Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres

Jane Smiley's A Thousand Acres PDF Author: Susan Elizabeth Farrell
Publisher: A&C Black
ISBN: 9780826452351
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description
Continuum Contemporaries will be a wonderful source of ideas and inspiration for members of book clubs and readings groups, as well as for literature students.The aim of the series is to give readers accessible and informative introductions to 30 of the most popular, most acclaimed, and most influential novels of recent years. A team of contemporary fiction scholars from both sides of the Atlantic has been assembled to provide a thorough and readable analysis of each of the novels in question. The books in the series will all follow the same structure:a biography of the novelist, including other works, influences, and, in some cases, an interview; a full-length study of the novel, drawing out the most important themes and ideas; a summary of how the novel was received upon publication; a summary of how the novel has performed since publication, including film or TV adaptations, literary prizes, etc.; a wide range of suggestions for further reading, including websites and discussion forums; and a list of questions for reading groups to discuss.

The High Sierra

The High Sierra PDF Author: Kim Stanley Robinson
Publisher: Little, Brown
ISBN: 0316306819
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 714

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Book Description
A “sublime” and “radically original” exploration of the Sierra Nevadas, the best mountains on Earth for hiking and camping, from New York Times bestselling novelist Kim Stanley Robinson (Bill McKibben, Gary Snyder). Kim Stanley Robinson first ventured into the Sierra Nevada mountains during the summer of 1973. He returned from that encounter a changed man, awed by a landscape that made him feel as if he were simultaneously strolling through an art museum and scrambling on a jungle gym like an energized child. He has returned to the mountains throughout his life—more than a hundred trips—and has gathered a vast store of knowledge about them. The High Sierra is his lavish celebration of this exceptional place and an exploration of what makes this span of mountains one of the most compelling places on Earth. Over the course of a vivid and dramatic narrative, Robinson describes the geological forces that shaped the Sierras and the history of its exploration, going back to the indigenous peoples who made it home and whose traces can still be found today. He celebrates the people whose ideas and actions protected the High Sierra for future generations. He describes uniquely beautiful hikes and the trails to be avoided. Robinson’s own life-altering events, defining relationships, and unforgettable adventures form the narrative’s spine. And he illuminates the human communion with the wild and with the sublime, including the personal growth that only seems to come from time spent outdoors. The High Sierra is a gorgeous, absorbing immersion in a place, born out of a desire to understand and share one of the greatest rapture-inducing experiences our planet offers. Packed with maps, gear advice, more than 100 breathtaking photos, and much more, it will inspire veteran hikers, casual walkers, and travel readers to prepare for a magnificent adventure.

Paleomythic

Paleomythic PDF Author: Graham Rose
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
ISBN: 1472834798
Category : Games & Activities
Languages : en
Pages : 290

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Book Description
Paleomythic is a roleplaying game of grim survival and mythical adventures in the land of Ancient Mu, a harsh prehistoric world full of mysterious ruins and temples to explore, huge and terrible creatures that roam and spread fear across the land, and nefarious mystics and sorcerers who plot dark schemes from the shadows. It is a world of biting cold winters, of people hunting and foraging to survive, and tribes that wage relentless war. Taking on the roles of hunters, healers, warriors, soothsayers, and more, players will navigate a world of hostile tribes, otherworldly spirits, prehistoric beasts, and monstrous creatures lurking in the dark places of the world. Players have huge scope in sculpting the game experience that best suits them, whether it's a gritty survival story without a trace of the mystical or a tale of grand adventure and exploration in a mythic setting.

Concise Encyclopedia of Materials Characterization

Concise Encyclopedia of Materials Characterization PDF Author: R.W. Cahn
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 1483287513
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 670

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Book Description
To use materials effectively, their composition, degree of perfection, physical and mechanical characteristics, and microstructure must be accurately determined. This concise encyclopledia covers the wide range of characterization techniques necessary to achieve this. Articles included are not only concerned with the characterization techniques of specific materials such as polymers, metals, ceramics and semiconductors but also techniques which can be applied to materials in general. The techniques described cover bulk methods, and also a number of specific methods to study the topography and composition of surface and near-surface regions. These techniques range from the well-established and traditional to the very latest including: atomic force microscopy; confocal optical microscopy; gamma ray diffractometry; thermal wave imaging; x-ray diffraction and time-resolved techniques. This unique concise encyclopedia comprises 116 articles by leading experts in the field from around the world to create the ideal guide for materials scientists, chemists and engineers involved with any aspect of materials characterization. With over 540 illustrations, extensive cross-referencing, approximately 900 references, and a detailed index, this concise encyclopedia will be a valuable asset to any materials science collection.

A Hint of Murder

A Hint of Murder PDF Author: Bill Valiontis
Publisher: Bill Valiontis
ISBN:
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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Book Description
Rain lashed against the Victorian townhouse, each drop a staccato note on the cobblestones below. Detective Inspector Eira Davies pulled her collar tighter, a shiver snaking down her spine despite the heavy wool coat. The iron railing felt cold against her palm as she peered into the gaping maw of the open door. A yellow crime scene tape blocked the way, stark against the gloom. This wasn't her usual stomping ground – the elegant streets of Kensington were a world away from the gritty back alleys of Whitechapel where Eira honed her skills. But tonight, fate, or perhaps a perverse sense of irony, had delivered her here.

The Way of the Well

The Way of the Well PDF Author: Dr. Elisa Robyn
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 146207393X
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 222

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Book Description
"Everything that has happened to you, every life choice you have made, every road you have traveled has led without deviation to this point, to this moment. I have known who you were for years, even watched you as you grew. When I saw your face in the wine glass at the new moon I knew you were ready and it was time to contact you. The final choice is yours. I offer to guide you to the path of your divine purpose, but only you can take the first step, only you can commit to the journey." These words from the old woman in the synagogue begin the adventure of Rachel Cohen's life; a journey that will take her through the ten gateways that guard Miriam's Well. In the classic tradition of a heroine's journey she finds friends and mentors, challenges and dangers, family and romance, and her life purpose. A richly written spiritual romance, with real characters and surprising twists.

Blood Fire of Banja Rouge

Blood Fire of Banja Rouge PDF Author: Kelvin L. Singleton
Publisher: Kelvin L. Singleton
ISBN: 0997904127
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 460

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Book Description
Blood Fire of Banja Rouge: Banja and Yara Rouge stand to lose both their children to the willful and violent destruction of a school bus on its way to a high school athletics award ceremony. Because of the insensitive actions of Mayor Larkin Mecklenburg, who demands preferential treatment in the rescue of his children over all others, the Rouge family suffers the devastating loss of one child while the other lies in a coma, slipping nearer to death after two failed brain surgical procedures. Born in the vicious era of President François Duvalier and the much-maligned Tonton Macoute, now desperate to save his comatose teenager, Banja Rouge calls upon the Gods of his Haitian ancestry. To gain their favor of granting him the Fire Bond, Banja Rouge must first perform the brutal Blood Fire ritual to exact vengeance on sworn enemies of the Mecklenburg family. While wielding the ceremonial Blade of the Red Hurricane, Banja Rouge must complete a physically taxing dance to please the Harbingers of Life and Death. Through it all, there shall be pain.

The Aztec, Inca and Maya

The Aztec, Inca and Maya PDF Author: Martin J Dougherty
Publisher: Amber Books Ltd
ISBN: 183886010X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 415

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Book Description
The Aztec, Inca and Maya charts the rise and fall pre-Columbian civilizations in Mesoamerica and South America, from the Maya to the Aztec and Inca empires, as well as the Zapotec, Olmec, Teotihuacan and Toltec civilizations from the 2nd century BCE to the 16th century CE.

The Son Of The Halflings (The Halflings of Athranor 1)

The Son Of The Halflings (The Halflings of Athranor 1) PDF Author: Alfred Bekker
Publisher: Alfredbooks
ISBN: 3745225201
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 425

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Book Description
Alfred Bekker The Son Of The Halflings (The Halflings of Athranor 1) Arvan Aradis is a human, but he grows up among the halflings and leads a quiet, tranquil life. Until he meets the elf Lirandil and learns of the terrible threat that has risen in the realm of the orcs. The corrupter of fate has awakened! Lirandil wants to forge an alliance against his dark hordes. Arvan and the halflings Borro, Neldo and Zalea join him. At the beginning they are just looking for an adventure. But not for the first time, it is the small race on whom the salvation of the world depends. The following books about the HALBLINGS OF ATHRANOR have also been published: The Son of the Halflings. The Heir of the Halflings. The Liberator of the Halflings Alfred Bekker is a well-known author of fantasy novels, thrillers and books for young people. In addition to his major book successes, he has written numerous novels for suspense series such as Ren Dhark, Jerry Cotton, Cotton Reloaded, Kommissar X, John Sinclair, and Jessica Bannister. He has also published under the names Neal Chadwick, Henry Rohmer, Conny Walden, and Janet Farell.

Servant of the Underworld

Servant of the Underworld PDF Author: Aliette de Bodard
Publisher: Jabberwocky Literary Agency, Inc.
ISBN: 1625671644
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 444

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Book Description
The first book in the critically acclaimed Obsidian and Blood trilogy: Year One-Knife, Tenochtitlan the capital of the Aztecs. Human sacrifice and the magic of the living blood are the only things keeping the sun in the sky and the earth fertile. A Priestess disappears from an empty room drenched in blood. It should be a usual investigation for Acatl, High Priest of the Dead--except that his estranged brother is involved, and the the more he digs, the deeper he is drawn into the political and magical intrigues of noblemen, soldiers, and priests-and of the gods themselves... REVIEWS: ‘ gripping mystery steeped in blood and ancient Aztec magic. I was enthralled.’ — Sean Williams ‘An Aztec priest of the dead tries to solve a murder mystery, and finds that politics may be even more powerful than magic. A vivid portrayal of an interesting culture in a truly fresh fantasy novel.’ — Kevin J. Anderson ‘Amid the mud and maize of the Mexica empire, Aliette de Bodard has composed a riveting story of murder, magic and sibling rivalry.’ — Elizabeth Bear ‘The world-building is exquisite and we *believe* we are transported to the 15th century Tenotichtlan and together with the superb voice they formed the main reason I enjoyed this book so much... Highly recommended... Ms. de Bodard is a writer to watch.’ — Fantasy Book Critic