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  Oracle of Dodona The: The...

  Editors Charles River

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  In ancient Greece, “no other practice was so universal than the consultation of oracles.” These holy sites were found in 260 locations around the Greek-speaking world, and they were considered the “most satisfactory means of ascertaining the future.” These sanctuaries were “set apart from the profane, ordinary world” and were in the beginning restricted to natural locations where the divine was thought to be “especially present.” They were set aside for special spiritual functions, and a state of purity was generally required of its participants. A historical tendency toward providing haven for criminals was based on the fear of shedding blood in a holy place, and the “fear that the evil magic would emanate from his curse.” 
  	Despite the interest in Greek oracles, modern knowledge remains limited in certain respects, because cult history has become so intertwined with mythology that the lines separating one from another have been nearly lost. Modern scholars studying the oracles have tried to pull the shroud of mythology away from historical facts to illuminate the realities of the Greek cults, but the job has often proved trickier than imagined. If anything, the work of scholars has deepened the mysticism of the oracles rather than dispel it, in large measure due to documenting fascinating and mysterious stories about them. For example, much has been written about natural vapors and fumes that may have caused psychoactive effects in petitioners at oracles. Modern civilizations at times employ this argument to excuse the supposed ignorance of the ancient Greeks, and in some cases, such vapors have been identified and may indeed explain the activities at certain oracles. However, archaeologist Jelle de Boer, intimately associated with some of the most iconic Greek oracles, cautioned that “something can be extra-natural without being outright supernatural.”

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  Reclaiming Our Democracy - Every...

  Sam Daley-Harris

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  Almost everyone shies away from advocacy as a way to make a difference. We donate to climate change organizations, but we don’t meet with a member of Congress or write a letter to the editor. We donate to groups working to end gun violence, anti-hunger organizations, groups dedicated to racial justice, and many others, but we don’t become advocates on those issues beyond signing an online petition or going to an occasional rally.   
  	Why? Because most of us see advocacy as too hard or too frustrating, too complicated, or too partisan, too dirty or too time-consuming, too ineffective or too costly. 
  	But what if that’s all wrong? What if deep engagement dissolves discouragement and can actually bring joy? What if you can become an advocate for a cause you care about and feel fulfilled, not frustrated? And what if engaging as an advocate is essential to protecting our democracy? 
  	President Jimmy Carter called the first edition of Reclaiming Our Democracy “A road map for global involvement in planning a better future.” In this completely revised and updated 2024 edition, Sam Daley-Harris uses his decades of experience leading and coaching citizens’ advocacy groups to expand that road map and create an indispensable guide to engaged citizenship, an inspiring master class in transformational advocacy. 
  	Reclaiming Our Democracy provides a powerful way to make a difference and heal our democracy in the process. It’s not the only solution needed, but is one essential, missing piece: citizens awakening to their power.

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  The Magnificent Mischief of Tad...

  Raymond Arroyo

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  Read by the author with an audiobook-exclusive Q&A! 
  From New York Times bestselling author and news anchor Raymond Arroyo comes a fun picture book biography of Tad Lincoln, his relationship with his father President Abraham Lincoln, and a story about a parent’s love for his son and the wisdom of a child. Full of humor, this romp through history will teach children about the power of curiosity, imagination, friendship, empathy, determination…and even a little mischief!  
  Tad Lincoln was forever getting into trouble. He bounced around the White House making mischief and annoying almost everyone but the president. Yet Tad was his father’s joy and comfort amidst a brutal war, a family tragedy, and the toll of holding the nation’s highest office. When Tad befriends a turkey meant to be holiday dinner, his plea for the pet to be spared teaches Abe a lesson about mercy. It also starts the tradition of the presidential turkey pardon, a tradition that presidents carry on to this day. 
  In The Magnificent Mischief of Tad Lincoln readers 4-8 will:learn about the larger-than-life personality of Tad Lincoln and his father President Abe Lincoln, highlighting the importance of familysee the impact of empathy and understanding towards othersbe inspired by Tad’s resilience and determination, as he overcomes challenges learning to read and dealing with a speech impedimentenjoy Tad’s mischievous and adventurous spirit, encouraging children to embrace their curiosity, explore new ideas, and make a difference in the lives of others by being themselves

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  The Book Of Earths

  Edna Kenton

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  This is a compendium of theories of the shape of the Earth, along with a great deal of 'Earth Mystery' lore. Richly illustrated, the Book of Earths includes many unusual theories, including Columbus' idea that the Earth is literally pear-shaped, modern theories that the Earth was originally tetrahedral, and so on. Kenton also covers many traditional theories including the ancient Babylonians and Egyptians, Hindu and Buddhist cosmology, and those of the Peruvians, Aztecs and Mongols. She also discusses modern alternative theories such as that of Reed and Koresh. Strangely enough, she misses or ignores the modern flat earth theory of Rowbotham. This is the only apparent omission in this definitive study. Kenton has no apparent axe to grind: this is simply a very readable survey of the literature if you have any interest in 'Earth mysteries"

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  Princess Diana - The True Story...

  Liam Dale

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  Explore the captivating life of Princess Diana, the Princess of Wales, through "Princess Diana: The True Story of the Life and Time of Diana Spencer - Princess of Wales". If you're curious about Princess Diana but don't have the time to dive into extensive biographies, let The History Journals take you on an hour-by-hour historical journey of her remarkable life. 
   
  While fairy tales promise happily-ever-afters, real life often takes unexpected turns. Even amidst the spotlight of modern media, reality rarely unfolds exactly as planned. Such was the reality of Diana Spencer's life. Her journey was far from conventional, and her untimely death marked a poignant chapter in royal family history. 
   
  However, as the years have passed, Diana's memory has transcended her lifetime, continuing to inspire each new generation. This hourly history tour offers a succinct yet insightful glimpse into the life of a woman whose impact and legacy have endured beyond her years.

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  Let the Wildflowers Grow - One...

  Brigitte M. Becker

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  Let the Wildflowers Grow: One Mother's Journey through Adoption, Attachment and Borderline Personality Disorder is a beautiful story of mother-daughter love that turns to anguish in the challenges of mental health. It follows the poignant narrative of Brigitte Becker, who along with her husband and son, open their heart and home to a bright, beautiful ten-year-old from Ukraine named Anna, embarking together on a journey of adjusting this cherished young girl to the United States. 
  As mother and daughter bond in shared adventures, the family grows closer. However, signs of attachment and borderline personality disorders emerge in Anna, thrusting Brigitte, like any mother in this situation, into uncharted territory.  
  As Anna grapples with the challenge of regulating her emotions amidst the escalating battle with mental illness, nonetheless she is steadfast in her resolve to assert herself as an independent human being. Meanwhile, Brigitte seeks out every medical means of help possible. Driven by a fear of abandonment, Anna faces unstable emotional states that erupt in risky behavior. 
  In the quiet moments of reflection, as she gazes out at the wildflowers dancing in the breeze, Brigitte’s heart aches with the weight of her responses and decisions. But amidst the sadness, there’s determination, a resolve to let things happen naturally, that they will work out over time. Will they? Do they? 
  This riveting, reads-like-a-novel memoir, is for you if you are a parent of a child with mental illness and are looking for resources, support, and understanding of the unique challenges for adoptees and their families. Through her candid yet heart-wrenching writing, Brigitte gives you a real-life look into a mother’s path towards happiness and healing—as her daughter looks ahead, striving for independence amidst an uncertain future.

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