Collection: Adult

"If you've ever avoided talking to strangers, this book might change your mind about giving them their space. And that, as Gillian so perfectly explains, might change everything." --Angela Duckworth, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of GRIT

Discover how making connections with strangers leads to positive shifts in our everyday lives, from preeminent researcher and professor of the psychology of kindness Dr. Gillian Sandstrom.

Do you ever feel lonely, even in a crowd? Do you feel anxious or worried about what others think of you, or struggle to make friends? You are not alone. But the truth is, opportunities for positive connection and community are all around you.

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Gillian Sandstrom reveals that by talking to strangers, we can unlock more joy, curiosity, and goodwill every day. In an age when loneliness is a social health crisis and harmful behaviors like groupthink increase our perception of distance and polarization, this transformational guide explains the benefits of stretching our perceived limits and connecting with our fellow humans, including:

• Increased happiness and wellbeing
• Improved social skills and self-esteem
• Reduced anxiety and social biases
• Expanded connections and social circles

Combining powerful scientific findings with stories from her own life, Dr. Sandstrom offers us a new vision of a life well lived, when we have the courage to reach out and simply say, "hello."

Do you love books? Do you love wobbling? Then you'll love this fun and cheeky new board book series - perfect for playful preschoolers!

Who's got a wobbly bottom?

Kitten does! Do YOU?

If you've got a wobbly bottom,

There's so much you can do ...

Join Kitten and friends for a colourful, fun and hilarious rhyming adventure - can you follow the actions and do the Wobbly Bottom dance?!

A brand-new novelty series with a different moving element on each page. Reading has NEVER been so much fun!

A poetic, darkly funny memoir of one woman's trip across the national parks straight into life-threatening illness and the joy that still holds us, no matter how much life hurts.

"Unapologetically raw, defiantly humorous, this book is the bravest of journeys. . . . A memoir that makes no promises except to tell the truth about joy in the dark. We've needed this."--Cole Arthur Riley, New York Times bestselling author of This Here Flesh

After over a decade of fighting chronic illness, trauma therapist and beloved author K.J. Ramsey was the healthiest she'd been in her life. She packed up her Jeep and set out on a summer of road trips, returning to the places where she first glimpsed joy as a kid. More than adventure, her aim was a personal dare to discover that joy is more trustworthy than trauma.

The plan was simple but bold: Drive. Write. Heal. What could go wrong?

It turns out, everything.

The woman who just wandered through Redwood forests and ran naked into the Pacific suddenly found herself in the hospital fighting to stay alive. A mysterious illness struck like lightning, splintering the best days of her life into the absolute scariest. Ramsey went from being afraid of dying to afraid of living the life she was left with--losing both her mobility and the language of her faith, medically gaslit, with no map out of her misery. Was joy actually a trick? Or was joy still possible--even in inescapable pain?

Told with unhinged humor, lyrical honesty, and zero patience for toxic positivity, The Place Between Our Pains is a true story that reaches past our expectations of what joy can survive. From banana slugs to bedpans, mushrooms to the Mayo Clinic, hospitals to holy rage, Ramsey invites us into the unlikely places where joy lives. Through a full year of recovery, she encounters love that doesn't leave--even when life doesn't get easier. This is a love letter to every life seared by pain or autoimmune disease and a fierce permission slip to show up in the stories we never would have written for ourselves.

Exposes how companies like Visa, Chase, PayPal, Bank of America, and Mastercard use their power to silence dissenting voices and hurt democracy through the practice of financial censorship

Civil liberties activist Rainey Reitman introduces readers to the concept of "financial censorship"--a form of privatized censorship where banks and payment intermediaries act as censors in ways the government couldn't do directly without violating the First Amendment. Reitman examines financial companies and the role they have played in policing speech, as well as the laws and corporate policies that have enabled this form of censorship.

Weaving together over a decade of research with interviews and narratives from those personally impacted by financial censorship, Reitman reveals how financial exclusion has become a tool to pressure marginalized voices into silence.

From the executive director of a voting rights nonprofit to a teacher of Iranian poetry, to adult content creators and the cannabis community, Reitman uplifts the voices of those who have been targeted by these powerful institutions. She uses their stories as a launching point to explore larger issues about who should have the power to censor in a democratic society.

Insightful and fresh, Transaction Denied exposes this new and alarming form of censorship and offers a path forward by advocating for communities affected by financial exclusion and calling for more transparency of our financial systems.

As the United States marks its semiquincentennial in 2026, renowned historian Marc Stein looks back at the politics of another landmark celebration during a time of striking similarities and surprising differences: the US bicentennial in 1976.

In the aftermath of Vietnam and Watergate, the bicentennial sparked an extraordinary national conversation about the country's past, present, and future. As patriots, planners, profiteers, and protesters argued about how to commemorate the national birthday, they collectively reimagined the promises and perils of democracy during a transformational decade.

From award-winning historian Marc Stein, Bicentennial: A Revolutionary History of the 1970s is an original, illuminating, and insightful study of that era. While focusing on festivities and fights in Philadelphia, the nation's birthplace, the book also explores the many proposed and abandoned celebrations that percolated up around the country. It tells a broadly democratic story of both the "official" bicentennial and counter-bicentennial activism, offering revolutionary perspectives on national politics, social movements, and popular culture. From the queer courtship of President Richard Nixon and Philadelphia Mayor Frank Rizzo to parades and protests with millions of participants, and from a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at Philadelphia's most prestigious hotel to the establishment of groundbreaking African American, ethnic, and Jewish museums, the bicentennial reveals a kaleidoscope of American peculiarities, problems, and possibilities.

The lasting influence of 1976 on one of the nation's great urban centers and the United States as a whole is undeniable. As the nation--once again enmeshed in political and social upheaval--marks its two-hundred-fiftieth birthday in 2026, there is no better time to look back at its two-hundredth and marvel at what has changed, and what has not.

Playfulness can help you navigate life with more creativity, resilience, and joy--entrepreneur Piera Gelardi offers simple practices and radical permission to shift from the Pressured Way to the Playful Way.

Somewhere along the way to adulthood, we learned that play is frivolous. Childish. Something to outgrow. We treat it like a reward we have to earn, separate from our "real" lives. But denying our playfulness has a cost--it leaves us feeling drained and disconnected. We rely on pressure and perfectionism, trying to force outcomes, wondering why nothing feels fun anymore.
There's another way.
In The Playful Way, creative entrepreneur Piera Gelardi shows how to shift from the Pressured Way--clenching, forcing, white-knuckling through life--to the Playful Way, where you move through the world with fluidity, curiosity, and aliveness. For Gelardi--who has built iconic brands, created daring experiences, and consistently put herself out there in bold, creative ways--play has never been frivolous. It was how she made sense of the world. As an adult, she realized that what she'd called burnout or creative block was really a disconnection from play--and that returning to it helped her feel alive again.
Through intimate stories, research, and accessible practices, you'll discover how to:

• quiet the inner critics that restrict your playfulness
• unlock the Eight Powers of Play
• embrace a mindset that transforms how you navigate challenges, deepen connections, and find joy in everyday moments

The Playful Way is your guide to living with more whimsy, wonder, and possibility--through both the light moments and the tough ones. Because when you embrace playfulness, you don't have to go play. Play comes with you everywhere.

Get an intimate and exclusive look at the instruments of the beloved Irish guitarist, Rory Gallagher, in this stunningly photographed official volume.

When it comes to guitar heroes, Rory Gallagher is considered one of the greats, a "player's player" forever linked with his iconic, well-worn 1961 Stratocaster. But like most virtuosos, Gallagher owned many noteworthy guitars, lap steels, and mandolins, 40 of which are featured in this breathtaking collection, along with selected amplifiers and effects pedals.

Photographed in cooperation with Bonhams before the 2024 auction of the collection, the gear spans Gallagher's entire career and showcases instruments from all the major manufacturers. Exquisitely detailed photography of the instruments by guitar photographer Eleanor Jane is accompanied by authoritative text from guitar historian Julien Bitoun, including interview material with Rory's brother and manager, Dónal, as well as archival photography from the Gallagher family.

In addition to the legendary '61 Strat, Gallagher's Guitars includes:

• 1958 backup Stratocaster
• 1966 Fender Telecaster
• 1959 Fender Esquire
• 1968 Martin D-35
• 1968 Gibson Les Paul Junior
• 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins
• 1965 Airline "JB Hutto"

And that's just a small sampling. Even Rory's first guitar, a flat-top acoustic acquired when he was nine years old, is included.

In addition to major manufacturers like Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, National, Vox, Martin, and Marshall, the collection includes pieces from names that grab the attention of discerning gearheads and collectors--Airline, Teisco, Mosrite, Stella, Silvertone, Kay, Guyatone, and Supro.

Featuring a foreword by acclaimed guitarist and Gallagher superfan Johnny Marr, this carefully curated and display-worthy book is a fitting tribute to the life and career of one of the most revered guitarists of the rock era.

How the civil legal system undermines the political lives of marginalized communities

Each year, as many as 250 million Americans face civil legal problems like eviction, debt collection, and substandard housing. These problems are disproportionately shouldered by racially and economically marginalized people, particularly women of color. Civil courts and legal aid organizations are supposed to protect their rights, yet more than 90 percent of low-income people receive inadequate or no legal assistance. Instead, access to justice is reserved for those who can afford its high price. For those who can't, the repercussions can be devastating, from homelessness and loss of public benefits to broken families and diminished health. Uncivil Democracy looks at the US civil justice system through the eyes of the people whose very citizenship is indelibly shaped by it.

Jamila Michener and Mallory SoRelle show how civil legal problems, and the institutions meant to address them, greatly erode trust in the legal system among marginalized communities, undermining their broader sense of democratic citizenship and political standing. While legal representation offers vital protections, increased access to justice through an ever-growing supply of lawyers does not address the structural problems that generate demand for lawyers in the first place. Looking at cases involving unfair evictions and substandard housing, Michener and SoRelle demonstrate how community groups such as tenants' unions can fill this justice gap and provide the means to build political power that transforms the conditions that create precarity.

Drawing on eye-opening qualitative evidence and a wealth of historical and survey data, Uncivil Democracy explains why collective organizing holds the greatest promise for altering the systems that create civil legal problems and exercising the political power necessary for meaningful change.

Two top trade experts with popular economics podcasts argue for a new way of operating between the biggest economic powers in the world.

We used to take trade for granted. No more.

Everything we know about trade has changed. With Trump's tariffs throwing everything up in the air, this is the book to explain the eruption. As we enter this new era of trade conflict, we need a new way of operating between the biggest economic powers in the world. Trade experts Soumaya Keynes and Chad Bown argue that now that the rules of the game have been abandoned, we need a different strategy. Yearning for the old approach to start working again isn't an option. Ultimately, the authors argue that a Western system that protects market-oriented democracies from China's one will require the embrace of some uniquely Chinese tools. If we want to avoid a war with guns, drones, and battles, then we need to understand these weapons better in How to Win a Trade War.

The authors give a tour of products and supply chains, from metals to sushi, and the impact of trade--and trade disruptions--on workers and consumers. They follow a lipstick with plastic casing manufactured in China, filled in Mexico, and then shipped to Canada after stopping off at a Texan warehouse. They trace an electronics supply chain from silicon sourced in the Appalachian Mountains, to "wafers" made in Japan, to chips made in Taiwan using equipment made in the Netherlands, to smartphones assembled in China and sent to America.

They speculate what all-out economic warfare might look like. What if the world's key shipping lanes got blocked? Or satellite communication went down? What about export restrictions cutting off supplies of key products? Tariffs could be the least of our problems.

This timely and accessible book helps readers understand how they, their company, and their country fit into the story at this precarious moment for the global economy.

Rediscover your truest self beyond motherhood with daily doses of powerful affirmations, insightful reflections, and transformative mindset-shifting strategies--all 365 days of the year.

The Mindful Mom is a transformative 365-day guide designed for moms to reclaim their lives at their own pace--one day, one step at a time. While motherhood can be wonderful and beautiful, it often comes with its fair share of chaos and overwhelm. This book serves as a compassionate reminder that you matter, your needs are valid, and you are more than the roles and expectations placed upon you. With a gentle shift from living in a world of "shoulds" to embracing thoughts of "I desire," this book empowers moms to unlock their true selves and ignite their inner light.

Celebrated author and mother Meg Sylvester takes you through a revolutionary journey to live a more fulfilled, loving, and empowered life. Packed with encouraging daily reflections and bite-sized actions, The Mindful Mom helps moms calm anxious thoughts, let go of unrealistic pressures, and break free from patterns of self-sabotage. It's an invitation to dig deep and rediscover the vibrant person waiting to shine.

Whether you're just beginning your journey of self-discovery or looking for daily motivation to keep you inspired, The Mindful Mom is the ultimate gift to yourself (or the perfect gift for any mom you know!). It's your gateway to embracing a life filled with playfulness, fulfillment, and authenticity.

From New York Times bestselling author and pioneer of the strengths movement comes a bold new blueprint for leading with the most powerful force in business--love.

Think about the last time you said, "I love that." Maybe it was about a product that exceeded expectations, a service experience that built instant loyalty, or a moment when your work brought out the best in you. That reaction isn't just emotional--it's electric. In the organization, it fuels engagement, strengthens performance, and drives lasting success. Yet most leaders don't even acknowledge it, let alone measure or make use of it.

In Design Love In, leading researcher on human performance and bestselling author Marcus Buckingham reveals how love--the deep connection that makes people feel seen, valued, and inspired--isn't just a soft feeling. It's a measurable driver of performance and growth. He shows how leaders, as experience-makers, can intentionally "design love in" to everything we do: our interactions with team members, our company policies and practices, the products and services and experiences we create for those we lead and serve. When we do this, we not only unlock deeper commitment, higher engagement, stronger customer loyalty, and lasting business results, we strengthen the human connection between us and create a better world.

Featuring vivid stories of global brands, current research, and personal experiences, Buckingham illustrates that tapping into this force is not simply about being more "warm and fuzzy"--it's a concrete strategy of utilizing loving experiences to drive behaviors to drive outcomes, and the book provides step-by-step advice on how to "design love in" to all your actions as a leader.

Love--it's the most powerful force in business. This book shows how you as a leader can unleash it.