Collection: Adult

The Straight Path offers a bold perspective, showing how Surah al-Fatiha directly challenges the dominant ideologies of our time--ideologies that underpin the confusion, injustice, and even atrocities we see today. Nowhere is this failure more evident than in the genocide in Gaza, a grim example of the ethical collapse of secular modernity.

A thrilling and ominously prophetic debut set in a world when Earth and its resources have been pushed to breaking point, giving rise to a revolutionary--and highly controversial--procedure in which two people's consciousness can be combined to exist in one body.

How far would you go to never say goodbye?

Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer's. Her daughter Amelia, a once fiery and strong-willed activist, can't bear to see her mother's mind fade. Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs them up to take part in the world's first experimental merging process for Alzheimer's patients, in which Laurie's ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia's healthy body and their consciousness will be blended as one.

Soon Amelia and Laurie join the opaque and mysterious group of other merge participants: teenage Lucas, who plans to merge with his terminally ill brother Noah; Ben, who will merge with his pregnant fiancée Annie; and Jay, whose merging partner is his addict daughter Lara. As they prepare to move to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation center for those who have merged, they quickly begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.

An exhilarating, immersive debut from an astonishing new voice, The Merge is a personal story of love, family, and sacrifice, as well as a thought-provoking examination of the limits of control, resistance, and freedom in our modern world.

"This stirring memoir proves what readers of Nicholas's debut novel, Freshwater Road, already know: that Nicholas, a pioneer Black actress, is also a writer of deep talent and understated eloquence. This is not your typical Hollywood tell-all, full of 'I did this, and I did that, ' complete with cheap shots and horrible reveals about the rich and famous with whom she worked. Rather, it's a long thoughtful moment, in which an artist peers into the looking glass and reflects on her life in a manner that allows us to see every corner of every room she's ever been in--and every corner of every room we've ever been in. Because her story is ours. Nicholas is a distinct American voice. Her inspiring story, written with deep humility and refreshing honesty, is further proof that women will one day save this country. And I'm a witness." --James McBride, National Book Award winner

A poignant, revelatory memoir from acclaimed novelist and actor Denise Nicholas that offers an episodic exploration of her multifaceted life, delving intimately into themes of artistic self-invention, race, and grief.

Long before writing her acclaimed novel Freshwater Road, or her career as a path-breaking TV and film star, Denise Nicholas was a middle-class Black girl growing up in 1950s Detroit, struggling to decipher her family's profound secrets. She loved Detroit's vibrant culture despite the harsh realities of its racial segregation, which deeply influenced her perspective on identity. In her early twenties, she dropped out of the University of Michigan to tour the Deep South with the Free Southern Theater at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, a path that ultimately ignited her lifelong commitment to social justice and activism. A few short years later she would launch from stage work to meteoric national fame as a series lead on the groundbreaking ABC-TV show Room 222, a role that earned her three consecutive Golden Globe nominations.

With eloquence, vulnerability, and resolve, Nicholas mines her six-decade journey through TV and film stardom, the complexities of her three marriages, and her reconstituting her creative life to become a celebrated novelist, reflecting on the personal, professional, and societal pressures that buffeted her throughout. Constructed of episodic reflections from both personal and professional high points and low points of her life, Nicholas navigates the intersections of love and identity, exploring how her experiences in Hollywood shaped her understanding of success, intimacy, and commitment. Her narrative is rich with anecdotes from her career in Hollywood, as an actor and, later, a successful screenwriter for television and eventually a novelist, providing a backdrop to the struggles and achievements that marked her path. She outspokenly discusses the challenges she faced as a trailblazing actress of color, shedding light on the systemic barriers and biases within the entertainment industry.

But at the deepest level, this memoir is a heartfelt exploration of grief, as Nicholas recounts the profound losses--including the unsolved, targeted slaying of her sister, the telling of which occupies the center of her story--that have shaped her. Her reflections on mourning and resilience paint a vivid, moving portrait of how to journey through healing to new dimensions of self-discovery. Through her powerful, stylish, and evocative storytelling, Nicholas not only chronicles her own remarkable life but also provides a resonant narrative of what it means to live, work, and succeed as a Black woman in America over the past half-century.

The story of a runaway mother's ten days of freedom--and the pain, desire, longing, and wonder we find on the messy road to enlightenment--from Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegría Hudes.

"The White Hot has the effect of pressing your hand to a barbed live wire. April's is one of the most memorable voices I've encountered in recent fiction. . . . [A] brilliant depiction of a woman learning to transform her rage into something resembling transcendence."--The New York Times Book Review

LONGLISTED FOR THE VCU CABELL FIRST NOVELIST AWARD - A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, Oprah Daily, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage

April is a young mother raising her daughter in an intergenerational house of unspoken secrets and loud arguments. Her only refuge is to hide away in a locked bathroom, her ears plugged into an ambient soundscape, and a mantra on her lips: dead inside. That is, until one day, as she finds herself spiraling toward the volcanic rage she calls the white hot, a voice inside her tells her to just . . . walk away. She wanders to a bus station and asks for a ticket to the furthest destination; she tells the clerk to make it one-way. That ticket takes her from her Philly home to the threshold of a wilderness and the beginning of a nameless quest--an accidental journey that shakes her awake, almost kills her, and brings her to the brink of an impossible choice.

The White Hot takes the form of a letter from mother to daughter about a moment of abandonment that would stretch from ten days to ten years--an explanation, but not an apology. Hudes narrates April's story--spiritual and sexy, fierce and funny--with delicate lyricism and tough love. Just as April finds in her painful and absurd sojourn the key to freeing herself and her family from a cage of generational trauma, so Hudes turns April's stumbling pursuit of herself into an unforgettable short epic of self-discovery.

Saddle up for a captivating journey through American history, fashion, and frontier spirit in The Cowgirl--a beautifully visual tribute to one of America's most enduring cultural icons.

From the rugged trails of the Old West to the wide-open ranchlands of today, the cowgirl has shaped--and been shaped by--the American experience. The Cowgirl is an authoritative and visually stunning exploration of the cowgirl's historical roots, her evolution across generations, and the ongoing influence she has on fashion, identity, and the spirit of independence.

With over 100 archival and contemporary photographs, this compelling volume traces the cowgirl's journey from early trailblazers and rodeo champions to modern ranchers and Western enthusiasts. More than a style, more than a role--it's a way of life that continues to inspire.

Inside, you'll discover:

• The origins of the cowgirl in the American West and her role in shaping frontier life.
• Trailblazing women who redefined gender roles on horseback and in the saddle.
• The growth of women's participation in rodeo and ranching.
• The symbolism and staying power of Western wear, from work clothes to high fashion.
• The lasting appeal of the cowgirl aesthetic and its influence on American style and values.
• A richly layered portrait of the cowgirl as a figure of strength, resilience, and freedom.

Perfect for history buffs, fashion lovers, and anyone drawn to the romance and grit of the American West, The Cowgirl is a celebration of courage, individuality, and cultural legacy.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is known for having the first and last word as the official source for all things dog-related, and for the first time ever, the AKC is introducing the Official Guide to Sporting Dogs. It is your one-stop resource to learn about the most popular dog group! Sporting dogs come in many shapes and sizes, are easy to train, eager to please, and are highly intelligent. This guide features 30 popular breeds including the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, English Setter, German Shorthaired Pointer, and more! You'll get to know each breed, learn how to pick the perfect dog, understand their unique characteristics and physical traits/standards, and discover how each dog can enrich your life! There's no better resource for all things sporting dogs.

From the New York Times bestselling author of Bloom and Guillotine comes a darkly seductive tale of beautiful rock stars, sinister cults, and a magical oasis where dreams come true... for a price.

Angelina Yves is a struggling singer/songwriter offered the chance of a lifetime to join the experimental luxury compound sponsored by the most famous band in the world, Black Idyll. With her every need accommodated, she finally has the time and space to perfect her music. Her muse? Reclusive rock star Jesper Idyll, who lives up to her every high school daydream. But this paradise has a haunted underbelly heralded by screaming horses, mysterious figures in the night, and dreams too twisted to be real. When people start to disappear and Jesper's ex turns up dead and hideously mutilated, Angelina begins to suspect that something malevolent lurks behind the cult that's grown around the band...

A disturbing, decadent and wickedly compelling tale of a Hollywood dream turned nightmare, Delilah S. Dawson's darkly delicious prose will seduce you, tie you up, and never let you go....

Everything you need to know about Japanese tempura is in this book!

Chef Takashi Nakagawa has devoted his life to the art of making perfect tempura. He served a 17-year apprenticeship at the renowned Tempura Mikawa restaurant in Tokyo and for the past 20 years has been at the helm of his own restaurant, Tempura Nakagawa.

With the help of over 400 gorgeous color photos and informative charts and diagrams, Nakagawa and his two co-authors, Hidemi Sato and Mitose Tsuchida present the full range of tempura recipes and techniques--from the best ingredients to use to making the perfect tempura batter and how to fry each ingredient to perfection, as well as how to present your finished tempura as part of an elegant Japanese meal.

This book provides a uniquely detailed look at the art of Japanese tempura, with sections on:

• The history and development of tempura from its introduction to Japan by the Portuguese 500 years ago
• A review of the key ingredients from vegetables, fish and seafood to oils and flours--and the importance of selecting and purchasing the correct ones
• Methods used by professional tempura chefs to gut and clean fish and prepare vegetables
• Pans, knives and other essential equipment--how to purchase, use and maintain them correctly
• How to make the perfect batter and how to fry each ingredient under optimum conditions

Detailed diagrams and charts illustrate everything from the ways seafood changes when fried, to the importance of carefully controlling the temperature of frying oil. Whether you're a professional chef, a lover of Japanese cuisine, or an avid tempura fan, this beautiful book will provide fascinating insights into the world of Japan's iconic national dish.

The thrilling, unmissable conclusion to the Essex Dogs trilogy by the New York Times bestselling historian Dan Jones

1350. The Essex Dogs have scattered. In Winchelsea, Loveday struggles to keep his tavern afloat in the aftermath of the Black Death. Nowadays, the only battles he fights are the ones within his own mind.

In Windsor, Romford thrives as a squire at King Edward III's court, his days as an archer fading into memory. But when an unpaid debt threatens everything he's built, Romford must call upon the lessons he learned all those years ago: be cunning. Be ruthless. Be quick.

With England still reeling from the Death and a new threat from Spain on the rise, the kingdom's future has never been more uncertain.

Each man had reasons for leaving the Essex Dogs behind. But a life like that isn't so easily forgotten.

And for these men the fighting isn't over yet.

A gothic feminist body horror in two timelines revolving around three Anatomical Venuses--ultrarealistic wax figures of women--that come to life at night to murder men who have wronged them.

Seoul, present day. Antiques dealer Alys's task is nearly complete. She has at last secured Elizabeth, the final anatomical Venus in a dangerously intertwined trio. Crafted in eighteenth-century London and modeled after real-life sex workers to entice male medical students to study female anatomy, these eerie wax figures, known as slashed beauties, carry unsavory lore. Legend has it that the figures are bewitched, and come to life at night to murder men who have wronged them. Now Alys embarks for England, where she knows what she must do: sever her cursed connection to the Venuses once and for all.

London, 1763. Abandoned and penniless in Covent Garden, wide-eyed Eleanor and another young woman, Emily, are taken under the wing of beautiful and beguiling Elizabeth, one of the city's most highly desired courtesans. But as Eleanor is seduced deeper into a web of money, materialism, and men, it seems that Elizabeth may not be the savior she appears to be.

As past and present begin to intersect, it becomes clear that the women's stories are linked in deeper, darker ways than it initially seems. And that the only method for Alys to end the witchcraft that binds her legacy is to gather all three models in one place and destroy them.

The problem is, Elizabeth is not ready to burn. Far from it. Centuries on, she is determined to rise again, and she will obliterate anything standing in her path. Including Alys herself.

Through the power of tenacity, Scott Scovill transforms his life from rock bottom to extraordinary, proving that relentless determination can turn dreams into reality and fear into triumph.

What if the only thing standing between you and your dream life was tenacity?

Scott Scovill nearly didn't graduate high school because he was so afraid of failing; he couldn't even bring himself to try. But a chance encounter with U2's crew--and a gutsy stint as a stowaway on their Joshua Tree tour--changed everything. That moment launched him into a whirlwind career working with legends like the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Whitney Houston, Paula Abdul, and Ozzy Osbourne, implementing cutting-edge technology on the world's biggest stages.

When country superstar Alan Jackson hired him as a video director, Nashville became home. There, Scott's groundbreaking creative work grew into a thriving business empire. Today, he owns multiple award-winning companies, employs hundreds, performs across Europe, and has even checked "Antarctic expedition" and "NASA Zero-G training" off his bucket list.

In Tenacious, Scott shares the unfiltered stories behind his rise, alongside insights from contributors including Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Olympic champion Scott Hamilton, Peter Frampton, NASA astronauts, athletes, CEOs, a Navy SEAL, and many more. Tenacious is more than a memoir. It's a playbook for anyone who wants to build a life fueled by grit, creativity, and relentless pursuit of what matters most.

In these pages, you'll discover how to:

• Cultivate tenacity--even if it doesn't come naturally
• Turn rejection, setbacks, and failure into fuel for growth
• Seize opportunities when they come (and create them when they don't)
• Build a career--and a life--that reflects your passions and values
• Stay inspired by the wisdom of world-class performers and pioneers

Catch the spark. Embrace tenacity. And start building the life you were made for.

Una guía de cerámica práctica con la que aprenderás técnicas esenciales y avanzadas para crear tus propias piezas.

Hecho a mano es un manual de cerámica que reúne técnicas tradicionales y modernas que te inspirarán para crear piezas únicas, perfecta para todo aquel que busca dominar el arte de la cerámica con un estilo contemporáneo. Si eres un principiante que busca introducirse en el arte de modelar o un experto que desea adoptar un enfoque más contemporáneo, sigue leyendo...

¿Qué encontrarás en este libro?

• 22 proyectos para crear objetos funcionales y elegantes (tazas, jarrones, platos...), sin necesidad de utilizar un torno.
• Técnicas de modelado, como pellizco, enrrollado y laminado, de decoración, de esmaltado, además de métodos de cocción, para ceramistas de todos los niveles.
• Fotografías tomadas desde la perspectiva del alfarero y descripciones claras para aprender más fácilmente.
• Útiles consejos como dónde colocar tus manos o cómo aplicar la presión correcta y soluciones a errores comunes en el proceso de aprendizaje.

Explora el mundo de la cerámica y aprende cada técnica, desde los primeros pasos en el proceso de creación de la pieza hasta el esmaltado y la cocción con este libro visual. Lleva tus ideas a la práctica con confianza ¡y empieza ya a crear objetos de cerámica con un estilo único!

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Discover how to connect with clay, bring ideas to life, and become a highly skilled potter.

From first throwing down the clay, experimenting with decorative effects, trying out new glazing recipes, and judging the ideal firing cycle, Complete Pottery Techniques is the perfect companion for every step of the pottery journey--and an ideal gift for all inspired creators.

Produced by a team of 18 talented potters, this book will inspire as well as teach. It demonstrates the widest range of skills and creative styles showcased in beautiful photography. Complete Pottery Techniques has got it all covered, explaining each method with straightforward instructions, expert tips, and crystal-clear photography of each stage involved.

Whether you're a hobbyist just starting or an experienced practitioner, this is the up-to-date, one-stop guide to help you realize your pottery potential.

This is the hotly anticipated debut art book from renowned illustrator and comic artist, Ramón Nunez.

With years of extensive experience working in the comic, animation, and video-game industries, Ramon has carved out a unique artistic style and earned himself a reputation for creating captivating visual concepts and character art. His previous clients include top production companies including Riot Games, Sony Pictures Animation, and Dreamworks, and he has built a following of 609K fans on Instagram.

In this book, he offers an insight to his world of art, where he likes to portray characters doing everyday activities in everyday places, such as eating at home or riding the subway. He has built a relatability in his art that appeals to fans, as they see themselves in his work. That said, he isn't afraid to introduce a bizarre situation or something unexpected to push the viewers' imagination!

The book will feature personal details about Ramón's early life, education, and career, as well as step-by-step tutorials for readers to learn from his incredible style and skills. For long-standing fans or those newly discovering his artwork, Ramón's art book will be one that our audiences jump to own.

"In Praise of Shadows belongs to that special order of slim, enormously powerful books that enchant the lay reader with an esoteric subject, leaving a lifelong imprint on the imagination." --Maria Popova

Illustrated with artful images by renowned Kyoto-based photographer John Einarsen, this book is a "must-have" for all fans of Japanese literature and anyone interested in Japanese art and design.

These all-new translations of four landmark essays by Junichiro Tanizaki bring fresh insights to the work of one of Japan's most acclaimed writers. The translations by Michael P. Cronin bring together Tanizaki's famous meditation on Japanese aesthetics with three other fascinating cultural commentaries that appear here in English for the first time:

• "In Praise of Shadows" Tanizaki's best-known work--an ode to the subtle, refined aesthetic of Japan and the dangers posed to it by rapid modernization
• "At Okamoto" A reflection on Tanizaki's nostalgia for old Tokyo and his humorous attempts at writing poetry
• "Hanshin Observations" An early essay revealing Tanizaki's initial disdain for the Osaka region, where he moved following the 1923 earthquake that destroyed Tokyo
• "Osaka and Osakans as I See Them" An account of Tanizaki's nuanced love for Japan's second city, his adopted home and the setting for his masterpiece, The Makioka Sisters