Dean Paul Pearson was born in 1964 and is a native of Wichita, Kansas. Born number ten of twelve children, eight boys and four girls, he developed a passion for reading and the great outdoors as means of escape from a crowded farmhouse. Also, being raised on a forty-acre farm on the outskirts of the city allowed Dean, his siblings, cousins, and friends to enjoy acres upon acres of land in which to explore and share in many adventures together. While co-teaching a high school reading class, he began telling his students about his childhood adventures before reading exams. The students enjoyed the stories, which seemed to relieve some of their test anxiety. Naturally, the students began to request a story before each exam. The enjoyment the students received from the stories inspired Dean to write them down...and thus we have volume one of The Farmhouse Chronicles.
The Dry Creek Chronicles offer a window onto the daily lives of Idaho families who owned and worked the land in the Dry Creek Valley and Green Meadow, southwestern Idaho, from 1863 to 1900. Two nineteenth century farming communities, one in the creek valley and one on the floodplain of the Boise River, forged an enduring social bond through marriage and shared economic fortunes in similar environments. Over the course of forty years, however, their destinies diverged: one remained rural for more than 150 years, while the other became a settled part of nearby Boise City. This is the story of the families who created those communities.
DIVDIVThomas must keep the treasure of Dies Dear from landing in the wrong hands, but there are many secrets beneath Drear House, and not everyone can be trusted/divDIV /divDIVThomas Small and his best friend Pesty Darrow have been keeping the secret of the vast treasure that’s hidden in Mr. Pluto’s cave, once a stop on the Underground Railroad. Pesty also has to keep the treasure a secret from her family, who want it for themselves. And there are plenty more secrets in the underground passageways—hidden rooms, Indian legends, and terrifying ghosts. Now Thomas thinks that Pesty might be keeping some secrets from him, too. If they can’t trust each other, how will they ever protect the treasure?/divDIV /divDIVThis ebook features an illustrated biography of Virginia Hamilton including rare photos from the author’s estate./div/div
A NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and WASHINGTON POST BESTSELLER! A 2021 Alex Award winner! The 2021 RUSA Reading List: Fantasy Winner! An Indie Next Pick! One of Publishers Weekly's "Most Anticipated Books of Spring 2020" One of Book Riot’s “20 Must-Read Feel-Good Fantasies” Lambda Literary Award-winning author TJ Klune’s bestselling, breakout contemporary fantasy that's "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." (Gail Carriger) Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours. "1984 meets The Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in." —Gail Carriger, New York Times bestselling author of Soulless At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
The Stahl House: Case Study House #22, The Making of a Modernist Icon is the official autobiography of this world-renowned architectural gem by the family that made it their home. Considered one of the most iconic and recognizable examples of mid-century modern homes in the world, the Stahl House was first envisioned by the owners Buck and Carlotta Stahl, designed by architect Pierre Koenig, and immortalized by photographer Julius Shulman. This 1960 glass-and-steel home in the Hollywood Hills has come to embody the idealism of a generation in search of the American dream. As one of the Case Study Houses designed between 1945 and 1966 under the vision of John Entenza and Arts & Architecture magazine, this was an affordable yet progressive design experiment to address the postwar housing shortage. The result—a two-bedroom, 2,300-square-foot house with glass walls that disappear into a 270-degree panorama of Los Angeles—became Koenig's pièce de résistance. The Stahl House broke rules, defied building codes that discouraged building on cliffs, and expanded the possibilities of residential architecture. The glass walls blurred the boundary between indoors and outdoors. The building seemed to merge with the city itself, the lines of the structure aligning with the geometry of the city's gridded streets. "Los Angeles becomes an extension of the house and vice versa," Koenig said. "The house is just a part of the city." The book shares the never-before-told inside story by the Stahl family's adult children who grew up there and still graciously give home tours to fans from around the world. Through extensive research and interviews, historical information and personal photos are featured. This includes Buck Stahl's initial vision of the home with his own DIY schematic model for how to build on the complicated site. It also includes blueprints, floor plans, and sketches by Pierre Koenig, as well as Julius Shulman's renowned photographs. Additionally, photographs of the house used in high-end, fashion ad campaigns and film and television are also included, cementing The Stahl House's prominence in contemporary culture.
In Anthony Trollope's 'The Chronicles of Barsetshire & The Palliser Novels,' readers are immersed in a world of intricate social hierarchies, political intrigue, and complex character relationships. Trollope's richly detailed narratives showcase his keen observations of Victorian society, with a balance of wit and drama that keeps readers engaged. Through his meticulous prose and vivid descriptions of English countryside settings, Trollope captures the essence of the era with unparalleled authenticity. Trollope's ability to create compelling narratives filled with engaging characters has solidified his place in the literary canon. Anthony Trollope's own experiences working in the British Post Office and his deep understanding of human nature are evident in his well-developed characters and engrossing plotlines. Drawing from his own life and observations, Trollope weaves together stories that resonate with readers on a profound level. Trollope's astute commentary on society and politics adds a layer of depth to his narratives, making them both entertaining and thought-provoking. For readers who appreciate richly crafted narratives, multidimensional characters, and astute social commentary, 'The Chronicles of Barsetshire & The Palliser Novels' is a must-read. Trollope's ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships and societal structures makes this collection a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
The family drove all day. It was quiet for Dan in the truck but torturous for Ginny in the van. If she heard “are we there yet?” or “how much longer?” or “is this Pennsylvania?” just one…more…time…. North and east they trekked to a place seen only once before...It was completely dark when the headlights caught a simple Department of Transportation sign, along a rural highway, that read “Borough of Colsonburg.” “We’re in Colsonburg, kids,” Ginny cheered over her shoulder, exhausted but relieved. The children had, ironically, all fallen asleep. * * * * * * * Pete’s prayer was not eloquent or well-crafted but it was from his heart and he meant every word of it—even more than he was able to say in words. It got kind of quiet and finally both looked up at each other. They stayed quiet for a few more moments. Happy birthday, Peter,” Pastor Dan finally greeted him. Huh?” Pete wondered out loud. “Today, right now, you’ve been born—again. Happy birthday.” “Wow, I guess so.” Pete let a slight grin escape along with a nod…. Pete sat on that rock and watched the water go by. He thought how he somehow actually finally felt clean and fresh like that pure water. Everything looked the same and he was otherwise just Pete Archer but he also knew he was different now and that his life would be changed. Already it felt as if a gigantic weight had been lifted from him and indeed it had been. He prayed a little more, just letting his thoughts and feelings about it all go up to God. But eventually he had to leave. Walking back up the path everything was the same but at the same time everything was different. * * * * * * * …but Ginny stayed seated, her head dropped, tears falling all the way to the floor. Then a warm presence was sensed on the pew beside her and a gentle hand was felt running across the backs of her shoulders and resting on her left arm. Joanie’s voice was heard whispering straight into Ginny’s right ear, “I’ll go with you if you want me to.” Ginny simply nodded and the two stood up in exact formation and made their way down the aisle to kneel at the rail. Immediately they were joined by Meredith Holt and Holly Corbin. Joanie’s hand never departed from Ginny’s arm for even a fraction of a second. Rev. Lilly came down and knelt opposite the rail from the two ladies and inquired how he could pray for Ginny. Speaking in only half sentences, split by sobs and gasps, Ginny poured out the horror story of the last months, one tissue after another being plucked from the box always there at the ready. “Oh sister,” even Rev. Lilly was touched, “you have come to the right place today!” …Ginny cried all over again when she stood and witnessed the gathering of friends also standing up behind where she had been. She also let a smile escape as she embraced Joanie, a sister in so many ways except biologically. Many other hugs were shared and the whole box of tissues was consumed. Only now did the congregation begin to depart. Beth was napping when her cell phone woke her that afternoon. The display said, “Mom.” “Hey,” she started cheerfully through a yawn. “You got a few minutes, babe?” her mom asked. “You bet,” Beth promised. Ginny related the whole account…Beth listened in stunned silence, tears coming down her cheeks. Satisfied her mother was done, she half-sobbed, half-laughed , “that’s wonderful, Mom&helful2
