Molten Eternities

Molten Eternities

Sanam

Nonfiction / Cultural / Pakistan

Molten Eternities is a collection of short poems that etch out the dogmas of this universe and attempt to have a look on the other side. The poems poke the vast eeriness of the cosmos, and how it is an eternity and a brief moment, all at once. Caught up in this paradox of ‘time’ are all of us - molten fragments of an eternity, and shackled down by years, and lifetimesMolten Eternities is a collection of short poems that etch out the dogmas of this universe and attempt to have a look on the other side. The poems poke the vast eeriness of the cosmos, and how it is an eternity and a brief moment, all at once. Caught up in this paradox of ‘time’ are all of us - molten fragments of an eternity, and shackled down by years, and lifetimes. Lifetimes that thrive on promises and vows. Each one of us yearning for a love that is flawless and yet, evades us. The poems reflect the turmoil that each one of us faces as we grapple with emotions that race through our veins. Short and crisp, these short poems paint a lush landscape of thoughts in a handful of words. They try and ponder what we all seek in our lifetimes, and what awaits us at the end of it all, when, we pass on into the stagnant Universe.Only to become an eternity, once again..
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The Debt of Tears

The Debt of Tears

Cao Xueqin

Classics / Fiction / Cultural

"The Story of the Stone" (c. 1760), also known by the title of "The Dream of the Red Chamber", is the great novel of manners in Chinese literature. Divided into five volumes, of which "The Debt of Tears" is the fourth, it charts the glory and decline of the illustrious Jia family (a story which closely accords with the fortunes of the author's own family). The two main characters, Bao-yu and Dai-yu, are set against a rich tapestry of humour, realistic detail and delicate poetry, which accurately reflects the ritualized hurly-burly of Chinese family life. But over and above the novel hangs the constant reminder that there is another plane of existence a theme, which affirms the Buddhist belief in a supernatural scheme of things.
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Still Wind, Forgotten Days

Still Wind, Forgotten Days

BobA. Troutt

Cultural / Ireland / Romance

Still Wind, Forgotten Days contains enchanting stories of people who face impossible odds and life’s tragic moments. But, through their determining willpower and blessings from God, they are able to overcome the obstacles and endure life’s problems to achieve victory.Living on Yesterday’s DimeWe all have dreams of what we’ll be or do when we grow up. Some of the dreams come true and others don’t. This is an intriguing story of Lewis Moore who dreamed of being a singer; he wanted to sing on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Just released from prison, he starts his journey to make his dream come true and endures many hardship and struggles in the process. But, although he tries, does he make it?The Undertaker’s DaughterWallace Wiggins, his wife, Pamela, and their daughter, Billy Jo moved from Brandon, Ohio to Mule Creek, Kentucky. Not long afterwards, Pamela meets a man by the name of Todd at a coffee shop. From that point on, the story spirals into several twists and turns. Wallace, an undertaker and coroner, couldn’t accept Pamela’s infidelity and Billy Jo is involved in a final twist that sends the story in a different direction.Living Between Two Stop SignsLiving Between Two Stop Signs is a fun piece of work depicting the old memoires and the life of an old man living between two stop signs. With a spiritual twist, the story unravels the memories from his past and the things of today.In the Cold of NightA family torn apart by the threat of divorce after they have tried everything to make their marriage work makes a last ditch effort to bring their family together. They take a trip to their favorite place to see if they can work things out. It’s their last hope. Will the family come together or will it drive them further apart?Stolen HeartStolen Heart is an enlightening story of a young girl named Jo Meaghan. She is extremely talented with a personality that wins the hearts of many. Her gift and ability sets her apart from everyone else. As the story carries on in victory, it suddenly takes a turn for the worst. But, even in the tragic moments, Jo Meaghan steals the hearts of many more.The Thorns of RoseRosemary and her two children live in a tragic world of domestic violence which is the thorns in Rose’s life. Her overbearing and controlling husband terrorizes her and the children in fear. But, she still loves him; she hopes and prays someday he will be the man she fell in love with and married. What happens to turn their lives around? What will go wrong? He said it was her.The Valley of the LostThe Valley of the Lost is a fun piece of work. It is a play on words that brings out hidden thoughts about life. The spiral twists enhance the story to reveal a lot of truths but it is also fun for the reader to enjoy. Have fun!
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No One Will Ever Find Out

No One Will Ever Find Out

EA Young

History / Cultural / African American

“I leaned my head against the backseat window and looked up. It was dark and gloomy out there; the sun’s glow was fading behind the distant trees and houses. The cool night winds wailed all around, making the tip of my ears sting. Everything the nuns had said was true: there was a hell, and I was heading directly towards it.”Anxious for school to end and summer to begin, Justine Collins dreams the warm days of freedom away from the classroom, away from the teachers, away from the exams; splashing at the beach, enjoying barbecues on picnics, screaming on roller coasters, and relishing special moments with her family. But doubt lingers as the fear of secrets buried away turn her world upside down when that one night comes to crush her dreams before her summer even begins, and sends her spiraling down a path she could not avoid, no matter how hard she had tried to ignore it. Only when she owns up to her fears does she discover that she is not alone.
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The Towers

The Towers

Charles Miller

History / Nonfiction / Cultural

The most traumatic disaster in modern history. The short, explosive story of a boy and his life changing quest to save his father.Long, long ago in a land at the edge of a desert that howls against the walls of the village, a poor young boy named Samir is sent to work for a strange old man who stays up all night listening to the stars. In his curiosity to find out why, Samir stumbles upon a secret and is swept up in an epic journey across the ancient world. It is up to him and his brother Hamdan - with a lot of help from Munira, the camel - to deliver a very special treasure to a king and perhaps rescue their land from disaster. Can they overcome thieves and a sandstorm to reach their destination in time?This imaginative reconstruction of the tale of the Magi will appeal to children aged five and over, and draws on real astronomical research into the real Christmas Star. The story is set in the ancient Middle East, in which region the author lived for many years - although at a much later date, of course!
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The Colours of Schizophrenia

The Colours of Schizophrenia

David Holloway

History / Nonfiction / Cultural

The Colours of Schizophrenia is a life journey with insights into the mind of a man with mental illness. The book describes the nature of paranoid schizophrenia, written with a fresh and balanced viewpoint. The poems are uplifting and sentimental, describing love, delusions, depression, recovery, and much more.The Colours of Schizophrenia is a reflection of a life journey through mental illness. These poems navigate through the mind, emotional state of recovery with a fresh vision of the soul. The poems depict the rage between reality, and the savage character of paranoid schizophrenia. Written in partnership with SEPT (NHS).
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Odds n Ends

Odds n Ends

BobA. Troutt

Cultural / Ireland / Romance

Odds n Ends is a mixed collection of seasoned stories for you to enjoy. The collection of stories is made up of fun reading along with some crime and adventure. The enduring stories work together to achieve the goal of enhancing your day of reading.CRY AT HIDDEN POINTAlice Ann is a young girl that disappears in 1910. Her abductor holds her captive for years until she finally escapes. The next few years she spends time in a mental hospital, until she escapes. ROOM 6Randall and Faye have a wonderful life together. Their story is one of many blessings for the reader to enjoy. Through their struggles and hardships in life, along with Alzheimer’s, their love endures to an everlasting end. CASE #02A085-4The entangling of two murders establishes a courtroom battle for the fight of a man’s life. Did he commit both murders or is he innocent. The suspicious DA holds the answer.TOO TALLGrowing up, at the hands of others, can be cruel at times. The many hurtful factors in life can awaken you into a world you may not want to face. But, Too Tall finds out, we all have a choice.WHICH CHOICE TO CHOOSEThis is a fun piece the reader can enjoy. It will take you on an adventure with an old wise man and a little boy. In the end, you find out two heads are better than one.DADDY, CAN I HAVE THE MOON?Children sometimes come up with some of the most off-the-wall things. Willie Ruth asked her dad if she could have the moon. What do you think was his response?KORNFIELD BASEBALLPlay ball is a full satire on country baseball that children enjoyed as they were growing up. Friends would get together in a cow pasture and play ball all day long. It’s a fun piece of entertainment and recreation for the mind.
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The White Tiger

The White Tiger

Aravind Adiga

Fiction / Cultural / India

A stunning literary debut critics have likened to Richard Wright's Native Son, The White Tiger follows a darkly comic Bangalore driver through the poverty and corruption of modern India's caste society. The white tiger of this novel is Balram Halwai, a poor Indian villager whose great ambition leads him to the zenith of Indian business culture, the world of the Bangalore entrepreneur. On the occasion of the president of China's impending trip to Bangalore, Balram writes a letter to him describing his transformation and his experience as driver and servant to a wealthy Indian family, which he thinks exemplifies the contradictions and complications of Indian society.
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Beyond The Truth

Beyond The Truth

BobA. Troutt

Cultural / Ireland / Romance

BEYOND THE TRUTH is a collection of favorite enriching stories of a variety that will enhance your reading with unforgettable feelings. The truth is always there, but when we look a little further sometimes we find more of the unseen, hidden pieces of secrets that may be overlooked. That may say more about the truth that could twist your thought another way.CROOKED CREEK, MISSISSIPPI:While traveling through a small town in Mississippi, Jessie’s life is suddenly turned upside down from the disappearance of a white girl. Little did he know that his stop at the diner to get a bit to eat would eventually wind him up in prison. The present twist and the past of years ago worked together to enrich the story and feed the mystery of a haunting past of a retired lawyer who takes Jessie’s case to find the truth and uncover more hidden secrets.GAVEL:Revenge can be sweet, but at the same time it can cost you all that you have. A man’s daughter is murdered and her daddy takes out to get even with the justice system of Atlanta only to find a devastation playback on influential people. Not only did his revenge cost him in the end but cost his victim more than they are willing to pay. His payback was quick and sweet with a bang. The fireworks lit the city skies up and at the same time he brought justice for his daughter’s death.SWEETWATER CREEK, KENTUCKY:Just another typical day in Sweetwater as two children thought as they left home to go to the store. While on their way they decide to take a shortcut down by the springhouse. But on their way back their lives would never be the same. Hidden in the springhouse and afraid for their lives, the two children witness a murder. As the story unravels, the little black girl is to testify against three white boys. This puts their family in danger. The word of a jailbreak keeps everyone on alert. But in the courtroom some unseen secrets are brought to the surface to bring the story into a surprise end.FORGET-ME-NOTS:Innocent childhood love enlightens a road of danger. Two childhood sweethearts get locked together into and adventure that will eventually lead their lives in a way they never thought of. Forget-me-nots were her favorite. They once covered the field of their special place when they were children. But in the end only a few flowers are left, spread here and there and she is gone.APARTMENT 1-C:In life, love can be good and season your life out in so many happy ways. But, to love can hurt and drive you into ways you never would dream of. War was going on in Europe. A stopover in a small town finds two lonely people looking for their life’s adventure. While on furlough they met and their love became instant, a time that will be remembered for the rest of their life. But, war and time away from each other soon fades out that unforgettable moment and soon love is but a memory of long ago. She spent the rest of her life as a recluse, shut off from the rest of the world. But through the years she held her love for him deep and true within her heart only to die alone and take her memories with her.
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De-Witched!

De-Witched!

Stephanie Dagg

Cultural / France / Nonfiction

This is another story about Cackling Carol the witch, Big Roddy her dog and their best friend Broom. Well meaning social workers find Cackling Carol in her cold and dark witch's cavern and rehome her in a sparkling clean new flat in the town. Carol hates it and can't wait to leave, but slowly and surely she becomes - de-witched! Whatever will Broom and Big Roddy do?This is the second story about Cackling Carol and her witch's dog, Big Roddy, and their best friend Broom. In this adventure, Cackling Carol is taken into care by well meaing social workers. They find her a horribly clean flat without even a single cobweb and keep giving her cups of tea, which Cackling Carol hates. Carol can't wait to leave.But, thanks to her neighbour Flo, Carol starts going shopping and buying nice clothes. She has her hair done and even gets her nails manicured. What with all this retail therapy and visits to the cinema, suddenly Cackling Carol doesn't have time for her faithful dog and broom any more. She'd been de-witched.Whatever will Broom and Big Roddy do?
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The Job: Based on a True Story (I Mean, This is Bound to have Happened Somewhere)

The Job: Based on a True Story (I Mean, This is Bound to have Happened Somewhere)

Craig Davis

History / Nonfiction / Cultural

Joe B. enjoys the sweet life as a vice president at a huge conglomerate, Universal Whirligig. But along with the Big Boss' favor, he has also gained the notice of a bitter human resources manager, Luci Fernandez. Hateful of any success but her own, Luci manages to get him demoted to the mail room! A rollicking comedy of errors follows. "The Job" is a modern parable of ancient troubles and truths.Feisty female-wrestler Kate beats Nick into a pulp. Gazing up at her sweat-soaked skin, red face, and narrowed eyes, something entirely unexpected happens… He falls in love. So begins a whirlwind romance, set in the romantic utopia of the Washington State High School Wrestling Meet. However, fractures quickly divide them. Nick fights the cloud of darkness that threatens to overwhelm him. Meanwhile, Kate harbors a secret, one that slowly eats away at her from the inside out. And in the end, if they can’t overcome their differences, one of them will die.
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Q & A

Q & A

Vikas Swarup

Fiction / Cultural / India

Vikas Swarup's spectacular debut novel opens in a jail cell in Mumbai, India, where Ram Mohammad Thomas is being held after correctly answering all twelve questions on India's biggest quiz show, Who Will Win a Billion? It is hard to believe that a poor orphan who has never read a newspaper or gone to school could win such a contest. But through a series of exhilarating tales Ram explains to his lawyer how episodes in his life gave him the answer to each question. Ram takes us on an amazing review of his own history - from the day he was found as a baby in the clothes donation box of a Delhi church to his employment by a faded Bollywood star to his adventure with a security-crazed Australian army colonel to his career as an overly creative tour guide at the Taj Mahal. Vikas Swarup's Q & A is a beguiling blend of high comedy, drama, and romance that reveals how we know what we know - not just about trivia, but about life itself. Cutting across humanity in all its squalor and glory, Vikas Swarup presents a kaleidoscopic vision of the struggle between good and evil - and what happens when one boy has no other choice in life but to survive.
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You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty

Akwaeke Emezi

Fiction / Cultural / Africa

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2022 by The Washington Post, Oprah Daily, Vulture, Harper's Bazaar, Thrillist, Essence, Good Housekeeping, Glamour, Marie Claire, Parade, Bustle, BuzzFeed, Refinery29, Business Insider, The Guardian, Financial Times, PopSugar, Book Riot, LitHub, Bookish, LGBTQ Reads, and more! "A deeply heartfelt romance novel." —Marie Claire "Riveting...emotional." —Book Riot A New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and "one of our greatest living writers" (Shondaland) reimagines the love story in this fresh and seductive novel about a young woman seeking joy while healing from...
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Maybe the Horse Will Talk

Maybe the Horse Will Talk

Elliot Perlman

Fiction / Cultural / Australia

'I am absolutely terrified of losing a job I absolutely hate.'Stephen Maserov has problems. A onetime teacher, married to fellow teacher Eleanor, he has retrained and is now a second-year lawyer working at mega-firm Freely Savage Carter Blanche. Despite toiling around the clock to make budget, he's in imminent danger of being downsized. And to make things worse, Eleanor, sick of single-parenting their two young children thanks to Stephen's relentless work schedule, has asked him to move out. To keep the job he hates, pay the mortgage and salvage his marriage, he will have to do something strikingly daring, something he never thought himself capable of. But if he's not careful, it might be the last job he ever has... Warm, dramatic, and at times laugh-out-loud funny, with the narrative pull of a thriller, Maybe the Horse Will Talk is a love story, a reflection on contemporary marriage, and on friendship. It is also an unflinching examination of sexual...
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