"In How to Look Away, Daniel Peña explores how fringe elements of his Texas childhood--AM radio, conspiracy theories, Post-Cold War paranoia--came to dominate the American political discourse and contributed to our extreme tolerance of human rights abuses against migrants from Latin America and elsewhere. He asks: What compels us to look away from these abuses? And how do we wake ourselves into action? These evocative essays braid journalism, cultural criticism, and memoir, roaming from the vestigial Comanche War battlefields of his native Austin, to the black markets of Mexico City, to the home of a cartel hitman's family doomed to live in the unglamorous aftermath of his crimes. Writing from both Mexico and the United States, Daniel Peña reflects on two childhood fears: demons and the death penalty. Or the answer to the question, "Do you ever really belong to yourself?" A question that serves as the looking glass through which Peña meditates on American citizenship and the kinds of people we are willing to disappear in the name of the American project. How to Look Away conjures disquiet and longing beside clarity and hope as it offers a haunting account of the strange bond between two nations, this American moment, and the land upon which our bodies stand."-- Provided by publisher.

"How humans think about animals--and our place among them--has undergone a seismic change. For decades, scientists veered into what renowned primatologist Frans de Waal coined 'anthropodenial': a deliberate blindness to the characteristics that humans and animals share, which refused to compare our behavior to that of other species. But today, we know better--from the complex cognition of elephants to the highly coordinated hunting strategy of killer whales, scientists openly discuss animals as intentional agents, with goals, aspirations, relationships, and even plans. Breaking old scientific taboos and never shying away from controversial topics, de Waal was at the forefront of this revolution, fighting against claims of human exceptionalism. Minds I've Met follows this radical shift in how science perceives the animal kingdom, from de Waal's early studies in the Netherlands through his professional career in the United States. Along the way, he reveals fascinating aspects of animal insight, including how an ape thinks to solve problems it has never encountered, how rats form mental maps of each new place they visit, and how a jackdaw can remember and track objects even after they appear lost. Drawing from sixty years of the leading observations, ideas, and breakthroughs in fields ranging from ethology to evolutionary cognition, de Waal shows how humans have come to witness the emotions, thoughts, and consciousness that animals possess. A tribute to the ingenuity of animals and the long arc of human understanding, Minds I've Met traces the complete turnaround in one of the fiercest scientific debates of our time. De Waal's final published work brings humans ever closer to the rest of the animal world, and animals closer to ourselves"--

"Frank Capra, the director of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It Happened One Night, and, supremely, It's a Wonderful Life remains one of the great chroniclers of the American heart, how we love, lead, dream, hope, and fight for our individuality. But Frank Capra was a more complex artist than is usually reckoned and a more complicated man than anyone knows. As his most famous collaborator Jimmy Stewart put it, "the best Frank Capra story is the story of his own life. It's got more highs and lows than a roller coaster. It's heartwarming. It's kind of hard to believe, really. And it could only happen in America." Like many great American stories, this story begins in Ellis Island where a penniless family of Sicilian immigrants arrives in 1903. Frank Capra's life goes on to take in the explosive growth of Southern California and the film industry, the depths of the Depression, the enormity of the Second World War, and America's uneasy post-war as an empire riven by a loss of unity. It is a life as shot through with both "moonbeams" and melancholy as that of his greatest creation, George Bailey. Capra is both the exemplar of American ideals, as in his truly vital work for Roosevelt's war effort, and of American failings, as in his informing during the McCarthy period." -- jacket flap.

"It's summer 1943, and the world is on fire. Lieutenant Ernie Poulson, a twenty-two-year-old outdoorsman from Utah, finds himself at the controls of America's most advanced bomber, the B-24, brought to North Africa for a top-secret mission. On the far side of Europe, Lieutenant Constantin Cantacuzino, Romania's most daring ace, duels Soviet fighters on the Eastern Front while searching for purpose in an unwinnable war. In Nazi-aligned Romania, Princess Catherine Caradja walks a perilous line between loyalty to her country and quiet defiance, as German forces dig in around the oil refineries in her backyard. And in the royal palace, twenty-one-year-old King Michael of Romania--mocked and sidelined by a Nazi-backed dictator--quietly plots to seize his nation's destiny before it is lost forever. In Tidal Wave, Adam Makos brings these lives together in a sweeping saga of courage and survival, set against history's most audacious air raid: the treetop assault on "Hitler's gas station" at Ploesti, Romania. What begins in flames on August 1, 1943, sparks bonds no one could have foreseen--alliances between enemies--that will decide whether these men and women are consumed by war, or seize their chance at escape and redemption. Drawn from years of extensive research and told with Makos's signature cinematic intensity, Tidal Wave will remind you that even in war's darkest hours, humanity has a way of breaking through."--Barnes & Noble.

"Families We Lose explores how contemporary family estrangement signals a fundamental shift from obligatory family ties to quality-contingent relationships"-- Provided by publisher.

How do we live alongside machines that are sometimes smarter than us? We are entering a new era. AI systems can already outperform humans in some domains while failing spectacularly in others. They can act as tutors, collaborators, researchers, strategists, and creators ... yet they can also produce falsehoods, generate convincing nonsense, and fail unpredictably. The challenge is no longer simply adopting new technology. It is learning how to think, work, and live in a world where machines are sometimes smarter than us. In Co-Existence, Ethan Mollick -- a Wharton professor and author of the widely read One Useful Thing newsletter -- argues that the future of AI will not be defined by replacement, but by interaction --

"Known for her groundbreaking work in decluttering, Dana K. White now extends her expertise to tackle procrastination head-on in Procrastinators Get Stuff Done, offering innovative strategies and insights for anyone seeking to conquer the pervasive habit of procrastination and unlock their full potential. Have you ever stared at the clutter on your desk or the unfinished tasks in your life and felt overwhelmed by the weight of procrastination? Dana understands this all too well and has dedicated her life to helping others break through this roadblock. In Procrastinators Get Stuff Done, Dana delves deep into the root causes of procrastination, moving beyond decluttering to provide concrete strategies for overcoming this common life challenge one baby step at a time. Prepare to experience breakthroughs where procrastination has paralyzed you. Whether it's advancing in your career, maintaining your health, tackling important life decisions, engaging in meaningful conversations, or pursuing your deepest aspirations, Dana's process will help you take actual steps forward until you're actually finished. This book is more than just a guide; it's a lifeline if you feel stuck and desperate for a doable way forward. Dana gets you because she is you. Don't let procrastination hold you back any longer--discover the process that will give you a path forward that fits your personality, sets you free, and propels you to the finish line"--

"Ever since Elf hit theaters, audiences around the world have fallen in love with the story of Buddy, the charming (and oversized) "elf " with a heart of gold. But what most people don't know is that when the screenplay first hit Hollywood, no studio was willing to touch it. How, then, did such a risky gamble turn into one of the most beloved Christmas classics of all time? In this laugh-out-loud oral history, comedian and costar Andy Richter goes on a mission to find out by reconnecting with the very people who brought this magical vision to life. Through exclusive interviews, hilarious anecdotes, and heartfelt reflections with key players like Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, director Jon Favreau, and many others, Andy ultimately unwraps the story of how a quirky holiday film about a human raised by elves became such an enduring cultural phenomenon. Packed with never-before-seen photos, behind-the-scenes secrets, a foreword by Buddy himself (aka Will Ferrell), and a sprinkle of festive fun"--

"Marcus Samuelsson, award-winning chef, restaurateur, activist, and cookbook author explores the history of plant-forward eating around the globe, from the Caribbean and South America to East Asia and Africa, highlighting healthful global produce and food traditions. In recent years, Marcus Samuelsson has reimagined the way he cooks, focusing more and more on nourishing, healthy, "of-the-earth" ingredients from around the world: coconut, rice, corn, acai, plantains, teff, chillis, and more. As Marcus illuminates, these ancient ingredients are heirlooms, telling stories of ancestry, migration, and resilience. They bind communities, and if we look closer, they also offer a path toward healthy living. In Back to Green, Marcus inspires readers to rediscover the cuisines of the globe that have provided us with healthy, delicious food for centuries. Countries in the Caribbean, the Americas, the Pacific, Asia, and Africa have long incorporated "superfoods" into their diets. The diverse and delicious recipes in this book include: Hibiscus Coconut Slush Steamed Black Cod with Spicy Pineapple Salsa Eggplant Omelet with Banana Ketchup Rice Noodle Bowl with Ginger and Garlic Broth Lentil Salad with Coconut Turmeric Vinaigrette Vegetarian Injera Lasagna With profiles of chefs and producers all over the world, Back to Green is a sweeping and groundbreaking celebration of cultures that have long looked at food through the lens of sustainability, ritual, and healing. It is a trek around the globe that will lead you back home to your kitchen, armed with soul-nourishing recipes that are waiting to be honored and passed down through generations once more."--

"Community-based organizing stands at a crossroads at a time when anti-democratic headwinds and authoritarian impulses threaten American society as never before. Robert T. Gannett Jr. draws on a forty-year career as a grassroots activist to make an impassioned plea for citizens to create the robust infrastructure of organizing that is necessary to sustain modern-day democracy. As Gannett shows, the methods pioneered by legendary activist Saul Alinsky provide the means for channeling citizens' anger and frustration into meaningful social change. Gannett weaves his personal journey as an "outside agitator" through in-depth studies of successful and unsuccessful campaigns. Gannett places financial sustainability, political independence, and a commitment to process as much as to purpose at the core of organizing. He also focuses on the importance of veterans mentoring the next generation to meet the challenges of the future." --

From crystallizing story ideas to marketing and financing your project, there are plenty of ins and outs that every aspiring playwright needs to know.

Ecology For Dummies transforms intimidating concepts into an engaging walkthrough that supports academic success and environmental literacy. This accessible text covers everything from energy flow and nutrient cycles to biodiversity and human environmental impact, delivering an accessible discussion of biology and ecology concepts that closely align with college-level curricula.

"I learned a joke could be more than humor. It was body armor. Could be a spell. Could be a sword and a shield, all in one breath. He was always Charlie's Boy--even before he found his name, his voice, his fame. In this raw, cinematic, and deeply personal memoir, acclaimed comedian and cultural critic D.L. Hughley documents his rise from the streets of South Central Los Angeles to the national spotlight--and the man who quietly stood behind him through it all. While his mother's wrath shaped his early years with fear and rejection, it was Charlie Hughley--a soft-spoken bag handler at the Los Angeles Airport--who raised D.L. and taught him how to survive through tough love and sacrifice. Though he was not D.L.'s biological father--a fact only revealed when D.L. was ten--Charlie gave his boy the only thing he truly needed: a sense of being seen. It was a time when gangs ruled the streets of South Central, and D.L. rose through the ranks of the Bloods. But when his mother's car was shot up and dead roses were left on his doorstep--signaling he was marked for death--D.L.'s mother knew that he couldn't stay in Los Angeles. So, D.L. boarded a bus to Ohio and left behind everything he understood. It was exile. But it proved to be a fresh start. This is not just a coming-of-age story. It's the story of how one man found his voice by being raised in silence--and how he learned to get on stage and turn pain into punch lines. Through storytelling that's both unsparing and funny, Charlie's Boy is a tribute to the man who never asked for one, and a reckoning for the boy who had to wrestle for love, identity, and truth"--

"During his lifetime Clyde Stubblefield changed the rhythms and sound of music. Finding his start in the segregated city and musical streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Stubblefield became the underappreciated source of the funk rhythm that powered the legendary success of James Brown. After six years of playing with the Godfather of Soul, however, Stubblefield had had enough. In 1970, Stubblefield settled down in Madison, Wisconsin, where he could be found playing funk, jazz, R&B, blues, rock and roll, Tex-Mex, and country music for just about anyone who asked. He found a welcoming and appreciative community of musicians and admirers in the northern city for the final forty-six years of his life. It was in Madison where Steinberg first met Clyde, befriended him, and asked to write the story of how Stubblefield became the most sampled drummer of all time and how the rhythms of the funky drummer emerged as the foundational sound of hip-hop-despite minimal recognition and compensation"-- Provided by publisher.

This newest book in the series is a one-stop guide to tending houseplants successfully. Inside is everything you'll need to know about growing them--from ones that trail, climb, and flower to carnivorous plants, succulents, and cacti--even citrus, vegetables, and herbs!

"An urgent indictment of the food we eat, how it is making us sick, and the choices that led us here, and a call for a revolutionary new food system that can mend our health, economy, and planet, from a world-renowned expert in nutrition, medicine, and public policy. The food we eat is making us sick. In the United States and around the world, diet has become the leading cause of illness and premature death, from obesity and diabetes to heart disease and other chronic ailments. Advocates of healthier diets pin the blame on overeating, but the bigger issue is what we undereat-the dearth of food that nourishes and heals. Harnessing the power of the right foods can do more than prevent illness; it can treat it, extending life while reducing the crippling cost of ill health to our communities and economy. Food Is Medicine shows the way, from transforming our own diets to keep us healthy to getting the right foods from our farms, into our stores and onto our plates-all while eating plentifully and pleasurably. A global authority, uniquely positioned on the front lines of nutrition science, medicine, and public policy, Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH draws on cutting-edge research to turn complex science into a clear, actionable program to end the health crisis in our homes and communities. Excavating the decisions that led to a broken food system, plagued by the harms of ultraprocessing and ruinous to the environment, he lays out how the meals we eat are damaging our bodies. He reveals the medicinal, healing power of ideal nutrition and introduces the innovators who are pioneering solutions-at the doctor's office, in supermarkets, in the halls of Congress, and above all for individuals, to empower them to access the foods they need to live well. With clarity and optimism, braiding storytelling, science, and practical wisdom, Food Is Medicine lays out a vision for a twenty-first century food system that will restore health, nourishment, and equity without sacrificing convenience or choice. In the process, these solutions can revitalize our economy, and even help to heal our planet"-- Provided by publisher.

For forty thousand years, we have been carving and moulding, shaping and chiselling, feeling our way and sensing our place in the world through sculpture. In this accessible, story-led journey into the heart of sculpture, renowned art historian and curator Jo Baring explores creativity, memory and why we have been driven to make art in this medium since the very beginning of humanity. She examines sculptures from the pre-historic Lion Man figure found in a German cave, to an ancient Mayan pyramid that conjures a serpent made of shadows and icons of the Italian Renaissance such as Michelangelo's devastating Pietà. Along the way, we encounter in a fresh light the work of twentieth century and contemporary giants such as Alberto Giacometti, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, Constantin Brâncusi, Louise Bourgeois, Yayoi Kusama and Antony Gormley, among others. Lyrical and beautifully illustrated, Totem is a celebration of art, those creating it and those it means something to.

Combining recipes, personal stories, and illustrations, Sonali Menezes offers an approachable guide to preparing nourishing meals during difficult times. Drawing on her experiences with mental health and disordered eating, she explores food, self-care, grief, and the challenges of everyday life.

"Homeschooling can be a tremendous gift to your children--a personalized education tailored to individual interests and learning styles. But what should you teach and when--and how do you integrate your homeschool program with state educational requirements? For a first-time homeschooler, the prospect of formulating an annual curriculum can be daunting. In Home Learning Year by Year Rebecca Rupp presents structured plans and creative alternatives for kids in preschool through high school, covering both core subjects for each grade and often-neglected disciplines such as philosophy, comparative religion, civics, public speaking, current events, cooking, outdoor activities, architecture, and engineering. Included are book lists, hands-on activities, suggestions for teaching with movies and games, and information on contests and competitions, summer camps, and study abroad. Now revised throughout, with all-new updates featuring hundreds of resources to homeschool your child at all ages, along with new information about college and alternatives, Home Learning Year by Year continues to be the definitive book for the homeschooling parent.." -- Provided by the publisher.

"You're sick of the constant push-and-pull to get your kids to clean (which, let's be real, often ends up with you doing it yourself). With Notice and Do, there's a new way. Through accessible but revolutionary techniques, parenting coach Sam Kelly will teach you how to empower your entire family to share the mental load and proactively contribute at home with eight black and white illustrations and 14 photos. This proven, research-backed method breaks the cycle of burnout and inequitable partnerships, liberating moms from the burden of being the engine that keeps everything running, and sets your kids up to be self-motivated, resilient adults." --

"A deeply reported and personal exploration of identity, resilience, and belonging from one of the most influential Spanish-language journalists in the world, Essential offers a nuanced, urgent portrait of what it means to be Latino in today's America and the contradictions of being vital to a country that still struggles to recognize you fully"-- Provided by publisher.

"The dramatic, high-stakes account of Artemis II, the first human journey into deep space in fifty years, told from the perspective of Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The historic Artemis II mission was celebrated around the world and broke the record for the farthest distance humans have ever travelled from Earth. Jeremy Hansen and his crew mates viewed parts of the moon never before seen by human eyes, journeyed a total of roughly 1,117,659 kilometres, took the next step in space travel--and won the hearts of everyone back home on Earth in the process. Now, Earthrise gives readers a passenger-seat view into the daring deep-space journey and the long years of intense training, grit, and perseverance Hansen needed to prepare for lift-off and fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming an astronaut. A riveting and intimate account of the iconic achievement of Artemis II, Earthrise--written by author John Larsen and based on extensive interviews he conducted with Hansen--is a testament to what can be achieved with unity, teamwork, and a bold belief in humanity's ability to reach for the stars"--