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An Ordinary Soldier
by Doug Beattie Mc Philip GommOn 11th September 2006 - exactly five years after the attacks on the Twin Towers - a modern day Rorke's Drift was played out in the town of Garmsir, known as the Taliban gateway to Helmand Province. 40-year-old Capt. Doug Beattie of the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment was charged with the mission to help retake Garmsir from the Taliban. His commanders said it would take two days; it actually took two weeks of exhausting, bloody conflict in which at times he would be one of only a small unit up against a ferocious enemy in impossible conditions. For his repeated bravery Doug Beattie was decorated with the Military Cross. AN ORDINARY SOLDIER offers an extraordinary insight into the mission in Afghanistan and, crucially, the relationship between British troops and the Afghans they serve alongside. Above all, it's Beattie's personal story of being what he modestly calls 'an ordinary soldier' - someone who balances being a loving father and husband with that of fighting in the world's most hostile place. It demands to be read.
Political Process and the Development of Black Insurgency: 1930–1970
by Doug McAdamIn this classic work of sociology, Doug McAdam presents a political-process model that explains the rise and decline of the black protest movement in the United States. Moving from theoretical concerns to empirical analysis, he focuses on the crucial role of three institutions that foster protest: black churches, black colleges, and Southern chapters of the NAACP. He concludes that political opportunities, a heightened sense of political efficacy, and the development of these three institutions played a central role in shaping the civil rights movement. In his new introduction, McAdam revisits the civil rights struggle in light of recent scholarship on social movement origins and collective action. "[A] first-rate analytical demonstration that the civil rights movement was the culmination of a long process of building institutions in the black community."—Raymond Wolters, Journal of American History "A fresh, rich, and dynamic model to explain the rise and decline of the black insurgency movement in the United States."—James W. Lamare, Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science
Devil's Coin: My Battle to Take Down the Notorious OneCoin Cryptoqueen
by Jennifer McAdam*A NEXT BIG IDEA CLUB MUST-READ BOOK FOR AUGUST 2023*"[An] exhilarating mix of memoir and true crime. . ." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)The astonishing true story of the coal miner’s daughter who took on the creators of the world’s biggest financial fraud and helped the FBI to convict themThe OneCoin global cryptocurrency fraud stole tens of billions of dollars from ordinary people around the world. Unlike Madoff or Enron, who relieved the world’s wealthiest investors of their cash, the exploiting genius of the OneCoin scam was targeting the poorest people in the world, the “unbanked”—those who struggled to live or get mainstream banking support. The arrogant assumption was that the downtrodden wouldn't have the means or will to fight back. They didn’t reckon on Jen McAdam—a teenage mother, young grandmother, and modern-day Erin Brockovich.Jen’s father left her £15,000 when he died: his savings from living a careful life in a small Scottish mining town. Jen wanted a safe investment for this money to fund a better life for her family. She was digitally savvy, and she had heard of people making fortunes with Bitcoin. When she saw the promotional material for OneCoin—the founder Dr. Ruja Ignatova featured in major reputable media outlets; videos of celebrity events; gushing video testimonials of people, just like Jen, who had changed their lives—she was entranced.Only months later, she realized she would never see her money again.Jen was one of the only victims worldwide to fight back. Despite terrifying attempts to shut down both her and her growing support groups, she fought tirelessly for justice for herself, her family and friends, and the millions around the world who lost everything, in some cases even their lives. This is a true David-and-Goliath story to give us all a message of hope about the power we as individuals can have, even when things seem hopeless.
Slow: Simple Living for a Frantic World
by Brooke McAlaryFree yourself from the frantic and embrace the joy of slow..."After reading this book, you'll have an amazing list of ingredients that can help you create a meaningful life, too!" —The Minimalists Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus"Finally, a slow living guide for the imperfect folks . . . Brooke McAlary's exuberant, honest words are a refreshing contribution to the slow living community. If you're seeking a simpler path, start here." —Erin Loechner, Blogger at DesignforMankind.com and author of Chasing SlowAre you constantly striving to keep up with life's busy expectations? It's easy to feel consumed with the desire to "succeed" and "acquire", and miss the simple opportunities waiting for you to slow down: a walk in the forest, sharing laughter with family, a personal moment of gratitude...Once upon a time, it became clear to Brooke McAlary that the key to happiness was discovering a simpler, more fulfilling existence. She put the brakes on her stressful path, and reorganized her life to live outside the status-quo, emphasizing depth, connection and meaningful experiences. Alongside Brooke's affirming personal stories of breaking down and rising up, Slow provides practical advice and fascinating insights into the benefits and challenges of the slow life, such as: —Decluttering to de-owning—Messiness to mindfulness—Asking why, to asking where to now?Slow is an inspirational guide on creating a life filled with the things that really matter, and is meant for anyone seeking peace, meaning, and joy in their otherwise rapid lives. Slowly—of course.
Sir Arthur C. Clarke: A Biography
by Neil McaleerWith over 100 books in publication, Sir Arthur C. Clarke is one of the world's most renowned science fiction writers and winner of every award available in the genre-and this is the only complete biography of his life. This detailed and surprisingly intimate biography takes readers behind the scenes during Clarke's famous collaboration with Stanley Kubrick on the classic film 2001: A Space Odyssey. It also highlights the visionary scientific concepts he imagined in his books-many of which later became reality.This edition includes forewords by Ray Bradbury and Walter Cronkite as well as a special foreword for this first ebook edition by the author and is a substantial revision of the 1992 publication Arthur C. Clarke: The Authorized Biography, containing expanded material detailing the author's early life and last two decades. A unique chronicle of one of the founders of the science fiction genre, this is the most current and comprehensive biographical reference on the author, inventor, and futurist.
Here’s the Story: A Memoir
by Mary McAleeseThe groundbreaking two-term President of Ireland tells the stories of her lifeWhen a young Mary McAleese told a priest that she planned to become a lawyer, the priest dismissed the idea: she knew no one in the law, and she was female. The reality of what she went on to achieve - despite those obstacles, and despite a sectarian attack that forced her family to flee their home - is even more improbable.In this luminous memoir, Mary McAleese traces that astonishing arc: from the tight streets of north Belfast, to a professorship in Dublin while still in her twenties, behind-the-scenes work on the peace process, and two triumphant terms as President of Ireland. She writes of her encounters with prime ministers, popes and royalty with the same easy candour and intimacy with which she describes her childhood. And her account of the latest act in her remarkable career - quietly pursuing a doctorate, and loudly opposing the misogyny of the Catholic Church - is inspiring.Here's the Story is warm, witty, often surprising and relentlessly fascinating: an extraordinarily intimate memoir by one of the most remarkable public figures of our time._______________'A fascinating story and well worth the read' Irish Times'Riveting ... A fiercely urgent reminder to the world - and the Government - that peace must never be sacrificed for politics' Telegraph 'Excellent' Matt Cooper, Irish Daily Mail'I was enthralled and absorbed by this memoir' Sunday Independent'What an incredible life lived by an outstanding role model. I ate this book up' Sinéad Moriarty'Full of conviction and isn't afraid of plain speaking ... Priests, popes, paramilitaries and Ian Paisley are all held to account' Herald Scotland '[A] chatty, provocative and embraceable biography' RTÉ Guide
Beyond No Mean Soldier: The Explosive Recollections of a Former Special Forces Operator
by Peter McAleeseThe SAS veteran, mercenary and author of No Mean Soldier looks back on a life of combat in this revised and expanded edition of his classic memoir. Peter McAleese&’s No Mean Soldier set the bar for the modern military memoir. This completely revised and expanded edition sees a philosophical McAleese revisiting his time with Britain's Parachute Regiment, the SAS, Rhodesia's SAS and the South African Defense Force's 44 Para Brigade. Peter also recounts a range of other adventures, from his experiences with private military companies to near fatal skydiving accidents. With previously unpublished photos from McAleese&’s private collection, Beyond No Mean Soldier delves deeper and further into the author&’s wide-ranging experiences, the men he's served with, and the operations he'd conducted. Here in startling detail are the Aden insurgency; covert operations with the Rhodesian SAS; one of the first ever operational HALO inserts in British military history; assaults on SWAPO positions with 44 Para's Pathfinder Company; a botched assassination attempt in Colombia; and much more.
Finding Narnia: The Story of C. S. Lewis and His Brother
by Caroline McAlisterFinding Narnia is Caroline McAlister and Jessica Lanan's captivating picture book biography of two brothers, Jack and Warnie Lewis, whose rich imaginations led to the creation of the magical world of Narnia.Before C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, he was a young boy named Jack who spent his days dreaming up stories of other worlds filled with knights, castles, and talking animals. His brother, Warnie, spent his days imagining worlds filled with trains, boats, and technology. One rainy day, they found a wardrobe in a little room next to the attic, and they wondered, What if the wardrobe had no end?Years later, Jack began to think about what could be beyond that wardrobe, and about a girl named Lucy and her siblings. This picture book biography introduces the beloved creator of The Chronicles of Narnia to a new generation of children who see hidden magic in the world around them.
Scoops: Behind the Scenes of the BBC's Most Shocking Interviews
by Sam McAlister&‘Riveting&’ Sunday Telegraph &‘Behind every great interview is a great booker – Sam McAlister is one of the unsung heroes of television news&’ Piers Morgan She is the woman who clinched the 2019 interview with Prince Andrew, described as &‘a plane crashing into an oil tanker, causing a tsunami, triggering a nuclear explosion&’. She is many things beside: the first in her family to go to university; a trained barrister; a single mum; a master of persuasion. In her former BBC colleagues&’ words, she was the &‘booker extraordinaire&’, responsible for many of Newsnight&’s exclusives over the past decade, including Stormy Daniels, Sean Spicer, Brigitte Höss, Steven Seagal, Mel Greig and Julian Assange. After 12 years producing content for Newsnight, McAlister reflects with candour on her experience, sharing not just the secrets of how the best news gets made, but also the changes to the BBC, the future of &‘mainstream media&’ in the age of clickbait and the role of power and privilege in shaping our media landscape. This is a backstage pass to the most unforgettable journalism of our times.
Bittersweet: Lessons from My Mother's Kitchen
by Matt McallesterMatt McAllester lost his mother, Ann, long before she died, as mental illness snatched the once-elegant woman away and destroyed his childhood. In this beautifully written memoir, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist chronicles the journey he took to forgiveness, which brought him straight to the place that evoked his happiest memories of his mother: the kitchen. Recounting the pleasures of his early days, culinary and otherwise, McAllester weaves an unforgettable tale of family, food, and love. BITTERSWEET: LESSONS FROM MY MOTHER'S KITCHENAt first, Matt McAllester's childhood was idyllic, a time when his mother placed heavenly, delicious food at the center of a family life brimming with fun and laughter. Then came the terrible years, years when he had to watch helplessly as his warm, quick-witted mother succumbed to an illness that was never properly diagnosed or understood. Desperate to escape, he eventually found work as a foreign correspondent, hiding in the terrors and tragedies of other people as he traveled to the most dangerous places in the world, from Beirut to Baghdad. But nothing he saw on the battlefield prepared him for his mother's death--and his own overwhelming grief.In the weeks and months that followed, Matt found himself poring over old family photos and letters, trying to reach out for the beautiful, caring woman who had now vanished for the second time. But as he looked anew at her long-cherished collection of cookbooks, it occurred to him that the best way to find her was through something they both loved: the food she had once lovingly prepared for him, food that introduced him to a thousand sources of joy--from spare ribs to the homemade strawberry ice cream that seemed in memory the very essence of happy times.With a reporter's precision and a storyteller's grace, McAllester guides us through a long season of grief--cooking, eating, and remembering--at the same time describing his and his wife's efforts to conceive and nourish a child of their own. Complete with recipes to delight body and soul, Bittersweet is a memoir of extraordinary power, at once a moving tribute to his mother and a dazzling feast for the senses.From the Hardcover edition.
Bittersweet: Lessons from My Mother's Kitchen
by Matt McallesterOn a sunny morning in May 2005, foreign correspondent Matt McAllester's mother, Ann, died unexpectedly of a heart attack, and despite having spent six years reporting on death and devastation from the world's most brutal war zones, he was pole-axed by grief. Pole-axed, and also astonished to be grieving for a woman who had been largely absent from his life, lost for two-and-a-half decades in her private world of madness. In the weeks and months that followed, Matt found himself poring over old family photos and letters, searching for the warm, quick-witted and beautiful woman he remembered from his earliest childhood, who had now vanished for the second time. But as he looked anew at her long-cherished collection of cookbooks, it occurred to him that the best way to find her again might be through something they both treasured: the food she had once lovingly prepared for her family before she was snatched away from them by illness. With the help of Elizabeth David, the cookery writer his mother most revered, Matt embarked on a culinary journey, returning from the front lines to cook Ann's much-loved recipes: from cassoulet, to spare ribs, to steak with Bordelaise sauce, to oeufs en cocotte, to strawberry ice cream - the source of one of his happiest memories. And for the first time he had someone to prepare these dishes for: his new wife, with whom he was trying to conceive a child. Bittersweet is McAllester's poignant account of rediscovering his mother's life, coming to terms with her death, and travelling towards a new future as a father. Powerful, affecting and interspersed with mouth-watering recipes, it is a moving testament to the healing power of cooking for those you love.
Really Professional Internet Person
by Jenn McAllisterThrough her pranks, sketches, and videos about everyday life, Jenn has become a mouthpiece for millennials and one of YouTube's fastest rising stars!Jenn McAllister, better known as JennxPenn, has been obsessed with making videos since she found her parents video camera at the age of eight. A shy child, Jenn turned to film because, unlike with life, you can always have a do-over. Really Professional Internet Person offers both an insider's guide to building a successful YouTube channel and an intimate portrait of the surreality of insta-fame and the harsh reality of high school. Brimming with honesty, heart and Jenn's patented sense of humor, Really Professional Internet Person features top ten lists, photos, screenshots, social media posts and never-before-posted stories chronicling Jenn's journey from an anxious middle-schooler just trying to fit in, to a YouTube sensation unafraid to stand out.
Bury Me in My Jersey: A Memoir of My Father, Football, and Philly
by Tom McallisterA touching, funny, beautifully crafted memoir, "Bury Me in My Jersey" is not only a marvelous tribute to a father, a way of life, and a team and its devoted followers, but also a love letter to the city of Philadelphia.
The Nightinghouls of Paris
by Robert Mcalmon Sanford J. SmollerThe Nightinghouls of Paris is a thinly fictionalized memoir of the darker side of expatriate life in Paris. Beginning in 1928, the story follows the changes undergone by Canadian youths John Glassco and his friend Graeme Taylor during their (mis)adventures in Paris while trying to become writers. There they meet Robert McAlmon, who guides them through the city's cafes, bistros, and nightclubs, where they find writers and artists including Kay Boyle (with whom Glassco has a fling), Bill Bird, Djuna Barnes, Claude McKay, Hilaire Hiler, Peggy Guggenheim, and Ernest Hemingway. Fleeing France in late 1940, Robert McAlmon lost his notebook manuscripts and drafted The Nightinghouls of Paris from memory. Till now, it has existed solely as a typescript held by Yale University. Unlike most memoirs of American expatriates in the '20s, The Nightinghouls of Paris centers not only on writers, but also encompasses the racial, national, and social mélange they encountered in everyday life.
The Pursuit of Perfection: The Life, Death and Legacy of Cormac McAnallen
by Dónal McAnallenIn 2001, Cormac McAnallen was voted Young Footballer of the Year. In 2003, he helped Tyrone to its first-ever All-Ireland championship win, and was named an All-Star. He was, by any measure, one of the best and most promising young footballers in Ireland.But in March 2004, Cormac McAnallen died suddenly of an undetected heart condition. He was, truly, a young star cut down just as he entered his prime. As he worked his way up through the ranks of club, school and inter-county football, Cormac almost always had his brother Dónal - just a year older - by his side. Nobody else in the world knew as well as Dónal did how badly Cormac wanted to succeed, how hard he worked, or how much thought he put into his game.In The Pursuit of Perfection, Dónal McAnallen draws upon Cormac's diaries and frank self-assessments, and his own memories of their experiences, to create a remarkable portrait of a young sportsman's mindset and methods. It is both one of the most remarkable GAA books ever written and - in its intimacy and depth - a book that transcends Gaelic games.'Exceptional ... Unique and compelling, raw and moving ... Much better than any myth or legend' Paul Rouse, Irish Examiner'A touching, sometimes bracing biography ... It feels like a final word, the family's last say on how he lived and how he died and how he ought to be remembered.' Malachy Clerkin, Irish Times'Beautifully told' Dermot Crowe, Sunday Independent'Stirs something deep around the concept of brotherhood' Belfast Telegraph'Heart-rending ... It is a painstakingly researched work - aided by the fact that both brothers kept meticulous diaries - and what's striking about the story is the pressure that Cormac was under despite or maybe because of his success with Tyrone' Sunday World
What They Wished For: American Catholics and American Presidents, 1960-2004
by Lawrence J. McandrewsRoman Catholics constitute the most populous religious denomination in the United States, comprising one in four Americans. With the election of John F. Kennedy as president in 1960, they attained a political prominence to match their rapidly ascending socioeconomic and cultural profile. From Vietnam to Iraq, the civil rights movement to federal funding for faith-based initiatives, and from birth control to abortion, Catholics have won at least as often as they have lost. What They Wished For by Lawrence J. McAndrews traces the role of American Catholics in presidential policies and politics from 1960 until 2004. Though divided by race, class, gender, and party, Catholics have influenced issues of war and peace, social justice, and life and death among modern presidents in a profound way, starting with the election of President Kennedy and expanding their influence through the intervening years with subsequent presidents. McAndrews shows that American Catholics, led by their bishops and in some cases their pope, have been remarkably successful in shaping the political dialogue and at helping to effect policy outcomes inside and outside of Washington. Indeed, although they opened this era by helping to elect one of their own, Catholic voters have gained so much influence and have become so secure in their socioeconomic status--and so confident in their political standing--that they closed the era by rejecting one of their own, voting for George W. Bush over John Kerry in 2004.
Diary of a Young Naturalist
by Dara McAnultyA BuzzFeed "Best Book of June 2021"From sixteen-year-old Dara McAnulty, a globally renowned figure in the youth climate activist movement, comes a memoir about loving the natural world and fighting to save it.Diary of a Young Naturalist chronicles the turning of a year in Dara&’s Northern Ireland home patch. Beginning in spring?when &“the sparrows dig the moss from the guttering and the air is as puffed out as the robin&’s chest?these diary entries about his connection to wildlife and the way he sees the world are vivid, evocative, and moving.As well as Dara&’s intense connection to the natural world, Diary of a Young Naturalist captures his perspective as a teenager juggling exams, friendships, and a life of campaigning. We see his close-knit family, the disruptions of moving and changing schools, and the complexities of living with autism. &“In writing this book,&” writes Dara, &“I have experienced challenges but also felt incredible joy, wonder, curiosity and excitement. In sharing this journey my hope is that people of all generations will not only understand autism a little more but also appreciate a child&’s eye view on our delicate and changing biosphere.&”Winner of the Wainwright Prize for UK nature writing and already sold into more than a dozen territories, Diary of a Young Naturalist is a triumphant debut from an important new voice.
Don't Be a Donkey
by Chadd McarthurDon't be a Donkey is a true story about the life and career of Chef Chadd McArthur. It is about the lessons, about both kitchen and life, that he learned while working for Gordon Ramsay. Eighteen hours a day, five days a week... when you work with a great chef and leader that much, his wisdom will rub off on you, and at times traumatize you. The lessons learned will stick with Chef McArthur for the rest of his life, and now, with funny stories and clever insights into working with one of the world's most well-known chefs, he's sharing them in this very audiobook. From having Chef Gordon Ramsay himself fling a ravioli at him, to the integrity with which Ramsay dealt with the death of a colleague, Chef McArthur has a lot to tell about his three years spent working in Ramsay's flagship restaurant in London, sometimes directly under the man himself. Each chapter also includes a recipe, some created wholly by the author,and some influenced by Chef Ramsay's own signature dishes. Enjoy this fresh new take on Gordon Ramsay, and the challenges of a chef who survived Ramsay's kitchen for years.
Flagstad: A Personal Memoir
by Edwin McArthurAn intimate, no-holds-barred, light-and-dark portrait of the great Norwegian soprano/opera singer Kirsten Flagstad from her first appearance at the Metropolitan Opera House on February 2, 1935, to her death on December 7, 1962. Edwin McArthur was Flagstad's accompanist--and often her orchestral conductor as well--throughout her American career. He knew her in her hours of triumph, during the dramatic struggles through which the Second World War put her, during her trial in Norway (at which he testified and gave depositions), during her painful return to the United States as a falsely accused "quisling" after the war, and in the strange period of her partial--and then complete--retirement. Not a book about music (McArthur does quote some opinions of Flagstad the artist and occasionally expresses his own reactions, but he preponderantly sticks to the subject of Flagstad the woman), this is an intensely personal portrait. Its subject emerges as devoted, blindly selfish, alternately generous and cruel even to her own children, wayward, overwhelming, finally inscrutable, but always fascinating. The book also provides one view of the strange (and at times dirty) inside business dealings in the world of opera and concert.
Confucius
by Meher McArthurScholar, philosopher and political sage, Confucius lived at a turbulent time in his country's history, the so-called 'Spring and Autumn Period' of the sixth century BC, during which China was wracked by warfare between rival feudal states. Against this backdrop he developed a system of social and political behaviour that he hoped could be used to create harmony and peace throughout the land. The teachings of Confucius attracted a large number of pupils, but were largely ignored by the rulers of China's various kingdoms. As a result, he did not see his philosophical teachings applied during his lifetime. After his death, however, his teachings were kept alive by his followers, and within a few centuries, his philosophy (as outlined in The Analects, which record the words and acts of Confucius and his disciples) was adopted by China's rulers and became the foundation for Chinese government, education and social structure. Beyond its profound influence on the culture and history of East Asia, Confucianism has also exerted a powerful fascination for western thinkers and philosophers. Meher McArthur's accessible and thoughtful biography not only traces the outline of her subject's life, but also examines why Confucius and his teachings are still relevant today.
Blood, Sweat and McAteer: A Footballer's Story
by Jason McAteerFormer Republic of Ireland and Premier League footballer Jason McAteer shares the highs and lows from his long and colourful career ...The fighting McAteers: that's how the McAteer family of title-winning boxers were known throughout Birkenhead, across the Mersey from Liverpool. But for eleven-year-old Jason McAteer, growing up in the shadow of Liverpool FC, football became the dream. After signing with Bolton Wanderers at the age of twenty-one, the call to the international scene followed with the Republic of Ireland and, soon after, to his beloved Liverpool FC. The dream had become a reality. From his time with the Irish World Cup squad of 1994 to those tumultuous days in Saipan in 2002; on through his decision to leave Liverpool for Blackburn Rovers; his move to Sunderland, and the depression he fell into after finishing his professional career with Tranmere Rovers, Jason McAteer looks back with characteristic honesty and humour on his life - the jokes, the matches, and the personalities.This is the real Jason McAteer: a little bit bruised, a little bit battered. But still fighting.
What a Party! My Life Among Democrats: Presidents, Candidates, Donors, Activists, Alligators, and Other Wild Animals
by Terry Mcauliffe Steve KettmannBiography of a man who's been at the epicenter of American politics for decades, as a strategist and head of the Democratic National Committee
Amateur: A Reckoning with Gender, Identity, and Masculinity
by Thomas Page McBee*Shortlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Nonfiction*Shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award *Shortlisted for the Wellcome Book PrizeOne of The Times UK&’s Best Memoirs of 2018, BuzzFeed&’s Best Nonfiction of 2018, Autostraddle&’s Best LGBT Books of 2018, and 52 Insight&’s Favorite Nonfiction Books of 2018A &“no-holds-barred examination of masculinity&” (BuzzFeed) and violence from award-winning author Thomas Page McBee.In this &“refreshing and radical&” (The Guardian) narrative, Thomas McBee, a trans man, sets out to uncover what makes a man—and what being a &“good&” man even means—through his experience training for and fighting in a charity boxing match at Madison Square Garden. A self-described &“amateur&” at masculinity, McBee embarks on a wide-ranging exploration of gender in society, examining sexism, toxic masculinity, and privilege. As he questions the limitations of gender roles and the roots of masculine aggression, he finds intimacy, hope, and even love in the experience of boxing and in his role as a man in the world. Despite personal history and cultural expectations, &“Amateur is a reminder that the individual can still come forward and fight&” (The A.V. Club).&“Sharp and precise, open and honest,&” (Women&’s Review of Books), McBee&’s writing asks questions &“relevant to all people, trans or not&” (New York Newsday). Through interviews with experts in neuroscience, sociology, and critical race theory, he constructs a deft and thoughtful examination of the role of men in contemporary society.Amateur is a graceful and uncompromising look at gender by a fearless, fiercely honest writer.
Man Alive: A True Story of Violence, Forgiveness and Becoming a Man
by Thomas Page McbeeWhat does it really mean to be a man?In Man Alive, Thomas Page McBee attempts to answer that question by focusing on two of the men who most impacted his life&mash;one, his otherwise ordinary father who abused him as a child, and the other, a mugger who almost killed him. Standing at the brink of the life-changing decision to transition from female to male, McBee seeks to understand these examples of flawed manhood and tells us how a brush with violence sent him on the quest to untangle a sinister past, and freed him to become the man he was meant to be.Man Alive engages an extraordinary personal story to tell a universal one-how we all struggle to create ourselves, and how this struggle often requires risks. Far from a transgender transition tell-all, Man Alive grapples with the larger questions of legacy and forgiveness, love and violence, agency and invisibility.
America's First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster
by Mary Kay McBrayerThis is Capote’s In Cold Blood for serial killer enthusiasts: meticulously researched, superbly written, and incredibly vivid. Don’t miss it.” —Gabino Iglesias, author of Coyote SongsAmerica’s First Female Serial Killer novelizes the true story of first-generation Irish-American nurse Jane Toppan, born as Honora Kelley. Although all the facts are intact, books about her life and her crimes are all facts and no story. Jane Toppan was absolutely a monster, but she did not start out that way.When Jane was a young child, her father abandoned her and her sister to the Boston Female Asylum. From there, Jane was indentured to a wealthy family who changed her name, never adopted her, wrote her out of the will, and essentially taught her how to hate herself. Jilted at the altar, Jane became a nurse and took control of her life—and the lives of her victims.“A thoughtful and inspired take on one of the greatest poisoners in history. America’s First Female Serial Killer: Jane Toppan and the Making of a Monster seethes with rage, compulsion, and a righteous condemnation of the servitude of the underclass. A chilling and sobering read.” —Robert Levy, author of The Glittering World“McBrayer offers us a complex—and terrifying—portrait of a killer who seemed almost doomed from birth.” —Kate Winkler Dawson, author of American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI“Brings the horrifying true story of Jane Toppan to lurid, novelistic life, and forces the reader face-to-face with the thoughtlessness and cruelty that helped turn a gifted, damaged child into one of America’s most legendary killers.” —Shaun Hamill, author of A Cosmology of Monsters