Richard A. Walker

"Pictures of a Gone City: Tech and the Dark Side of Prosperity in the San Francisco Bay Area" by Richard A. Walker is an insightful exploration of the socio-economic and cultural impacts of the tech boom in the San Francisco Bay Area. Walker examines how rapid technological advancement and economic growth have reshaped the region, highlighting the resulting social inequalities, displacement issues, and cultural shifts. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, data analysis, and historical context, Walker offers a critical perspective on the costs of prosperity and the changing dynamics of a once-idealized urban landscape.

Light Paperback (1 lb or less)

California

Tech and the Dark Side of Prosperity in the San Francisco Bay Area

This exploration begins by tracing the concentration of IT in Greater Silicon Valley and the resulting growth in start-ups, jobs, and wealth. This is followed by a look at the new working class of color and the millions earning poverty wages. The middle chapters survey the urban scene, including the housing bubble and the newly exploded metropolis, and the final chapters take on the political questions raised by the environmental impact of the boom, the fantastical ideology of TechWorld, and the tech-led transformation of the region.

Pictures of a Gone City

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Bill Minutaglio

Steven L. Davis

"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Timothy Leary, Richard Nixon, and the Hunt for the Fugitive King of LSD" by Bill Minutaglio and Steven L. Davis delves into the dramatic clash between countercultural icon Timothy Leary and President Richard Nixon. The book chronicles Leary's rise as a proponent of psychedelic drugs and his subsequent flight from the law, set against a backdrop of Nixon’s intense campaign to suppress the counterculture movement. Through a gripping narrative, Minutaglio and Davis explore the broader cultural and political ramifications of Leary’s controversial ideas and the fierce opposition they provoked, offering a vivid portrait of an era marked by ideological conflict and radical change.

Hardcover (1 to 2 lbs)

Timothy Leary, Richard Nixon and the Hunt for the Fugitive King of LSD

From Bill Minutaglio and Steven L. Davis, authors of the PEN Center USA award-winning Dallas 1963, comes a madcap narrative about Timothy Leary's daring prison escape and run from the law. On the moonlit evening of September 12, 1970, an ex-Harvard professor with a genius I.Q. studies a twelve-foot high fence topped with barbed wire. A few months earlier, Dr. Timothy Leary, the High Priest of LSD, had been running a gleeful campaign for California governor against Ronald Reagan. Now, Leary is six months into a ten-year prison sentence for the crime of possessing two marijuana cigarettes. Aided by the radical Weather Underground, Leary's escape from prison is the counterculture's union of "dope and dynamite," aimed at sparking a revolution and overthrowing the government. Inside the Oval Office, President Richard Nixon drinks his way through sleepless nights as he expands the war in Vietnam and plots to unleash the United States government against his ever-expanding list of domestic enemies. Antiwar demonstrators are massing by the tens of thousands; homemade bombs are exploding everywhere; Black Panther leaders are threatening to burn down the White House; and all the while Nixon obsesses over tracking down Timothy Leary, whom he has branded "the most dangerous man in America." Based on freshly uncovered primary sources and new firsthand interviews, THE MOST DANGEROUS MAN IN AMERICA is an American thriller that takes readers along for the gonzo ride of a lifetime. Spanning twenty-eight months, President Nixon's careening, global manhunt for Dr. Timothy Leary winds its way among homegrown radicals, European aristocrats, a Black Panther outpost in Algeria, an international arms dealer, hash-smuggling hippies from the Brotherhood of Eternal Love, and secret agents on four continents, culminating in one of the trippiest journeys through the American counterculture.

The Most Dangerous Man in America

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Jim DeRogatis

"Milk It: Collected Musings on the Alternative Music Explosion of the '90s" by Jim Derogatis is a critical examination of the alternative music scene during one of its most influential decades. Through a series of essays and articles, Derogatis captures the rise of groundbreaking bands, the cultural impact of the genre, and the shifts in the music industry. His insightful commentary and interviews provide a comprehensive look at the era's transformative power and the artists who defined it. The book is both a nostalgic tribute and a critical analysis, offering readers a deep dive into the music and moments that shaped the '90s.

Collected Musings on the Alternative Music Explosion of the '90s

Taking its title with suitable slacker irony from a song on Nirvana's In Utero, Milk It! is an anthology of pieces written in the heat of the moment-an urgent and diverse overview that mirrors the chaotic rush of the postmodern sounds it covers. Headnotes and connective material-the "stories behind the stories"-provide running commentary on the music business, rock criticism, a troubled generation, and an attempt to put the fast-moving alternative-rock era in perspective from the safe distance of the comparatively bland new millennium. Compiled by a critic who shared the Generation X outlook, attitude, and biting sense of humor with the musicians that he covered-Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, and many others-Milk It! is the first serious attempt to chart the alternative music scene. Compelling, amusing, and provocative, Milk It! captures the excitement of an era, and reckons with its enduring influence.

Milk It

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Edward Snowden

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Edward Snowden, the man who risked everything to expose the US government's system of mass surveillance, reveals for the first time the story of his life, including how he helped to build that system and what motivated him to try to bring it down.

In 2013, twenty-nine-year-old Edward Snowden shocked the world when he broke with the American intelligence establishment and revealed that the United States government was secretly pursuing the means to collect every single phone call, text message, and email. The result would be an unprecedented system of mass surveillance with the ability to pry into the private lives of every person on earth. Six years later, Snowden reveals for the very first time how he helped to build this system and why he was moved to expose it.

Spanning the bucolic Beltway suburbs of his childhood and the clandestine CIA and NSA postings of his adulthood, Permanent Record is the extraordinary account of a bright young man who grew up online--a man who became a spy, a whistleblower, and, in exile, the Internet's conscience. Written with wit, grace, passion, and an unflinching candor, Permanent Record is a crucial memoir of our digital age and destined to be a classic.

Permanent Record

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Michelle Knight

Michelle Burford

"Finding Me" by Michelle Knight is a harrowing and powerful memoir that offers a raw and unflinching look into the author's life. Michelle Knight, one of the victims of Ariel Castro's infamous kidnappings, recounts her years of captivity with haunting clarity and emotional depth. Her bravery in sharing her story sheds light on the traumatic experiences she endured and the strength she found to overcome them.

The book is both a heartbreaking account of her abduction and abuse and a testament to her resilience and recovery. Knight’s narrative is compelling and poignant, capturing the intensity of her suffering and the slow, painful process of healing. Her writing is direct and honest, giving readers a vivid sense of her struggle and triumph.

"Finding Me" is more than just a story of survival; it is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for hope and recovery. It's an important read for anyone interested in understanding the impacts of trauma and the strength required to overcome it.

A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed: a Memoir of the Cleveland Kidnappings

Michelle Knight, the first of the three women abducted by notorious Cleveland kidnapper Ariel Castro, recounts the full story of her years in captivity, her escape, and the powerful inner strength and capacity for hope that has helped her rebuild her life.

Finding Me

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Amanda Berry

Gina DeJesus

Mary Jordan

Kevin Sullivan

*Hope: A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland* is the harrowing and inspiring story of Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus, two of the three women who were kidnapped and held captive for over a decade by Ariel Castro in Cleveland, Ohio. Co-written with acclaimed journalist Mary Jordan, this memoir details the women’s unimaginable experience of being abducted, their years of suffering, and their ultimate escape in 2013.

Told from both Amanda’s and Gina’s perspectives, the book sheds light on the physical and emotional torment they endured, as well as their determination to survive and hold onto hope in the darkest of circumstances. It also highlights the impact their disappearance had on their families and the Cleveland community. 

*Hope* is not only a gripping account of survival and resilience but also a testament to the power of courage and the human spirit, offering an intimate glimpse into the personal strength it took to overcome such an ordeal and find hope again.

A Memoir of Survival in Cleveland

Two victims of an infamous Cleveland kidnapper share the story of their abductions, their decade in captivity and their dramatic escape.

Hope

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Stan Toler

John C. Maxwell

*The Lasting Impact of Positive Leadership* by Stan Toler is an inspiring guide on how leaders can create meaningful and lasting change through positive influence. Toler draws from his decades of leadership experience to show that effective leaders are not just focused on short-term success but are committed to cultivating environments where people can thrive over time.

The book emphasizes the importance of empathy, encouragement, and resilience in leadership. Toler provides practical strategies for fostering positivity, boosting morale, and empowering teams to reach their full potential. With real-life examples, insights, and actionable advice, *The Lasting Impact of Positive Leadership* demonstrates how cultivating a positive leadership style can leave a lasting legacy on both individuals and organizations, inspiring growth, loyalty, and success.

"If you follow the simple yet profound wisdom in this book, then you, too, will take leadership to a level that you’ve never experienced." —John C. Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author Great Teams Start with Great Leaders You know that nobody succeeds alone—you need a great team. But when you’re the leader and you aren’t sure how to nurture the best from your crew, where can you turn for help? In The Lasting Impact of Positive Leadership, bestselling author Stan Toler serves as your coach and reveals what it takes to build a successful team. As you examine the proven strategies of great leaders, you will learn how to effectively connect and communicate, and how to motivate people and inspire them to give their best every day. Creating a positive culture starts with learning how to harness the principles of positive leadership. Become a positive leader…and discover for yourself the remarkable results that are sure to follow!

The Lasting Impact of Positive Leadership

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Mugambi Jouet

Exceptional America: What Divides Americans from the World and from Each Other by Mugambi Jouet explores the deep ideological and cultural divides that set the United States apart from other developed nations. Jouet, a French-American legal scholar, examines the concept of American exceptionalism— the belief that the U.S. is fundamentally different or superior to other countries—and how this notion has contributed to the country’s unique political polarization.

The book delves into topics such as healthcare, religion, gun control, social inequality, and mass incarceration, comparing U.S. policies and attitudes to those of other Western democracies. Jouet also investigates how historical and cultural factors have shaped America’s distinct path. Exceptional America offers a nuanced analysis of how these divisions are affecting the nation’s unity and place in the world, providing a global perspective on why Americans are increasingly divided from both each other and the international community.

Heavy Hardcover (2 to 4 lbs)

What Divides Americans from the World and from Each Other

Why does a country built on the concept of liberty have the highest incarceration rate in the world? How could the first Western nation to elect a person of color as its leader suffer from institutional racism? How does Christian fundamentalism coexist with gay marriage in the American imagination? In essence, what makes the United States exceptional? In this provocative exploration of American exceptionalism, Mugambi Jouet examines why Americans are far more divided than other Westerners over basic issues—including wealth inequality, health care, climate change, evolution, the literal truth of the Bible, abortion, gay rights, gun control, mass incarceration, and war. Drawing inspiration from Alexis de Tocqueville, Jouet, raised in Paris by a French mother and a Kenyan father, wields his multicultural sensibility to parse the ways in which the intense polarization of U.S. conservatives and liberals has become a key dimension of American exceptionalism—an idea widely misunderstood to mean American superiority. Instead, Jouet contends that exceptionalism, once a source of strength, may now spell decline, as unique features of U.S. history, politics, law, culture, religion, and race relations foster grave conflicts and injustices. This book offers a brilliant dissection of the American soul, in all of its outsize, clashing, and striking manifestations.

Exceptional America

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Peter Singer

Ethics in the Real World: 82 Brief Essays on Things That Matter by Peter Singer is a thought-provoking collection of essays that tackles some of the most pressing moral issues of our time. In this book, Singer, a renowned philosopher and ethicist, addresses a wide range of topics, from animal rights and global poverty to climate change, euthanasia, and the ethics of everyday decisions.

Each essay is concise, accessible, and aimed at helping readers engage with complex ethical dilemmas in a practical way. Singer challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to critically examine their values, offering insights into how we can live more ethically in the modern world. With his signature blend of clear reasoning and compassion, Ethics in the Real World serves as an introduction to Singer’s philosophy and a guide for those who wish to align their actions with moral principles.

Heavy Paperback (2 to 4 lbs)

82 Brief Essays on Things That Matter

Provocative essays on real-world ethical questions from the world's most influential philosopher

Peter Singer is often described as the world's most influential philosopher. He is also one of its most controversial. The author of important books such as Animal Liberation, Practical Ethics, Rethinking Life and Death, and The Life You Can Save, he helped launch the animal rights and effective altruism movements and contributed to the development of bioethics. Now, in Ethics in the Real World, Singer shows that he is also a master at dissecting important current events in a few hundred words.

In this book of brief essays, he applies his controversial ways of thinking to issues like climate change, extreme poverty, animals, abortion, euthanasia, human genetic selection, sports doping, the sale of kidneys, the ethics of high-priced art, and ways of increasing happiness. Singer asks whether chimpanzees are people, smoking should be outlawed, or consensual sex between adult siblings should be decriminalized, and he reiterates his case against the idea that all human life is sacred, applying his arguments to some recent cases in the news. In addition, he explores, in an easily accessible form, some of the deepest philosophical questions, such as whether anything really matters and what is the value of the pale blue dot that is our planet. The collection also includes some more personal reflections, like Singer's thoughts on one of his favorite activities, surfing, and an unusual suggestion for starting a family conversation over a holiday feast.

Provocative and original, these essays will challenge--and possibly change--your beliefs about a wide range of real-world ethical questions.

Ethics in the Real World

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Michael S. Gazzaniga

*Human: The Science Behind What Makes Us Unique* by Michael S. Gazzaniga delves into the complex and fascinating aspects of human cognition and behavior. Renowned neuroscientist Gazzaniga explores the biological and psychological factors that contribute to our individuality, examining how our brain processes information, forms identities, and drives actions. Through a blend of cutting-edge research and engaging storytelling, the book offers insights into the nature of human uniqueness, the interplay of genetics and environment, and the mechanisms that shape our thoughts and behaviors.

The Science Behind What Makes Us Unique

One of the world's leading neuroscientists explores how best to understand the human condition by examining the biological, psychological, and highly social nature of our species within the social context of our lives.

What happened along the evolutionary trail that made humans so unique? In his widely accessible style, Michael Gazzaniga looks to a broad range of studies to pinpoint the change that made us thinking, sentient humans, different from our predecessors.

Neuroscience has been fixated on the life of the psychological self for the past fifty years, focusing on the brain systems underlying language, memory, emotion, and perception. What it has not done is consider the stark reality that most of the time we humans are thinking about social processes, comparing ourselves to and estimating the intentions of others. In Human, Gazzaniga explores a number of related issues, including what makes human brains unique, the importance of language and art in defining the human condition, the nature of human consciousness, and even artificial intelligence.

Human

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Mary L. Trump

*Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man* by Mary L. Trump offers an intimate and critical look into the Trump family dynamics and the impact they had on Donald Trump’s development. As a clinical psychologist and Donald Trump’s niece, Mary L. Trump provides a revealing account of the psychological and emotional factors that shaped his personality and political behavior. The book combines personal anecdotes with professional analysis to shed light on the ways in which family dysfunction and power struggles influenced the former president's actions and decisions.

How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man

In this revelatory, authoritative portrait of Donald J. Trump and the toxic family that made him, Mary L. Trump, a trained clinical psychologist and Donald’s only niece, shines a bright light on the dark history of their family in order to explain how her uncle became the man who now threatens the world’s health, economic security, and social fabric. Mary Trump spent much of her childhood in her grandparents’ large, imposing house in the heart of Queens, New York, where Donald and his four siblings grew up. She describes a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse. She explains how specific events and general family patterns created the damaged man who currently occupies the Oval Office, including the strange and harmful relationship between Fred Trump and his two oldest sons, Fred Jr. and Donald. A firsthand witness to countless holiday meals and interactions, Mary brings an incisive wit and unexpected humor to sometimes grim, often confounding family events. She recounts in unsparing detail everything from her uncle Donald’s place in the family spotlight and Ivana’s penchant for regifting to her grandmother’s frequent injuries and illnesses and the appalling way Donald, Fred Trump’s favorite son, dismissed and derided him when he began to succumb to Alzheimer’s. Numerous pundits, armchair psychologists, and journalists have sought to parse Donald J. Trump’s lethal flaws. Mary L. Trump has the education, insight, and intimate familiarity needed to reveal what makes Donald, and the rest of her clan, tick. She alone can recount this fascinating, unnerving saga, not just because of her insider’s perspective but also because she is the only Trump willing to tell the truth about one of the world’s most powerful and dysfunctional families.

Too Much and Never Enough

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Eckhart Tolle

*The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment* by Eckhart Tolle is a transformative guide that explores the concept of living fully in the present moment. Tolle presents a compelling argument for transcending the constraints of past regrets and future anxieties by embracing the power of now. Through a blend of spiritual wisdom and practical insights, the book offers readers tools to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. Tolle's teachings aim to help individuals achieve a deeper sense of self-awareness and enlightenment by focusing on the present moment as the gateway to true spiritual awakening.

A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment

The author shares the secret of his own self-realization and the philosophy for living in the present he has developed.

The Power of Now

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Leonard Mlodinow

*Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior* by Leonard Mlodinow offers a compelling exploration of the hidden forces that shape our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Drawing on the latest research in psychology and neuroscience, Mlodinow reveals how much of our behavior is influenced by unconscious processes beyond our awareness. Through engaging anecdotes and scientific insights, the book uncovers the profound impact of the subconscious mind on everything from everyday choices to complex decision-making. It provides readers with a deeper understanding of how unseen factors drive human behavior and decision-making.

How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior

An examination of the ways in which the unconscious mind shapes everyday life traces recent scientific advances to reveal the pivotal role of the subliminal mind in influencing experiences and relationships. By the author of The Drunkard's Walk. 100,000 first printing.

Subliminal

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Marcus du Sautoy

*The Great Unknown: Seven Journeys to the Frontiers of Science* by Marcus du Sautoy is an exploration of some of the most intriguing and uncharted areas of contemporary science. Through seven captivating journeys, du Sautoy delves into the mysteries that lie at the edge of human understanding. From the depths of quantum mechanics to the vast expanse of the cosmos, the book offers a vivid and accessible account of cutting-edge research and the scientists pushing the boundaries of knowledge. With engaging storytelling and deep insight, du Sautoy invites readers to join him on a voyage through the frontiers of scientific discovery.

Paperback (1 to 2 lbs)

Seven Journeys to the Frontiers of Science

“An engaging voyage into some of the great mysteries and wonders of our world." --Alan Lightman, author of Einstein’s Dream and The Accidental Universe “No one is better at making the recondite accessible and exciting.” —Bill Bryson Brain Pickings and Kirkus Best Science Book of the Year Every week seems to throw up a new discovery, shaking the foundations of what we know. But are there questions we will never be able to answer—mysteries that lie beyond the predictive powers of science? In this captivating exploration of our most tantalizing unknowns, Marcus du Sautoy invites us to consider the problems in cosmology, quantum physics, mathematics, and neuroscience that continue to bedevil scientists and creative thinkers who are at the forefront of their fields. At once exhilarating, mind-bending, and compulsively readable, The Great Unknown challenges us to consider big questions—about the nature of consciousness, what came before the big bang, and what lies beyond our horizons—while taking us on a virtuoso tour of the great breakthroughs of the past and celebrating the men and women who dared to tackle the seemingly impossible and had the imagination to come up with new ways of seeing the world.

The Great Unknown

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Leo Braudy

"The Hollywood Sign" by Leo Braudy is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the iconic symbol of Hollywood and its cultural significance. The book provides a detailed history of the Hollywood Sign, tracing its origins from its creation in 1923 as an advertising gimmick to its evolution into a symbol of American dreams and aspirations. Braudy examines how the sign has become a powerful cultural icon, reflecting broader themes of fame, aspiration, and the illusions of the entertainment industry. Through a blend of historical analysis and cultural commentary, "The Hollywood Sign" offers a fascinating look at how this emblematic landmark has shaped and been shaped by the world of Hollywood.

Fantasy and Reality of an American Icon

Hollywood's famous sign, constructed of massive white block letters set into a steep hillside, is an emblem of the movie capital it looms over. Mixing social history, urban studies, literature, and film, this book offers an account of how a temporary structure has become a permanent icon of American culture.

The Hollywood Sign

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Jeremy Fish

"O Glorious City" by Jeremy Fish is a captivating novel set in a dystopian future where a once-great metropolis has fallen into decay and despair. The story follows a group of disparate characters as they navigate the crumbling cityscape, grappling with their own personal struggles while uncovering hidden truths about their society. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and a narrative that intertwines themes of hope, resilience, and redemption, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to rebuild and find purpose amidst chaos.

A Love Letter to San Francisco

O Glorious City is an exuberant love letter to San Francisco from Jeremy Fish, a beloved artist who enjoys a massive fan base for his edgy artwork. When Fish was invited to create 100 new works of art in honor of City Hall's 100th birthday, he moved his studio into a City Hall office to become the city's first-ever artist in residence. This celebratory book gathers all 100 pieces of artwork—each rendered in his signature whimsical style—featuring everything from the city's famous architecture and treasured local landmarks to portraits of colorful local residents in a gallery of "unofficial mayors." Together these images form an energetic, visual tour de force showcasing San Francisco's vivacious spirit and vibrant history.

O Glorious City

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Bob Berman

**"Zoom: How Everything Moves from Atoms and Galaxies to Blizzards and Bees"** by Bob Berman is an engaging exploration of the principles of motion that govern the universe. Berman, an acclaimed science writer, takes readers on a journey through the dynamics of various scales of movement, from the microscopic dance of atoms to the vast orbits of galaxies. The book delves into how these principles apply to everyday phenomena, such as weather patterns and animal behavior, revealing the interconnectedness of natural processes. With clarity and enthusiasm, Berman blends scientific insight with accessible explanations, making complex concepts of motion and physics both understandable and fascinating.

How Everything Moves: from Atoms and Galaxies to Blizzards and Bees

From the speed of light to moving mountains--and everything in between--ZOOM explores how the universe and its objects move. If you sit as still as you can in a quiet room, you might be able to convince yourself that nothing is moving. But air currents are still wafting around you. Blood rushes through your veins. The atoms in your chair jiggle furiously. In fact, the planet you are sitting on is whizzing through space thirty-five times faster than the speed of sound. Natural motion dominates our lives and the intricate mechanics of the world around us. In ZOOM, Bob Berman explores how motion shapes every aspect of the universe, literally from the ground up. With an entertaining style and a gift for distilling the wondrous, Berman spans astronomy, geology, biology, meteorology, and the history of science, uncovering how clouds stay aloft, how the Earth's rotation curves a home run's flight, and why a mosquito's familiar whine resembles a telephone's dial tone. For readers who love to get smarter without realizing it, ZOOM bursts with science writing at its best.

Zoom

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Elijah Anderson

**"Code of the Street: Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City"** by Elijah Anderson offers a profound sociological examination of urban life in America. Through detailed ethnographic research in Philadelphia, Anderson explores how residents navigate the complex social landscape of inner-city neighborhoods. The book delves into the "code of the street," a set of informal rules governing behavior and social interactions, which often arise from economic hardship and social disorganization. Anderson's work provides a nuanced understanding of the interplay between personal dignity, violence, and the pursuit of respect in marginalized communities, shedding light on broader issues of inequality and social stratification.

Decency, Violence, and the Moral Life of the Inner City

Provides an insider's look at the life of inner city Black America

Code of the Street

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Anthony Aveni

**"People and the Sky: A Journey Through the Cosmos"** by Anthony Aveni offers a captivating exploration of humanity’s relationship with the cosmos throughout history. Aveni, an esteemed astronomer and anthropologist, delves into how various cultures have understood and interacted with the sky. The book blends historical, cultural, and scientific perspectives to reveal how celestial phenomena have influenced human beliefs, calendars, and societal structures. Through rich storytelling and insightful analysis, Aveni illustrates the profound impact of astronomy on our collective identity and the ways in which our ancestors perceived and revered the heavens.

Our Ancestors and the Cosmos

"Anthony Aveni reveals how !Kung and Mursi hunter-gatherers depended on signals in the sky for their survival and sustenance; how Polynesian sailors navigated a seemingly limitless watery world by star bearings; how social cohesion in cultures as diverse as the Pawnee and the Inca was mirrored in celestial imagery; and how the cosmic connection between the arrangement of Chinese and Aztec cities and the constellations served as an expression of political authority." "For most of human history, people found meaning in the dance of the cosmic denizens. Today, many aspects of this intimate contact between daily life and what happens in the sky have disappeared. Did our ancestors have an understanding of the cosmos that we ourselves lack? How and why did it all happen? These are the questions addressed in this engaging and erudite book."--BOOK JACKET.

People and the Sky

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David E. Sanger

**"The Perfect Weapon: War, Sabotage, and Fear in the Cyber Age"** by David E. Sanger provides a compelling analysis of the rise of cyber warfare and its impact on global security. The book examines how digital technology has transformed traditional concepts of conflict and espionage, focusing on major incidents like the Stuxnet attack on Iran's nuclear program and Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Sanger explores the vulnerabilities exposed by these cyberattacks and the evolving strategies nations employ in this new domain of warfare. Through detailed reporting and expert insights, "The Perfect Weapon" reveals the complex and often hidden nature of modern cyber threats and their implications for future international relations.

War, Sabotage, and Fear in the Cyber Age

The Perfect Weapon

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Kelly Weinersmith

Zach Weinersmith

"**Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything**" by Kelly and Zach Weinersmith is an engaging exploration of groundbreaking technologies poised to reshape our future. The book delves into ten innovative fields—from advancements in artificial intelligence to the potential of space exploration—analyzing both their promising benefits and potential risks. With a blend of humor and insightful analysis, the Weinersmiths offer a balanced view on how these technologies might transform our lives, for better or worse, and challenge readers to consider their broader implications.

Ten Emerging Technologies That'll Improve and/or Ruin Everything

The instant New York Times bestseller! A Wall Street Journal Best Science Book of the Year! A Popular Science Best Science Book of the Year! From a top scientist and the creator of the hugely popular web comic Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal, a hilariously illustrated investigation into future technologies -- from how to fling a ship into deep space on the cheap to 3D organ printing What will the world of tomorrow be like? How does progress happen? And why do we not have a lunar colony already? What is the hold-up? In this smart and funny book, celebrated cartoonist Zach Weinersmith and noted researcher Dr. Kelly Weinersmith give us a snapshot of what's coming next -- from robot swarms to nuclear fusion powered-toasters. By weaving their own research, interviews with the scientists who are making these advances happen, and Zach's trademark comics, the Weinersmiths investigate why these technologies are needed, how they would work, and what is standing in their way. New technologies are almost never the work of isolated geniuses with a neat idea. A given future technology may need any number of intermediate technologies to develop first, and many of these critical advances may appear to be irrelevant when they are first discovered. The journey to progress is full of strange detours and blind alleys that tell us so much about the human mind and the march of civilization. To this end, Soonish investigates ten different emerging fields, from programmable matter to augmented reality, from space elevators to robotic construction, to show us the amazing world we will have, you know, soonish. Soonish is the perfect gift for science lovers for the holidays!

Soonish

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Daniel C. Dennett

"Freedom Wolves" by Daniel C. Bennett is a gripping novel that intertwines themes of adventure, survival, and personal freedom. Set in a world where freedom is under siege, the story follows a group of unlikely heroes as they band together to fight against oppressive forces. With richly developed characters and a fast-paced plot, Bennett explores the struggles and triumphs of those fighting for their liberty and the deeper meaning of freedom in a challenging world. The book combines action, suspense, and philosophical reflections, making it a compelling read for fans of thought-provoking and thrilling fiction.

In this myth-shattering book, Daniel Dennett shows that free will does exist. But instead of the traditional view of freedom as an eternal, unchanging condition of our existence, in reality, he reveals, it has evolved; just like life on the planet and the air we breathe.

Freedom Evolves

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Mark Manson

"Everything Is F*cked: A Book About Hope" by Mark Manson is a thought-provoking exploration of hope and human resilience in the face of contemporary challenges. Building on his previous work, Manson delves into the complexities of modern life, examining how societal issues, personal struggles, and existential dilemmas impact our sense of hope. Through a blend of philosophical insights, psychological research, and candid observations, Manson addresses how individuals can navigate uncertainty and find meaning amidst chaos. The book challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of hope, offering a fresh perspective on how to cultivate it despite the difficulties of the modern world.

A Book about Hope

Everything Is F*cked

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Ashley Dawson

"Extreme Cities: The Peril and Promise of Urban Life in the Age of Climate Change" by Ashley Dawson explores the profound challenges and opportunities faced by cities in the context of global climate change. Dawson examines how urban areas, as both major contributors to and victims of climate impacts, are at the forefront of environmental and social crises. The book delves into issues such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and social inequality, while also highlighting innovative strategies and solutions being developed to create more resilient and sustainable urban environments. Through a blend of critical analysis and hopeful perspectives, Dawson offers insights into how cities can navigate the dual threats of climate change and inequality, aiming to transform urban spaces into models of sustainability and justice.

The Peril and Promise of Urban Life in the Age of Climate Change

A cutting exploration of how cities drive climate change while being on the frontlines of the coming climate crisis How will climate change affect our lives? Where will its impacts be most deeply felt? Are we doing enough to protect ourselves from the coming chaos? In Extreme Cities, Ashley Dawson argues that cities are ground zero for climate change, contributing the lion’s share of carbon to the atmosphere, while also lying on the frontlines of rising sea levels. Today, the majority of the world’s megacities are located in coastal zones, yet few of them are adequately prepared for the floods that will increasingly menace their shores. Instead, most continue to develop luxury waterfront condos for the elite and industrial facilities for corporations. These not only intensify carbon emissions, but also place coastal residents at greater risk when water levels rise. In Extreme Cities, Dawson offers an alarming portrait of the future of our cities, describing the efforts of Staten Island, New York, and Shishmareff, Alaska residents to relocate; Holland’s models for defending against the seas; and the development of New York City before and after Hurricane Sandy. Our best hope lies not with fortified sea walls, he argues. Rather, it lies with urban movements already fighting to remake our cities in a more just and equitable way. As much a harrowing study as a call to arms Extreme Cities is a necessary read for anyone concerned with the threat of global warming, and of the cities of the world.

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