Other books that might interest you

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  An Atlas of Countries That Don't...

  Nick Middleton

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  A “fascinating” journey to little-known and contested lands around the globe, from Tibet to the Isle of Man to Elgaland-Vargaland (Geographical Magazine). 
   
  What is a country? Acclaimed travel writer and Oxford geography don Nick Middleton brings to life the origins and histories of fifty states that, lacking international recognition and United Nations membership, exist on the margins of legitimacy in the global order. From long-contested lands like Crimea and Tibet to lesser-known territories such as Africa’s last colony and a European republic that enjoyed independence for a single day, Middleton presents fascinating stories of shifting borders, visionary leaders, and “forgotten” peoples.  
   
  “Engrossing . . . You’ll not find Middle-earth, Atlantis or Lilliput inside, but you will find something just as intriguing . . . sure to prompt discussions about what makes a country a ‘real country.’” —Seattle Times

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  On the Tip of My Tongue - The...

  Tom Read Wilson

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  In On the Tip of My Tongue, logophile and television star Tom Read Wilson takes a delicious dive into the etymology and usage of words, euphemisms and bon mots. Written with his trademark sparkling wit, the star of Celebs Go Dating and self-avowed word-lover presents a hilarious and fascinating guide which aims to leave you never lost for words again. Divided into sections spanning dating, personal development, show business, compliments, curses, and how to dodge offence while speaking your mind, this book will equip you with the words needed to navigate all the situations of modern life with style and grace. From treppenwitz (the German word for the feeling of a missed riposte in an argument) to Callipygian (a 17th Century word referring to someone with well shaped buttocks) to JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out), this guide covers a wide and varied range of words, from those with roots in antiquity to new ones being coined in the present day. With Tom’s wit and lifelong love of words by your side, you'll always be able to pick the perfect word, phrase or quip, whether you are trying to understand the many metaphors for sex or trying to tell your mother you love her. This is a delightful and hilarious etymological solution to the dilemmas and conundrums of modern life and a must-read for every budding vocabularian.

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  Ten Common Trees

  Susan Stokes

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  These are short sketches of ten common trees found in North America -- Black Willow, American Elm, Apple Tree, Horse-Chestnut, Birch, White Oak, Chestnut, Walnut, Cone Bearers, Red Maple. The simple writing style makes the book suitable to be used in schools. (Summary by Larry Wilson)

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  Foundation Repair Secrets -...

  Bob Brown

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  This book clears up common misconceptions about the repair of foundation problems that plague many homes all over the world. An industry insider reveals that product suppliers have trained contractors and their salespeople to perform quick and dirty inspections that can result in misdiagnoses. A real investigation of a foundation problem involves many steps and a thorough understanding of building construction and soil dynamics. Author Bob Brown has spent decades working with engineers and scientists to find out how to thoroughly investigate different kinds of foundation problems in all of the unique ways and locations in which homes are built. He shares his proprietary solution for remediating the foundation problems most often given the wrong treatment. Homeowners who read this book will come away understanding more about foundation repair than some people who work in the field.

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  If It's Not One Thing It's Your...

  Julia Sweeney

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  “I took so long to assemble my lovely family. If only they would disappear.” While Julia Sweeney is known as a talented comedienne and writer and performer of her one-woman shows, she is also a talented essayist. Happily for us, the past few years have provided her with some rich material. Julia adopted a Chinese girl named Mulan (“After the movie?”) and then, a few years later, married and moved from Los Angeles to Chicago. She writes about deciding to adopt her child, strollers, nannies (including the Chinese Pat), knitting, being adopted by a dog, The Food Network, and meeting Mr. Right through an email from a complete stranger who wrote, “Desperately Seeking Sweeney-in-Law.” She recounts how she explained the facts of life to nine-year-old Mulan, a story that became a wildly popular TED talk and YouTube video. Some of the essays reveal Julia’s ability to find that essential thread of human connection, whether it’s with her mother-in-law, who candidly reveals a story that most people would keep a secret, or with an anonymous customer service rep during a late-night phone call. But no matter what the topic, Julia always writes with elegant precision, pinning her jokes with razor-sharp observations while articulating feelings that we all share. Poignant, provocative, and wise, this is a funny, and at times powerful, memoir by a woman living her life with originality and intelligence.

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  Perfectly Good Food - A Totally...

  Margaret Li, Irene Li

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  You're standing in front of your refrigerator, a week after your last trip to the supermarket. You've got a bunch of random veggies, some wrinkly fruit, near-expired milk, and those pricey fresh herbs you bought for that one recipe. For a split second you picture yourself throwing everything away and ordering takeout.But instead . . . you pick up this cookbook. You're saving food, shrinking that grocery bill, and learning some key skills for making the most of what you have. It's exciting to be able to create new dishes and waste less food, and most importantly—a delicious dinner is on the table!Perfectly Good Food is a book for those moments everyone has, whether you cook for one or a whole household. Chock-full of ingenious use-it-up tips, smart storage ideas, and infinitely adaptable recipes, this book will teach you: why smoothies are your secret weapon; how to freeze (almost) anything; and why using your senses in the kitchen is more important than so-called shelf-life.Written by the chef-sisters behind Boston's acclaimed Mei Mei Dumplings, this is a crucial resource for the thrifty chef, the environmentally mindful cook, and anyone looking to make the most of their ingredients.

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