This book illuminates and explores the representation of women in Soviet cinema from the late 1950s, through the 1960s, and into the 1970s, a period when Soviet culture shifted away, to varying degrees, from the well-established conventions of socialist realism. Covering films about working class women, rural and urban women, and women from the intelligentsia, it probes various cinematic genres and approaches to film aesthetics, while it also highlights how Soviet cinema depicted the ambig...

This book explores a new character archetype that permeated Soviet film during what became known as the era of Stagnation, a stark period of loneliness, disappointment, and individual despair. This new type of character was neither negative nor positive, but nevertheless systematically undermined Soviet norms of behaviour, hairstyle, dress, lifestyle, and perspective, in stark contrast to Socialist Realism’s traditional, positive hero who fought for Soviet values and who vanquished the ene...

HayesProposing to my first boyfriend at a hockey game wasn’t my smartest move. Not only does said boyfriend walk out on me, but the whole stupid thing goes viral, and it turns out the man I was dating has too many boyfriends to count. Internet fame has crowned me a member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, a name I’d do anything to escape.One thing’s for sure: I’m not making the same mistake again. No more boyfriends, just easy hookups. And I’ll start with this gorg...

The Poetics of the Avant-garde in Literature, Arts, and Philosophy presents a range of chapters written by a highly international group of scholars from disciplines such as literary studies, arts, theatre, and philosophy to analyze the ambitions of avant-garde artists. Together, these essays highlight the interdisciplinary scope of the historic avant-garde and the interconnectedness of its artists.Contributors analyze topics such as abstraction and estrangement across the arts, the...

Have you ever wondered why real friendship defies reason, judgment, and even death?In a dusty Western settlement filled with gamblers, gunfights, and shifting allegiances, Tennessee and his unnamed partner stand out-not because of their similarities, but because of their deep, unspoken bond. Tennessee is the kind of man who lives by impulse, often reckless, occasionally dishonest-but always magnetic. His partner is calm, grounded, and fiercely loyal. When Tennessee...

AnthonyI’m the last single member of the Jilted Exes’ Club, and I have no plans to change that.I’m fulfilled with my work at the club, dance classes, yoga, and the Exes. Plus, I’ve been extremely preoccupied with one Kason Maddox, the LA Rebels’ goalie. Let’s just say that since we’ve become friends, my eyes might drift in his general direction a little too much. But it’s only looking. And looking never harmed anyone…Eventually, our texting sessions...

Mr Sternblast is up to his old tricks.But what is he plotting this time?We need to find out before it's too late.Can the new students help?Was that a croak I heard from behind the canteen?Yes, but what does that have to do with anything...?Mr Bambuckle and the class in room 12B welcome four new students following the closure of the local grammar school. Will they all join forces in time to save Blue Valley School?

Have you ever wondered why the smallest miracle can change even the roughest heart?In the midst of California's wild and unforgiving Gold Rush, a small mining camp named Roaring Camp is home to gamblers, thieves, and outcasts-men who live by grit and gold, not by virtue. But when a woman named Cherokee Sal dies giving birth, the camp is left with something none of them ever expected: a baby boy.Bret Harte's The Luck of Roaring Camp is more than a W...

An ambush by a ghost of humanity's past left Captain James Severre as the only survivor. It's up to him to exact revenge for his fallen brothers in arms.After decades of peace, humanity grew comfortable with their growing role in the Galactic Republic. But with comfort comes complacency. Following a devastating surprise attack, the Republic Senate needs answers and it needs a counter-strike to stop the alien warlord responsible.The mission is set: F...

Have you ever wondered why the people society casts aside are often the ones who show the most humanity?In the rough frontier town of Poker Flat, moral reform has arrived-with a vengeance. The local committee decides to cleanse their settlement by expelling a group of individuals deemed unworthy: a gambler, a saloon girl, a drunkard, and a thief. These outcasts-John Oakhurst, Duchess, Mother Shipton, and Uncle Billy-are banished to the mountains just as a brutal sn...

It should have been so simple . . .Remarin is a thief. He was hired to steal a gem. No big deal, right?Yeah, right.He stole the gem, then everything went sideways, and now he's running for his life across rooftops, through sewers, and all over the godsforsaken world trying not to get dead.And who is this kid, Kit, anyway?

DonovanWhat’s a little marriage of convenience between best friends?I’ve always worked hard to keep the friendship line firmly in place when it comes to Eric. I’m gay, and he’s straight. We’re best friends and nothing more. But he’s my person, and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for him. Which is why when I find out he’s struggling financially and doesn’t have medical insurance, I blurt out six friendship-altering words: I want you to marry me.