Living under palm trees is not without its consequences . . . J. G. von Goethe, Jacob Gotfried Haafner (1754-1809) was a Dutch citizen who spent more than twenty years of his early life living outside of Europe, in India, Ceylon, Mauritius, Java, and South Africa. On his return to Europe he transformed himself into one of the most popular Dutch writers of the early nineteenth century, for his travel writing in the Romantic mode. Books like his popular Travels in a Palanquin were translated into the major European languages, and his essays against the work of Christian missionaries in Asia stirred up great controversy. Haafner worked to spread understanding of the cultures he'd come to know in his journeys, promoting European understanding of Indian literature, myth, and religion, translating the Ramayana into Dutch. With the help of generous excerpts from Haafner's own writings, including material newly translated into English, Paul van der Velde tells an affecting story of a young man who made a world for himself along the Coromandel Coast, in Ceylon and Calcutta, but who returned to Europe to live the last years of his life in Amsterdam, suffering an acute nostalgia for Asia. This will be compelling reading for anyone interested in European response to the cultures of Asia.

The New York Times bestselling history of the glamour and debauchery of the ultra-wealthy Palm Beach community--from The Breakers to Trump's Mar-a-Lago. For more than a hundred years, Palm Beach has been an exclusive and exotic universe of wealth and privilege in America. And until Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme devastated its eternally sunny world, the reality of this affluent enclave has rarely been exposed to outsiders. Now, in Madness Under the Royal Palms, resident insider Laurence Leamer reveals the secrets and scandals of this South Florida island via a cast of characters that includes social climbers, trophy wives, sugar daddies, glamorous widows and their "escorts," sociopathic multimillionaires, and elegant society queens. Dive into the unbelievable true story of love, lust, money, and murder in a uniquely American paradise.

Antoinette Caulfield brings her fiance home to Hawaii to meet her grandparents--with her classmate Iris Cooper as a chaperone. Iris is shocked to see a woman in white apparently following Antoinette. Is it the ghost of Antoinette's mother who mysteriously passed away?

Sophie Chao examines the multispecies entanglements of oil palm plantations in West Papua, Indonesia, showing how Indigenous Marind communities understand and navigate the social, political, and environmental demands of the oil palm plant.

New York Times bestselling author Dorothea Benton Frank takes readers on a rollicking ride in this Lowcountry tale about a woman whose unconventional friends and family show her the real meaning of unconditional love. Anna Lutz Abbot considers herself independent and happy—until one steamy summer when her collegiate daughter comes home a very different person, her wild and wonderful ex-husband shows up on her doorstep, and her flamboyant new best friend takes up with Anna’s father. And the already hot temperatures are cranked up another ten degrees by Anna’s own fling with Arthur, who is, heaven help her, a Yankee. Now Anna must face the fact that she isn’t as in control of her life as she’d thought. And she must find a way to deal with the whole truth—not just the comfortable parts.

Floating in My Mother's Palm is the compelling and mystical story of Hanna Malter, a young girl growing up in 1950's Burgdorf, the small German town Ursula Hegi so brilliantly brought to life in her bestselling novel Stones from the River. Hanna's courageous voice evokes her unconventional mother, who swims during thunderstorms; the illegitimate son of an American GI, who learns from Hanna about his father; and the librarian, Trudi Montag, who lets Hanna see her hometown from a dwarf's extraordinary point of view. Although Ursula Hegi wrote Floating in My Mother's Palm first, it can be read as a sequel to Stones from the River.

"The Moving Picture Girls Under the Palms" by Laura Lee Hope follows the thrilling adventures of Ruth and Alice DeVere, two talented sisters making a name for themselves in the world of silent films. In this installment, the DeVere sisters find themselves on a tropical paradise as they embark on a new film project. The allure of palm trees, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters sets the perfect stage for their latest motion picture. With the warm sun shining down on them, Ruth and Alice are excited to immerse themselves in their roles and bring the beauty of the exotic location to the silver screen. As the cameras start rolling, the girls work diligently with the film's cast and crew to capture the essence of the tropical setting. They encounter challenges unique to the environment, such as unpredictable weather, wildlife encounters, and logistical issues. However, their determination and passion for their craft drive them to overcome each obstacle with creativity and ingenuity. Amidst their professional endeavors, Ruth and Alice also find time for leisure and exploration. They embrace the local culture, savoring the delicious cuisine, learning about the customs of the island's inhabitants, and engaging in thrilling adventures like snorkeling and exploring hidden caves. As the days pass, the DeVere sisters forge new friendships and become deeply connected to the island and its people. Through these friendships, they gain insights into the lives and dreams of the locals, adding depth and authenticity to their film project. However, their island paradise adventure takes an unexpected turn when a powerful storm looms on the horizon. With their film equipment and set at risk, Ruth and Alice must once again summon their resourcefulness and determination to protect their work and ensure the safety of everyone involved. "The Moving Picture Girls Under the Palms" is a captivating tale of creativity, adventure, and the magic of filmmaking set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise. Laura Lee Hope masterfully weaves a story that celebrates the beauty of nature, the richness of diverse cultures, and the thrill of pursuing one's passion in an enchanting setting. Readers will be transported to the mesmerizing world of filmmaking and the allure of an exotic island as they join Ruth and Alice on their unforgettable journey. This delightful book captures the spirit of exploration, the joy of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of challenges.

In this remarkable novel, Pulitzer Prize–winning author James A. Michener draws on his unparalleled gift for storytelling, his deep understanding of American society, and his own life experiences to illuminate the challenges of aging and the folly of youth. As the new director of a Florida retirement home known as the Palms, Andy Zorn suffers no shortage of loving support from his “elders,” a group of five passionate, outspoken residents. Still, Andy’s shortcomings tear him apart. But when he meets an extraordinary young woman who has been forced to rebuild her life after suffering crippling injuries, he finds himself falling in love. And with a few gentle jabs from his more mature friends, he discovers a wonderful new purpose in life. Praise for Recessional “The best moments in the novel occur when the characters disclose what’s in their hearts and minds with rueful, snappy humor.”—The New York Times Book Review “Michener hooks you with wonderfully humorous scenes. These are then interwoven between the moments of pain and heartache brought about by life choices we all must make.”—Tulsa World “Engaging . . . One will be drawn into the novelist’s world. . . . The lush natural setting provides James Michener plenty to show and tell.”—The Washington Times

* One of the Best Books of 2012 —Salon "Waclawiak's novel reinvents the immigration story. How to Get Into the Twin Palms movingly portrays a protagonist intent on both creating and destroying herself, on burning brightly even as she goes up in smoke." —New York Times Book Review, Editors' Choice How To Get Into the Twin Palms is the story of Anya, a young woman living in a Russian neighborhood in Los Angeles, who struggles between retaining her parents' Polish culture and trying to assimilate into her adopted community. She lusts after Lev, a Russian man who frequents the Twin Palms nightclub down the block from Anya's apartment. It is Anya's wish to gain entrance to this seeminly exclusive club. How To Get Into the Twin Palms is a really funny and often moving book that provides a unique twist on the immigrant story, and provides a credible portrait of the city of Los Angeles, literally burning to the ground.

I have chartered a small steamer, said the manager. "At first I decided we could use a large motor boat, and make the trips back and forth from the hotel each day, to get to the various places. But I find that distances are longer than I calculated on, and it might be inconvenient, at times, to come back to the hotel. So have engaged a good-sized, flat-bottomed stern-wheeler, and we can spend several days at a time on her if need be."