This Was Not the Plan starts out as a funny and sharply observed campus novel and then deepens into a thought-provoking examination of the complicated and always thorny politics of abortion. Daphne Uviller is a shrewd and compassionate writer, able to imagine a wide variety of intersecting lives and outlooks, and find humor in even the darkest moments. - Tom Perrotta, author of Election and Tracy Flick Can't Win
When theater director Sylvia Tanisman wins her first Tony award, her husband takes the occasion to announce he's divorcing her. Sylvia flees the shambles of her marriage by accepting a visiting professorship at Linden, an elite college in Pierre, New York. A few counties north, high school senior Meg Croyden has narrowly survived a self-destructive, rebellious youth and is headed to Linden on a full scholarship. In the town of Pierre, lifelong resident and devout Catholic Caroline Byrne McClanahan struggles with the secret shame of a family that is falling apart. When circumstances bring them all to the local abortion clinic in Pierre, the fates of these three women hailing from starkly different worlds are forever entwined.
This Was Not the Plan tackles one of the most important issues of our time with humor, compassion, and authenticity. The collision of the lives of Sylvia, Meg, and Caroline reminds us of the dangers of thinking in black and white and the possibility of finding humanity in each other, even where you least expect it.
In this philosophical work, Henri Bergson explores the nature and purpose of laughter, analyzing what makes things funny and how humor functions within society. Bergson delves into the mechanisms behind comic situations, human behavior, and social interactions, proposing that laughter serves as a corrective force to promote social harmony. His insights offer a timeless examination of humor, blending philosophy with psychological observation.
Penguin Island (original title: L'Île des Pingouins) is a satirical novel by Anatole France, published in 1908. The book uses the fictional story of a society of penguins transformed into humans to critique various aspects of human society, such as religion, politics, and history.
The novel begins with a monk named Mael, who mistakenly baptizes a group of penguins, turning them into humans. As these newly humanized penguins form a society called Penguinia, they go through the stages of civilization, from primitive beginnings to a modern state, mirroring the rise and fall of human civilizations throughout history.
Through the development of Penguinia, Anatole France satirizes the absurdities and follies of human behavior, exploring themes such as the corrupting influence of power, the conflicts between science and religion, and the cyclical nature of history. The novel is known for its sharp wit, humor, and insightful commentary on human nature and societal issues.
Penguin Island is considered one of France's most significant works, showcasing his ability to blend fantasy with social and political critique. The book remains a notable example of literary satire, reflecting France's skepticism and humanistic perspective.
This classic self-help book delves into the power of thought and the law of attraction as tools for personal success and fulfillment. Through a structured 24-week program, Haanel guides readers in harnessing their mental energy, visualizing goals, and creating a positive mindset to unlock potential and achieve prosperity. The Master Key System has influenced many in the fields of personal development and the New Thought movement, emphasizing self-mastery and inner focus.
Why is one mad sad and another man happy? Why is one man joyous and prosperous and another man poor and miserable? Why is one man fearful and anxious and another full of faith and confidence? Dr. Joseph Murphy answers these questions and many more in his best-selling self-help book, which shows you how to unleash your hidden strengths to gain confidence and success in everyday life.
Aimed at guiding young girls through the transition from childhood to womanhood, Beautiful Girlhood offers advice on character development, virtues, and personal growth. With an emphasis on modesty, integrity, and respect, Hale's work encourages young readers to cultivate qualities that foster a meaningful and purposeful life. This classic guide remains popular for its focus on building character and nurturing inner beauty.
Collected in Volume One are the original Tom Swift's first four adventures:
Tales of Three Hemispheres is a collection of fantasy short stories by Lord Dunsany. The first edition was published in 1919 and has became one of the keystones of modern fantasy fiction, influencing such authors as J.R.R. Tolkien, H.P. Lovecraft, Ursula K. LeGuin, and many, many more.
This edition of Dunsany's masterwork includes a new introduction by Darrell Schweitzer, one of the world's leading Dunsany scholars, and a new frontispiece portrait of Lord Dunsany by John Betancourt.
This philosophical and occult treatise explores complex metaphysical ideas, blending religion, science, and mysticism. It examines profound topics such as the nature of the soul, the existence of God, and the workings of the universe, all framed within paradoxes that challenge conventional thinking. The text aims to stimulate deep reflection on the highest truths, questioning the limits of human understanding and the mysteries of existence.