INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER By the YouTube sensation with nearly three million followers, the inspiring account of a young woman who, in a moment of personal crisis, embarked on an epic, transcontinental motorcycle ride—and along the way found a new sense of purpose. Noraly Schoenmaker was a thirtysomething geologist living in the Netherlands when she learned that her live-in partner had been having a long-term affair. In desperate need of a new beginning, she decided to quit her job and jet off to India. But her plans were dashed when she fell quickly and helplessly in love: with a motorcycle. Behind the handlebars, she felt alive and free—nimble enough to trace the narrowest paths, powerful enough to travel the longest of roads. First, she set off toward the Pacific, through the jungles of Myanmar and Thailand, then into Malaysia. Rather than satisfy her appetite for the open road, this ride only piqued it. She shipped her bike to Oman, at the base of the Arabian Peninsula, and embarked on a journey through Iran, across Tajikistan along its border with Afghanistan, over the snowy peaks of Central Asia, and into Europe, all the way back home to the Netherlands. She covered remote and utterly unfamiliar territory, broke down on impossibly steep mountains, and pushed too many miles along empty roads, farther and farther from civilization. But through her travels, she discovered the true beauty of the world, the kindness of its people, the simplicity of its open spaces, and a new and unshakable belief in her capabilities. Free Ride is an inspiring story of self-discovery and renewal. Filled with unforgettable figures, hilarious disasters, and powerful human connections, it shows you what happens when you open your heart and let the world in.

Free Ride

Read by the author, this is Louis Theroux's hilarious and thought-provoking journey through weird America. For 10 years, Louis Theroux has been making programmes about off-beat characters on the fringes of US society. Now he revisits America and the people who have most fascinated him to try to discover what motivates them, why they believe the things they believe, and to find out what has happened to them since he last saw them. Along the way, Louis thinks about what drives him to spend so much time among weird people and considers whether he's learned anything about himself in the course of ten years working with them. Has he manipulated the people he's interviewed, or have they manipulated him? From his Las Vegas base, Louis revisits the assorted dreamers and outlaws who have been his TV feeding ground. Attempting to understand a little about himself and the workings of his own mind, Louis considers questions such as: what is the difference between pathology and "normal" weirdness? Is there something particularly weird about Americans? What does it mean to be weird, or "to be yourself"? And do we choose our beliefs or do our beliefs choose us?

The Call of the Weird

A heartbreaking account of a medical miracle: how one woman’s cells – taken without her knowledge – have saved countless lives. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a true story of race, class, injustice and exploitation. ‘No dead woman has done more for the living . . . A fascinating, harrowing, necessary book.’ – Hilary Mantel, Guardian Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. Born a poor black tobacco farmer, her cancer cells – taken without her knowledge – became a multimillion-dollar industry and one of the most important tools in medicine. Yet Henrietta’s family did not learn of her ‘immortality’ until more than twenty years after her death, with devastating consequences . . . Rebecca Skloot’s moving account is the story of the life, and afterlife, of one woman who changed the medical world forever. Balancing the beauty and drama of scientific discovery with dark questions about who owns the stuff our bodies are made of, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is an extraordinary journey in search of the soul and story of a real woman, whose cells live on today in all four corners of the world. Now an HBO film starring Oprah Winfrey and Rose Byrne.

Picador Collection

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

Britain's best-loved comic genius Stephen Fry turns his celebrated wit and insight to unearthing the real America as he travels across the continent in his black taxicab. Stephen's account of his adventures is filled with his unique humour, insight and warmth in this beautifully illustrated book that accompanies his journey for the BBC1 series. 'Stephen Fry is a treasure of the British Empire.' – The Guardian Stephen Fry has always loved America; in fact he came very close to being born there. Here, his fascination for the country and its people sees him embark on an epic journey across America, visiting each of its 51 states to discover how such a huge diversity of people, cultures, languages, beliefs and landscapes combine to create such a remarkable nation. Starting on the eastern seaboard, Stephen zig-zags across the country in his London taxicab, talking to its hospitable citizens, listening to its music, visiting its landmarks, viewing small-town life and America's breath-taking landscapes – following wherever his curiosity leads him. Stephen encounters unknown mayors, sheriffs, newspaper editors, park rangers, teachers and hobos, bringing to life the oddities and splendours of each locale. He discovers Oklahoma's World Cow Pat Throwing Contest, attends Independence Day Parades, cherry-pie bake-offs, and visits the heartland of the Sioux Nation in South Dakota. A celebration of the magnificent and the eccentric, the beautiful and the strange, Stephen Fry's In America is our author's homage to this extraordinary country.

Stephen Fry In America

From one of the most important chroniclers of our time, come two extended excerpts from her never-before-seen notebooks–writings that offer an illuminating glimpse into the mind and process of a legendary writer. Joan Didion has always kept notebooks: of overheard dialogue, observations, interviews, drafts of essays and articles Here is one such draft that traces a road trip she took with her husband, John Gregory Dunne, in June 1970, through Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. She interviews prominent local figures, describes motels, diners, a deserted reptile farm, a visit with Walker Percy, a ladies' brunch at the Mississippi Broadcasters' Convention. She writes about the stifling heat, the almost viscous pace of life, the sulfurous light, and the preoccupation with race, class, and heritage she finds in the small towns they pass through. And from a different notebook: the "California Notes" that began as an assignment from Rolling Stone on the Patty Hearst trial of 1976. Though Didion never wrote the piece, watching the trial and being in San Francisco triggered thoughts about the city, its social hierarchy, the Hearsts, and her own upbringing in Sacramento. Here, too, is the beginning of her thinking about the West, its landscape, the western women who were heroic for her, and her own lineage.

South and West

Featuring original interviews with Everest mountain guides and climbers, this is “a fast-moving, nuanced account of the peak’s transformation from the ultimate mountaineering challenge into a booming business opportunity” (Joshua Hammer, New York Times bestselling author). Anyone who has read Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air or has seen a recent photo of climbers standing in line to get to the top of Everest may think they have a sense of what the world’s highest mountain is like. It’s an extreme landscape where bad weather and incredible altitude can kill; an overcrowded, trashed-out recreation destination; and a place where the rich exploit local Sherpas while padding their egos—and social media feeds. There’s some truth to these clichés, but they’re a sliver of the story. Unlike any book to date, Everest, Inc. is the definitive account of how a few daring entrepreneurs paired raw courage and naked ambition to get paying clients safely up and down Everest. Until the late eighties, such a thing was considered impossible. Within a few years, Everest guiding was a burgeoning industry. Today, ninety percent of the people on the mountain are clients or employees of guided expeditions. Studded with quotes from original interviews with more than a hundred Western and Sherpa climbers, clients, writers, and filmmakers—including Jimmy Chin and Conrad Anker—Everest, Inc. foregrounds the colorful voices of the people who have made the mountain what it is today. As professional climber and author Freddie Wilkinson says, “Whether you are thinking about taking a crack at the world’s highest peak or are simply an armchair mountaineer trying to make sense of the complex dynamics driving the modern Everest industry, Everest, Inc. should be required reading.”

Everest, Inc.

Meet the man who makes the mission of learning any language possible! The all-you-need guide to learning a language. Language hacker Benny Lewis shows how anyone anywhere can learn any language without leaving their home, using a simple toolkit and by harnessing the power of the Internet. Benny definitely wasn’t born with the ‘language gene’. After graduating in electronic engineering in his native Ireland he spent six months in Spain struggling to learn Spanish. This frustrating experience fuelled his determination to take a different approach to learning foreign languages. Today he speaks over ten languages including Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, French, German, Portuguese, and Hungarian. He has also learnt Japanese in Spain. This typifies one of his ‘3-month challenges’ where he targets a new language and proceeds to become fluent in it within just three months. He charts his progress on his blog, proving that his techniques allow anyone to learn a language from anywhere. Benny’s blog, also called Fluent in 3 Months, is the largest language learning blog in the world. The key principles of Benny’s method: Speak from day one: find mother-tongue speaking partners online. Don’t be self-conscious – keep the flow going!Change your mindset: ditch the excuses, you can do it!Stay focused and determined: even if you don’t have much time, never forget the goal you’ve set yourself and work at it.Learning a language doesn’t need to be expensive: there is a wealth of free resources out there, if you know where to find themReap the rewards! Learning a new language is not an end in itself, but a means to meeting new people and discovering new cultures. Curiosity will fuel your determination.

Fluent in 3 Months

A guide to some of the world’s most fascinating places, as seen and experienced by writer, television host, and relentlessly curious traveler Anthony Bourdain Anthony Bourdain saw more of the world than nearly anyone. His travels took him from the hidden pockets of his hometown of New York to a tribal longhouse in Borneo, from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Paris, and Shanghai to Tanzania’s utter beauty and the stunning desert solitude of Oman’s Empty Quarter—and many places beyond. In World Travel, a life of experience is collected into an entertaining, practical, fun and frank travel guide that gives readers an introduction to some of his favorite places—in his own words. Featuring essential advice on how to get there, what to eat, where to stay and, in some cases, what to avoid, World Travel provides essential context that will help readers further appreciate the reasons why Bourdain found a place enchanting and memorable. Supplementing Bourdain’s words are a handful of essays by friends, colleagues, and family that tell even deeper stories about a place, including sardonic accounts of traveling with Bourdain by his brother, Christopher; a guide to Chicago’s best cheap eats by legendary music producer Steve Albini. For veteran travelers, armchair enthusiasts, and those in between, World Travel offers a chance to experience the world like Anthony Bourdain. The audiobook is read by Laurie Woolever, Shep Gordon, Christopher Bourdain, Jen Agg, Matt Walsh, Bill Buford, Claude Tayag, Nari Kye, Vidya Balachander, and Steve Albini. Copyright 2021 by Anthony M. Bourdain Trust UW; “A Child’s View of Paris (1966),” “Revisiting New Jersey,” and “Uruguay Dreamin’” copyright 2020 by Christopher Bourdain; published with permission of Christopher Bourdain Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

World Travel

THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERA TIMES BEST MEMOIR OF 2023 ‘Grippingly vivid and pacey’ THE TIMES ‘A seven-year old girl on a seventy-foot yacht, for ten years, over fifty thousand miles of sailing’ SIMON WINCHESTER 'An astonishing almost day-by-day account of [a] hazardous journey and its legacy’ TELEGRAPH ‘This is a story of an epic childhood journey, so exciting and so shocking it is hard to know whether you’re reading about a dream or a nightmare… Wavewalker is thrilling, horrifying, beautifully written – I couldn’t put it down’ ED BALLS Aged just seven, Suzanne Heywood set sail with her parents and brother on a three-year voyage around the world. What followed turned instead into a decade-long way of life, through storms, shipwrecks, reefs and isolation, with little formal schooling. No one else knew where they were most of the time and no state showed any interest in what was happening to the children. Suzanne fought her parents, longing to return to England and to education and stability. This memoir covers her astonishing upbringing, a survival story of a child deprived of safety, friendships, schooling and occasionally drinking water… At seventeen Suzanne earned an interview at Oxford University and returned to the UK. From the bestselling author of What Does Jeremy Think?, Wavewalker is the incredible true story of how the adventure of a lifetime became one child’s worst nightmare – and how her determination to educate herself enabled her to escape ‘A classic memoir of childhood. This is a book that every parent should read to consider the consequences of their midlife crises, and every child should read to learn how to deal with impossible mums and dads, as well as boils and barnacles’ Mail on Sunday 5* ‘An electrifying story about an extraordinary childhood, and Heywood tells it with remarkable clarity and assurance . . . an engrossing book that pitches the reader into the highs and lows of a young life spent in the “Wavewalker School of the Sea”’TLS

Wavewalker

'A glorious freewheel through the culinary quirks and delights of the USA – an unmissable treat!' – Tim SpectorWhen the nation’s ‘taster-in-chief’ Felicity Cloake announced her dream to cycle across America, the reactions were… mixed: “You’ll get squashed,” warned a Californian colleague. “You’ll be murdered,” added her mum. Friends panicked: “But… what will you eat?” Determined to prove there’s more to American food than the cartoonish glamour of burgers and doughnuts (though she tries those too), Felicity embarks on the ultimate coast-to-coast adventure, tackling highways, byways and pieways by bike in an unforgettable election year. While the news cycle spins with outrage, what she discovers on the ground is far richer: a wildly varied place of warm hospitality, local pride and unforgettable flavours — from crawfish stew to sauerkraut balls, Memphis barbecue to Mission burritos, Italian beef to Tex-Mex gyoza, she dives into iconic dishes and the stories behind them. Drawn to the scale, energy and contrasts of a country as complex as its cuisine, Felicity takes us along for the ride — mile by mile, meal by meal — finding a nation that’s welcoming, generous and full of heart where it counts: around the table.

Peach Street to Lobster Lane

From world traveler, entrepreneur, and content creator @DearAlyne, a vulnerable and hilarious memoir of how she escaped the restrictive expectations of her family and faith and found herself in the process. Alyne Tamir was raised to live her life for others: for her husband, her family, and the Mormon church. For twenty-five years, she put them ahead of herself, repressing things that didn’t fit the neat, traditional story that had been written for her. On the surface, her life seemed picture-perfect. But in reality, Alyne was miserable, struggling to reconcile her flawless image with the pain and humiliation of abuse, an eating disorder, infidelity, and depression. Until Alyne reached a breaking point: the day her husband asked for a divorce—over email. Thank God! Or, not God. Finally free from the expectations of her family and faith, Alyne had to start a new life, which meant rediscovering herself and what she secretly wanted all along: the liberating life of a digital nomad. In a singular voice brimming with honesty and humor, Alyne invites us on a journey of strength and self-discovery—with a little bit of irreverence along the way. Dear Alyne is a one-of-a-kind, coming-of-age story and a testament to the limitless possibilities that await those brave enough to defy convention.

Dear Alyne

'All the staples of the prison memoir are here: sadistic guards and attempted break-out, the terrors of solitary confinement, the joys of freedom . . . The result is a truly gripping piece of testimony' Sunday Telegraph A darkly comic, sometimes shocking account of life in San Pedro, the world's most bizarre prison, through the eyes of one bemused Englishman. When Thomas McFadden was arrested trying to smuggle five kilos of cocaine out of Bolivia, he was flung into San Pedro prison - the strangest penitentiary system in the world. Thomas was astonished to discover that corrupt politicians and major-league drug smugglers lived in luxury apartments in one wing, while the poorer sections of the prison were too dangerous to enter after dark. Prisoners had to pay for everything: their cells, their food and their clothing, not to mention the many bribes required by the police. To survive in San Pedro you needed an income - and so prisoners turned to the trade they knew best: manufacturing cocaine. Even the prison cat was addicted to crack. Initially mistaken for a hated American, Thomas survived numerous attempts on his life as he tried to adjust. In Marching Powder he describes his journey from despised gringo to San Pedro's most famous inmate. After trying drug dealing, shopkeeping and becoming a Mormon pastor, he hit upon the idea of giving guided tours of the prison. Thomas became legendary on the South American backpacking circuit - which is how he met young lawyer Rusty Young. Rusty was so impressed by him that he moved into the prison for three months to write his story - discovering that behind the show Thomas put on was a much darker reality, where brutality and death were common currency, and sometimes even the strongest didn't survive.

The Pan Real Lives Series

Marching Powder

The perfect Italian course for travel in Italy. It is designed to help you ask for the things you’re most likely to need when visiting Italy and to give you the skills to cope with situations you might find yourself in. The accompanying free booklet is also available to download at: collinsdictionary.com/resources. It is different from other courses in that you also learn to understand the likely replies to your questions. You will hear key words and phrases used in dialogues between native speakers, so you learn not only how to say them but also how they are used in conversation. Topics covered: STAGE 1 Unit 1 Hello · Buongiorno Unit 2 Excuse me · Scusi Unit 3 Where’s the bar? · Dov’è il bar? Unit 4 Over there · Là in fondo Unit 5 I would like … · Vorrei … Unit 6 Have you got …? · Avete …? Unit 7 Can you help me? · Mi può aiutare? Unit 8 I’d like to go to … · Vorrei andare a … Unit 9 I’d like a room · Vorrei una camera Unit 10 It hurts · Ho mal di … Unit 11 I’d like an appointment Vorrei un appuntamento Unit 12 What’s it like? · Com’è? STAGE 2 Unit 1 At the reception desk·En la recepción Unit 2 Hiring a car·Alquilar un coche Unit 3 Where are you from?·¿De dónde es usted? Unit 4 What do you do?·¿A qué se dedica usted? Unit 5 How are you?·¿Cómo está usted? Unit 6 Do you want to go out this evening?·¿Quieres salir esta noche? Unit 7 What could we do?·¿Qué podríamos hacer? Unit 8 What do you do at the weekend?·¿Qué haces los fines de semana? Unit 9 A holiday in Spain·Vacaciones en España Unit 10 What are we doing tomorrow?·¿Qué hacemos mañana? Unit 11 What is the weather going to be like?·Qué tiempo va a hacer?

Collins Easy Learning Audio Course

Easy Italian Course for Beginners

A unique, funny picture of Britain... A love letter to bookshops and the vagaries of public transport.' Richard Osman Why play to 12,000 people when you can play to 12? In Autumn 2021, Robin Ince's stadium tour with Professor Brian Cox was postponed due to the pandemic. Rather than do nothing, he decided instead to go on a tour of over a hundred bookshops in the UK, from Wigtown to Penzance; from Swansea to Margate. Packed with witty anecdotes and tall tales, Bibliomaniac takes the reader on a journey across Britain as Robin explores his lifelong love of bookshops and books - and also tries to find out just why he can never have enough of them. It is the story of an addiction and a romance, and also of an occasional points failure just outside Oxenholme.

Bibliomaniac

On October 12, 1972, a plane carrying a team of young rugby players crashed into the remote, snow-peaked Andes. Out of the forty-five original passengers and crew, only sixteen made it off the mountain alive. For ten excruciating weeks, they suffered deprivations beyond imagining, confronting nature head-on at its most furious and inhospitable. And to survive,these men and women not only had to keep their faith, they had to make an impossible decision: Should they eat the flesh of their dead friends? A remarkable story of endurance and determination, Alive is the dramatic bestselling account of one of the most harrowing quests for survival in modern times.

Alive

This audiobook is narrated by an AI Voice. The RMS Titanic was more than just a ship—it was a marvel of human ambition, luxury, and engineering. Yet, on the fateful night of April 14, 1912, this unsinkable giant met its tragic end, plunging into the depths of the North Atlantic and forever altering history. In Titanic: A Voyage into Tragedy, journey through the vision, creation, and demise of the world’s most famous ocean liner. From the grand halls of first-class luxury to the struggles of third-class passengers, from the ignored iceberg warnings to the final desperate moments, this book brings to life the stories of those who built, sailed, and perished aboard the Titanic. Explore the aftermath of the disaster, the investigations that reshaped maritime safety, and the modern-day fascination with Titanic’s wreckage. Delve into the myths, legends, and conspiracy theories that continue to surround the ship and uncover the true legacy left behind. With meticulously researched historical details and powerful storytelling, Titanic: A Voyage into Tragedy is a compelling and immersive account of one of the most enduring and haunting events in history. Perfect for history enthusiasts, maritime lovers, and anyone captivated by the triumphs and tragedies of the human spirit.

Titanic

WANT TO LEARN SPANISH THE EASIEST AND MOST EXCITING WAY POSSIBLE? YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! Learning a second language is a great mental exercise if you want to create new neural pathways in your brain, so you can stay quick and sharp. Plus, learning a widely spoken language – Spanish in particular – can open up a myriad of new opportunities for you in both life and work. “Spanish Short Stories for Beginners” harnesses the power of a great tale in fast-tracking your learning process. It has several uniquely structured Spanish-to-English short stories that are saturated with over 100 simple, easy-to-digest dialogues and daily used phrases, so you can seamlessly learn the language, even as you drive towards work! In the stories within, you will see people speaking to each other, going through daily life situations, and using the most common, helpful words and phrases in Spanish. WITH THIS GUIDE, BEGINNERS LIKE YOU WILL: o	Effortlessly learn basic Spanish with the help of cleverly structured short stories for beginners o	Quickly absorb Spanish terms for possessing common everyday objects o	Cleverly incorporate prepositions and common present tense verbs for any situation o	Easily relay your emotions, questions, likes, and dislikes in Spanish anytime, anywhere o	And so much more! Forget about boring lectures on grammar and endless vocabulary lists. With the help of this book, English speakers like you can easily learn Spanish and immerse themselves in it without having to leave the country! Scroll up, add this Audiobook to your library, and Start Learning Spanish Today! P.S. Get the first ebook of the series FOR FREE at learnlikenatives.com

Spanish Short Stories for Beginners Book 1: Over 100 Dialogues and Daily Used Phrases to Learn Spanish in Your Car. Have Fun & Grow Your Vocabulary, with Crazy Effective Language Learning Lessons

It has been nearly five decades since Shirley MacLaine commenced her brave and public commitment to chronicling her personal quest for spiritual understanding. Now Shirley is back -- with her most breathtakingly powerful and unique book yet. The Camino is the story of a riveting odyssey that began with a pair of anonymous handwritten letters imploring Shirley to make a difficult pilgrimage along the Santiago de Compostela Camino in Spain. Throughout history, countless pilgrims have taken up the trail. It is an ancient -- and allegedly enchanted -- pilgrimage. People from St. Francis of Assisi to Dante and Chaucer have taken the journey -- a nearly 500-mile trek across highways, mountains, cities and fields. For Shirley, the Camino was both an intense spiritual and physical challenge. For a woman in her sixth decade completing such a grueling trip on foot in thirty days at twenty miles per day was remarkable. But even more astounding was her spiritual route: back thousands of years, through past lives to the very origin of the universe. With rich insight, humility, and grace, The Camino promises listeners the journey of a thousand lifetimes.

The Camino

*Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award* *A New York Times Notable Book* *Winner of the Texas Book Award and the Oklahoma Book Award* This New York Times bestseller and stunning historical account of the forty-year battle between Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West “is nothing short of a revelation…will leave dust and blood on your jeans” (The New York Times Book Review). Empire of the Summer Moon spans two astonishing stories. The first traces the rise and fall of the Comanches, the most powerful Indian tribe in American history. The second entails one of the most remarkable narratives ever to come out of the Old West: the epic saga of the pioneer woman Cynthia Ann Parker and her mixed-blood son Quanah, who became the last and greatest chief of the Comanches. Although readers may be more familiar with the tribal names Apache and Sioux, it was in fact the legendary fighting ability of the Comanches that determined when the American West opened up. Comanche boys became adept bareback riders by age six; full Comanche braves were considered the best horsemen who ever rode. They were so masterful at war and so skillful with their arrows and lances that they stopped the northern drive of colonial Spain from Mexico and halted the French expansion westward from Louisiana. White settlers arriving in Texas from the eastern United States were surprised to find the frontier being rolled backward by Comanches incensed by the invasion of their tribal lands. The war with the Comanches lasted four decades, in effect holding up the development of the new American nation. Gwynne’s exhilarating account delivers a sweeping narrative that encompasses Spanish colonialism, the Civil War, the destruction of the buffalo herds, and the arrival of the railroads, and the amazing story of Cynthia Ann Parker and her son Quanah—a historical feast for anyone interested in how the United States came into being. Hailed by critics, S. C. Gwynne’s account of these events is meticulously researched, intellectually provocative, and, above all, thrillingly told. Empire of the Summer Moon announces him as a major new writer of American history.

Empire of the Summer Moon

Read by the author. For every woman searching for her voice, Anna Kloots shares her story of starting over by trusting the magic that was always within... Despite what appeared to be a glamorous existence full of globetrotting adventures, behind the scenes, Anna felt invisible in her own life. Consumed by a marriage that left no space for her own desires and creativity, she chose to reframe the failure of her marriage as an opportunity to begin again. It was Anna's innate sense of adventure and love for the unknown that led her to move abroad; travel around the world, visiting 80 countries; start her own business; and marry a magician—all before her mid-twenties. From the outside, her jet-setting lifestyle alongside her husband looked perfect. But though she appeared to have all the freedom in the world, in reality she was trapped in a slow-motion disappearing act. When her marriage collapsed, she decided to use her unhappy ending as a chance for a new beginning—a reappearance into her own life and sense of exploration and discovery, letting each destination challenge, change, and shape her. Following Anna's extensive travels from the bustling streets of Jaipur to the canals of Venice to the desert of Dubai, My Own Magic is a powerful memoir—a true, coming-of-age story about a woman rediscovering the magic that she always had. Anna's memoir is proof that travel can transform you, inspire you, and even save you. Perfect for fans of Eat Pray Love.

My Own Magic

THE CRIMES. THE STORIES. THE LAW ‘Masterful’ – Judith Flanders ‘A page-turning read' – Prof. David Wilson Totally gripping and brilliantly told, Murder: The Biography is a gruesome and utterly captivating portrait of the legal history of murder. The stories and the people involved in the history of murder are stranger, darker and more compulsive than any crime fiction. There’s Richard Parker, the cannibalized cabin boy whose death at the hands of his hungry crewmates led the Victorian courts to decisively outlaw a defence of necessity to murder. Dr Percy Bateman, the incompetent GP whose violent disregard for his patient changed the law on manslaughter. Ruth Ellis, the last woman hanged in England in the 1950s, played a crucial role in changes to the law around provocation in murder cases. And Archibald Kinloch, the deranged Scottish aristocrat whose fratricidal frenzy paved the way for the defence of diminished responsibility. These, and many more, are the people – victims, killers, lawyers and judges, who unwittingly shaped the history of that most grisly and storied of laws. Join lawyer and writer Kate Morgan on a dark and macabre journey as she explores the strange stories and mysterious cases that have contributed to UK murder law. The big corporate killers; the vengeful spouses; the sloppy doctors; the abused partners; the shoddy employers; each story a crime and each crime a precedent that has contributed to the law’s dark, murky and, at times, shocking standing.

Murder: The Biography

'A surprising page-turner, full of humour and startling details' THE TIMES 'If I read a better history this year, I will be lucky' TOM HOLLAND 'An astonishing tour de force’ SPECTATOR Longlisted for the 2024 Highland Book Prize From Peter Marshall, winner of the 2018 Wolfson Prize, Storm’s Edge is a new history of the Orkney Islands that delves deep into island politics, folk beliefs and community memory on the geographical edge of Britain. Peter Marshall was born in Orkney. His ancestors were farmers and farm labourers on the northern island of Sanday – where, in 1624, one of them was murdered by a witch. In an expansive and enthralling historical account, Marshall looks afresh at a small group of islands that has been treated as a mere footnote, remote and peripheral, and in doing so invites us to think differently about key events of British history. With Orkney as our point of departure, Marshall traverses three dramatic centuries of religious, political and economic upheaval: a time when what we think of as modern Scotland, and then modern Britain, was being forged and tested. Storm's Edge is a magisterial history, a fascinating cultural study and a mighty attestation to the importance of placing the periphery at the centre. Britain is a nation composed of many different islands, but too often we focus on just one. This book offers a radical alternative, encouraging us to reorient the map and travel with Peter Marshall through landscapes of forgotten history.

Storm’s Edge

The perfect Spanish course for travel in Spain. It is designed to help you ask for the things you’re most likely to need when visiting Spain and to give you the skills to cope with situations you might find yourself in. The accompanying free booklet is also available to download at: collinsdictionary.com/resources. It is different from other courses in that you also learn to understand the likely replies to your questions. You will hear key words and phrases used in dialogues between native speakers, so you learn not only how to say them but also how they are used in conversation. Topics covered: STAGE 1 Unit 1 Hello! · ¡Hola! Unit 2 Excuse me · Perdone Unit 3 Where’s the bar? · ¿Dónde está el bar? Unit 4 Over there · Allí Unit 5 What would you like? · ¿Qué deseaba? Unit 6 Have you got … ? · ¿Tiene … ? Unit 7 Can you help me? · ¿Podría ayudarme? Unit 8 I want to go to … · Quería ir a … Unit 9 Have you got a room? ¿Tiene una habitación? Unit 10 It hurts · Tengo dolor Unit 11 When for? · ¿Para cuándo? Unit 12 What’s it like? · ¿Cómo está? STAGE 2 Unit 1 At the reception desk En la recepción Unit 2 Hiring a car·Alquilar un coche Unit 3 Where are you from?·¿De dónde es usted? Unit 4 What do you do? A qué se dedica usted? Unit 5 How are you? ¿Cómo está usted? Unit 6 Do you want to go out this evening? ¿Quieres salir esta noche? Unit 7 What could we do?·¿Qué podríamos hacer? Unit 8 What do you do at the weekend?·¿Qué haces los fines de semana? Unit 9 A holiday in Spain·Vacaciones en España Unit 10 What are we doing tomorrow?·¿Qué hacemos mañana? Unit 11 What is the weather going to be like?·¿Qué tiempo va a hacer? Unit 12 On the phone·Por teléfono

Easy Spanish Course for Beginners

From the Vanity Fair and New York Times contributor comes a “masterful blend of humor, heartache, and unforgettable landscapes” (Adrienne Brodeur, New York Times bestselling author of Wild Game) recounting the solo, cross-country road trip she made along the Ten across the American southwest on a mission to uncover both what harrowing violence may or may not have happened to her late mother, but also, to look within and discover who she herself is—where her mother ends and she begins. Driving her trusty minivan “Minnie,” E.A. Hanks retraces the route of a memorable road trip she once took with her mother, seeking to understand the complex woman who shaped her life. Along the way, as she follows her mother’s diaries and her own recollections of the route, she begins to uncover secrets—some unexpectedly wonderful, and others darker and more violent than she ever imagined—that bring more questions than answers. From the quiet expanses of White Sands National Park to the bustling streets of New Orleans, and the Texas-Mexico border to the swamps of the Florida panhandle, she interacts with the amazing breadth and diversity of the people that call these places home. Reckoning with the past, the present, her memories, and herself, Hanks brings us along a poignant journey, revealing how the stories tied to the places we come from shape the narratives of who we are.

The 10

An irreverent homage to the '95 travel classic, from the author of The Gran Tour In 2013, travel writer Ben Aitken decided to follow in the footsteps of his hero - literally - and started a journey around the UK, tracing the trip taken by Bill Bryon in his classic tribute to the British Isles, Notes from a Small Island. Staying at the same hotels, ordering the same food, and even spending the same amount of time in the bath, Aitken's homage - updated and with a new preface for 2022 - is filled with wit, insight and humour. 'It would be wrong to view this book as just a highly accomplished homage to a personal hero. Aitken's politics, as much as his humour, are firmly in the spotlight, and Dear Bill Bryson achieves more than its title (possibly even its author) intended.' Manchester Review

Dear Bill Bryson

The “enlightening” (The Guardian) true story of the last ship to carry enslaved people to America, the remarkable town its survivors’ founded after emancipation, and the complicated legacy their descendants carry with them to this day—by the journalist who discovered the ship’s remains. Fifty years after the Atlantic slave trade was outlawed, the Clotilda became the last ship in history to bring enslaved Africans to the United States. The ship was scuttled and burned on arrival to hide the wealthy perpetrators to escape prosecution. Despite numerous efforts to find the sunken wreck, Clotilda remained hidden for the next 160 years. But in 2019, journalist Ben Raines made international news when he successfully concluded his obsessive quest through the swamps of Alabama to uncover one of our nation’s most important historical artifacts. Traveling from Alabama to the ancient African kingdom of Dahomey in modern-day Benin, Raines recounts the ship’s perilous journey, the story of its rediscovery, and its complex legacy. Against all odds, Africatown, the Alabama community founded by the captives of the Clotilda, prospered in the Jim Crow South. Zora Neale Hurston visited in 1927 to interview Cudjo Lewis, telling the story of his enslavement in the New York Times bestseller Barracoon. And yet the haunting memory of bondage has been passed on through generations. Clotilda is a ghost haunting three communities—the descendants of those transported into slavery, the descendants of their fellow Africans who sold them, and the descendants of their fellow American enslavers. This connection binds these groups together to this day. At the turn of the century, descendants of the captain who financed the Clotilda’s journey lived nearby—where, as significant players in the local real estate market, they disenfranchised and impoverished residents of Africatown. From these parallel stories emerges a profound depiction of America as it struggles to grapple with the traumatic past of slavery and the ways in which racial oppression continues to this day. And yet, at its heart, The Last Slave Ship remains optimistic—an epic tale of one community’s triumphs over great adversity and a celebration of the power of human curiosity to uncover the truth about our past and heal its wounds.

The Last Slave Ship

A New York Times Notable Book A lively, immersive history by an award-winning urbanist of New York City’s transformation, and the lessons it offers for the city’s future. Dangerous, filthy, and falling apart, garbage piled on its streets and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble; New York’s terrifying, if liberating, state of nature in 1978 also made it the capital of American culture. Over the next thirty-plus years, though, it became a different place—kinder and meaner, richer and poorer, more like America and less like what it had always been. New York, New York, New York, Thomas Dyja’s sweeping account of this metamorphosis, shows it wasn’t the work of a single policy, mastermind, or economic theory, nor was it a morality tale of gentrification or crime. Instead, three New Yorks evolved in turn. After brutal retrenchment came the dazzling Koch Renaissance and the Dinkins years that left the city’s liberal traditions battered but laid the foundation for the safe streets and dotcom excess of Giuliani’s Reformation in the ‘90s. Then the planes hit on 9/11. The shaky city handed itself over to Bloomberg who merged City Hall into his personal empire, launching its Reimagination. From Hip Hop crews to Wall Street bankers, D.V. to Jay-Z, Dyja weaves New Yorkers famous, infamous, and unknown—Yuppies, hipsters, tech nerds, and artists; community organizers and the immigrants who made this a truly global place—into a narrative of a city creating ways of life that would ultimately change cities everywhere. With great success, though, came grave mistakes. The urbanism that reclaimed public space became a means of control, the police who made streets safe became an occupying army, technology went from a means to the end. Now, as anxiety fills New Yorker’s hearts and empties its public spaces, it’s clear that what brought the city back—proximity, density, and human exchange—are what sent Covid-19 burning through its streets, and the price of order has come due. A fourth evolution is happening and we must understand that the greatest challenge ahead is the one New York failed in the first three: The cures must not be worse than the disease. Exhaustively researched, passionately told, New York, New York, New York is a colorful, inspiring guide to not just rebuilding but reimagining a great city.

Must-Read American History

New York, New York, New York

Step aboard Boater, a mesmerising voyage along the tranquil waterways of England, written by former UK Canal Laureate, Jo Bell. 'It's not a lifestyle. It's a life' For over twenty years, Jo Bell, archaeologist and poet, has travelled the waterways of England (and sometimes Wales) meeting extraordinary people in an extraordinary environment. It’s a journey that's taught her about human nature, including her own; about rope and Brasso and bravery; about ducks and locks, and above all, about the necessity for a constant supply of biscuits. In this smart, funny memoir she describes an alternative nation within a nation, a place of different maps and deep history, and home to people who live and work in a world quite separate from the land a few feet away on the banks. Always at home, always on the move, Jo's peaceful life is interrupted when a turbulent relationship takes her on a year-long odyssey through tranquil waters and on to the treacherous Bristol Channel. Join her as she navigates shallow waters and deep trouble, and welcomes readers onboard a remarkable voyage through the past, present and future of our remarkable canals and the communities they support.

Boater

This book is the premium edition of my book "Modern Iran and Ancient Persia"! This book is dedicated to the women's movement in Iran. If you announce that you are going to Iran, someone will certainly advise you not to go. Ignore them – this is one of the most exciting countries on Earth. There is much to discover, and explore in Iran, not only cultural and historical sites but mountains, deserts and wilderness. Above all, this is a place defined by the hospitality and curiosity of Iranians despite a totalitarian regime. According to Lonely Planet's Atlas of Adventure – "it might well be the friendliest country you ever visit". The Persian Empire, which once stretched from Greece to India, has left remnants of an extraordinary rich cultural heritage not only in today's Iran but across the Ancient Empire. From Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia, to the World Heritage sites in Esfahan and Yazd. With its 26 World Heritage Sites, Iran is one of the top 10 countries in the world that represent a masterpiece of human creativity and an exceptional testimony to human civilisation. It was 13,000 years ago on the Iranian plateau that Homo sapiens first settled with the advent of agriculture and the first permanent human settlement. Zoroastrianism, the world's first monotheistic religion, originated in Persia 4,000 years ago. The biblical Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men, were respected Zoroastrian astronomers who came from Persia to "visit" the baby Jesus on the night of his birth in Bethlehem! The game of chess as we play it today was invented in Iran about 2,000 years ago. The algorithm as we use it today in AI and computer science was invented 1,000 years ago in Iran. The stories of "Thousand and One Nights" are taken from the Persian Pahlavi work Hezār Afsān over a thousand years ago. With this book we will travel to all those wonderful places of 1001 Nights tales. This is our historical and cultural journey of two weeks to discover authentic places of those stories from our childhood! And Iran is a safe destination for tourists, despite a totalitarian regime!

Persia 1001 Nights

Ready To Learn The French Language quickly and in a practical way with exciting short novels? It is no secret that language proficiency grows through practice. The more you practice a foreign language, the more comfortable you will become with it. For beginner French speakers, it is essential not only to expand your vocabulary but also to build confidence in your ability to speak, read, and master the language. The 21 captivating French stories in this book (I have included one bonus story at the end) have been carefully crafted for new French speakers to help with learning new words and phrases, while also strengthening your confidence by reinforcing what you already know. Did you realize that you are already prepared to read short stories in French? So, how should you use this book? It is best to start at the beginning, as the stories in this book will get progressively more sophisticated. Each story comes with a series of questions in French to gauge your comprehension of the story, as well as a glossary of some new words or terms that were introduced in that story. If you have trouble understanding any of the questions in French, refer back to the glossary for help. Words and phrases in the questions that could be confusing are defined in the glossary as well. Each story is also followed by a short synopsis in English for readers who want to make sure they have understood the story’s meaning. We recommend that you read each story—using the glossary definitions if necessary—and then answer the questions. You should refer to the English summaries of the stories only after you have answered the questions. The summaries are a great way to check your answers and determine how well you have understood the material, but it is important to try challenging yourself to understand French. Get your copy now

French Short Stories

Ciao! Hello! Do you understand this first Italian word? Yes, you do! How? Because you read it using a new technique: bilingual reading (parallel text). How it works? It's simple: bilingual reading works by reading two versions of the same book or text at the same time. One version is in the language you want to learn (here you will learn Italian words) and the other version is in your native language or in another language that you feel comfortable with: here we will use English. This way, you can use short stories to learn Italian the fun way with the bilingual reading natural method. Using this method, you will quickly start to learn Italian from basics and learn Italian fast by accumulating vocabulary. In order to make simple the Italian language study, this book brings together 50 amazing Koala images with short, simple, funny texts written in their native language and with Italian key words. The simple Italian short stories for beginners and dialogues in this Italian dual language book a great tool to learn Italian for beginners of all ages. Let's start learning Italian? Come on, it's going to be fun - the Koalas will help you learn!

Learn Italian For Beginners

Italian Short Stories for Beginners - English Italian

amazing = sorprendente amusing = divertente Do you understand these first Italian words? Yes, you do! How? Because you read it using a new technique: bilingual reading (parallel text). How it works? It's simple: bilingual reading works by reading two versions of the same book or text at the same time. One version is in the language you want to learn (here you will learn Italian words) and the other version is in your native language or in another language that you feel comfortable with: here we will use English. This way, you can use short simple words to learn Italian the fun way with the bilingual reading natural method. Using this method, you will quickly start to learn Italian from basics and learn Italian fast by accumulating vocabulary. In this book you can easy learn 100 Adjectives reading it in your native language and in the language you want to learn. The simple Italian dual language book is a great tool to learn Italian for beginners of all ages. Let's start learning Italian?

Italian - Learn Italian - 100 Adjectives

A majestic tale of discovery thatchanged many long-held views about the world In 1519 Magellan and his fleet of five ships set sail from Seville, Spain, to discover a water route to the fabled Spice Islands in Indonesia, where the most sought-after commodities -- cloves, pepper, and nutmeg -- flourished. Three years later, a handful of survivors returned with an abundance of spices from their intended destination, but with just one ship carrying eighteen emaciated men. During their remarkable voyage around the world the crew endured starvation, disease, mutiny, and torture. Many men died, including Magellan, who was violently killed in a fierce battle. This is the first full account in nearly half a century of this voyage into history: a tour of the world emerging from the Middle Ages into the Renaissance; a startling anthropological account of tribes, languages, and customs unknown to Europeans; and a chronicle of a desperate grab for commercial and political power.

Over the Edge of the World

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Winner of the PEN New England Award “Enchanting…A book filled with so much love…Long before Oregon, Rinker Buck has convinced us that the best way to see America is from the seat of a covered wagon.” —The Wall Street Journal “Amazing…A real nonfiction thriller.” —Ian Frazier, The New York Review of Books “Absorbing…Winning…The many layers in The Oregon Trail are linked by Mr. Buck’s voice, which is alert and unpretentious in a manner that put me in mind of Bill Bryson’s comic tone in A Walk in the Woods.” —Dwight Garner, The New York Times A major bestseller that has been hailed as a “quintessential American story” (Christian Science Monitor), Rinker Buck’s The Oregon Trail is an epic account of traveling the 2,000-mile length of the Oregon Trail the old-fashioned way—in a covered wagon with a team of mules—that has captivated readers, critics, and booksellers from coast to coast. Simultaneously a majestic journey across the West, a significant work of history, and a moving personal saga, Buck’s chronicle is a “laugh-out-loud masterpiece” (Willamette Week) that “so ensnares the emotions it becomes a tear-jerker at its close” (Star Tribune, Minneapolis) and “will leave you daydreaming and hungry to see this land” (The Boston Globe).

The Oregon Trail

Alone in the wilderness Award-winning journalist Naomi Arnold spends nearly nine months walking the length of New Zealand on Te Araroa, fulfilling a 20-year dream. On her own, she traverses mountains, rivers, cities and plains from summer to spring, walking on through days of thick mud, blazing sun and lightning storms, and into cold, starlit nights. Along the way she encounters colourful locals and travellers who delight and inspire her. An upbeat, fascinating and inspiring memoir of solitude, love and friendship, and the joys and pains to be found in the wilderness.

Northbound

This Autistic Girl Went to Japan is the inspiring story of a young woman who moved halfway around the world in pursuit of happiness. With humor and remarkable candor, Bianca describes the challenges of applying for a visa during a time of terrifying uncertainty, slogging through endless red tape, and the loneliness that comes with being a stranger in a strange land. Oh, and how she wound up evicting a bat from her new apartment, attending a Pokémon GO event with a bunch of middle-aged women, and discovering the best thrift store in all of Tokyo. Along the way, she explains why she feels so at home in Japan, where things are often a bit easier for autistic folks. Well, except for revenue stamps. And opening a bank account. And faxes.

This Autistic Girl Went to Japan

Mallorca offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Whether you want to stay in a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast or a hostel, there are a variety of options to suit your needs. Luxury resorts and hotels can be found throughout the island, particularly in the tourist centers along the coast. These accommodations often offer swimming pools, spa areas, restaurants and a variety of leisure options. If you want a luxurious vacation, these accommodations are a good choice. If you prefer something more comfortable, you can stay in a bed and breakfast or a guesthouse. These accommodations often offer a family atmosphere and are usually housed in historic buildings or traditional fincas. The rooms are mostly simple but clean and offer everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Mallorca Travel Guide

WANT TO LEARN ITALIAN THE EASIEST AND MOST EXCITING WAY POSSIBLE? YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! Learning a second language is a great mental exercise if you want to create new neural pathways in your brain, so you can stay quick and sharp. Plus, learning a widely spoken language – Italian in particular – can open up a myriad of new opportunities for you in both life and work. “Italian Short Stories for Beginners” harnesses the power of a great tale in fast-tracking your learning process. It has several uniquely structured Italian-to-English short stories that are saturated with over 100 simple, easy-to-digest dialogues and daily used phrases, so you can seamlessly learn the language, even as you drive towards work! In the stories within, you will see people speaking to each other, going through daily life situations, and using the most common, helpful words and phrases in Italian. WITH THIS GUIDE, BEGINNERS LIKE YOU WILL: o	Effortlessly learn basic Italian with the help of cleverly structured short stories for beginners o	Quickly absorb Italian terms for possessing common everyday objects o	Cleverly incorporate prepositions and common present tense verbs for any situation o	Easily relay your emotions, questions, likes, and dislikes in Italian anytime, anywhere o	And so much more! Forget about boring lectures on grammar and endless vocabulary lists. With the help of this book, English speakers like you can easily learn Italian and immerse themselves in it without having to leave the country! Scroll up, add this Audiobook to your library, and Start Learning Italian Today! - P.S. Get the first ebook of the series FOR FREE at learnlikenatives.com -

Italian Short Stories for Beginners Book 1: Over 100 Dialogues and Daily Used Phrases to Learn Italian in Your Car. Have Fun & Grow Your Vocabulary, with Crazy Effective Language Learning Lessons

""Sports journalism at its finest, a book so well-researched that everyone who thinks they know Pre is in for a big surprise.” —Christopher McDougall, bestselling author of Born to Run On the 50th anniversary of American Track and Field icon Steve Prefontaine’s tragic death comes an essential reappraisal of his life and legacy, a powerful work of narrative history exploring the forces and psychology that made Prefontaine great and separating the man from the myths. In the fifty years since his tragic death in a car crash, Steve Prefontaine has towered over American distance running. One of the most recognizable and charismatic figures to ever run competitively in the United States, Prefontaine has endured as a source of inspiration and fascination—a talent who presaged the American running boom of the late 1970s and helped put Nike on the map as the brand’s first celebrity-athlete face. Now on the anniversary of his untimely death, author Brendan O’Meara, host of the Creative Nonfiction podcast, offers a fresh, definitive retelling of Prefontaine’s life, revisiting one of the most enigmatic figures in American sports with a twenty-first-century lens. Through over a hundred and fifty original interviews with family, friends, teammates, and competitors, this long-overdue reappraisal of Prefontaine—the first such exhaustive treatment in almost thirty years—provides never-before-told stories about the unique talent, innovative mental strength, and personal struggles that shaped Prefontaine on and off the track. Bringing new depth to an athlete long eclipsed by his brash, aggressive running style and the heartbreak of his death at twenty-four, O’Meara finds the man inside the myth, scrutinizing a legacy that has shaped American sports culture for decades. What emerges is a singular portrait of a distinctly American talent, a story written in the pines and firs of the Pacific Northwest back when running was more blue-collar love than corporate pursuit—the story of a runner whose short life casts a long, fast shadow.

The Front Runner

“Bear Grylls is a veritable superhero….The former UK Special Forces paratrooper has braved the world’s harshest environments.” —Hampton Sides, Outside Magazine “Bear Grylls is one tough, crazy dude.” —Washington Post Already a #1 London Sunday Times Bestseller, Mud, Sweat, and Tears is the adrenaline-fueled autobiography of the mega-popular star of the hit survival series Man Vs. Wild, adventurer Bear Grylls. A former British Special Forces commando, a man who has always sought the ultimate in dangerous challenges, Bear’s true story reads like an outdoors action and adventure novel. But Bear’s story is true—full of breathtaking escapes and remarkable exploits that would make any Jack London or H. Ryder Haggard hero proud.

Mud, Sweat, and Tears

Discover what it’s really like to live and work on the road in a camper van full time from eco-vanlifer and founder of the Diversify Vanlife movement, Noami Grevemberg. Feeling dissatisfied with her office job and her “stationary home,” in 2016 Noami Grevemberg took a bold step. She quit her job, sold her belongings, and set out in her 1985 VW Vanagon to pursue a life of simplicity and travel with her husband and German Shepherd by her side. In her years living fulltime on the road, Noami has become an expert in the many aspects of vanlife. In her book Living the Vanlife, she digs into all aspects of the lifestyle, from getting over the uncomfortable feeling of uncertainty, to creating a sustainable, thriving life of adventure and a captivating path of choosing whatever it is you truly want for yourself. Through personal stories and actionable advice, Noami candidly and compassionately demonstrates for readers that challenging the "status quo” means taking bold steps, venturing out of your comfort zone, taking risks, and living intentionally. As a Trinidadian immigrant, Noami also takes a practical look at life on the road as a BIPOC navigating many intersections and speaks to topics like converting a van to fit your specific needs, budgeting for vanlife, finding employment, staying safe, and building a supportive community on the road. Featuring evocative full-color photographs of Noami’s journey, Living the Vanlife is an inclusive and celebratory look at an increasingly popular way of life.

Living the Vanlife

Polish your Spanish, improve your reading and listening skills, and make learning new Spanish vocabulary so much easier with 100 entertaining and culturally interesting Spanish short stories including audio. This is a perfect book is to improve your Spanish language skills and is recommended for beginners and intermediate level Spanish learners. It's a book for Spanish literature lovers and language learners alike. You also get access to one audiobook mp3 file that contains 10 of the more extensive stories and is recorded in Castilian Spanish. Learning Guide Learning Spanish through reading short stories Advance as you read Using this book effectively 1. Conocimientos de español 2. Diálogo – Nuestra gata ha desaparecido 3. La chica vegana 4. En la panadería 5. Sin accidentes 6. El conductor de taxi 7. La solicitud 8. Ganar la lotería 9. El paseo 10. En la oficina 11. Control de billetes 12. El accidente de coche 13. En el circo 14. Nuestra nueva casa 15. Vamos a aprender español juntos 16. Mis vacaciones son lo más importante 17. Mis aficiones 18. Un niño ayuda 19. El dinero está en la calle 20. La báscula 21. Aprender las normas de circulación 22. Prestar dinero es arriesgado 23. Redes sociales 24. La preparación 25. Mis mejores amigos 26. Bajo la farola 27. El obrero 28. Corte de luz 29. En el cine 30. Una ensalada sencilla 31. Mi libro favorito 32. Bajarse 33. El divorcio 34. Desempleados 35. Zapatos nuevos 36. Me caso con la oficina 37. Una receta nueva 38. Diálogo – Un receta con conejo 39. Una pareja feliz 40. La visita al médico 41. El tour en bicicleta 42. Diálogo – En el restaurante 43. Me gustaría ser profesora 44. Planes de futuro 45. La limpieza 46. Comprar barato 47. Buscando un aparcamiento 48. Nos mudamos 49. Un taxi para el aeropuerto 50. Asociaciones en Alemania + 50 Spanish Short Stories for Intermediate Level Students AUDIOBOOK

100 Spanish Short Stories for Beginners and Intermediate Learners

*The inspiration for the CNN original series Vegas: The Story of Sin City* “Outstanding pop-culture history.” —Newsday The “smart and zippy account” (The Wall Street Journal) of how Las Vegas saved Elvis and Elvis saved Las Vegas in the greatest musical comeback of all time. Elvis’s 1969 opening night in Vegas was his first time back on a live stage in more than eight years. His career had gone sour—bad movies, mediocre pop songs that no longer made the charts—and he’d been dismissed by most critics as over-the-hill. But in Vegas he played the biggest showroom in the biggest hotel in the city, drawing more people for his four-week engagement than any other show in Vegas history. His performance got rave reviews; “Suspicious Minds,” the song he introduced there, gave him his first number-one hit in seven years; and Elvis became Vegas’s biggest star. Over the next seven years, he performed more than 600 shows there, and sold out every one. Las Vegas was changed, too. By the end of the ‘60s, Vegas’ golden age—when the Rat Pack led a glittering array of stars who made it the nation’s premier live-entertainment center—was losing its luster. Elvis created a new kind of Vegas show: an over-the-top, rock-concert extravaganza. He set a new bar for Vegas performers, with the biggest salary, the biggest musical production, and the biggest promotion campaign the city had ever seen. He opened the door to a new generation of pop/rock artists and brought a new audience to Vegas—not the traditional well-heeled older gamblers, but a mass audience from Middle America that Vegas depends on for its success to this day. At once “a fascinating history of Vegas as gambling capital, celebrity playground, mob hangout, [and] entertainment Valhalla” (Rolling Stone) and the incredible “tale of how the King got his groove back” (Associated Press), Elvis in Vegas is a classic feel-good story for the ages.

Elvis in Vegas

Discover the fascinating philosophy of Japanese cuisine – in all its depth, history, and diversity! Immerse yourself in the unique culinary journey "The Evolution of Japanese Cuisine – From the Imperial Court to Street Food – Japan's Culinary Philosophy," a comprehensive reference work on the development of Japanese culinary culture from early imperial banquets to modern street food on the bustling streets of Tokyo and Osaka. This exceptional book by renowned author Hermann Candahashi combines popular scientific analysis, cultural depth, and gripping storytelling in a fascinating blend that will delight history buffs, culinary enthusiasts, Japan fans, and specialist readers alike. From the influences of Zen Buddhism to the disciplined culinary culture of the samurai to the Western influences of the Meiji period – here you will learn how taste, philosophy, and aesthetics have evolved in Japan over the centuries. What makes this book special: - A unique look at the historical roots of Japanese cuisine - In-depth information on regional specialties from Hokkaido to Okinawa - Exciting insights into the significance of shojin ryori, kaiseki, and sushi - Presented in an understandable way for laypeople, yet in-depth for experts - Ideal for gourmets, Japanologists, travelers, food bloggers, and professional chefs Learn why Japanese cuisine is among the most renowned in the world today – and how deep-rooted traditions, religious influences, regional peculiarities, and historical upheavals continue to shape it today. A must-read for anyone who wants to know: What makes Japanese cuisine so unique – and what can we learn from it? With the help of this multifaceted work, enter a world full of enjoyment, knowledge, and cultural depth – for your library, your kitchen, or your next adventure in Japan!

The Evolution of Japanese Cuisine

In "Geisha Reflections: Beauty, Grace, and Tradition," embark on a captivating journey into the enigmatic world of geisha—an art form steeped in elegance, tradition, and allure. Delve into the origins and history of geisha, from their ancient roots to their adaptation in modern times, as you uncover the secrets behind these fascinating figures. Discover the intricate process of becoming a geisha, as aspiring talents undergo rigorous training and apprenticeship within the confines of the mysterious okiya. Unveil the art of transformation through geisha attire and makeup, witnessing firsthand the mesmerizing power of their stunning metamorphosis. Immerse yourself in the geisha arts, from mastering music and dance to cultivating the art of enchanting conversation. Explore the multifaceted persona of a geisha, where grace and poise become second nature, and communication transcends words through the language of fans and gestures. Delve into the enchanting world of geisha entertainment, as they captivate guests with their refined skills. Experience the symbolism and ritual behind the geisha's participation in the revered tea ceremony. As you navigate the intricate dynamics of geisha society, witness the delicate dance between geisha and the samurai, and discover the profound influence of geisha on the world of art, business, and international diplomacy. Unravel the mystique surrounding geisha's romantic entanglements and their role as muses for artists and writers. Unearth legends and mysteries intertwined with geisha culture, from mythical origins to haunting ghost stories. Delve into the secrets and scandals that have colored geisha's history and explore the supernatural beliefs and practices that surround these captivating figures. Beyond Japan's borders, experience the global impact of geisha, from their influence on fashion and popular culture to their portrayal in literature and cinema. Witness how geisha have inspired artists worldwide and adapted to the digital age, engaging with a new generation through social media. As you approach the conclusion of this mesmerizing journey, contemplate the challenges faced by geisha in preserving their treasured traditions while navigating a rapidly changing society. Gain insight into their role as cultural ambassadors and their importance in conserving Japan's rich heritage. "Geisha Reflections: Beauty, Grace, and Tradition" offers a comprehensive and captivating exploration of geisha—an ancient tradition that continues to enchant and inspire. Engaging, informative, and beautifully illustrated, this book invites you to embrace the geisha spirit and discover the enduring lessons of beauty, grace, and tradition.

Geisha Reflections

"Homage to Catalonia" is perhaps the seminal work in English about the Spanish Civil War. Written in Orwell's admirably spare yet wonderfully evocative prose, it's a searingly honest book, almost a rite of passage. It talks of the realities of the trenches and of the politics and of the feelings. George Orwell's "Homage to Catalonia" was first published in 1938 and is a first-person narrative relating his personal experiences as an infantry soldier fighting on the Republican side of the conflict, from December 1936 through June 1937 in or near Catalonia and Aragon. In December, 1936, George Orwell leaves his English home for Spain, a country in the midst of a brutal civil war. Like most international observers, Orwell sees the war in Spain as a struggle between democracy and Fascism. He volunteers to fight on the side of the Republicans (a coalition of pro-democracy, leftwing parties) against the Nationalists (a conservative, Catholic, rightwing group led by General Franco). Upon his arrival in Barcelona, he is amazed to find that a large-scale social revolution has taken hold in the city. Communist and Anarchist flags hang on all the buildings, shops have been collectivised, and everyone treats each other with an air of perfect equality. The bourgeois, it seems, have all but disappeared, and the working class appear in complete control of the city. The atmosphere of equality and freedom that reigns strengthens Orwell’s conviction that he has made the right decision to fight for such a noble cause. He soon joins the POUM militia, a Marxist group affiliated with the Anarchists, and is sent to the front...

Homage to Catalonia

Tour du Mont Blanc is the definitive guidebook for one of the most famous long-distance treks in the world. This trek circles the entire Mont Blanc massif, passing through spectacular scenery in France, Italy and Switzerland. You'll traverse high mountain passes, see stunning glaciers, pass azure lakes, wander through tranquil green valleys and alpine pastures, with snow-capped peaks visible above. Written by Tour du Mont Blanc expert Kingsley Jones, this guidebook includes unique customised timings to enable accurate itinerary planning for walkers, trekkers, fastpackers and trail runners, allowing you to plan your Tour du Mont Blanc at a pace to suit you. You'll find everything that you need to plan and undertake your Tour du Mont Blanc, including travel information, navigation, accommodation options, equipment and safety, food and drink, as well as useful extra information such as wild swimming locations and trekking tips. Together with amazing photography, the route includes clear and comprehensive directions, refreshments stops, accommodation and local points of interest, and is accompanied by bespoke 1:40,000-scale maps. Route variations are also included.

European Trails

Tour du Mont Blanc

The Italian Soul is a pilgrimage of the heart, a journey toward change that will allow its readers to approach life with a more contemplative stance and recreate a sense of la dolce vita—the sweet life—wherever they might be. The Italian Soul offers practical guidance into how we can transport a taste of the Italian “good life” into our own homes. Additionally, it explores the contemplative practices and attitudes that seem to come naturally to a people who have made an art of living and working joyfully. A cross between a travel dispatch and a spirituality guide for seekers who eschew traditional religious practices but are yearning for ways to bring more balance, sanity, and a greater sense of the transcendent into their daily lives. Written by veteran journalist Judith Valente, who has lived and traveled extensively in Italy, The Italian Soul shares personal stories and insights into the Italian way of life, focusing on the attitudes, traditions, and practices that make the people of Italy role models for experiencing delight amid the demands and distractions of ordinary living. Readers will feel as though they are walking along, peering into windows, glimpsing activities as they unfold. The Italian Soul is a book for lovers of Italy, those considering visiting Italy for the first time, and anyone who is interested in learning more about the art of living joyfully. The Italian Soul will share how Italians: Have a deep appreciation for quality and aesthetics Value slowness and savor the little moments in life Show a strong sense of community and make room for leisure and personal care Honor their dead and have a deep respect for tradition Find beauty in the everyday and are able to laugh at themselves The Italian Soul is a book that will change the way you look at life. It is a book that will inspire you to live more joyfully and to savor the simple things.

The Italian Soul

THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ‘The farewell calls from the planes… the mounting terror of air traffic control… the mothers who knew they were witnessing their loved ones perish… From an author who’s spent 5 years reconstructing its horror, never has the story been told with such devastating, human force’ Daily Mail This is a 9/11 book like no other. Masterfully weaving together multiple strands of the events in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, Fall and Rise is a mesmerising, minute-by-minute account of that terrible day. In the days and months after 9/11, Mitchell Zuckoff, then a reporter for the Boston Globe, wrote about the attacks, the victims, and their families. After further years of meticulous reporting, Zuckoff has filled Fall and Rise with voices of the lost and the saved. The result is an utterly gripping book, filled with intimate stories of people most affected by the events of that sunny Tuesday in September: an out-of-work actor stuck in an elevator in the North Tower of the World Trade Center; the heroes aboard Flight 93 deciding to take action; a veteran trapped in the inferno in the Pentagon; the fire chief among the first on the scene in sleepy Shanksville; a team of firefighters racing to save an injured woman and themselves; and the men, women, and children flying across country to see loved ones or for work who suddenly faced terrorists bent on murder. Fall and Rise will open new avenues of understanding for everyone who thinks they know the story of 9/11, bringing to life – and in some cases, bringing back to life – the extraordinary ordinary people who experienced the worst day in modern American history. Destined to be a classic, Fall and Rise will move, shock, inspire, and fill hearts with love and admiration for the human spirit as it triumphs in the face of horrifying events.

Fall and Rise: The Story of 9/11

WANT TO LEARN FRENCH THE EASIEST AND MOST EXCITING WAY POSSIBLE? YOU CAME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! Learning a second language is a great mental exercise if you want to create new neural pathways in your brain, so you can stay quick and sharp. Plus, learning a widely spoken language – French in particular – can open up a myriad of new opportunities for you in both life and work. “French Short Stories for Beginners” harnesses the power of a great tale in fast-tracking your learning process. It has several uniquely structured French-to-English short stories that are saturated with over 100 simple, easy-to-digest dialogues and daily used phrases, so you can seamlessly learn the language, even as you drive towards work! In the stories within, you will see people speaking to each other, going through daily life situations, and using the most common, helpful words and phrases in French. WITH THIS GUIDE, BEGINNERS LIKE YOU WILL: o	Effortlessly learn basic French with the help of cleverly structured short stories for beginners o	Quickly absorb French terms for possessing common everyday objects o	Cleverly incorporate prepositions and common present tense verbs for any situation o	Easily relay your emotions, questions, likes, and dislikes in French anytime, anywhere o	And so much more! Forget about boring lectures on grammar and endless vocabulary lists. With the help of this book, English speakers like you can easily learn French and immerse themselves in it without having to leave the country! Scroll up, add this Audiobook to your library, and Start Learning French Today! - P.S. Get the first ebook of the series FOR FREE at learnlikenatives.com -

French Short Stories for Beginners Book 1: Over 100 Dialogues and Daily Used Phrases to Learn French in Your Car. Have Fun & Grow Your Vocabulary, with Crazy Effective Language Learning Lessons

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Books in category 'Travelling & Countries'

Travelling & Countries

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