Other books that might interest you

• 

  All the Worst Humans - How I...

  Phil Elwood

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  This program is ready by Audie Award–winning narrator Holter Graham.A bridge-burning, riotous memoir by a top PR operative in Washington who exposes the secrets of the $129-billion industry that controls so much of what we see and hear in the media—from a man who used to pull the strings, and who is now pulling back the curtain.After nearly two decades in the Washington PR business, Elwood wants to come clean, by exposing the dark underbelly of the very industry that’s made him so successful. The first step is revealing exactly what he’s been up to for the past twenty years—and it isn’t pretty. Elwood has worked for a murderer’s row of questionable clients, including Gaddafi, Assad, and the government of Qatar. In All the Worst Humans, Elwood unveils how the PR business works, and how the truth gets made, spun, and sold to the public—not shying away from the gritty details of his unlikely career.This is a piercing look into the corridors of money, power, politics, and control, all told in Elwood’s disarmingly funny and entertaining voice. He recounts a four-day Las Vegas bacchanal with a dictator’s son, plotting communications strategies against a terrorist organization in Western Africa, and helping to land a Middle Eastern dictator’s wife a glowing profile in Vogue on the same time the Arab Spring broke out. And he reveals all his slippery tricks for seducing journalists in order to create chaos and ultimately cover for politicians, dictators, and spies—the industry-secret tactics that led to his rise as a political PR pro. Along the way, Phil walks the halls of the Capitol, rides in armored cars through Abuja, and watches his client lose his annual income at the roulette table. But as he moved up the ranks, he felt worse and worse about the sleaziness of it all—until Elwood receives a shocking wake-up call from the FBI. This risky game nearly cost Elwood his life and his freedom. Seeing the light, Elwood decides to change his ways, and his clients, and to tell the full truth about who is the worst human.A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.

  Show book

• 

  The History of France - The...

  Will Forrest

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  If you're one of those folks who's had enough of the same old boring history books, you're in for a treat. 
  You see, "The History of France: The 1700s and the Napoleon Era" isn't like those other dusty books that put you to sleep before you can finish the first chapter. This book's got something special – something that makes you want to keep turning the pages and find out what happens next. 
  Picture this: France in the 1700s, with all its kings and queens, and the Age of Enlightenment brewing like a fresh pot of coffee. 
  It was a time of big ideas and even bigger hair, when people like Voltaire and Rousseau were changing the way folks thought about, well, everything. And then there's the French Revolution, that wild and crazy period when people decided they'd had enough of the aristocracy and started chopping heads left and right. 
  But that's not all. This book will also take you on a whirlwind tour of the Napoleon Era, where you'll get up close and personal with the little general who almost conquered the world – if only the Russians hadn't been so darn cold. You'll learn about his rise and fall, his brilliant strategies, and his complicated love life, all told in a way that'll make you feel like you're right there in the thick of things. 
  This is the kind of book that sneaks up on you, like that kid in class who never says much but always has the best stories to tell. 
  It's a book that'll make you forget about all those other history books that never quite lived up to their promises. 
  So why not give it a try? You might just find yourself getting lost in the pages, eager to uncover the secrets and stories of a time and place that'll never be quite the same again.

  Show book

• 

  The Social Fabric of Cities -...

  Lyric Vale

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Cities are more than just a collection of buildings, streets, and infrastructure; they are living, breathing entities defined by the intricate web of human connections that form their foundation. The social fabric of a city—the dynamic interplay of relationships, cultures, and shared experiences—plays a crucial role in shaping not only the identity of urban areas but also the lives of the individuals who inhabit them. Understanding this essence of urban life requires delving into the complexities of community and identity, two pillars that anchor the urban experience. 
  Urban life is characterized by a unique blend of diversity and interconnectedness. In cities, people from various backgrounds come together, bringing with them distinct cultures, traditions, and perspectives. This convergence fosters opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and innovation, but it also presents challenges in the form of tensions, misunderstandings, and inequities. Despite these challenges, cities often serve as melting pots where differences are not just tolerated but celebrated, giving rise to vibrant communities that redefine what it means to coexist. 
  The identity of a city emerges not only from its physical attributes—its skyline, landmarks, and neighborhoods—but also from the shared narratives of its residents. These narratives are shaped by the history, struggles, and triumphs of the community. From the bustling marketplaces that echo with the hum of daily life to the quiet parks that offer respite amidst the chaos, every corner of a city tells a story. These stories intertwine, creating a collective identity that is both fluid and enduring.

  Show book

• 

  Guided Meditation: The Snow Maiden

  Niina Niskanen

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of The Snow Maiden, a timeless fairytale from Slavic folklore brought to life through a serene guided meditation. This audiobook offers a magical journey into a winter wonderland, blending the beauty of ancient storytelling with the calm of meditative practices. Experience the tale of the Snow Maiden—a mystical being born of snow and moonlight—woven with soothing narration and relaxing soundscapes. Ideal for meditation, relaxation, or as a bedtime story for listeners of all ages. 
  Key Features:Narrative Experience: Engage with a classic Slavic fairytale told with a peaceful, rhythmic voice that aids in relaxation.Guided Meditation Elements: Gentle prompts and calming suggestions are embedded within the storytelling, enhancing mindfulness and tranquility.Authentic Soundscapes: Background sounds inspired by the winter forests of Eastern Europe, including the rustle of snow and the soft whisper of the wind, creating an immersive atmosphere.Family-Friendly Content: Perfect for listeners of all ages, making it an excellent choice for family listening or a soothing bedtime routine. 
  Why You Should Listen: This audiobook is not just a story; it’s an experience. Whether you’re looking to unwind, reduce stress, or introduce a new fairytale into your meditation practice, The Snow Maiden offers a unique blend of storytelling and relaxation. Perfect for anyone who loves folklore, guided meditations, or simply needs a moment of peace.

  Show book

• 

  City of Newsmen - Public Lies...

  Kathryn J. McGarr

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Americans' current trust in journalists is at a dismayingly low ebb, particularly on the subject of national and international politics. It might be tempting to look back to the mid-twentieth century, when the nation's press corps was a seemingly venerable and monolithic institution that conveyed the official line from Washington with nary a glint of anti-patriotic cynicism. As Kathryn McGarr's City of Newsmen shows, however, the real story of what Cold War–era journalists did and how they did it wasn't exactly the one you'd find in the morning papers. 
   
   
   
  City of Newsmen explores foreign policy journalism in Washington during and after World War II—a time supposedly defined by the press's blind patriotism and groupthink. McGarr ventures into the back hallways and private clubs of the 1940s and 1950s to show how white male reporters suppressed their skepticism to build one of the most powerful and enduring constructed realities in recent US history—the Washington Cold War consensus. Though by the 1960s, this set of reporters was seen as unduly complicit with the government—failing to openly critique the decisions and worldviews that led to disasters like the Vietnam War—McGarr shows how self-aware these reporters were as they negotiated for access, prominence, and, yes, the truth—even as they denied those things to their readers.

  Show book

• 

  The Lands in Between - Russia vs...

  Mitchell A. Orenstein

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

  Russia's stealth invasion of Ukraine and its assault on the US elections in 2016 forced a reluctant West to grapple with the effects of hybrid war. While most citizens in the West are new to the problems of election hacking, state-sponsored disinformation campaigns, influence operations by foreign security services, and frozen conflicts, citizens of the frontline states between Russia and the European Union have been dealing with these issues for years. 
   
   
   
  The Lands in Between contends that these "lands in between" hold powerful lessons for Western countries. For Western politics is becoming increasingly similar to the lands in between, where hybrid warfare has polarized parties and voters into two camps: those who support a Western vision of liberal democracy and those who support a Russian vision of nationalist authoritarianism. Paradoxically, while politics increasingly boils down to a zero sum "civilizational choice" between Russia and the West, those who rise to the pinnacle of the political system in the lands in between are often non-ideological power brokers who have found a way to profit from both sides, taking rewards from both Russia and the West. Increasingly, the political pathologies of these small, vulnerable, and backwards states in Europe are our problems too. In this deepening conflict, we are all lands in between.

  Show book