In most ideally conceived Utopias the world as it exists is depicted as a mushrooming horror of maladjustment, cruelty and crime. In this startlingly original short novel that basic premise is granted, but only to pave the way for an approach to Utopia over a highway of the mind so daringly unusual we predict you’ll forget completely that you’re embarking on a fictional excursion into the future by one of the most gifted writers in the field. And that forgetfulness will be accompanied by the startling realization that Irving E. Cox has a great deal more than a storyteller’s magic to impart.

Our young man Tom is in California to hopefully strike it rich in the gold fields. The story shows how he worked hard but also had plenty of help to get closer to his goal. I suppose the boys lapped up this sort of thing like cream back then, but there are more factors to success than just hard work. Tom was lucky with the people he met on his adventure, and the ending of the book would have been quite different and perhaps much more realistic if he had fallen in with different characters. I entertained myself even more while reading by searching out the Lesson in each chapter. They were not always spelled out and were never preachy, but they were there. Here is my list. Actually, quite a few of them would still be good advice today: Chapter 1: work hard and be reasonable with your expectations Chapter 2 : don't drink and don't gamble Chapter 3 : take care of your parents; and smoking is a bad habit Chapter 4 : don't rely on 'luck' to create your future Chapter 5 : don't hang out with the bad guys Chapter 6 : don't sleep too soundly Chapter 7 : don't assume you are smarter than everyone else Chapter 8 : you will get what you deserve eventually in some form, whether good or bad Chapter 9 : you should be man enough to stare misfortune in the face when it is in front of you: don't run from it or think it is worse than it is Chapter 10 : be careful when answering the personal questions of a woman with a gun Chapter 11 : be careful what you wish for Chapter 12 : accept the responsibility for things that go wrong when under your care Chapter 13: accept the need to work Chapter 14 : when discussing mountains or trees or anything else, size is not everything Chapter 15 : if you meet a bear in the woods, don't turn and run away Chapter 16 : when you don't have everything you wish for, make do with what you have Chapter 17 : remember to do your duty when you need to, don't just stand around with your mouth hanging open Chapter 18 : use your common sense Chapter 19 : a bargain is a bargain Chapter 20 : sell when the price is right Chapter 21 : buy when the deal is good Chapter 22 : once again, don't gamble! Chapter 23 : don't think too much of the past, just vow not to repeat any foolish actions and then keep going forward Chapter 24 : do your best at all times Chapter 25 : never think of stealing Chapter 26 : pay your debts before buying things you don't need Chapter 27 : a dead river is the best place to find gold Chapter 28 : gold is only valuable for what it will bring Chapter 29 : appearances are deceiving Chapter 30 : a business man should not be completely hard-hearted Chapter 31 : be bold when bidding but don't bid if you don't have the money to pay Chapter 32 : do not misuse the advantages you are given in life

Excerpt from Arthur Brown: The Young CaptainBenefits conferred usually excite gratitude, and sometimes, when the donors have passed away are repaid, with interest, to their posterity.About the PublisherForgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.comThis book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Emily Sarah Holt (1836-1893) was a British novelist most famous for her historical novels. Many of her books contained Protestant themes.

In 1903 the famed “Cowboy Artist,” Charles M. Russell, presented his nephew Austin with a copy of the boy’s adventure book Frank on the Prairie with some extraordinary enhancements. Actually, the volume already belonged to Austin, and his Uncle Charlie had borrowed it to add to its pages a series of original illustrations. This new facsimile edition of that copy, among the rarest of rare books, features little-known works of art by the artist. The prolific author of the novel Frank on the Prairie, Charles Austin Fosdick (1842–1915), who went by the pen name Harry Castlemon, was one of Russell’s favorite storytellers. Castlemon’s book, which first appeared in 1868 as part of the Gunboat Series of Books for Boys, recounts the adventures of young Frank and his friend Archie as they travel across the Old West. Clearly inspired by the story line, Russell produced eleven watercolors for his nephew’s 1893 copy. They are beautifully reproduced here in full color, along with a single pencil sketch of mounted horsemen departing a fort. As Montana art collector Thomas Minckler explains in his essay, the extra-illustrated Frank on the Prairie displays the full range of Russell’s signature subjects and themes: the regal American Indian, a pitched Indian battle of counting coup, the fur trader, an iconic buffalo hunt, the outlaw, a nighttime camp scene, a tomahawk peace pipe, and a herd of wild horses. All of these images, meticulously drawn and painted, are replicated in this facsimile version exactly as they first appeared in Austin’s personal copy of the book.Frank on the Prairie was only one of a handful of books to which Russell added illustrations during his career. It is one of even fewer to contain watercolors. Showcasing Russell’s artistry and his perspective on the American West, the volume is, in Minckler’s words, “one of Russell’s most personalized works of art.”

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

An ordinary pickup of an arriving passenger at the San Francisco International airport becomes anything but. A 2,000-word short story. Part of the Psecret Psociety series.An ordinary pickup of an arriving passenger at the San Francisco International airport becomes anything but. A 2,000-word short story. Part of the Psecret Psociety series.A cryptic, beguiling, meta-real odyssey inside SFO.If this tale were a movie it would be rated G.

Anna is content with her life. She works as a kindergarten teacher for a local school, and gives as much of her time as she can to her church. The new pastor at her church has caused quite a stir among the single females, because not only is he a single pastor, but he’s a handsome single pastor. Anna knows she doesn’t have a shot with him. Or does she?Running for his life, he takes her along for the ride….Werewolf Levi Harris has a habit of going off half-cocked and getting into trouble. But this time, the trouble just might prove fatal. He’s stolen a trove of information from a powerful vampire mafia network, and they won’t rest until they get it back—and get revenge. His only chance of survival is to extract the information and put it to use before the bad guys catch up with him. Curvy bombshell Harper Bailey is a good girl with a weak spot for bad boys. When Levi appears, she thinks her dreams have just rolled up on the back of a motorcycle. Little does she know that he’s about to hijack her car and take her straight into the crossfire. But Levi himself might just prove the greatest danger of all….~~~~~~

Sixfold.org is an all-writer-voted journal. All writers who upload their manuscripts vote to select the highest-voted $1000 prize-winning manuscripts and all the short stories and poetry published in each issue.Sixfold.org is an all-writer-voted journal. All writers who upload their manuscripts vote to select the highest-voted $1000 prize-winning manuscripts and all the short stories and poetry published in each issue. In Sixfold Fiction Summer 2014: Bill Pippin, Century; Chris Belden, The Finger; Amberle L. Husbands, Only Whistle Stops; Kyle A. Valenta, The Narrows; Robert Martin, Trepidation; Eileen Arthurs, Portrait of an Artist, After All; Gibson Monk, The Tenth Part of Desire; J. S. Simmons, Bodies In Motion and At Rest; Nancy Nguyen, Truck Stop; Melissa Ragsly, The Pigeons of Apartment 9C; KC Kirkley, Hydrangea; B. Yvette Yun, Fire in the Sky; Katharine O’Flynn, The Island; Brent DeLanoy, Ghosts; Daniel C. Bryant, Out County Road; John Mort, Red Rock Valley; Zac Hill, Conversations With Dakota Fanning; Haley Norris, The Last Day.

Now a seventh grader, Jason finds out the hard way just how different things are where ninth graders are the kings.

Ronke is confident she has finally met the man she will walk down the aisle with until Segun makes a demand that shocks her to the marrow. Torn between her faith and her love for him, she struggles to make a decision.“I stared at the ring on my finger. After the champagne, I had a vague memory of a tacky wedding chapel. I remember giggling as I carried a slightly grubby bunch of silk lilies down a short aisle. Married. I guess that meant that I wasn’t a slut; I was an idiot.” -From At The Turning PointWhen Donna decides to mark her divorce with a trip to Las Vegas, she doesn’t expect to find herself with a ring on her finger at the bedside of a man she hardly knows. But her experience there helps her gain the wisdom she needs to help her make her own life-altering decision. A short story. Not a typical happily-ever-after romance. Also included is an excerpt from "Last Flight From Flagstaff."

Roy is taken from his boring job and launched into a galaxy of adventure. What should be a simple job of shunting space freighters turns into a hilarious cosmic adventure where Roy uncovers the truth about his past. A comedy space romp!Beyond Uranus is the first of a trilogy of four or more books telling the ripping space yarns and illuminating times of an always late to work teacher and heroic on-line gamer.The wrong kind of life, in the wrong kind of job, leads Roy to emotionally subsist on lager, pizza and on-line gaming. A fantastical opportunity presents him with a chance to boldly go, where others have trod before. Joining the crew of a mysterious Earth Station, Roy becomes a space pilot working for the galactic ‘UN’ shielding the Earth from an inappropriate first contact.With a group of friends and an extraordinary personal computer he explores forbidden areas of the Station and excessively discovers that an alcohol ban doesn’t cover the whole of it. Meanwhile, rogue pilot Dr. John D’Eath has iniquitous plans to kill Roy but is thrown off the station when his plot to frame him for an attack backfires. And Roy finds the love of his life when he meets a beautiful red-head and loves the tinge of ginge in her.One day Roy attempts to shunt a mysterious freighter away from Earth and his indestructible ship is promptly destroyed, with himself being captured. Rescue comes from the person he least expects, which leads to him discover some shocking, hidden truths.Some 85,000 words help tell this humorous tale, peppered with bar-room philosophy and sprinkled with adult language.

Marian, a ten year old girl with a tough attitude and an even tougher upbringing, hopes that one day, she'll learn how to become spellcaster. Only problem is, she doesn't have the money for lessons. Will her chance encounter with a mage who has a twisted ideal of 'everything for the right price' help her realize her dreams of flying... or will it push her crashing down to the ground?For Cole Treyfair, the first twenty years of his life were fairly normal. However, after a series of unexplainable occurrences, Cole discovers that he isn’t normal by any definition.After the tragic death of his Uncle Eric, Cole is called home to Arizona by the only family he has left, but there won't be any chance to mourn.Cole is quickly thrown into a life of not-so-mythological gods and plots to end the world. To prevent the world from ending, Cole must protect his younger sister Chezarei from various gods that wish to build the world anew; all while learning to control his newfound power, and guarding a secret that will lead to his death if anyone learns of it.Will Cole be able to stay alive, and keep Chezarei safe?That Which is Unexpected is a humorous contemporary fantasy with a bit of romance, and is the first book in The Gods’ Executioner series by A.L. Bridges.*Due to sexual content and humor, as well as some graphic violence, this book is not recommended for those under the age of 14*

Ten years ago, Abel Kennedy was anxious and excited to leave his country upbringing behind, and find his way in the world as a professional boxer. Abel now returns home for the holidays to his country roots after his championship fight with Bobby Grether. During his visit home, Abel learns how little a person needs to be truly happy.Ten years ago, Abel Kennedy was anxious and excited to leave his country upbringing behind, and find his way in the world as a professional boxer. Abel now returns home for the holidays to his country roots after his championship fight with Bobby Grether. During his visit home, Abel learns how little a person needs to be truly happy. Will Abel pursue a relationship with the charming, country gal, Savannah Mae, whom he meets? Will he stay in Rose Farm, Ohio, where his ugly past threatens his future? Or will Abel leave his family and continue living a life of solitude?

Matilda is a curious, clever and courageous teenager. When her unusual family moves to a new home, she meets Maximilian, is introduced to the Story Mat, and her adventures begin. After using the Story Mat to take part in five of her favorite fairy stories, she is allowed to enter two more stories that are full of deceptions and danger.Tension mounts as she tries to find the right answers.Matilda is a curious, clever and courageous young teenager. She finds adventure when she moves into a new home with her eccentric family and disobeys her parents by climbing up to the attic. There she finds herself in a dangerous situation which turns out to be a test of her courage and cleverness. When she passes the test, she meets Maximilian, Noble Protector of the Other Worlds, and is introduced to the magical Story Mat which can transport her into stories. In "The Secret Jewel" she enters and takes part in five of her favorite fairy stories. She is also given the challenge of identifying the Secret Jewel during her travels. Her success prompts Maximilian to allow her to use the Story Mat again - but this time the stories will develop on their own, according to how Matilda responds to each situation. The deceptions and dangers that she faces in the next two stories, "The Zithium War" and "Neptune's Chest",test her character to its limits as she tries to sort out truth from fiction - and receives help from the most unlikely sources.

A plot to spark a 2nd American Revolution begins with an assassination attempt on the President Elect.All Peter Baird wants to do is save his brother Martin from himself. All Martin wants to do is spark a second American Revolution. He will provoke the government into declaring war againstits own citizens by assassinating the next President on Inauguration Day.Fearful for his brother's life, Peter is drawn into the shady world of radicalized militias. He must choose to become part of the plot or risk losing his brother forever. Can he talk his brother down from this insane plan by going along with this scheme, or must he betray Martin to save his country?

Karen loves reading about animal babies. Then one day she discovers a duck outside the classroom. "Feather" is about to hatch her eggs, and Karen and her classmates are going to be "parents" to ducklings!

Issue 35 of Neon features the work of Jenny Gray, Jack Brodie, Noel Sloboda, Sarah Greenfield Clark, Nicole Cloutier, Derek Adams, Deborah Sellers, and Annette Volfing. The cover image is by Imran Khan.From the author of Flyday, Sunset on Mars is a collection of four sci-fi flash fiction stories: two lovers are separated by distance and a sunset; a dentist is undeterred by a zombie invasion; two high school students discover a terrible secret about the zombies; and a captain and a robot are lost in space.

Happy Halloween, friends of Ozette's. This is a redo of a story I posted for Ozette's online friends last year. Gizmo is a gray squirrel Ozette has taken in and is not much more than a baby. Ozette and friends found the chipmunks while at the beach. So grab a cup of steaming cider, sit by a roaring fire and enjoy Gizmo's First Halloween.Happy Halloween, friends of Ozette's. This is a redo of a story I posted for Ozette's online friends last year. I have updated it and hope you will enjoy it. Here's some background: Gizmo is a gray squirrel Ozette has taken in and is not much more than a baby. Ozette and friends found the chipmunks while at the beach. The trio was floating in a coconut shell dressed as pirates, shouting, “Shiver me timbers!” Unfortunately, they were dining on the coconut meat and in danger of sinking. Ozette, at Gizmo's pleading, took pity on them and brought them back to her forest. Please note that although Gizmo and the three mischievous chipmunks are not in Ozette's Destiny, I plan to introduce them in the second book. So grab a cup of steaming cider, sit by a roaring fire and enjoy Gizmo's First Halloween.

Jaime will never forgive Sirus, the Alpha who slaughtered her entire pack... too bad he also claims to be her lifemate, the one she is destined to love forever. For the last four years she has ran from from foster home to foster home, hiding from the deadly man who haunts her dreams, but Sirus is a wolf of his word. He will come for her. He will hunt her down and claim her as his mate at any cost.