now an old man, exiled to his family estates. All that is left to him are regrets and the irritations of his feckless son and shrewish daughter- in-law. But the 'poison dragons' of misfortune shatter his orderly existence from the memories of his youth.
The Netherlands, Spring 1943. When her glittering career as a ballerina is cut short by a dancing injury, Elise Van Thooft-Noman, rebellious daughter of a powerful Dutch Nazi, flees to an isolated island off the coast of Holland. Here she meets Pieter Goedhart, reluctant village schoolmaster and Resistance fighter. A dangerous affair is kindled between them. Meanwhile Elise’s Nazi family and the terrifying brutality of war are closing in, threatening to destroy all she holds dear . . . New York, September 2008. Uncomfortably overweight, single and scraping thirty, Jenni Malarkey is summoned to a mysterious party to celebrate her estranged grandmother’s glamorous life. Her journey through Elise’s secret history will force her to confront a legacy of guilt and shame . . . Past and present intersect, as unlikely hearts connect to seek love and redemption, in this haunting time-shift novel set in wartime Holland and contemporary New York.
Hardworking men and women wrestle with the dragons of personal and professional change every day. Despite the highest standard of living in history, they feel burned by frustration, hassle and stress. Some important thing seems to be missing no matter how much they care, how hard they work, or how many possessions they own. Paradoxically, they have more and feel less satisfied. But what can they change? Must they abandon high-paying careers to enjoy family relationships, achieve personal happiness, and contribute to the community? Taming the Dragons of Change is written by the CEO of a high-tech company who evaluated his demanding career and busy lifestyle, discovered a few simple changes, and found joy, peace and security in a hectic world of rampant change. Taming the Dragons of Change is a practical book. It offers refreshing new tips that enable readers to simultaneously savor the career success theyve earned, and have the happiness and fulfillment they crave. The book is written in a format that fits conveniently into the frantic lives of career-focused people. It can be enjoyed in brief increments stolen from busy days. These golden nuggets will make readers laugh and cry, think and grow, as they learn how to experience both career success and personal happiness in an ever-changing world.
Delving deep into the world of psychoactive plants, including ayahuasca, Pharmako/Gnosis serves as a comprehensive and standalone guide. Celebrated by readers as a modern classic, this is a must-have for anyone interested in the science, history, and lore of psychoactive substances. In this third and final volume of the Pharmako trilogy, Dale Pendell embarks on a captivating journey through the botanical and cultural landscapes of a diverse array of mind-altering "teachers." From plant-based psychedelic substances to their synthetic derivatives, Pendell illuminates each with an erudition and playful wit uniquely his own. He delves into the worlds of traditional use and modern interpretations of substances such as: Amanita muscaria Ayahuasca (Banisteriopsis caapi) Blowfish/Puffer Fish (Tetradontidae) Bufo alvarius Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga) Jurema (Mimosa hostilis) Ketamine Kratom (Mitragynia speciosa) Mescal Bean (Sophora secundiflora) Morning Glory (Ipomoea, Rivea spp.) Peyote Psilocybe (Teonanacatl) San Pedro Cactus Tropane alkaloids Peganum harmala Pharmako/Gnosis offers more than a mere historical or pharmacological background of these substances. Pendell delves into the nuances of each substance's effect on consciousness with a poetic finesse, bringing to life our profound and intricate relationship with these potent compounds. He approaches the topic with genuine curiosity, acknowledging the transformative power these substances wield over individuals, societies, and cultures. The narrative, enriched by a wealth of quotations from acclaimed writers, is as intoxicating as the substances it explores, brewing a unique literary concoction. Taking the reader beyond the confines of traditional scientific discourse, Pendell's distinctive narrative style weaves in personal experiences, anecdotal evidence, and a profound sense of the sacred, resulting in a reading experience that is as deeply engaging as it is informative.
In traditional Chinese culture, poetic artistry held a place that was unrivaled by any other single talent, and was a source of prestige and even of political power. In this rich collection, J. P. Seaton introduces the reader to the main styles of Chinese poetry and the major poets, from the classic Shih Ching to the twentieth century. Seaton has a poet's ear, and his translations here are fresh and vivid.
Lyrical, imaginative, and wholly original, this New York Times bestseller with 8 starred reviews is not to be missed. Rachel Hartman’s award-winning debut will have you looking at dragons as you’ve never imagined them before… In the kingdom of Goredd, dragons and humans live and work side by side – while below the surface, tensions and hostility simmer. The newest member of the royal court, a uniquely gifted musician named Seraphina, holds a deep secret of her own. One that she guards with all of her being. When a member of the royal family is brutally murdered, Seraphina is drawn into the investigation alongside the dangerously perceptive—and dashing—Prince Lucien. But as the two uncover a sinister plot to destroy the wavering peace of the kingdom, Seraphina’s struggle to protect her secret becomes increasingly difficult… while its discovery could mean her very life. "Will appeal to both fans of Christopher Paolini’s Eragon series and Robin McKinley’s The Hero and the Crown." —Entertainment Weekly “[A] lush, intricately plotted fantasy.” —The Washington Post "Beautifully written. Some of the most interesting dragons I've read." —Christopher Paolini, New York Times bestselling author of Eragon
The second installment in the epic historical trilogy that began with "Taming Poison Dragons," set in Song and Yuan Dynasty China, charting the trials and adventures of the Yun clan Central China, 1264. When Mongol armies storm into the Middle Kingdom, the descendents of Yun Cai are trapped in a desperate siege that will determine the fate of the Empire. Guang and Shih are identical twins--one a heroic soldier idolized by the city he defends, the other a humble doctor. In the midst of war, jealous conflicts over Shih's wife and concubine threaten to tear the brothers apart. Enemies close in on every side, some disturbingly close to home. Can the Yun family survive imprisonment, ruthless treachery, and Kublai Khan's bloody hordes--or will their own reckless passions destroy them first? Aimed at readers who relish epic historical novels rich in exotic detail, this story will captivated aficionados of Umberto Eco and James Clavell.
The dragons of Berk are coming to Dark Horse! Hiccup, Toothless, and all their dragon-riding friends from DreamWorks Animation's acclaimed How to Train Your Dragon films are starting new adventures in comics! Created with the help of the film's writer, director, and producer Dean DeBlois, these graphic novellas will bridge the gap between the second film and the upcoming third film. More adventures, more dragon lore, and more fun! You won't have to wait years for more dragons; they are coming to you--in comics!
Li Yunfan had bought a second-hand computer with an ordinary 'Three Sans Sans Diaos'. It was actually a communication device used by deities! His life had undergone a tremendous change! If you have nothing to do, do it with a fairy! Take advantage of Chang'e when you're bored! Since he didn't have the money to buy immortal pills, he might as well sell a bag of spicy gluten! King of Hell, Jade Emperor heard Li Yunfan's name and started trembling, crying as he hugged Li Yunfan's leg. "Brother Li, give me another packet of spicy gluten!"
Schirokauer (Columbia U.) has now combined efforts with three other East Asia specialists--Brown (U. of Michigan), Lurie (Columbia U.), and Gay (Oberlin College)--to produce the revised, third edition of this full-color survey textbook. The authors offer students an introduction to the economic and political history of China and Japan, as well as the social structure, philosophy, religion, art, and literature. Specific revisions in content from the second to third edition are not stated. Annotation : 2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).