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Lessons From the Bench: Unlocking the Impact of Bench Players on Teams and in Organizations
Lessons from the Bench is a powerful playbook for anyone who has ever been part of a team.
Written by Brandon Bakke, a former Fresno State basketball player under legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, this book shines a light on the overlooked but vital role of the bench player. Drawing from more than 30 years in athletics, education, and leadership, Bakke shares nine practical lessons that reveal how those outside the spotlight can drive culture, strengthen teams, and create lasting success.
In a world that celebrates star players, this book shows why every team needs the bench. Through stories of resilience, humility, and purpose, Lessons from the Bench equips athletes, coaches, educators, and leaders to:
- Embrace their role with confidence and clarity
- Beat "me-ism" and foster a culture of teamwork
- Lead with character, even when they're not in the spotlight
- Unlock the full potential of every team member
Whether you're a coach, a business leader, or someone striving to make a difference, Lessons from the Bench will inspire you to step up, contribute with purpose, and help your team find success.
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Marvel World of Spider-Man
Swing into the cinematic universe of Marvel Studios' Spider-Man and discover everything there is to know about the silver screen's most famous Super Hero. Chart the rise of your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man as seen in the MCU films, from his early days as a scientific prodigy in Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: Homecoming and globetrotting adventures in Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: Far From Home to his dimension-hopping escapades with Doctor Strange in Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: No Way Home--and introducing riveting new content from Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This graphic guide covers Spidey's world, from his school friends like Ned, MJ, and Flash to the villains that threaten his fledgling heroism--Vulture, Mysterio, and Shocker, to name but a few--as well as the clever gadgets, major events, and incredible locations that have transformed the films into blockbuster hits. A peerless visual exploration of the universe of Marvel Studios' Spider-Man saga:- Features everything you need to know about all four Marvel Studios Spider-Man films, including the latest entry, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, alongside captivating photography from the films' iconic moments.
- The first-ever book of its kind, with handpicked information and images dedicated to showcasing Spidey's arc in the MCU.
- The perfect gift for Spider-Man fans of all ages who are eager for more information about this celebrated film franchise.
With Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: Brand New Day continuing Peter Parker's amazing adventures, now is the perfect time to revisit the franchise and learn everything there is to know about everybody's favorite web-slinger. (c) 2026 MARVEL -
Season to Taste: Comforting Recipes You Won't Find in a Restaurant
The debut cookbook from the wildly popular @CocoLarkinCooks: must-make recipes that are decadently delicious yet simple enough to learn by heart Corre Larkin knows that many of the world's most extraordinary dishes are simply too humble and honest to grace a fancy restaurant menu. Instead, the most comforting meals come from home kitchens where humble ingredients become unforgettable. In Season to Taste, Larkin shares nearly 100 recipes that unlock her casually elegant way of cooking. She draws inspiration from the family tables of Italy, France, and the U.K., where local classics are cooked from memory with whatever's on hand and served with joy. Some dishes come together in thirty minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners; others unfold slowly over a lazy Sunday afternoon, simmering into rich, layered meals. This food is special yet achievable by anyone. From Larkin's endlessly repeatable Spaghetti with Four Tomatoes and deeply savory Flavor Bomb Roast Chicken to her viral and beloved Braised Leeks and an entire chapter devoted to the pleasures of the potato, every recipe embodies the comfort of home. Share these dishes around a well-worn table and you'll know: the best meals are the simplest, made with care and enjoyed without pretense. -
Infernal Vow (Deluxe Limited Edition): Volume 3 (Special)
This gorgeous DELUXE LIMITED EDITION is available while supplies last and features:
- Stenciled sprayed edges
- Printed case
- Gorgeous endpaper art
- Deluxe effects on the jacket
- Enemies to Lovers
- Romantasy
- Vampires
- Sentient Houses
- Morally Gray Characters
- Villainous Romantic Leads
- Dark Academia
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This Cursed Beautiful Land: A Russian-American Story
The revelatory, much-anticipated memoir from the Wall Street Journal reporter who was wrongly imprisoned in Putin's Russia for more than a year--a glimpse inside the perils and contradictions of a country in the midst of autocracy "[Gershkovich's] memoir is proof that even during that harrowing time, his reporter's eye remained as sharp as ever."--The New York Times, "The Nonfiction Everyone Will Be Talking About in 2026" In March 2023, a year after Russia invaded Ukraine, Evan Gershkovich met with a union boss connected with a Russian tank factory. As the journalist sat with his source in an empty restaurant in an industrial city 900 miles east of Moscow, a squad of masked agents charged in, blindfolded Evan, and dragged him into an unmarked van. The agents were from the FSB, Putin's powerful security service, and the successor to the Soviet-era KGB. Five years earlier, Evan had arrived in Moscow to jumpstart his journalism career. His parents had left the Soviet Union in the 1970s, forging a middle-class life in New Jersey, where Evan grew up on Soviet-era cartoons and weekend trips to Brighton Beach. In Moscow, Evan dove into life--unpacking politics for readers of The Moscow Times and developing a circle of deep friendships with Russian peers, all striving to make their way in perilous times. Western journalists had long felt insulated from the dangers their Russian counterparts experienced. But war, it seemed, had changed the rules. Interrogated for hours after his arrest, Evan was told he was being charged with spying and thrown in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo prison--a pawn in a geopolitical chess match. After his world suddenly shrunk to a tiny, cement-walled cell, Evan did something remarkable: he continued reporting. For the next sixteen months, he documented a life in Russia that few Westerners will ever experience: its sprawling prison system, with its own vocabulary and customs--and surprising pockets of humanity. In writing by turns riveting and humorous, Evan brings readers inside the events leading to his arrest, his nearly 500 days in Russian prisons, and the blockbuster, multi-country prisoner swap that freed him. More than a prison memoir, This Cursed Beautiful Land is an extraordinary, deeply reported chronicle of a misunderstood people and their land--marked at once by stunning beauty and a haunting history. -
Wing Weaver
What use is a dragon rider who can't fly?
That's the brutal reality Aeden Harrington faces after bonding with a dragon that should never have hatched, a consecrated egg, hidden, marked as dead and untouchable. Worse still, he formed the forbidden bond before Aviara Academy's official ceremony, shattering ancient tradition and painting a target on his back before he even sets foot in the sky.
Starting as the Academy's newest Initiate was supposed to be a chance to rise above his past. To master the Weave. To prove himself. But Nyra, the dragon fate chose for him, bears wings too broken to ever fly, a flaw that stains Aeden's reputation and makes him a target among students and masters alike.
As he battles distrust and isolation, Aeden uncovers darker secrets hidden within Aviara's hallowed halls, whispers of his parents' deaths and the cover-up that followed. And when two unknown riders arrive, wielding authority and power that even the Academy fears, surviving the deadly trials ahead becomes more than a matter of honor.
It becomes a fight for his life and for the truth.
In a world where flight means power, what chance does a grounded rider have against enemies who rule the skies?
"Perfect for fans of Eragon, Ascendant, and Of Blood and Fire, Wing Weaver delivers a fast-paced, dragon-rider academy fantasy where survival depends on more than just flight."
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Dishes from the Diner: Classic All-Day Recipes
From the actor who played Gilmore Girls' beloved Luke Danes comes a love letter to American diner fare. For Scott Patterson, diners have always felt like home. Long before he played Luke Danes--the gruff but soft-hearted owner of Stars Hollows' neighborhood diner on the cult-favorite television show Gilmore Girls--Scott grew up in Southern New Jersey, famously known as diner country, where no matter the time, day or night, a booth and a good meal were always waiting. Now, in Dishes from the Diner, Scott brings those warm feelings and inviting flavors of the diner straight to your kitchen table. This cookbook features more than 90 hearty and heartwarming recipes that will leave you satisfied--and just like any good diner, the menu's good all day long. Start your morning with a Special Omelet or grab a Blueberry Muffin if you're running late. You can never go wrong with classic soups, salads, and sandwiches like the Tuna Melt or a Cobb Salad, or hearty mains like Pot Roast and Lasagna. Of course, you'll find diner fare like A Nice Plate of Chicken Fingers, which you can enjoy with Chili Fries, Extra Cheese & Onions and an Emergency Black & White Shake. Finally, for a sweet treat, curl up with a slice of all-American Cherry Pie or Chocolate Donuts for your next Gilmore Girls rewatch--and no matter what time it is or how much you've already had, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your coffee. With personal stories from both the set and his childhood, Scott brings equal parts nostalgia and comfort to Dishes from the Diner, affirming that diner food is delicious and can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.
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Scion
John Wick meets Blade Runner in this fast-paced cyberpunk thriller by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Will of the Many and The Strength of the Few. My job, when you think about it, isn't so different from a lot of people's. The more old-fashioned crowd do still get hung up on the "killing people" part of it, I guess, but that's a them problem: it's been perfectly legal to take out lifers for ages. Besides, once ultrawealthy morons realised they had a way to live forever--limited resources be damned--there was only ever going to be one genuinely practical deterrent. So, sure, I have to deal with a ton of boring planning. Inconvenient hours. Some pretty awkward face-to-face interactions. And like most of us, I'm really only clocking in to try to crawl out from beneath my debts. But someone's got to do it. Luckily, my genetic compatibilities make me really, really good at doing it. Still. This next job...I don't know. It's something I haven't had to deal with in years. Kind of the opposite of my regular duties. Strange, that it got thrown my way. I'm sure it'll all go totally fine though. -
Gift: A Short Story
A THRILLER SHORT STORY!
A gripping Christmas-themed short story from #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid!
What price would you pay for the perfect gift?
It's Christmas Eve and Stella Hansen is broke.
She is so broke, that despite working two jobs, she can't even afford a present for her husband on their first Christmas since tying the knot. But then a mysterious pawn shop owner offers Stella an intriguing trade.
Stella wants more than anything to buy her husband the Christmas gift of his dreams. But to get it for him, she might have to pay the ultimate price . . .
Inspired by the classic O. Henry tale, The Gift of the Magi, #1 New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden explores what happens when the magic of the holidays turns deadly...
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Welcome to the Afterlife: A No-Nonsense Tour for Those in Mourning or the Merely Curious with Denise, Heaven's Receptionist
From beloved content creator Taryn Delanie Smith, comes a luminous and comforting vision of the afterlife--told through her beloved character, Denise, Heaven's sharp-witted and big-hearted receptionist. For millions of followers, Denise has become a guide to the great beyond: welcoming new arrivals at Heaven's front desk, answering their most pressing questions, and offering reassurance with humor, grace, and a knowing wink. What is there to do in Heaven? Can our loved ones still sense us? What about our pets? Do we get to choose our eternal outfit? Denise has heard it all--and she's ready with answers that are as thoughtful as they are disarming. In Welcome to the Afterlife, Smith expands the world that has captivated those who know her from social media, inviting readers on a richly imagined tour of the "Upstairs." From horseback riding and bingo nights to flying lessons and long-awaited reunions, Heaven is revealed as a place of joy, restoration, and deep connection. But Denise doesn't shy away from the harder questions: What happens to unfinished business? How are babies cared for? How do we forgive ourselves--and each other--once we've crossed over? Along the way, we meet unforgettable souls, and with each encounter, Denise gently reminds us that love endures, and that those we've lost are never truly far away. Behind the humor and sparkle lies Smith's own grounding in philosophy and religion, lending depth and nuance to Denise's voice. The result is a work that is at once playful and profound--a comforting meditation on grief, grace, and the invisible threads that bind us to one another. Warm, funny, and unexpectedly wise, Welcome to the Afterlife offers solace to anyone who has loved and lost--and a hopeful reminder that what awaits us may be far less frightening, and far more beautiful, than we imagine. -
Casa BRUTUS EXTRA ISSUE SUPER MARIO BROS. AND DESIGN (English Version): MAGAZINE HOUSE MOOK
SUPER MARIO BROS. AND DESIGN
Celebrating 40 Years of Super Mario Bros.! The Design Secrets of a 40KB Masterpiece
Released on September 13, 1985, Super Mario Bros. marks its 40th anniversary this year. Selling around 40 million copies worldwide, it became the best-selling game of its time and sparked an unprecedented global phenomenon. As new hardware emerged, Mario continued to evolve, with the series surpassing 450 million copies sold to date -- ushering in a golden age of gaming and turning Mario into one of the world's most iconic characters.
What is the story behind his creation? We sit down for an in-depth interview with Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo's Representative Director and Executive Fellow, and the creator of Mario. From the secrets of pixel-art design born from a mere 40KB of ROM capacity, to rare development materials and the evolution of the series, this feature dissects the world of Mario through the lens of design.
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Play Again
When life knocks you down, how do you stand up again?
In a quiet suburban town, young Jesse lives for the thrill of soccer-the feel of the ball at his feet, the cheers from his family on the sidelines, and the dream of playing forever. But one summer day, a terrible accident shatters that dream, leaving Jesse with a broken leg and an even bigger challenge: learning how to walk again before he can ever hope to play again.
As the days turn into months of surgeries, braces, and setbacks, Jesse discovers that true strength isn't just in your muscles-it's in your heart, your courage, and the people who never stop believing in you.
With unwavering love from his mom, dad, brothers, and even his loyal pets, Jesse's journey becomes more than just recovery; it's a powerful story of family, hope, and the unstoppable spirit of a boy who refuses to give up.
Perfect for readers of all ages, Play Again reminds us that no dream is ever truly lost-and sometimes, the hardest battles make the sweetest victory.
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Way of the Wag: Press Paws and Find Your Way
Some days can feel like life is all about getting somewhere. Growing up. Achieving more. Waiting for the moment when everything finally feels complete. The Way of the Wag is a gentle story that invites children to slow down and notice the moment they are already living in.
Through the friendship of Max, a thoughtful young beaver, and Ollie, a joyful little dog, children explore patience, curiosity, and the small everyday experiences that bring happiness. As they wander streams, forests, and firefly-lit evenings, Max begins to learn that peace was never waiting at the end of his work - it was beside him all along.
This beautifully illustrated picture book is designed for meaningful read-aloud moments and bedtime routines. Ideal for children ages 3-8, parents, grandparents, and teachers who appreciate stories about friendship, mindfulness, curiosity, and the joy of being present.
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Spy School Goes East
In the fourteenth book in Stuart Gibbs's New York Times bestselling Spy School series, superspy middle schooler Ben Ripley journeys to China to save the Hale family! When the seasoned adult spies of the Hale family mysteriously disappear on a mission to China, Ben Ripley and his fellow spies-in-training head east to discover what happened to them--and find themselves up against a villainous plot that will take them from the skyscrapers of Shanghai to the ancient ruins of the Great Wall to the remote regions of the Gobi desert. -
Trust Fall
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Better Than the Movies, Lynn Painter, comes a rags-to-riches rom-com about a small-town girl whose family inherits a fortune and moves to New York City, where she meets a big-city boy hiding an explosive secret. Julia is just a small-town girl from Nebraska who loves her peaceful life. But when her elderly next-door neighbor--who just happens to be a secret multi-millionaire--leaves everything to Julia and her family after his passing, Julia is swept away to live in a historic brownstone in New York City and attend an elite private school for the super-rich. It should be a dream come true. Wrong. Julia doesn't fit in at her new school; worse, she's failing. Enter Damion, the mysterious and handsome tutor who will get Julia back on track. Except Damion has a secret. He is the great-nephew of the man who left everything to Julia's family. Damion doesn't buy for a second that the person who was like a father to him would leave his home to strangers. And he's determined to prove it. To uncover the truth, Damion schemes to earn Julia's trust. Not an easy task with Julia unsure about this rich boy with a rebellious personality. But the more time Damion spends with Julia, the more his plan begins to backfire. Because he is falling for the enemy--and the enemy is falling for him. As Damion and Julia figure out where they belong, can they see past their differences and act on their feelings, or will the trust Damion has worked so hard to gain fall apart? -
Falling for Peachtree Bluff
Welcome to Peachtree Bluff: a sweet, cozy small town where family is everything. The "go-to for elevated beach reads," (People), Kristy Woodson Harvey, returns just in time for pumpkin spice season. The air is crisper, the water is calmer, but, when it comes to the Murphy family, nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems. Youngest sister Emerson is busy planning her dream wedding to Kyle. But her difficulty expanding her family is overshadowing her joy. Pregnant middle sister Sloane and her husband Adam's dream house has turned into a nightmare. Everything is over time, over budget, and Sloane is over it. Eldest sister Caroline, as always, is there to swoop in and get her sisters' lives under control. Until her focus is more than a little shifted by Emerson's hunky costar who manages to sweep her right off her feet--just as her not-quite-ex-husband decides it's high time he begged Caroline for a second chance. Matriarch Ansley and her new husband Jack have finally hit their stride. But when a scandal that would affect every single Peachtree Bluff citizen comes to light--and it seems like Jack just might be at the center of it--Ansley questions whether he is actually the man she thought he was. Through it all, these women must rely on their powerful family bonds, and the quirky characters and small-town charm of the place that, no matter what, always calls them home.