Other books that might interest you

• 

  The Reveries of the Solitary Walker

  Jean-Jacques Rousseau

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  The Reveries of the Solitary Walker was one of the last works written by the French philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) and was, in fact, not quite complete. It was published four years after his death and came quickly to be regarded as one of his most poetic works. 
   
  It consists of 10 Walks (only the final ‘Walk’ was unfinished) during which he muses on a variety of topics including thoughts on issues which featured strongly in his notable life as a philosopher and commentator, including education and political philosophy. However, interwoven into the reflective narrative are personal observations and memories—some painful, concerning times when he felt attacked and severely criticised for his writings. There are also comments on nature particularly the plants he encounters which, placing the writer in the countryside, balances the darker inner musings. This puts the tone beyond nostalgia, and if there is undoubtedly a feeling of resignation, the essays emanate a sense of end-of-life understanding and acceptance. 
   
  The First Walk sets the scene: “BEHOLD me then as if alone upon the earth, having neither brother, relative, friend or society but my own thoughts; the most social and affectionate of men proscribed as it were by unanimous consent. They have sought in the refinement of their hatred what would be the most cruel torment to my susceptible soul and have rent asunder every bond which attached me to them. I should have loved mankind in spite of themselves and it was only by throwing off humanity that they could avoid my affection. At length, then, behold them strangers, unknown, as indifferent to me as they desired to be; but thus detached from mankind, and everything that relates to them, what am I? This remains to be sought. Unhappily the search must be preceded by casting a glance on my own situation, since I must necessarily pass through this examination, in order to judge between them and myself.” 
   
  Matthew Lloyd Davies reads the first translation into English which appeared in 1796, less than 20 years after Rousseau’s death.

  Show book

• 

  Awop Bop Aloo Mop - Little...

  Tina Andrews

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  As much music history as biography, Awop Bop Aloo Mop celebrates "Little" Richard Wayne Penniman, who burst onto the American scene in 1955 with his mega-hit "Tutti Frutti." Almost by himself, Little Richard wrote the anti-rules and poured the concrete for the foundation of a new musical art form he created. Alan Freed would call it "Rock & Roll." Dubbing himself "The Architect of Rock & Roll," Little Richard was known for his wild, flamboyant performances and outrageous costumes. He was one of the first artists to make the androgynous look popular, and his influence could be experienced in the music and performances of Mick Jagger, The Beatles, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, James Brown, and David Bowie. But Little Richard also had demons he struggled with throughout his career—his complicated relationship with his sexual orientation, and its effect on his faith. 
   
   
   
  He helped solidify The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Preston, and The Beatles as major acts who used his onstage antics for their success. A terrible car crash sidelined Little Richard for months, causing him to miss his own induction into the first Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986 for his contribution to music. But he later appeared in movies, television shows, and tours, showing everyone why he remains the "Originator, the Innovator, and the Architect of Rock & Roll."

  Show book

• 

  3 Stories About - Alcoholism - A...

  James Joyce, F. Scott...

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  There is something about the number 3.    
   
  The Ancient Greeks believed 3 was the perfect number, and in China 3 has always been a lucky number, and they know a thing or two.   
   
  Most religions also have 3 this and 3 that and, of course, in these more modern times, three’s a crowd may be too many, except when it’s a ménage à trois.  It seems good things usually come in threes. 
   
  Whatever history and culture says WE think 3, a hat-trick of stories, is a great number to explore themes and literary avenues that classic authors were so adept at creating. 
   
  From their pens to your your ears.

  Show book

• 

  Being Afraid but Freaking Doing...

  Georgina Twumasi

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Are you a silent victim? Many of us bravely walk around with invisible scars from abuse. Domestic violence is not always physical abuse! It can also be emotional, verbal, manipulation, control, stonewalling, financial, and sexual abuse. Take a journey with me to freedom. Maybe you are on the fence or wondering if you are a victim of domestic violence. This book will give you inside details of the effects of domestic violence and tools for planning your exit strategy. I hope my story helps you find the strength and courage you need to make the next best steps.

  Show book

• 

  Inside the Reagan White House -...

  Frank Lavin

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  An inside look at the most successful president of modern times. 
   
   
   
  What makes a good White House memoir? The right mix of personal stories, insight on the president, discussion of policy and historical events, and crazy, colorful anecdotes that capture the reader's attention. 
   
   
   
  Inside the Reagan White House has all this—plus a vivid take on the Reagan assassination attempt, Gorbachev and the Reykjavik summit, Ollie North and the Contras, the 1988 Bush-Dukakis contest—and other critical moments of that era. 
   
   
   
  Original insight on Ronald Reagan, as well as discussions of cabinet members and others, are interspersed with personal anecdotes, off-hand comments, and unique family details that historians and general audiences will love. 
   
   
   
  On the colorful side, the action moves from movie stars to Soviet spies to (literal) knife fights, neo-Nazis, plain old Nazis, intimate affairs, fights on planes, and con men chased by INTERPOL. 
   
   
   
  And at the heart of the story are the thousands of dedicated, patriotic Americans who helped Ronald Reagan as he worked to push back against the Soviet Union, promote democracy, improve trade, lower taxes, and reduce the size and scope of government.

  Show book

• 

  Just One Text

  Mr. Joseph Kaburu

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Have you ever held a love so precious that you believed nothing in the world could shake it 
  A love chosen by your spirit 
  sealed by your prayers 
  resting safely in the silence between two heartbeats 
  That was Joseph’s truth until one quiet moment shifted everything 
  It was not a threat 
  It was not a confession 
  It was a simple message 
  soft in its arrival yet heavy with storms unseen 
  This is where the journey begins 
  Not with chaos 
  but with a gentle turning of light into shadow 
  Not with destruction 
  but with the soft crack of something once sacred 
  You walk beside a man who loved with sincerity 
  trusted with his whole heart 
  and believed in forever 
  until forever slipped from his hands 
  You enter the quiet rooms of the soul 
  where love once warmed the walls 
  where silence grew heavier 
  where questions echoed without answers 
  You feel the sweetness before it faded 
  the sting of deception 
  the tremble of faith 
  the slow return of strength in mornings that felt too heavy to face 
  Yet this is not only a story of heartbreak 
  It is a story of courage 
  of rediscovering yourself one fragment at a time 
  of understanding how pain sharpens truth 
  how loss carves wisdom 
  how healing begins quietly long before you notice its steps 
  If you have ever loved deeply 
  you will see yourself here 
  If you have ever been hurt 
  you will feel every line 
  If you have ever risen from something meant to break you 
  this story will feel like home 
  And when life shakes you again 
  remember this truth 
  Just One Text can bend a moment 
  but it cannot break a soul that chooses to rise 
   Just One Text is not a tragedy 
   It is a triumph of the human heart

  Show book