In this potent examination of family and memory, Jon McGregor charts one man's voyage of self-discovery. Like Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day, So Many Ways to Begin is rich in the intimate details that shape a life, the subtle strain that defines human relationships, and the personal history that forms identity. David Carter, the novel's protagonist, takes a keen interest in history as a boy. Encouraged by his doting Aunt Julia, he begins collecting the things that tell his story: a birth certificate, school report cards, annotated cinema and train tickets. After finishing school, he finds the perfect job for his lifetime obsession as curator at a local history museum. His professional and romantic lives take shape as his beloved aunt and mentor's unravel. Lost in a fog of senility, Julia lets slip a secret about David's family. Over the course of the next decades, as David and his wife Eleanor live out their lives - struggling through early marriage, professional disappointments, the birth of their daughter, Eleanor's depression, and an affair that ends badly, David attempts to physically piece together his past, finding meaning and connection where he least expects it.

From author Rosemary Sutcliff, author of the classic tale The Eagle of the Ninth, comes Outcast, the tale of an orphan boy in the ancient world. When a Roman ship is wrecked off the coast of Britain, an infant, Beric, is the only survivor, saved by members of a British tribe. They name him Beric and bring him up among them, until the time comes when they can ignore his ancestry no longer. Then Beric is cast out from the only home he has ever known and forced to find his one place in a treacherous world. With illustrations by Richard Kennedy, Outcast is sure to delight middle grade lovers of historical adventure. "Rosemary Sutcliff's superb historical imagination never fails." -- The New York Herald Tribune

by Holly Black  (Editor), Justine Larbalestier (Editor), Alaya Dawn Johnson , Maureen Johnson , Carrie Ryan , Scott Westerfeld , Meg Cabot , Garth Nix  , Kathleen Duey, Margo Lanagan , Naomi Novik , Diana Peterfreund , Libba Bray , Cassandra Clare  … It's a question as old as time itself: which is better, the zombie or the unicorn? In this anthology, edited by Holly Black and Justine Larbalestier (unicorn and zombie, respectively), strong arguments are made for both sides in the form of short stories. Half of the stories portray the strengths--for good and evil--of unicorns and half show the good (and really, really bad-ass) side of zombies. Contributors include many bestselling teen authors, including Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray, Maureen Johnson, Meg Cabot, Scott Westerfeld, and Margo Lanagan. This anthology will have everyone asking: Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?

Addison She is totally and utterly in love. She can’t focus, can’t sleep. She doesn’t want to hang out with friends, doesn’t even care if she graduates from college in a week. All she wants is Rush, and her obsession for him is scaring her. Unable to handle the fear that brings up ugly memories of being abandoned as a child, Addison withdraws to protect herself. But that may backfire when an old flame of Rush's reappears in his life. Rush Addison is the only woman he wants in his bed. Hell, he’s inked her name into his skin, and he plans on asking her to move in with him. Problem is, she’s acting like she doesn’t feel the same way about him. It’s like something’s changed between them. And when an old girlfriend comes back into the picture – stirring up memories and fears about his past – Rush knows that if he and Addison are ever going to have a chance at happiness, it’s time to shatter the walls between them once and for all.

The Woggle-Bug Book features the broad ethnic humor that was accepted and popular in its era, and which Baum employed in various works. The Woggle-Bug, who favors flashy clothes with bright colors (he dresses in ”gorgeous reds and yellows and blues and greens” and carries a pink handkerchief), falls in love with a gaudy ”Wagnerian plaid” dress that he sees on a mannequin in a department store window. Being a woggle bug, he has trouble differentiating between the dress and its wearers, wax or human. The dress is on sale for $7.93 (”GREATLY REDUCED” reads the tag). The Bug works for two days as a ditchdigger (he earns double pay since he digs with four hands) for money to buy the dress. He arrives too late, though; the dress has been sold, and makes its way through the second-hand market. The Bug pursues his love through the town, ineptly courting the women (Irish, Swedish, and African-American, plus one Chinese man) who have the dress in turn. His pursuit eventually leads to an accidental balloon flight to Africa. There, menacing Arabs want to kill the Woggle-Bug, but he convinces them that his death would bring bad luck. In the jungle he falls in with the talking animals that are the hallmark of Baum’s imaginative world. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Jed Cochrane is about to take off on man's first interstellar voyage. His mission: Make sure it's good television! “The indefatigable Leinster! This is his fourth 1954 novel – and another 1954 item is on hand for review next month, too! What a man! The current tale, which has never been serialized, takes an entirely new look at faster-than-light travel to the stars: a fast-paced, sardonic job that is primarily a satire on the future of mass communications. Fella discovers faster-than-light communications technique. TV producer says, ‘Why not physical objects, too?’ Filthy rich neurotic buys ‘fame-rights’ to the invention. Luxurious spaceship built as a giant hoax to hook investors in a non-existent expedition to Mars (the Moon is already colonized) becomes the first, almost involuntary faster-than-light vessel, with as screwy a crew as has ever been cooked up (including the inevitable and delightful Leinster heroine), and the whole jaunt to the stars is turned into raw material for the TV producer’s regular ‘space opera’ show – with commercials – and what commercials! It’s a jolly tale indeed.” -Groff Conklin, Galaxy Magazine, March 1955

Short storiesWe are all pieces of the puzzle. Parts of the big story of the universe, each with their own little story, their own small life.

The Power of Magnificence links the creation with its creator and is a hard path to take, but worth it. Rebekah finds peace in this path.Rebekah is almost destroyed by the death of her husband Joshua but with help from her spirit guides and a spirit animal she finds new meaning in her life.

Claire holds the keys to her future, in more than one way.As if the recent death of Claire Stevens’ parents isn’t enough, someone wants to steal Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast right out from under her. But Claire isn’t about to roll over and let them. She’s prepared to fight.As Claire fights, she surprised to have the enemy Jace Brown fighting along with her.Claire holds the keys to her future, in more than one way.As if the recent death of Claire Stevens’ parents isn’t enough, someone wants to steal Honeycreek Bed and Breakfast right out from under her. But Claire isn’t about to roll over and let them. She’s prepared to fight.Jace Brown is Brookfield’s main attorney, and after delivering the bad news to Claire about her property, he knows all about being on her bad side. As Claire gets to the bottom of this scandal, she’s surprised to have Jace by her side, fighting along with her. The attraction is instant, but can it last after the dust settles?

Marlowe's about to give up on a completely routine case when he finds himself in the wrong place at the right time to get caught up in a murder that leads to a ring of jewel thieves, another murder, a fortune-teller, a couple more murders, and more corruption than your average graveyard. From the Trade Paperback edition.

This edition of "Mansfield Park" has been shortened to two-thirds of its original length, and slightly simplified, whilst preserving Jane Austen's style. It offers readers with good English a more approachable version of the great classic novel.This abridged edition of Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park" has been shortened to two-thirds of its original length, and slightly simplified, whilst preserving Jane's Austen's style. It is designed for readers with good English who wish to acquaint themselves with this classic novel, but who find themselves daunted by the length and density of the full text.

An everyday story of innocence from 1972 about playing in a band and discovering the opposite sex. The Drummer's Tale is a funny and heartwarming story about the naivety of teenage ambition and the frustrations of unrequited love.An everyday story of innocence from 1972 about playing in a band and discovering the opposite sex."I'm Tom Kellaway, not quite old enough to vote, living a humdrum existence on the wrong side of the River Mersey in my parent’s terraced house of tangerine ceilings, farting upholstery, and dubious oil paintings of naked women. However, 1972 is shaping up to be a good year. I have formed a band with my friends, and I’m the drummer, or at least I will be when I get some drums. I have also met the beautiful Sofia, who might just be the girl of my dreams, although she is understandably more preoccupied with her rugged boyfriend who looks like a male model. The Liverpool Stadium and true love await. Unfortunately, knowing my luck, it is all destined to end in disappointment. Or is it?"The Drummer's Tale is a funny and heartwarming story about the naivety of teenage ambition and the frustrations of unrequited love

These are just a few of my short stories I created in my head and turned them into real documents for you to enjoy. I hope you enjoy all three of them, for they are very different from each other.Wothlondia Rising: The Anthology is a collection of prequels that launches the Beginnings series in the Realm of Ashenclaw. The events covered in this collection are intended to introduce you to these characters and give insight into their pasts, their motivations and the distinctive events that place them on their destined paths to become the heroes they were born to be, such as…A Rose in Bloom recounts the thrilling events of a young Rose Thorne, not yet a woman, who is trying to find her way in the city of Oakhaven. Orphaned and discarded, she finds refuge in a kind madam at a local brothel and eventually meets a man who is more than she bargains for.... Maturation Process is the telling tale of the high elf, Elec Stormwhisper, who lives in the overbearing shadow of his father, Keryth. Treated as an outcast and feeling alienated from his own people, he exiles himself for a decade, finding a friend in a strange place and begins to accept his own unique destiny. Will this young and inexperienced elf ever find his true calling? Tears of Blood is the amazing recount of the attacks on the region of Stonehill by the ancient and malevolent undead that are known as Blood Rot Zombies! Saeunn and the barbarians of both Chansuk and Greymoors must find a way to stop the undead infestation before they spread their miasma all across the face of Wothlondia! It is a tale that will forever change the young barbarian woman in more ways than one... Strength of Faith is a tale that places a young acolyte of The Shimmering One, Garius Forge, on a path that tests his spirituality and also places him face to face with a demonic presence that has the power to alter the face of Wothlondia forever! Will his reverence and devotion to his deity be enough to overcome this horrible demon? Reflections is an exploration into the true classifications of self-image. This short and sweet tale tells of the half-ogre barbarian, Orngoth, who begins to realize the true picture of what he is and where he comes from. During a raid with his ogre barbarian kin--the Ironskulls--Orngoth has an impromptu meeting that could forever change his own destiny. Will he see his true self in time or will he continue down the path of reckless endangerment? Distant Familiarity is the tale of three legendary figures in the history of Wothlondia, who are attempting to recover an ancient evil that was stolen away from them. Tiyarnon the High Priest, Rolin Hardbeard and Nimaira Silvershade set out to recover the artifact that has forever altered their former companion Sadreth, twisting him into something altogether evil. Can these ancient heroes find and recover the item before it is reunited with its former host?

Kenneth was flying high when he pulled into Vegas, but a run of bad luck has him working of a debt to the mob in the slowest way possible. He's hoping for a change in his luck, and the latest tenant of the Desert Oasis Motel might be hiding more than he suspects behind her mirrored sunglasses. Can she turn his luck around?Seventeen years was not enough time for my immortal soul to forget the stench of war. My next life had already begun but while it was still in it's infancy, again I heard the message my father plied upon the mortals. Again words of peace and love and brotherhood reached my bitter ears.Again I was compelled to meet The Messenger.The year was 1962. The place was Albany, Georgia. I told myself I would not be drawn into this mission. I only wished to see if this was my father's hand at work. What I found was a chance to redeem myself to one I'd wronged many ages ago; the only soul I'd ever met in more than one lifetime. And I embraced that chance. That small redemption meant so much that I even agreed to uphold The Messenger. But there is no limit to the cruelty of my existence.Now I only wish to forget.

One fateful decision - that is all it takes to either unravel all the Talbot clan has achieved or fulfill their desire for safety. Many are lost though others return, this is the story of their struggle to survive and in remembrance for those left behind.

LADY recreates a small New England town of the 1930s and '40s. Seen through the eyes of an eight-year-old boy, Woody, we meet Lady, a charming widow, owner of an imposing home on the Green. As does Woody, we come to care for and love his "special friend." But there is more to Lady than meets the eye, and we share Woody's fear as he closes in on Lady's terrible secret.

Jarl's day is about to become a confusing ride of strange uncertainties.This is a science fiction short story of 1,770 words. It is part one in the 'Origins' series of stories which connect with one another in unexpected ways.A Divine SecretA Loyal ProtectorA Forbidden LoveEve Collins starts her freshman year at college blissfully unaware that one revelation will challenge everything she’s believed to be true about her family, life, and future, and right in the midst of it all is Asher St. Michael. Mysterious and aloof, Asher is appointed to protect Eve at all costs. Bound by his oath of loyalty to mankind, loving her is forbidden. Dark and enigmatic, Gage Gallagher may be even more dangerous to Eve than the demonic army that hunts her. Caught in the middle of a centuries old war, Eve must choose sides knowing that the wrong choice will cost more than just her life. Can Asher and Eve fulfill their destinies or will their love destroy everything? Revelation is a page turning journey of self-discovery, love, secrets, and sacrifice. Intended for mature readers.

(n.) lit. "a reason for being"; 'reason to get up in the morning,' to enjoy the meaning of life - passion, purpose, something one lives for.Mitch is an art student that works at a popular art museum, but his friend, Avi, doesn't see the meaning in art. Avi would rather spend his time staring at Mitch from afar, which Mitch doesn't mind, but he also wants more than just idle glances from across empty rooms. He wants more than just help on his Art History homework, although he would like that too. He's bad at art.

It’s Halloween and Haley Tyson is working late at her father’s video store, Rewind. When her last customer turns out to be Josh Ridgeway, high school dweeb turned college freshman hunk, she can’t believe her luck. That is, until Josh’s girlfriend walks in. Will Halloween scare their romance away? Or will midnight turn Haley’s trick into a treat?This 4,630-word short story is 25 pages long.It has been twenty long years since the Dark Shogun’s victory at the Great War. After the war, everyone expected peace. Everyone wanted peace. But in the twenty years since the war there has been only fear and uncertainty and oppression. The Shogun, with the approval of Emperor Yozei, has outlawed the Samurai class and the public display of swords. He has outlawed the use of Ninja and the practice of Ninjutsu. He has outlawed the Kensei order, the legendary Sword Saints of Japan. After the Kensei surrendered, he began systematically dismantling the great Samurai clans. The Shogun's army would be the only military force. The Ninja clans retreated to their secret mountain villages. The great Samurai clans chose to fight. They were crushed. The Shogun's army is too massive. Too ruthless. The Dark Shogun now rules the country with absolute power. Some say he is invincible. Some say he is a God. Only a handful of Samurai clans remain. Only a handful of Kensei warriors remain. But not for long…

Paolo Manfredi is an affirmed paediatric surgeon who lives and works in Paris. Born in Torre dell'Isola, a town not too far from Palermo, after high school he left Sicily, a land then upset by serious upheavals, to pursue his ambitions. After thirty years, he comes back with his wife and his children to celebrate his fiftieth birthday, and to retrace the steps of a brusquely interrupted...Paolo Manfredi is an affirmed paediatric surgeon who lives and works in Paris. Born in Torre dell'Isola, a town not too far from Palermo, after high school he left Sicily, a land then upset by serious upheavals, to pursue his ambitions. After thirty years, he comes back with his wife and his children to celebrate his fiftieth birthday, and to retrace the steps of a brusquely interrupted personal and civil history. He finds a deeply changed world, and walking on the footsteps of his own past, searching for his Sicily, he finds again his old friends, and with them the emotions he denied for a long time, his cut roots, his childhood places, changed yet still deeply intact. In the nostalgic memory of his past life, Paolo learns to look at the events from the point of view of those who stayed and fought so that the identity of a people wouldn’t be lost.