In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald brilliantly captures both the disillusionment of post-war America and the moral failure of a society obsessed with wealth and status. But he does more than render the essence of a particular time and place, for - in chronicling Gatsby's tragic pursuit of his dream - Fitzgerald re-creates the universal conflict between illusion and reality.

ISBN: 9780141182636

Pages: 240

This fascinating autobiography of the country music legend recounts the highs and lows, the struggles and hard-won triumphs of his remarkable life. The story takes us from Johnny Cash's childhood on an Arkansas cotton farm to his early years at Sun Records. We read of his life on the road and meetings with, and performances for, world leaders. There is also the darker side of his life: the years of addiction to amphetamines and pain killers, a suicide attempt, and the spiritual awakening that pulled him through.

ISBN: 9781592403059

Pages: 384

Now for the first time, Eric tells the story of his personal and professional journeys in this pungent, witty, and painfully honest autobiography.These are the memoirs of a survivor, someone who has reached the pinnacle of success, who has had it all, but whose demons have never left him. Eric tells his story as it is, hiding nothing, with a directness and searing honesty that will make this book one of the most compelling memoirs of our time.

ISBN: 9780099505495

Pages: 432

A collection of seventeen wonderful short stories showing that two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks is as talented a writer as he is an actor. Known for his honesty and sensitivity as an actor, Mr. Hanks brings both of those characteristics to his writing. Uncommon Type establishes Hanks as a welcome and wonderful new voice in contemporary fiction, a voice that perceptively delves beneath the surface of friendships, families, love, and normal, everyday behavior.

ISBN: 9781785151521

Pages: 416

"Edward Hopper is surely the greatest American narrative painter. His work bears special resonance for writers and readers." Says Lawrence Block, who has invited seventeen outstanding writers to join him in an unprecedented anthology of brand new stories. The results are remarkable and range across all genres, marrying literary excellence with storytelling savvy.

ISBN: 9781681775593

Pages: 288

When Ishmael places an advertisement for pupils with "an earnest desire to save the world," he does not expect a child to answer him. But twelve-year-old Julie Gerchak is undaunted by Ishmael's reluctance to teach someone so young. But young Julie proves that she is ready to forge her own spiritual path and arrive at her own destination.

ISBN: 9780553379655

Pages: 204

If you've ever laughed your way through David Sedaris's cheerfully misanthropic stories, you might think you know what you're getting with Calypso. You'd be wrong. This is beach reading for people who detest beaches, and required reading for those who loathe small talk and love a good tumor joke. Calypso is simultaneously Sedaris's darkest and warmest book yet - and it just might be his very best.

ISBN: 9780349141893

Pages: 272

While living among Peruvian Indians, anthropologist Jeremy Narby became intrigued by their claim that their phenomenal knowledge of plants and biochemistry was communicated to them directly while under the influence of hallucinogens. A gripping investigation that opens fresh perspectives on biology, anthropology, and the limits of rationalism, The Cosmic Serpent is new science of the most exhilarating kind.

ISBN: 9780753808511

Pages: 272

This fascinating autobiography of the country music legend recounts the highs and lows, the struggles and hard-won triumphs of his remarkable life. The story takes us from Johnny Cash's childhood on an Arkansas cotton farm to his early years at Sun Records. We read of his life on the road and meetings with, and performances for, world leaders. There is also the darker side of his life: the years of addiction to amphetamines and pain killers, a suicide attempt, and the spiritual awakening that pulled him through.

ISBN: 9780002740807

Pages: 320

In this delightful and original book, Jonathan Gottschall offers the first unified theory of storytelling. Drawing on neuroscience and evolutionary biology, The Storytelling Animal explores what stories reveal about human nature, how we process information and think about the world.
Humans live in landscapes of make-believe.

ISBN: 9780544002340

Pages: 272

In this affectionate, sharply insightful book, Sarah Smarsh charts Dolly's meteoric rise against the backdrop of her working-class roots. Candid, intimate, and searching, She Come By It Natural captures the enduring appeal of this singular star.

ISBN: 9781911590514

Pages: 208

This fascinating, accessible, and funny book by one of our generation's best writers and adept minds in television comedy, Michael Schur, boils down the whole confusing morass with real-life dilemmas so that we know how to deal with ethical dilemmas. By the time the book is done, we'll know exactly how to act in every conceivable situation, so as to produce a verifiably maximal amount of moral good. We will be perfect, and all our friends will be jealous. OK, not quite. Instead, we'll gain fresh, funny, inspiring wisdom on the toughest issues we face every day.

ISBN: 9781529421330

Pages: 304

From the bestselling author of Purple Cow and This is Marketing comes an elegant little book that will inspire artists, writers, and entrepreneurs to stretch and commit to putting their best work out into the world.

Creative work doesn't come with a guarantee. But there is a pattern to who succeeds and who doesn't. And engaging in the consistent practice of its pursuit is the best way forward.
With this book as your guide, you'll learn to dance with your fear. To take the risks worth taking. And to embrace the empathy required to make work that contributes with authenticity and joy.

ISBN: 9780241470046

Pages: 261

"When Strangers Meet" explores the joys and transformative power of conversing with strangers. In an increasingly insular world, we often ignore new experiences and people. Engaging with strangers fosters shared humanity and genuine emotional connections, enriching our lives. These fleeting interactions connect us to our surroundings and interrupt our routines in meaningful ways. Through vivid prose and personal anecdotes, Stark illustrates the dynamics of these encounters and their emotional and political significance. The book also provides practical advice and challenges for readers to begin conversations with strangers.

ISBN: 9781471156090

Pages: 129