Are you a victim, or do you live according to your personal choice? Failures, setbacks, and disappointments are strong enough to turn us meek, submissive, disoriented, frustrated, and to make us lead a compromised life with no identity. On the contrary, these situations can also be turned into an opportunity to introspect, rebel, revolt, discover, aspire, resolve, and leap towards a greater future. This is a memoir of my life’s journey of defying failures, unshackling limitations, and challenging the self to discover inner strengths through a systemic approach, in order to achieve numerous goals and propel into a future of choice. I am not a celebrity, but I am definitely a hero of my own life and I will cherish and leave a legacy.

The instant #1 New York Times bestseller. In time for the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, master storyteller Alan Gratz (Refugee) delivers a pulse-pounding and unforgettable take on history and hope, revenge and fear -- and the stunning links between the past and present. September 11, 2001, New York City: Brandon is visiting his dad at work, on the 107th floor of the World Trade Center. Out of nowhere, an airplane slams into the tower, creating a fiery nightmare of terror and confusion. And Brandon is in the middle of it all. Can he survive -- and escape? September 11, 2019, Afghanistan: Reshmina has grown up in the shadow of war, but she dreams of peace and progress. When a battle erupts in her village, Reshmina stumbles upon a wounded American soldier named Taz. Should she help Taz -- and put herself and her family in mortal danger? Two kids. One devastating day. Nothing will ever be the same.

As made abundantly clear in the classified documents recently made public by WikiLeaks, Pakistan is the keystone in the international fight against terrorism today. After the US-led coalition targeted terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, these groups, including al Qaeda and the Taliban, relocated to the Federally Administered Tribal Area of Pakistan. From its base in this remote, inhospitable region of Pakistan, al Qaeda and its associated cells have planned, prepared, and executed numerous terrorist attacks around the world, in addition to supporting and waging insurgencies in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, and elsewhere. This book is the first detailed analysis of the myriad insurgent groups working in Pakistan. Written by well-known expert on global terrorism Rohan Gunaratna and Khuram Iqbal, a leading scholar in Pakistan, the book examines and reviews the nature, structure, and agendas of the groups, their links to activists in other countries, such as India and Iran, and the difficulties of defeating terrorism in this part of the world. Drawing on extensive field research and interviews with government officials and former terrorists, the authors argue that Pakistan faces grave and continuing pressures from within, and that without steadfast international goodwill and support, the threats of extremism, terrorism, and insurgency will continue to grow. This timely and necessary book argues that if the international community is to win the battle against ideological extremism and operational terrorism around the world, then Pakistan should be in the vanguard of the fight.

Motivational books are mere catalysts, kindling the spark within us, but it is our actions and self-belief that fan that spark into an inferno of possibility. Beyond the Pages of Motivational Books In the vast library of motivational literature, there exists a peculiar dichotomy—a flaw that conceals the true essence of success, obscuring it from eager seekers like yourself. Beneath the glossy covers and inspiring anecdotes lies a profound secret, a secret that transcends the written word and beckons you to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. These books, adorned with captivating titles and promises of enlightenment, offer valuable insights and guidance, yet their pages only scratch the surface of the boundless reservoir of wisdom that awaits those willing to venture beyond their confines. They introduce you to the concepts and principles that underpin success, but often fail to reveal the paramount truth that lies at its core. For success is not a mere stringing of positive affirmations or a symphony of motivational clichés. It is an intricate mosaic, woven from the threads of passion, resilience, and unwavering determination. It is the unwritten chapter that lies between the lines, the unspoken wisdom that cannot be contained within the confines of a single book. The real secret, concealed within the folds of experience and the crucible of self-discovery, is that success is an individual odyssey—a unique journey that can only be undertaken by you, the protagonist of your own narrative. It is not a predefined path or a formulaic recipe, but a multifaceted exploration of your innate abilities, aspirations, and personal truths. These books, though well-intentioned, can only serve as signposts along the way—guiding lights that illuminate the possibilities that lie before you. They provide frameworks and insights, empowering you to forge your own path, to carve out a destiny that resonates with your deepest desires. Success is not found within the confines of a book, but within the depths of your own being. It is a journey of self-awareness, a process of unearthing your unique strengths and passions, and aligning them with purposeful action. It requires the courage to step beyond the pages, to venture into the uncharted territories of your own potential. As you navigate this exhilarating voyage, remember that the real secret lies not in the accumulation of knowledge, but in the application of that knowledge. It is not enough to passively consume the words of others; you must actively engage with the concepts, internalize them, and integrate them into your daily life. Embrace the realization that success is not a destination, but a lifelong pursuit—a dynamic, ever-evolving dance between aspiration and accomplishment. It is a symphony of dedication, perseverance, and adaptability, conducted by your unwavering commitment to growth and personal evolution. So, dear seeker of true success, let these books serve as stepping stones, not as final destinations. Embrace them as catalysts for introspection and inspiration, but do not confine yourself to their teachings alone. Explore, experiment, and forge your own path—one that is uniquely tailored to your dreams, passions, and aspirations. The real secret of success lies not in the words of others, but in your willingness to embark on an inner journey of self-discovery. It is in the moments of introspection, the leaps of faith, and the relentless pursuit of your dreams that the true essence of success reveals itself. Unlock the hidden chambers of your potential, and let the symphony of your own achievements resound throughout the world. Remember that you hold the key to your own success. The motivational books, with all their wisdom and guidance, can only serve as a compass. It is you, and you alone, who must embark on the extraordinary adventure of self-discovery, unraveling the secrets of your unique journey, and emerging triumphant on the other side.

Tracing the redevelopment of the World Trade Center site from graveyard to playground for high design, insurgent critic Nobel strips away the hyperbole to reveal the secret life--including a tally of deceptions and betrayals--of the century's most charged building project.

Conversations with some of today's most intriguing artists--Sandra Bowden, Dan Callis, Mary McCleary, John Silvis, Edward Knippers, Erica Downer, Albert Pedulla, Tim Rollins and K.O.S., Joel Sheesley and Makoto Fujimura--focuses on the intersection of Christianity and creativity.

Because there are codes, intellectuals and artists from all parts of the world have been in conflict from time immemorial till today. They ponder on how to answer questions spurred by the progressing tendencies toward the emancipation of humans from frailties, and mysteries that remain unresolved till today. Some predict a less conflicting future, the Anti-Christ, others fear the loss of the cultural diversity of humanity, and some express bias toward secularity and religion. Eventually, at the point where major ideological conflicts gave rise to todays controversies, a new fire of ideology flared up in Dotman, and he shares with us here where one would not have expected, at border lines not only between every single human today, but where the religions foundations of cultures are considered. In the midst of beliefs, labeled esoteric, beyond ones own cultural world, home, knowledge, and ingenuity, he found a powerful incident knowledge that is so anomalous and converging and so inspiring, more than any right from time he has so far lived in the world. This zero is structured to use the works of the geniuses, but care was taken in the design of the zero so that codes were identified and decoded with tools created in the zero.

From a world-renowned painter, an exploration of creativity’s quintessential—and often overlooked—role in the spiritual life “Makoto Fujimura’s art and writings have been a true inspiration to me. In this luminous book, he addresses the question of art and faith and their reconciliation with a quiet and moving eloquence.”—Martin Scorsese “[An] elegant treatise . . . Fujimura’s sensitive, evocative theology will appeal to believers interested in the role religion can play in the creation of art.”—Publishers Weekly Conceived over thirty years of painting and creating in his studio, this book is Makoto Fujimura’s broad and deep exploration of creativity and the spiritual aspects of “making.” What he does in the studio is theological work as much as it is aesthetic work. In between pouring precious, pulverized minerals onto handmade paper to create the prismatic, refractive surfaces of his art, he comes into the quiet space in the studio, in a discipline of awareness, waiting, prayer, and praise. Ranging from the Bible to T. S. Eliot, and from Mark Rothko to Japanese Kintsugi technique, he shows how unless we are making something, we cannot know the depth of God’s being and God’s grace permeating our lives. This poignant and beautiful book offers the perspective of, in Christian Wiman’s words, “an accidental theologian,” one who comes to spiritual questions always through the prism of art.

A Second Chance at LifeOn the sunny morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, terrorists murdered more than twenty-seven hundred people in an attack on New York City.Thousands died when a hijacked Boeing 767 slammed into Tower One of the World Trade Center.It was first blood. For Leslie Haskin, it was a second chance at life.This is the riveting account of Leslie's harrowing escape--down 36 floors in a doomed and dying building and away from a life focused on perks, prestige, and power. The intervening months brought crippling mental and emotional distress, but from the rubble and ashes, the corporate climber rediscovered the faith of her childhood and now embraces a new life of serving others.

Back to Ground Zero is a science fiction novel about the life and adventures of Antonio Corelli. After a devastating auto accident, he was left in a state of depression. The accident, which took the life of his beloved wife of 50 years, destroyed his present world like an atomic bomb. He referred to the place of the accident as Ground Zero. His life as Antonio Corelli ended when fate brought him to the doorstep of Dr. Roger Westfield, who connected Antonio's brain to the super high-tech computer that the doctor developed. With the high intellectual power that resulted, they were able to transform Antonio into a young man with capabilities beyond normal men. Using these powers, he experienced strange and exciting adventures. His story comes to an unusual and surprising conclusion when he returns to the place it all started: Ground Zero.