Uniting the conceptual foundations of the physical sciences and biology, this groundbreaking multidisciplinary book explores the origin of life as a planetary process. Combining geology, geochemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, evolution and statistical physics to create an inclusive picture of the living state, the authors develop the argument that the emergence of life was a necessary cascade of non-equilibrium phase transitions that opened new channels for chemical energy flow on Earth...

J. Eric Smith's bracing debut novel Eponymous paints a darkly humorous, yet reality-rooted, portrait of frustrated musician (but successful music critic) Hutson Colcock Collie Hay III. This entertaining, engaging novel is crafted with a detailed understanding of the forces that drive and foibles that define the music industry on both a national and a local plane, focusing heavily on the regional element of the music-making experience, where the vast majority of contemporary musici...

Throughout human history, civilizations have stratified their citizens, often by establishing royal, priestly, executive, or warrior castes. Many who have achieved elite-level power joined their civilizations' premier organizations not through birthright or sociopolitical attainment, but rather by completing codified rites of passage that demonstrated their exceptional physical, spiritual, or psychological capabilities, and their deep commitment to their cultures.Crucibles: His...

Ubulembu and Other Stories is a collection of seventeen curious tales exploring the existential nature of being, or not being, human. Sitting on an edgy cusp where historical fiction, magical realism, science fiction, and surrealism collide, this collection transports readers into worlds that may not quite exist, but could, and perhaps should. Crossing continents, spanning centuries, and leaping from the primordial ooze to the stars beyond the stars, Ubulembu and Other Stories...

If these stripped-down vignettes have anything in common, it’s fading tattoos, excessive drinking and smoking, hopeless attempts at communication, unexpected violence, and untimely death—not to mention coffee, steak, and eggs. Crammed with atmosphere, quirky characters and page-turning plot, Coffee, Steak, and Eggs: 101 Stories from the Wrong Side of Nowhere is perfect for fans of deftly-written fiction with a bit of criminal activity thrown in for good measure. Some examples: • An unknown...

Every gravestone in every graveyard can frame a story far more complex than the dates engraved upon it. It's common for spouses to be memorialized together as a final affirmation of the commitments made in life, or for bereaved parents to be buried with children who tragically preceded them in death. Close proximity burials of seemingly unrelated figures can similarly reveal the tales of people who otherwise walked together in life, by choice or by chance. For example, the Confederate buri...

An exploration of the initiation rituals of fourteen elite groups, both historical and contemporary, providing a roadmap for modern organizations to better themselves by implementing and managing their own rigorous portal processes.Throughout human history, civilizations have stratified their citizens, often by establishing royal, priestly, executive, or warrior castes. Many who have achieved elite-level power joined their civilizations’ premier organizations not t...

This book provides insight to organizational leaders about the effects of workplace harassment has on female employees from male intimate partners based on years of research. Additionally, ascertain if there is a relationship between workplace harassment from intimate partners and interpersonal workplace harassment from supervisors and co-workers.

"An emotion-filled collection." —Kirkus ReviewsA CCBC 2024 Choices for the Fiction for Young Adult category!Two teens take the stage and find their voice . . .A girl learns about her heritage and begins to find her community . . .A sister is haunted by the ghosts of loved ones lost . . .There is no universal adoption experience, and no two adoptees have the same story. This anthology for teens edited by Shannon Gibney and Nicole Chung contains a wide...

""An emotion-filled collection."" —Kirkus ReviewsTwo teens take the stage and find their voice . . .A girl learns about her heritage and begins to find her community . . .A sister is haunted by the ghosts of loved ones lost . . .There is no universal adoption experience, and no two adoptees have the same story. This anthology for teens edited by S...

Michael L. Printz Award WinnerAmerican Indian Youth Literature Award WinnerFeaturing the voices of both new and acclaimed Indigenous writers and edited by bestselling Muscogee author Cynthia Leitich Smith, this collection of interconnected stories serves up laughter, love, Native pride, and the world’s best frybread.The road to Sandy June's Legendary Frybread Drive-In slips through every rez and alongside every urban N...

Are you tired of dreaming and never achieving? Can you feel in your spirit that you are living below your capabilities? Do you wonder why some people are successful in life and others are not? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, keep reading! This book is a practical guide to getting ahead and becoming a winner. It contains a basic approach that will teach you how to develop and sustain the attitude required for success.The majority of people feel as if they are stu...