From New York Times bestselling author Orson Scott Card, Ender's Game - adapted to film in 2013 starring Asa Butterfield and Harrison Ford - is the classic Hugo and Nebula award-winning science fiction novel of a young boy's recruitment into the midst of an interstellar war. In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut-young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training. Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister. Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives. Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is the winner of the 1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel. THE ENDER UNIVERSE Ender series Ender's Game / Ender in Exile / Speaker for the Dead / Xenocide / Children of the Mind Ender's Shadow series Ender's Shadow / Shadow of the Hegemon / Shadow Puppets / Shadow of the Giant / Shadows in Flight Children of the Fleet The First Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) Earth Unaware / Earth Afire / Earth Awakens The Second Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) The Swarm /The Hive Ender novellas A War of Gifts /First Meetings

'Compelling... Keeps the pages turning. The final cinematic scene, of a vast landscape filled with enormous armies, nicely sets the stage for book three of this daringly unconventional series in the Tolkien mold.' - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'A journey unlike any other you have experienced. Part Dante's "Inferno" and part Conrad's "Heart Of Darkness", this is fantasy literature like you've never read before.' - Blogcritics A score of centuries has passed since the First Apocalypse and the thoughts of men have turned, inevitably, to more worldly concerns... A veteran sorcerer and spy seeks news of an ancient enemy. A military genius plots to conquer the known world for his Emperor but dreams of the throne for himself. The spiritual leader of the Thousand Temples seeks a Holy War to cleanse the land of the infidel. An exiled barbarian chieftain seeks vengeance against the man who disgraced him. And into this world steps a man like no other, seeking to bind all - man and woman, emperor and slave - to his own mysterious ends. But the fate of men - even great men - means little when the world itself may soon be torn asunder. Behind the politics, beneath the religious fervour, a dark and ancient evil is reawakening. After two thousand years, the No-God is returning. The Second Apocalypse is nigh. And one cannot raise walls against what has been forgotten... A startlingly original and assured epic fantasy debut. A tale of conspiracy, holy war, empire-building and intrigue set in the most vividly imagined fantasy world since Tolkien's Middle Earth. Books by R Scott Baker: Prince of Nothing Trilogy The Darkness That Comes Before The Warrior-Prophet The Thousandfold Thought Aspect-Emperor The Judging Eye The White Luck Warrior The Great Ordeal The Unholy Consult Novels Neuropath Disciple of the Dog Light, Time, and Gravity

'Compelling... Keeps the pages turning. The final cinematic scene, of a vast landscape filled with enormous armies, nicely sets the stage for book three of this daringly unconventional series in the Tolkien mold.' - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'A journey unlike any other you have experienced. Part Dante's "Inferno" and part Conrad's "Heart Of Darkness", this is fantasy literature like you've never read before.' - Blogcritics A score of centuries has passed since the First Apocalypse and the thoughts of men have turned, inevitably, to more worldly concerns... A veteran sorcerer and spy seeks news of an ancient enemy. A military genius plots to conquer the known world for his Emperor but dreams of the throne for himself. The spiritual leader of the Thousand Temples seeks a Holy War to cleanse the land of the infidel. An exiled barbarian chieftain seeks vengeance against the man who disgraced him. And into this world steps a man like no other, seeking to bind all - man and woman, emperor and slave - to his own mysterious ends. But the fate of men - even great men - means little when the world itself may soon be torn asunder. Behind the politics, beneath the religious fervour, a dark and ancient evil is reawakening. After two thousand years, the No-God is returning. The Second Apocalypse is nigh. And one cannot raise walls against what has been forgotten... A startlingly original and assured epic fantasy debut. A tale of conspiracy, holy war, empire-building and intrigue set in the most vividly imagined fantasy world since Tolkien's Middle Earth. Books by R Scott Baker: Prince of Nothing Trilogy The Darkness That Comes Before The Warrior-Prophet The Thousandfold Thought Aspect-Emperor The Judging Eye The White Luck Warrior The Great Ordeal The Unholy Consult Novels Neuropath Disciple of the Dog Light, Time, and Gravity

'An enthrallingly intricate novel . . . impressive' GUARDIAN 'There's something of F. Scott Fitzgerald about the way Cahill writes about the very rich' DAILY MAIL 'A biting satire of the art world's glamour, pomp and greed . . . lucid and evocative' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'The real deal . . . The Violet Hour offers a convincing and compelling portrait of a very rarefied world' NEW YORK TIMES 'A highbrow whodunnit, and grippingly so, but it's much more than that' PATRICK GALE, author of Mother's Boy 'It's brilliant . . . the human drama of it is just pitch perfect . . . Hypnotic' SE ÁN HEWITT, author of All Down Darkness Wide 'Artists are slaves to their vanity. But in the end, in time, they see things as they really are.' Thomas Haller has achieved the kind of fame that most artists only dream of: shows in London and New York, paintings sold for a fortune. The vision he presents to the world is one of an untouchable genius at the top of his game. It is also a lie. Who is the real Thomas Haller? His oldest friend and former dealer, Lorna, might once have known - before Thomas traded their early intimacy for international fame. Between his ruthless new dealer and a property mogul obsessed with his work, the appetite for Thomas and his art is all-consuming. On the eve of his latest show, the luminaries of the art world gather. But the sudden death of a young man has put everyone on edge, and a chain of events begins that will lead Thomas and Lorna back into the past, to confront who they have become. A story of deception, power play and longing, The Violet Hour exposes the unsettling underbelly of the art world, asking: who is granted admission to a world that only seems to glitter and who is left outside, their faces pressed to the glass?

'Compelling... Keeps the pages turning. The final cinematic scene, of a vast landscape filled with enormous armies, nicely sets the stage for book three of this daringly unconventional series in the Tolkien mold.' - PUBLISHERS WEEKLY 'A journey unlike any other you have experienced. Part Dante's "Inferno" and part Conrad's "Heart Of Darkness", this is fantasy literature like you've never read before.' - Blogcritics A score of centuries has passed since the First Apocalypse and the thoughts of men have turned, inevitably, to more worldly concerns... A veteran sorcerer and spy seeks news of an ancient enemy. A military genius plots to conquer the known world for his Emperor but dreams of the throne for himself. The spiritual leader of the Thousand Temples seeks a Holy War to cleanse the land of the infidel. An exiled barbarian chieftain seeks vengeance against the man who disgraced him. And into this world steps a man like no other, seeking to bind all - man and woman, emperor and slave - to his own mysterious ends. But the fate of men - even great men - means little when the world itself may soon be torn asunder. Behind the politics, beneath the religious fervour, a dark and ancient evil is reawakening. After two thousand years, the No-God is returning. The Second Apocalypse is nigh. And one cannot raise walls against what has been forgotten... A startlingly original and assured epic fantasy debut. A tale of conspiracy, holy war, empire-building and intrigue set in the most vividly imagined fantasy world since Tolkien's Middle Earth. Books by R Scott Baker: Prince of Nothing Trilogy The Darkness That Comes Before The Warrior-Prophet The Thousandfold Thought Aspect-Emperor The Judging Eye The White Luck Warrior The Great Ordeal The Unholy Consult Novels Neuropath Disciple of the Dog Light, Time, and Gravity

'An enthrallingly intricate novel . . . impressive' GUARDIAN 'There's something of F. Scott Fitzgerald about the way Cahill writes about the very rich' DAILY MAIL 'A biting satire of the art world's glamour, pomp and greed . . . lucid and evocative' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'The real deal . . . The Violet Hour offers a convincing and compelling portrait of a very rarefied world' NEW YORK TIMES 'A highbrow whodunnit, and grippingly so, but it's much more than that' PATRICK GALE, author of Mother's Boy 'It's brilliant . . . the human drama of it is just pitch perfect . . . Hypnotic' SE ÁN HEWITT, author of All Down Darkness Wide 'Artists are slaves to their vanity. But in the end, in time, they see things as they really are.' Thomas Haller has achieved the kind of fame that most artists only dream of: shows in London and New York, paintings sold for a fortune. The vision he presents to the world is one of an untouchable genius at the top of his game. It is also a lie. Who is the real Thomas Haller? His oldest friend and former dealer, Lorna, might once have known - before Thomas traded their early intimacy for international fame. Between his ruthless new dealer and a property mogul obsessed with his work, the appetite for Thomas and his art is all-consuming. On the eve of his latest show, the luminaries of the art world gather. But the sudden death of a young man has put everyone on edge, and a chain of events begins that will lead Thomas and Lorna back into the past, to confront who they have become. A story of deception, power play and longing, The Violet Hour exposes the unsettling underbelly of the art world, asking: who is granted admission to a world that only seems to glitter and who is left outside, their faces pressed to the glass?

Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award—nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women in STEM who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers! Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world. In this beautifully illustrated picture book biography, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career, becoming heroes of the Space Race. "Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers," proclaims Brightly in their article "18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018." "Will inspire girls and boys alike to love math, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars." This picture book edition allows children to explore this incredible period. Inspirational Life Stories: The remarkable true story of four mathematicians who changed the space program—and refused to let race or gender determine the limits of their contribution. Revealed Histories: How a group of brilliant women spent years doing essential work that others took credit for—and why their names are finally being remembered. The Space Race: Go behind the scenes of the historic missions that sent the first Americans into orbit and to the moon. Civil Rights Era: A window into the daily reality of navigating Jim Crow-era segregation while also pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in science.

Orson Scott Card's science fiction classic Ender's Game is the winner of the 1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel. In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut-young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training. Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister. Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives. THE ENDER UNIVERSE Ender series Ender's Game / Ender in Exile / Speaker for the Dead / Xenocide / Children of the Mind Ender's Shadow series Ender's Shadow / Shadow of the Hegemon / Shadow Puppets / Shadow of the Giant / Shadows in Flight Children of the Fleet The First Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) Earth Unaware / Earth Afire / Earth Awakens The Second Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) The Swarm /The Hive Ender novellas A War of Gifts /First Meetings

Orson Scott Card's science fiction classic Ender's Game is the winner of the 1985 Nebula Award for Best Novel and the 1986 Hugo Award for Best Novel. In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut-young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training. Ender's skills make him a leader in school and respected in the Battle Room, where children play at mock battles in zero gravity. Yet growing up in an artificial community of young soldiers Ender suffers greatly from isolation, rivalry from his peers, pressure from the adult teachers, and an unsettling fear of the alien invaders. His psychological battles include loneliness, fear that he is becoming like the cruel brother he remembers, and fanning the flames of devotion to his beloved sister. Is Ender the general Earth needs? But Ender is not the only result of the genetic experiments. The war with the Buggers has been raging for a hundred years, and the quest for the perfect general has been underway for almost as long. Ender's two older siblings are every bit as unusual as he is, but in very different ways. Between the three of them lie the abilities to remake a world. If, that is, the world survives. THE ENDER UNIVERSE Ender series Ender's Game / Ender in Exile / Speaker for the Dead / Xenocide / Children of the Mind Ender's Shadow series Ender's Shadow / Shadow of the Hegemon / Shadow Puppets / Shadow of the Giant / Shadows in Flight Children of the Fleet The First Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) Earth Unaware / Earth Afire / Earth Awakens The Second Formic War (with Aaron Johnston) The Swarm /The Hive Ender novellas A War of Gifts /First Meetings

The Complete Charles Dickens Collection: Part Two contains all of Charles Dickens' major published works from 1844 to 1865. Dickens wrote most of his most influential and beloved novels during these years - introducing us to characters such as Pip, David Copperfield, Little Dorrit, Esther Summerson, and many more who have lived long in the memory for generations. Also included here are a selection of his essays, travelogues, and letters. In this collection you'll hear Stephen Fry narrating Great Expectations, Jonathan Keeble bringing to life Dickens' adventures through Italy, David Rintoul leading us through David Copperfield, and Miriam Margolyes' expert rendition of A Tale of Two Cities, alongside many more award-winning narrators bringing Dickens' words to life. The Complete Charles Dickens Collection: Part One, containing the rest of his published works from earlier in his life, is also available now. The titles included in this collection, in chronological order by date of original publication, are: - Pictures from Italy, read by Jonathan Keeble - Dombey and Son, read by Jonathan Keeble - David Copperfield, read by David Rintoul - Bleak House, read by Miranda Raison and Pearl Mackie - Hard Times, read by Paterson Joseph - Little Dorrit, read by Julie Teal - A Tale of Two Cities, read by Miriam Margolyes - The Uncommercial Traveller, read by Jonathan Keeble - Great Expectations, read by Stephen Fry - Our Mutual Friend, read by Samuel West - The Mudfog Papers, read by Malk Willaims - The Mystery of Edwin Drood, read by Ben Allen - Selected Letters, read by Nicholas Boulton - My Father As I Recall Him, by Mamie Dickens, read by Lucy Scott Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read, performed, and adapted today. This audiobook is fully indexed. Once downloaded, each book and chapter will be listed so you can easily navigate to the individual section.

Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award—nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women in STEM who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers! Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math…really good. They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world. In this beautifully illustrated picture book biography, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career, becoming heroes of the Space Race. "Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers," proclaims Brightly in their article "18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018." "Will inspire girls and boys alike to love math, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars." This picture book edition allows children to explore this incredible period. Inspirational Life Stories: The remarkable true story of four mathematicians who changed the space program—and refused to let race or gender determine the limits of their contribution. Revealed Histories: How a group of brilliant women spent years doing essential work that others took credit for—and why their names are finally being remembered. The Space Race: Go behind the scenes of the historic missions that sent the first Americans into orbit and to the moon. Civil Rights Era: A window into the daily reality of navigating Jim Crow-era segregation while also pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in science.

'An enthrallingly intricate novel . . . impressive' GUARDIAN 'There's something of F. Scott Fitzgerald about the way Cahill writes about the very rich' DAILY MAIL 'A biting satire of the art world's glamour, pomp and greed . . . lucid and evocative' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'I really loved The Violet Hour . . . On one level it functions as a highbrow whodunnit, and grippingly so, but it's much more than that, building into a meditation on mortality and the unreliable consolations of art, love and materialism' PATRICK GALE, author of Mother's Boy 'A thrilling story told in seductive, shimmering prose. Beauty, money, power, seduction, betrayal. It's all here in this bewitching and all too often troubling backstage pass to the commercial art world' CHLOË ASHBY, author of Wet Paint 'I'm overwhelmed by the beauty of James Cahill's writing and storytelling' SANTANU BHATTACHARYA, author of Deviants 'Artists are slaves to their vanity. But in the end, in time, they see things as they really are.' Thomas Haller has achieved the kind of fame that most artists only dream of: shows in London and New York, paintings sold for a fortune. The vision he presents to the world is one of an untouchable genius at the top of his game. It is also a lie. Who is the real Thomas Haller? His oldest friend and former dealer, Lorna, might once have known - before Thomas traded their early intimacy for international fame. Between his ruthless new dealer and a property mogul obsessed with his work, the appetite for Thomas and his art is all-consuming. On the eve of his latest show, the luminaries of the art world gather. But the sudden death of a young man has put everyone on edge, and a chain of events begins that will lead the friends back into the past, to confront who they have become. A story of deception, power play and longing, The Violet Hour exposes the unsettling underbelly of the art world, asking: who is granted admission to a world that only seems to glitter and who is left outside, their faces pressed to the glass? PRAISE FOR TIEPOLO BLUE 'The best novel I have read for ages . . . masterly' STEPHEN FRY 'An exhilarating, erudite read' VOGUE.COM 'Electric' GUARDIAN 'Startlingly impressive' DAILY MAIL

"Time and history, as experienced both personally and collectively, are just two of the big ideas this novel leaves a reader pondering," —John Williams, The New York Times “[T]his formally bold novel will gratify admirers of Taubes' friend and contemporary Susan Sontag, Elizabeth's Hardwick's Sleepless Nights, and Margaret Atwood's Cat's Eye. . . . A wry and cerebral study of identity, marriage, sex, and the interleafing of personal, familial, and national history.” — Kirkus Reviews “Hungarian American writer Taubes first published this brilliant fever dream of the life, loves, and travels of Sophie Blind shortly before her death in 1969. . . . The result parses how a thinking woman might have gone about divorcing herself from a society that defined her in ways over which she had no control. Taubes’s stylistically innovative book is essential reading for fans of Renata Adler.” — Publishers Weekly "Divorcing heralded the rise of the lean, epigrammatic fiction of the mid-’70s; such as Renata Adler’s Speedboat and Elizabeth Hardwick’s Sleepless Night. . . . Sophie’s cosmopolitanism, her coolness, her sexual appetite, her exhaustion, her intellectualism and indifferent glamor would become recognizable literary capacities, appealing features of a modern protagonist. . . . Divorcing is the stuff of literary cults. It is vivid and inchoate, its surface slick from recent molting. It is fascinating and flawed, a gathering of antithetical forms, sheered edges, leaps of faith…Some works are merely reissued; this feels more like a resurrection.” —Dustin Illingworth, The Paris Review “ Divorcing is often very funny, always alive, bursting with ideas, full of formal vitality and change. . . . [T]his feels like a book both stuffed with fiction and nonfiction, memory and play.” —Scott Cheshire, The Washington Post " Divorcing is a compendium of severance: not just a wife from her husband, but a family from their homeland, and a people from their God.” —Jess Bergman, Jewish Currents " Divorcing, teems with stylistic daring, taunts with irreverence, and glints with genius . . . an astonishing work of art, decades ahead of its time, whose formal innovations and insistent excavation of the unspoken corners of female consciousness we now take for granted as de rigueur. . . . Taubes constructs the novel as though piecing together a kaleidoscope of experiences from broken shards of glass. The results are uneven but riveting, ultimately concerned with the question of where writing alone—and the novel form in particular—can take us.” —Jennifer Schaffer, The Nation

WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025 WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES DEBUT PRIZE 2025 LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2025 LONGLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE 2026 A RADIO 4 BOOK AT BEDTIME A TELEGRAPH AND SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 'A furiously romantic, sun-drenched mystery . . . The Artist will leave you yearning in every sense of the word' Yael van der Wouden, author of The Safekeep 'The Artist is a lush, impressive debut; the writing is rich and sensuous, especially in descriptions of food, the landscape and the act of creation. Lucy Steeds is one to watch' Sunday Times, BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Beautiful' Daily Telegraph, BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Dextrous and powerful . . . a hugely accomplished portrait of ambition and self-fulfilment' Guardian 'The year's most lauded debut novelist . . . A sultry, headily perfumed portrait of monstrous male egos and oppressed overlooked women . . . The Artist uncovers its secrets by stealth' Telegraph 'A blaze of a book, poetic, passionate and quietly powerful' Daily Mail 'This compelling, evocative debut will transport you to idyllic, sun-drenched Provence in 1920 . . . An absorbing, poetic read' Mail on Sunday 'Captivating . . . with imagery as lush as an oil painting' Washington Post 'Enthralling . . . the descriptions of the landscape, the meals they eat and the art created are so rich and evocative it's as if you're there' Good Housekeeping PROVENCE, 1920 Ettie moves through the remote farmhouse, silently creating the conditions that make her uncle's artistic genius possible. Joseph, an aspiring journalist, has been invited to the house. He believes he'll make his name by interviewing the reclusive painter, the great Edouard Tartuffe. But everyone has their secrets. And, under the cover of darkness, Ettie has spent years cultivating hers. Over this sweltering summer, everyone's true colours will be revealed. Because Ettie is ready to be seen. Even if it means setting her world on fire. 'Lucy Steeds transports the reader with her sensuous depictions of food, art, and landscape . . . an assured and atmospheric debut' Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent 'An intoxicating tale of creativity, possession and freedom. An impressively assured debut which asks questions about all those who are painted over by history' Joanna Quinn, author of The Whalebone Theatre 'I could not love this beautiful novel more . . . the final chapters left me with that delicious heart-bursting feeling, full of hope and delight' Florence Knapp, author of The Names 'Gorgeous . . . Steeped in the heat and atmosphere of 1920s Provence, this novel brims with intrigue, hope and yearning' Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory and The Burial Plot 'Phenomenal . . . beautiful, pacey historical fiction, vividly realised. It drifts with the scent of summer, the land lit up and throbbing, the food piled high and richly painted, the paint as thick and buttery as food. I wanted to eat it. Yes, I even wanted to eat the paint. Read this book!' Seth Insua, author of Human, Animal BEST BOOKS FOR 2025 from Stylist and Good Housekeeping

“Filled with hilarious stories and sweet observations, Welcome to Pawnee is a book for any Parks and Rec fan. It’s funny and straight from the heart. Jim did a great job of not Jerry-ing this book.” — Amy Poehler "There is no one more qualified to write the definitive Parks & Rec book than the unbelievably hilarious, one-of-a-kind talent we all know & love: Tim—I mean Jim—O’Heir.” — Adam Scott Jim O’Heir; who played Jerry (or Garry or Larry) on Parks and Recreation brings fans a heartfelt look at one of America’s most beloved sitcoms, brimming with never-before-told stories featuring the cast and crew, along with dozens of unseen photos! For seven seasons, Leslie Knope and the quirky ensemble cast of Parks and Recreation charmed millions of viewers with their quirky antics and unwavering positivity. The sitcom continues to be a fan-favorite for streaming services today, nearly a decade after its finale. Now for the first time, Jim O’Heir; who played the lovable Jerry (or, well, Garry/Larry/Terry/Barry, depending on the episode), invites readers back to Pawnee for an exclusive look behind the scenes. Joined by his Parks and Rec pals, including Chris Pratt, Retta, Rob Lowe, and showrunners Greg Daniels and Mike Schur, Jim reveals how this “little show that could” came to be, thanks to the tireless dedication and comedic genius of Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, and the rest of the gang. As the show found its footing, the cast quickly bonded into a tight-knit family. Jim shares all his favorite unforgettable memories and funny anecdotes both on and off camera, from hilarious unscripted moments and epic dance-offs in the hair and makeup trailers, to iconic birthday parties at Rashida Jones’s house and quiet bonfires in Nick Offerman’s backyard. Welcome to Pawnee is a loving tribute to Parks and Recreation, imbued with the same warmth and humor that endeared the show to millions. "An incredible book that shares a behind-the-scenes look from our time on set! You're going to love it; Jim shares so many memories that I hold near and dear to my heart." — Chris Pratt ?“This book is full of lies. Only the Dark Lord himself knows the truth about Pawnee. Do not trust Jerry.” — Aubrey Plaza What happens when the cast of a beloved sitcom becomes a real-life family? Behind the Scenes Stories: From hilarious unscripted moments that made it to air to epic dance-offs in the makeup trailer, get the inside scoop on the making of a classic TV comedy. A Found Family: Discover the real-life bonds forged through iconic birthday parties at Rashida Jones’s house and quiet bonfires in Nick Offerman’s backyard. Never-Before-Seen Photos: Featuring dozens of personal photos from the set, offering a candid and heartfelt look at the cast and crew as you've never seen them before. Heartwarming Tribute: A love letter to the fans, the show, and the lovable oaf Jerry Gergich, full of the warmth and humor that made millions fall in love with Pawnee.

WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025 WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES DEBUT PRIZE 2025 LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2025 LONGLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE 2026 A RADIO 4 BOOK AT BEDTIME A TELEGRAPH AND SUNDAY TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 'A furiously romantic, sun-drenched mystery . . . The Artist will leave you yearning in every sense of the word' Yael van der Wouden, author of The Safekeep 'The Artist is a lush, impressive debut; the writing is rich and sensuous, especially in descriptions of food, the landscape and the act of creation. Lucy Steeds is one to watch' Sunday Times, BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Beautiful' Daily Telegraph, BOOK OF THE YEAR 'Dextrous and powerful . . . a hugely accomplished portrait of ambition and self-fulfilment' Guardian 'The year's most lauded debut novelist . . . A sultry, headily perfumed portrait of monstrous male egos and oppressed overlooked women . . . The Artist uncovers its secrets by stealth' Telegraph 'A blaze of a book, poetic, passionate and quietly powerful' Daily Mail 'This compelling, evocative debut will transport you to idyllic, sun-drenched Provence in 1920 . . . An absorbing, poetic read' Mail on Sunday 'Captivating . . . with imagery as lush as an oil painting' Washington Post 'Enthralling . . . the descriptions of the landscape, the meals they eat and the art created are so rich and evocative it's as if you're there' Good Housekeeping PROVENCE, 1920 Ettie moves through the remote farmhouse, silently creating the conditions that make her uncle's artistic genius possible. Joseph, an aspiring journalist, has been invited to the house. He believes he'll make his name by interviewing the reclusive painter, the great Edouard Tartuffe. But everyone has their secrets. And, under the cover of darkness, Ettie has spent years cultivating hers. Over this sweltering summer, everyone's true colours will be revealed. Because Ettie is ready to be seen. Even if it means setting her world on fire. 'Lucy Steeds transports the reader with her sensuous depictions of food, art, and landscape . . . an assured and atmospheric debut' Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent 'An intoxicating tale of creativity, possession and freedom. An impressively assured debut which asks questions about all those who are painted over by history' Joanna Quinn, author of The Whalebone Theatre 'I could not love this beautiful novel more . . . the final chapters left me with that delicious heart-bursting feeling, full of hope and delight' Florence Knapp, author of The Names 'Gorgeous . . . Steeped in the heat and atmosphere of 1920s Provence, this novel brims with intrigue, hope and yearning' Elizabeth Macneal, author of The Doll Factory and The Burial Plot 'Phenomenal . . . beautiful, pacey historical fiction, vividly realised. It drifts with the scent of summer, the land lit up and throbbing, the food piled high and richly painted, the paint as thick and buttery as food. I wanted to eat it. Yes, I even wanted to eat the paint. Read this book!' Seth Insua, author of Human, Animal BEST BOOKS FOR 2025 from Stylist and Good Housekeeping

TURN EVERY BUSINESS CONNECTION INTO A PAYING CLIENT With a Foreword by Michael Port, bestselling author of Book Yourself Solid Clients, Clients, and More Clients arms you with powerful tools from the field of psychology for building every business connection into the kind of relationship that leads to referrals, joint ventures, and sustainable business growth. "In this book-chock full of ideas at the intersection of marketing and psychology-Larina Kase shows you how to master the art of building relationships that drive new clients." -David Meerman Scott, bestselling author of Real-Time Marketing & PR "Larina Kase has done a first-rate job of explicating many crucial elements of human psychology. But it is her instructive advice on how to harness that information profitably that elevates this book's usefulness to great heights." -Robert B. Cialdini, author of Influence: Science and Practice "Larina Kase knows about social proof. You can tell by who she got to endorse the book. But go deeper. There's lots of actionable information in here, and it will result in more business." -Chris Brogan, coauthor of Trust Agents and president of Human Business Works "This book is ideal if you've ever wondered how to differentiate yourself from the crowd, how to really build relationships that pay off, and how to establish your expertise with ease. This is one book you will thank yourself in the future for!" -Shama Kabani, author of the bestselling The Zen of Social Media Marketing "If 'who you know' and making a meaningful connection with them is truly part of the success factor in business (and it is), I promise you that Larina Kase's Clients, Clients, and More Clients will have your phone ringing and e-mail box full of people who truly want to do business with you. A savvy, wise, and value-based text allows the reader to learn what few others understand: the Science and Art of Connecting. I've read and reviewed a dozen books on building a solid client base. Most completely miss the target. This book is a handbook to meet, connect with, and build a valuable relationship with just about anyone you want to." -Kevin Hogan, Psy.D., author of The Science of Influence and The Psychology of Persuasion "This is a remarkable, readable, and instantly practical book packed with leading-edge tips on attracting new clients fast. I loved it!" -Dr. Joe Vitale, author of The Attractor Factor "In Clients, Clients, and More Clients, Larina Kase shows you how to find and influence prospects so they'll understand the value of your work and readily do business with you. The research-based strategies in this important and engaging book are worth any businessperson's time, close study, and dedicated application. The book is true to its promises." -Mark Levy, founder of Levy Innovation and author of Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content "Clients, Clients, and More Clients is a must-read for every sales executive, sales manager, and company executive. This is not your typical how-to sales guide, as it digs deep into how to change a losing sales strategy into a winning success. Larina uncovers the psychology behind the sales mentality, and breaks the process down, step-by-step; making it crystal clear the direction you'll need to take to achieve long-term success." -Shawn Jennings Edgington, CIC, CEO, and founder of Granite Insurance Brokers, Cyber Safety Academy Fundraiser, and author of The Parent's Guide to Texting, Facebook and Social Media

Generate Better, Faster Results Using Less Capital and Fewer Resources! "The High-Velocity Edge contains ideas that form the basis for structured continuous learning and improvement in every aspect of our lives. While this book is tailored to business leaders, it should be read by high school seniors, college students, and those already in the workforce. With the broad societal application of these ideas, we can achieve levels of accomplishment not even imagined by most people." The Honorable Paul H. O'Neill, former CEO and Chairman, Alcoa, and Former Secretary of the Treasury "Some firms outperform competitors in many ways at once cost, speed, innovation, service. How? Steve Spear opened my eyes to the secret of systemizing innovation: taking it from the occasional, unpredictable 'stroke of genius' to something you and your people do month-in, month-out to outdistance rivals." Scott D. Cook, founder and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Intuit, Inc. "Steven Spear connects a deep study of systems with practical management insights and does it better than any organizational scholar I know. [This] is a profoundly important book that will challenge and inspire executives in all industries to think more clearly about the technical and social foundations of organizational excellence." Donald M. Berwick, M.D., M.P.P., President and CEO, Institute for Healthcare Improvement About the Book How can some companies perform so well that their industry counterparts are competitors in name only? Although they operate in the same industry, serve the same market, and even use the same suppliers, these extraordinary, high-velocity organizations consistently outperform all the competition and, more importantly, continually widen their leads. In The High-Velocity Edge, the reissued edition of five-time Shingo Prize winner Steven J. Spear's critically acclaimed book Chasing the Rabbit, Spear describes what sets market-dominating companies apart and provides a detailed framework you can leverage to surge to the lead in your own industry. Spear examines the internal operations of dominant organizations across a wide spectrum of industries, from technology to design and from manufacturing to health care. While he investigates several great operational triumphs, like top-tier teaching hospitals' fantastic improvements in quality of care, Pratt & Whitney's competitive gains in jet engine design, and the U.S. Navy's breakthroughs in inventing and applying nuclear propulsion, The High-Velocity Edge is not just about the adoration of success. It also takes a critical look at some of the operational missteps that have humbled even the most reputable and respected of companies and organizations. The decades-long prominence of Toyota, for example, is contrasted with the many factors leading to the automaker's sweeping 2010 product recalls. Taken together, these multiple perspectives and in-depth case studies show how to: Build a system of "dynamic discovery" designed to reveal operational problems and weaknesses as they arise Attack and solve problems when and where they occur, converting weaknesses into strengths Disseminate knowledge gained from solving local problems throughout the company as a whole Create managers invested in developing everyone's capacity to continually innovate and improve Whatever kind of company you operate from technology to finance to healthcare mastery of these four key capabilities will put you on the fast track to operational excellence, where you will generate faster, better results using less capital and fewer resources. Apply the lessons of Steven J. Spear and gain a high-velocity edge over every competitor in your industry.

Generate Better, Faster Results Using Less Capital and Fewer Resources! "The High-Velocity Edge contains ideas that form the basis for structured continuous learning and improvement in every aspect of our lives. While this book is tailored to business leaders, it should be read by high school seniors, college students, and those already in the workforce. With the broad societal application of these ideas, we can achieve levels of accomplishment not even imagined by most people." The Honorable Paul H. O'Neill, former CEO and Chairman, Alcoa, and Former Secretary of the Treasury "Some firms outperform competitors in many ways at once cost, speed, innovation, service. How? Steve Spear opened my eyes to the secret of systemizing innovation: taking it from the occasional, unpredictable 'stroke of genius' to something you and your people do month-in, month-out to outdistance rivals." Scott D. Cook, founder and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Intuit, Inc. "Steven Spear connects a deep study of systems with practical management insights and does it better than any organizational scholar I know. [This] is a profoundly important book that will challenge and inspire executives in all industries to think more clearly about the technical and social foundations of organizational excellence." Donald M. Berwick, M.D., M.P.P., President and CEO, Institute for Healthcare Improvement About the Book How can some companies perform so well that their industry counterparts are competitors in name only? Although they operate in the same industry, serve the same market, and even use the same suppliers, these extraordinary, high-velocity organizations consistently outperform all the competition and, more importantly, continually widen their leads. In The High-Velocity Edge, the reissued edition of five-time Shingo Prize winner Steven J. Spear's critically acclaimed book Chasing the Rabbit, Spear describes what sets market-dominating companies apart and provides a detailed framework you can leverage to surge to the lead in your own industry. Spear examines the internal operations of dominant organizations across a wide spectrum of industries, from technology to design and from manufacturing to health care. While he investigates several great operational triumphs, like top-tier teaching hospitals' fantastic improvements in quality of care, Pratt & Whitney's competitive gains in jet engine design, and the U.S. Navy's breakthroughs in inventing and applying nuclear propulsion, The High-Velocity Edge is not just about the adoration of success. It also takes a critical look at some of the operational missteps that have humbled even the most reputable and respected of companies and organizations. The decades-long prominence of Toyota, for example, is contrasted with the many factors leading to the automaker's sweeping 2010 product recalls. Taken together, these multiple perspectives and in-depth case studies show how to: Build a system of "dynamic discovery" designed to reveal operational problems and weaknesses as they arise Attack and solve problems when and where they occur, converting weaknesses into strengths Disseminate knowledge gained from solving local problems throughout the company as a whole Create managers invested in developing everyone's capacity to continually innovate and improve Whatever kind of company you operate from technology to finance to healthcare mastery of these four key capabilities will put you on the fast track to operational excellence, where you will generate faster, better results using less capital and fewer resources. Apply the lessons of Steven J. Spear and gain a high-velocity edge over every competitor in your industry.

TURN EVERY BUSINESS CONNECTION INTO A PAYING CLIENT With a Foreword by Michael Port, bestselling author of Book Yourself Solid Clients, Clients, and More Clients arms you with powerful tools from the field of psychology for building every business connection into the kind of relationship that leads to referrals, joint ventures, and sustainable business growth. "In this book-chock full of ideas at the intersection of marketing and psychology-Larina Kase shows you how to master the art of building relationships that drive new clients." -David Meerman Scott, bestselling author of Real-Time Marketing & PR "Larina Kase has done a first-rate job of explicating many crucial elements of human psychology. But it is her instructive advice on how to harness that information profitably that elevates this book's usefulness to great heights." -Robert B. Cialdini, author of Influence: Science and Practice "Larina Kase knows about social proof. You can tell by who she got to endorse the book. But go deeper. There's lots of actionable information in here, and it will result in more business." -Chris Brogan, coauthor of Trust Agents and president of Human Business Works "This book is ideal if you've ever wondered how to differentiate yourself from the crowd, how to really build relationships that pay off, and how to establish your expertise with ease. This is one book you will thank yourself in the future for!" -Shama Kabani, author of the bestselling The Zen of Social Media Marketing "If 'who you know' and making a meaningful connection with them is truly part of the success factor in business (and it is), I promise you that Larina Kase's Clients, Clients, and More Clients will have your phone ringing and e-mail box full of people who truly want to do business with you. A savvy, wise, and value-based text allows the reader to learn what few others understand: the Science and Art of Connecting. I've read and reviewed a dozen books on building a solid client base. Most completely miss the target. This book is a handbook to meet, connect with, and build a valuable relationship with just about anyone you want to." -Kevin Hogan, Psy.D., author of The Science of Influence and The Psychology of Persuasion "This is a remarkable, readable, and instantly practical book packed with leading-edge tips on attracting new clients fast. I loved it!" -Dr. Joe Vitale, author of The Attractor Factor "In Clients, Clients, and More Clients, Larina Kase shows you how to find and influence prospects so they'll understand the value of your work and readily do business with you. The research-based strategies in this important and engaging book are worth any businessperson's time, close study, and dedicated application. The book is true to its promises." -Mark Levy, founder of Levy Innovation and author of Accidental Genius: Using Writing to Generate Your Best Ideas, Insight, and Content "Clients, Clients, and More Clients is a must-read for every sales executive, sales manager, and company executive. This is not your typical how-to sales guide, as it digs deep into how to change a losing sales strategy into a winning success. Larina uncovers the psychology behind the sales mentality, and breaks the process down, step-by-step; making it crystal clear the direction you'll need to take to achieve long-term success." -Shawn Jennings Edgington, CIC, CEO, and founder of Granite Insurance Brokers, Cyber Safety Academy Fundraiser, and author of The Parent's Guide to Texting, Facebook and Social Media