Other books that might interest you

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  The Shocking Truth about...

  Zoey Fraisers

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  Emergency preparedness is no longer an option—it is a necessity. With the increasing frequency of natural disasters, pandemics, and unforeseen crises, individuals and communities must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, power outage, or civil unrest, the ability to react swiftly can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe. Unfortunately, too many people remain unprepared, relying on the assumption that government agencies or emergency responders will handle everything. While these organizations play a crucial role, personal preparedness is the first line of defense in any crisis.  
    
  One of the most significant misconceptions about emergency preparedness is that disasters are rare or unlikely to happen. However, global trends suggest otherwise. Climate change has intensified storms, heatwaves, and flooding events, making them more frequent and severe. Earthquakes and wildfires continue to threaten communities worldwide. Beyond natural disasters, cyberattacks, supply chain disruptions, and public health emergencies have highlighted vulnerabilities in modern societies. The COVID-19 pandemic was a stark reminder of how quickly daily life can be upended, leaving many scrambling for essential supplies and reliable information.  
    
  Preparedness goes beyond simply stocking up on food and water. It involves understanding risks, developing an action plan, and ensuring that essential resources are available when needed. A well-thought-out emergency plan includes knowing evacuation routes, securing important documents, and maintaining a communication strategy with family and friends. In an emergency, panic and confusion can lead to dangerous decisions. Those who prepare in advance are better equipped to make rational choices and protect themselves and their loved ones. 

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  Coleopterology - The World of...

  Mike Crawford

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  Beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera, represent the largest group of insects, with over 400,000 described species and many more likely undiscovered. They account for nearly 40% of all known insects and about 25% of all animal life forms. Their sheer diversity, adaptability, and widespread presence make them one of the most successful groups in the animal kingdom. From the glistening metallic hues of jewel beetles to the formidable jaws of stag beetles, their forms and functions are incredibly varied, contributing to their ecological significance. 
  One of the key features that distinguish beetles from other insects is their hardened forewings, known as elytra. These protective wing cases cover the delicate hindwings and the dorsal side of the abdomen, shielding them from damage and desiccation. When beetles fly, the elytra lift to allow the hindwings to unfold and propel the insect. This unique adaptation has allowed beetles to explore diverse habitats, from rainforests and deserts to freshwater environments. 
  Beetles play essential roles in ecosystems. Some are decomposers, breaking down dead plants and animals and recycling nutrients back into the soil. Others are pollinators, contributing to the reproduction of flowering plants. Predatory beetles help control the populations of other insects, acting as natural pest control agents. Meanwhile, some species have specialized relationships with plants, fungi, or even mammals, highlighting their ecological versatility.

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  Spirals in Time - The Secret...

  Helen Scales

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  Seashells, stretching from the deep past into the present day, are touchstones leading into fascinating realms of the natural world and cutting-edge science. In Spirals in Time, marine biologist Helen Scales shows how seashells have been sculpted by the fundamental rules of mathematics and evolution; how they gave us color, gems, food, and new medicines. 
   
   
   
  Members of the phylum Mollusca are among the most ancient animals on the planet. Their shells provide homes for other animals, and across the ages, people have used shells not only as trinkets but also as a form of money, and as powerful symbols of sex and death, prestige and war. 
   
   
   
  The science and natural history of shells are woven into a compelling narrative, revealing their cultural importance and the ways they have been used by humans over the millennia. After surviving multiple mass extinctions millions of years ago, mollusks and their shells still face an onslaught of anthropocentric challenges, including climate change and corrosive oceans. But rather than dwelling on all that is lost, Scales emphasizes that seashells offer an accessible way to reconnect people with nature, helping to bridge the gap between ourselves and the living world. Spirals in Time shows why nature matters and reveals the hidden wonders that you can hold in the palm of your hand.

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  The Storytelling Manual for...

  Juliette Mitchell

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  Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have. But we're not talking about a story as a nice-to-have or an occasional distraction from the real work you do. We’re talking about story as the backbone and the underlying structure, and story as a way of ordering your thoughts and connecting with those around you.
  If you want to make the most of every page on your website, every email to your clients and every conversation on site, this is the guidebook you need. It gives you a simple, flexible structure to tell the stories of your practice, your projects, your process, and your team. And, more than that, it reframes writing not as a chore but as an act of clarity and connection.
  The Storytelling Manual for Architects is a short, practical book with a very human mission – to help you find common ground, convey your worth, and show your clients the difference you can make. It’s a heartfelt manifesto for a better way to write and talk about what you do.
  Juliette Mitchell set up Architypal, a writing consultancy for architects, after many years as an editor at Penguin Books. The Storytelling Manual for Architects is both her step-by-step messaging strategy and her personal act of resistance in the face of AI and things to come.
  
  ‘It’s a great little book – both succinct and spirited!’ Ceri Davies, director at Allford Hall Monaghan Morris
  ‘This book is so good, I don’t want to recommend it to other architects. I want to keep it all to myself.’ Lee Holmes, associate director at Wainwrights
  ‘Joyous, loving, accessible, practical, and just what the doctor ordered.’ Barbara Iddon, co-author of Blueprints for the Soul: Why we need emotion in architecture
  ‘I devoured about 80% of it in the first sitting. Full of good and clear ideas.’ Paul Sheeran, principal at Architexture
  ‘Part guidebook, part pep talk, part love letter to clearer, kinder architectural communication. Practical, readable, and quietly radical.’ Simon Drayson, director at George & James Architects

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  Summary: Determined - A Science...

  Brooks Bryant

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  DISCLAIMER: THIS IS NOT THE OFFICIAL BOOK. 
  This is a summary, and it does not accompany the official 
  'Determined: A Science of Life Without Free Will' by Robert M. Sapolsky is a profound exploration of the concept of free will in human behavior. Building on his previous work in "Behave," which delved into the reasons behind good and bad human actions, Sapolsky advances the idea that the nature-nurture interplay significantly dictates our behavior, challenging the notion of a distinct self that controls our biology. 
  The book synthesizes a current understanding of consciousness, blending aspects of reason, emotion, and responses to stimuli across one's lifetime. Sapolsky methodically debunks major free will arguments, traversing through chaos and complexity science, quantum physics, and philosophical concepts. He illustrates how historical medical perspectives, like viewing seizures as demonic possession, have evolved to a more understanding stance that reduces personal blame. 
  Sapolsky also examines the implications of life without free will in the realms of punishment, morality, and societal living. Contrary to fears of anarchy and existential despair, he argues that acknowledging the absence of free will could lead to a more compassionate and humane world where judgment and self-criticism are less prevalent. 'Determined' presents a challenging yet enlightening perspective on human behavior, urging a reevaluation of how we perceive actions and responsibility.

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  Wild Enthusiasm - A Very British...

  Steve Wright

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  No need to travel halfway round the globe to spot iconic wildlife – it's right here on our doorstep in the UK and Steve Wright, keen amateur naturalist, travels from the Isle of Man to Norfolk, to the Orkneys, Northern Ireland and everywhere in-between on his various short holiday expeditions, clutching his specific wildlife wish-list for each trip.  
  The result is an inspiring and engaging diary of his personal encounters with white-tailed eagles, otters, bottlenose dolphins, fulmars, puffins, osprey, sand lizards, even red-necked wallabies. And the characters he meets on the way. He hears snipe drumming, watches a shrew in Wales, admires pilot whales off Lewis.  
  Steve's wildlife travel diaries give excellent practical tips, such as bird-hide etiquette, how to identify birds on the wing, how to consult local wildlife rangers about what might be spotted on each outing and where to find that species.  
  But most importantly his highly-readable wildlife travels are a call to others to book themselves in to pubs and small hotels the length and breadth of Britain and follow his example, for a series of fun British wildlife safaris.   

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