"'Close your eyes and slowly count backward from ten.'" America, the near future. A young spy on a mission logs her observations. The result is an intense thriller, and a minute dissection of the experience of a woman whose beauty is also her camouflage, for whom control relies on submission: a woman whose success - whose life - depends on being seen and not seen. Originally published online via Twitter by @NYerFiction, Jennifer Egan's first new fiction since the phenomenal success of "A Visit From the Goon Squad" is a taut, compulsive work of unrelenting genius. 'My working title for this story was "Lessons Learned" and my hope was to tell a story whose shape would emerge from the lessons the narrator "derived" from each step in the action, rather than from straightforward narration of the action itself. The atomised structure made this piece seem like a possible candidate for serialization on Twitter - something I'd long been interested in trying. Writing fiction for Twitter is not a new idea, of course, but it's a rich one - because of the intimacy of reaching people through their phones, and because of the odd poetry that can happen in 140 characters. 'Another impulse behind 'Black Box' was to take a character from a naturalistic story and travel with her into a different genre. Jon Scieszka first put this idea into my head with his spectacular meta-fictional picture book, "The True Story of the Three Little Pigs!," in which the three pigs move through books drawn in radically different styles, transforming visually into the style of each world they enter. I wondered whether I might do something analogous with a character from my novel, "A Visit From the Goon Squad" create a cartoon version of that person, for example - or, in this case, a spy thriller version. I wrote the story by hand in a Japanese notebook that had eight rectangles on each page, and it took me a year to control and calibrate that material into what is now "Black Box."'

Thomas Berger’s modern hero Carlo Reinhart is thrust into the strangest chapter of his life yet Carlo Reinhart’s life has taken many turns. From his idealistic youth in Crazy in Berlin, to his entrance into adulthood in Reinhart in Love, through his uneasy tumble into middle age in Vital Parts, Reinhart has never lost his philosophical and even-minded disposition.  Reinhart’s Women finds Reinhart divorced and living with his daughter, Winona, a successful model. His newest hobby is cooking, and he has become surprisingly accomplished for an amateur. But when he asks a woman over for a homemade lunch, Reinhart’s idyll is shattered. Adventures and misadventures conspire to put his nascent cooking skills to the test—and turn him into a postmodern celebrity. With Reinhart, Berger has created one of the great comic characters of the twentieth century—a man who beautifully represents, and parodies, his moment. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Thomas Berger including rare images and never-before-seen documents from the author’s personal collection. 

A beautiful, unsettling novel in three acts, about rebellion and taboo, violence and eroticism, and the twisting metamorphosis of a soul Before the nightmares began, Yeong-hye and her husband lived an ordinary, controlled life. But the dreams--invasive images of blood and brutality--torture her, driving Yeong-hye to purge her mind and renounce eating meat altogether. It's a small act of independence, but it interrupts her marriage and sets into motion an increasingly grotesque chain of events at home. As her husband, her brother-in-law and sister each fight to reassert their control, Yeong-hye obsessively defends the choice that's become sacred to her. Soon their attempts turn desperate, subjecting first her mind, and then her body, to ever more intrusive and perverse violations, sending Yeong-hye spiraling into a dangerous, bizarre estrangement, not only from those closest to her, but also from herself. Celebrated by critics around the world, The...

Under One Sceptre or Mortimer's Mission

Example in this ebookCHAPTER I.THE TRAVELLERS.Towards the close of a bleak grey February afternoon, in the year 1638, a small party of travellers might have been seen approaching Edinburgh by the high road from Glasgow. It consisted of a sturdy brown pony, whereon sat a fair-faced, sunny-haired little girl, whose age could not have exceeded nine years; a bright-faced, bold-looking lad, walking at the animal's head, and having the bridle-rein hung loosely over his arm; and a middle-aged gentleman, whose aspect and attire proclaimed him a clergyman. He walked slowly, a little apart from the others, and his hands were clasped before him, and his eyes bent thoughtfully on the ground. He was a man somewhat past his prime, of a noble and manly bearing, with a fine open countenance, and a speaking eye, wherein dwelt a singularly sweet and benevolent expression.The shadows of evening were already beginning to gather over the surrounding scene, making objects at a distance somewhat indistinct.Yet, truly, there was little at that season of the year to refresh the eye or gladden the heart. The icy hand of winter had scarcely yet relaxed its grasp on mother earth; there were no green buds on hedge or tree; no blades of promise springing up by the wayside: all was desolate, bleak, and cold. Yet the newly upturned furrows smelt fresh and sweet, and the purling brooks wandered cheerfully on their way; singing their song of gladness, as if they knew that spring was close at hand. Presently the little party ascended a gentle eminence, and then many lights were seen twinkling not far ahead."See, father, are yon the lights of Edinburgh?" exclaimed the lad, in his eagerness letting go his hold on Roger's rein.The minister raised his head, and a light kindled in his eye as he looked upon the clustering roof-trees and towering spires of the beautiful city."Yes, my son, that is Edinburgh," he said in his full, mellow tones. "Thanks be to the Lord who hath brought us thither in safety. Would my little Agnes like to walk now? The evening dews are falling, and methinks a little exercise would do you no harm. Very soon now you will be warmed and cheered by the ruddy glow by Aunt Jean's fireside."As he spoke, the minister turned to Roger (who at a word from his master stood perfectly still), and gently lifted his little daughter to the ground. It was then seen that her figure was very slight and fragile, her face pale and refined-looking, her whole expression thoughtful and even sad beyond her years."Are you wearied, David?" asked the kind father then; but the lad drew himself up proudly, and shook his head."Wearied! no, no, father. I could walk back to Inverburn, I believe, without resting.""Keep within the bounds, my boy," said the minister. "See, lead Roger down to yon little pool, and let him drink. The poor animal is thirsty and wayworn. Then we will make what haste we can into the city, which will of necessity be in somewhat of a turmoil to-night, owing to the many strangers within her gates.""Father, will there be a great crowd and a noise in Edinburgh?" asked the little Agnes, somewhat timidly and holding yet more closely by her father's hand."There will be a crowd, my daughter, but no unseemly noise, I trust. The occasion upon which the nation is assembled in her ancient capital is too solemn for vain clamourings," said the minister, somewhat sadly; and as his eyes once more roamed over the spreading roof-trees of the city, they were filled with tears. The little Agnes, too young to understand the cause of his emotion, still more closely clasped his hand, and looked with awe into his face."I wish it would not grow dark so soon, father," said David, now returning from watering the pony. "We will see nothing of Edinburgh till to-morrow."To be continue in this ebook..................................................................................

Distant Star was an experiment to make a Show like "Twilight Zone" but with absolutely no budget. Now they are published here for anyone to enjoy and do with what they will."Far Future" Considers the possibility of a life after a frozen death, but what will we have to do to earn it?Nankichi Niimi is undoubtedly one of Japan's most highly regarded writers of fantasy fiction. Book 3 of Tales from a Japanese Dreamland is an introduction to Niimi's writing through one of his most famous children's stories. Mama fox only wants the best for her little one, so when the cold winter arrives and her precious boy needs some mittens, then she knows what she must do. The only problem is that she is afraid and her legs won't take her any further. So her son must go on his own. The highlight of this delightful children's story is the beautiful description of the foxes' journey through the snow covered woods during the middle of the night.Buying Mittens is also available in Books 2 & 5 of the series Tales from a Japanese Dreamland.Nankichi Niimi was born Shohachi Watanabe in what is now Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, on July 30, 1913, with the year 2013 marking 100 years since his birth. It was recently estimated that over 60 million people have read Gon the Fox which he penned at just 17 years of age. Although Niimi went on to write a large number of poems and short stories, such as Buying Mittens, Grandpa's Lamp and When the Thieves Came to Hananoki Village before his death from tuberculosis at age 29, Gon the Fox is undoubtedly the most famous and well-loved of all his works, and perhaps the most famous Japanese children's story of all time. About Little J BooksHi, my name is Paul and I started Little J Books because I personally wanted to be able to read more of these kinds of Japanese stories in English, especially in ebook form. By putting these stories into an ebook format they will be available for anyone to access anywhere in the world, forever. If you know of any other Japanese stories like these that it is hard to get your hands on (because they are sold out or just too expensive), please let me know.

When Autumn Falls is a mix of average people, their lives and places. It will bring you comfort and enrich your heart. It will awaken your memories of times past, strengthen you and drive you at the same time. You will be encouraged to meditate on tomorrow. Words are only lost whenTAYLOR’S CHILDREN’S SCHOOL AND ORPHANAGEWhat appears to be a freak accident not far from the orphanage in time develops into a full scale search for some lost children that have been missing for years. The story leads you through old secrets, a love story, murder, and will enhance your ending into an unforgettable truth. Old secrets never die; they live in the haunting memories of people’s minds.PORTLAND 16 MILESOnce the strawberry capital of the world, Portland is known for its bright red strawberries that lay in the fields ripe for picking, but so does someone else after a body is found in one of the fields. The story starts to unravel into a time long ago. Forgotten by many, the truth of the past haunts the town again. When the blood runs off and begins to wash away it reveals the red berry. The taste becomes sweeter as the truth unravels, freeing you into the flavoring of the plot of the story.3019 FLAT ROADAt the end of Flat Road, Kimberly’s house stands tarnished with secrets and haunted by ghosts. Her stays there take her on a moving journey in her mind and out of a real world unto a make believe world of fantasy. It winds her thoughts and steals her memories into a tormenting few weeks. Is it real or not? The reader holds the key. The answer is in the words. The lives of a few hold in the balance or is it too late? In the end a secret is revealed that justifies the truth of it all or does it?STILL SMALL VOICEWhen two young girls are forced to leave home, their lives will never be the same. But in the end it turns out for the best. While on the way to Nashville, Tennessee their hearts ache, their eyes cry, and all seems so hopeless. But, the Lord, unknowing to them, has made a way for them. When a secret blessing happens it heals their hearts and dries their eyes. That which they lost is gone forever. It is remolded and remade into a Godly blessing. The truth will set you free.DUCK, DUCK, GOOSEWhen a spree of murders begins to take place, an outsider of the town appears to be the killer. Three men take it upon themselves to bring the judgment for the murder victims. They are so sure of themselves. They come against the outsider only to push it too far and an innocent man dies. But who is the killer. Is it a stranger passing through, or is it one of the three? Will we ever know?

While visiting her father in hospital, 13 year-old Isla meets Harry, the first boy to understand her and her love of the outdoors. But Harry is ill, and as his health fails, Isla is determined to help him in the only way she knows how.

Dora and Nora Chance are a famous song-and-dance team of the British music halls. Billed as The Lucky Chances, the sisters are the illegitimate and unacknowledged daughters of Sir Melchior Hazard, the greatest Shakespearean actor of his day. At once ribald and sentimental, glittery and tender, this rambunctious family saga is Angela Carter at her bewitching best.

On a cold day Clayton Claw Cleaver Clementine sets off westwards to take up residence in the vast haunted edifice of Charnel Castle. Clementine, a polite unkown unsung product of the new world and recently recovered by a miraculous cure from a long decline, alights at an empty crossroads. Standing lonely on its windswept hillside the great turrets and battlements rear in the sky ... The Onion Eaters is amongst Donleavy's best work.

In this sixth of fourteen short stories that Abbie Joules has written about her deceased Brother, Ben, the small farming community of Peach Creek comes together in a contest of marksmanship to help raise money for a meeting hall--and a pool table. The contest, conceived by Ben (who is a crack shot), doesn't end the way he envisions it.In this sixth of fourteen short stories that Abbie Joules has written about her deceased brother, Ben, the small farming community of Peach Creek comes together in a contest of marksmanship to help raise money for a meeting hall--and a pool table. The contest, conceived by Ben (who is a crack shot) raises the funds needed for the hall, but the event doesn't end the way he envisions it. Ben thinks he's holding all the cards, but he doesn't reckon on Mr. Moore who has donated the land for the hall.

I am a former military type who sometimes feels the need to translate the double speak of the military. Musings have to do with family, religion, sickness. Interesting, quick reads.It is Halloween night, 1967, New York City, and children all over the city romp over the neighborhoods in the joyous quest for a Trick or Treat. Young Sonia and her brothers join the revelry, but as the evening fades into night, she becomes aware that a mysterious figure watching from high above. Up on the roof of her tenement building, a pale-faced stranger watches and beckons, and Sonya is helpless to resist.THIS IS A SHORT STORY, AN HOUR'S READING.

Michael Havelock’s world died on a moonlit beach on the Costa Brava as he watched his partner and lover, double agent Jenna Karas, efficiently gunned down by his own agency. There’s nothing left for him but to quit the game, get out. Then, in one frantic moment on a crowded railroad platform in Rome, Havelock sees Jenna. Racing around the globe in search of his beautiful betrayer, Havelock is now marked for death by both U.S. and Russian assassins, trapped in a massive mosaic of treachery created by a top-level mole with the world in his fist: Parsifal. Praise for Robert Ludlum and *The Parsifal Mosaic *  “[Robert] Ludlum’s narrative imagination is a force of nature.”—The New York Times  * “As fast-paced and absorbing as any he’s written.”—Newsday  * “The suspense never lets up.”—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution  * “A crackling good yarn.” —Los Angeles Times Book Review * BONUS: This edition includes an excerpt from Robert Ludlum’s *The Bourne Identity.*

Look out for Elizabeth Gilbert’s new book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, on sale now! At the end of her bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with Felipe, a Brazilian-born man of Australian citizenship who'd been living in Indonesia when they met. Resettling in America, the couple swore eternal fidelity to each other, but also swore to never, ever, under any circumstances get legally married. (Both were survivors of previous bad divorces. Enough said.) But providence intervened one day in the form of the United States government, which-after unexpectedly detaining Felipe at an American border crossing-gave the couple a choice: they could either get married, or Felipe would never be allowed to enter the country again. Having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert tackled her fears of marriage by delving into this topic completely, trying with all her might to discover through historical research, interviews, and much personal reflection what this stubbornly enduring old institution actually is. Told with Gilbert's trademark wit, intelligence and compassion, Committed attempts to "turn on all the lights" when it comes to matrimony, frankly examining questions of compatibility, infatuation, fidelity, family tradition, social expectations, divorce risks and humbling responsibilities. Gilbert's memoir is ultimately a clear-eyed celebration of love with all the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.

When Phoebe runs into hotshot politician Jack Richmond at the party's convention, she tries to play it cool. Though Phoebe and Jack have been carrying on an illicit relationship since that night he seduced her at her father's fundraiser, she's chosen to fade into the background at the convention and keep her distance rather than risk hurting him in the polls. But Jack isn't easily swayed. He's used to getting what he wants—and he wants Phoebe by his side, in public and out of the shadows. Convincing her that she can trust him won't be easy. Phoebe quickly realizes a man like Jack doesn't reach the heights of power without perfecting his skills of negotiation and persuasion. When he offers to indulge her wickedest fantasy, Phoebe finds she can't say no. This tale contains a deliciously dirty threesome featuring Jack and his best girlfriend rocking Phoebe's world.