Gross-out humor, a little magic, and some truly bizarre characters--such as a girl who can turn herself into a burrito and a mechanical mystery named Clockboy--abound in Mrs. Frightenright's class, all captured in hilarious cartoon illustrations. Original.

"Madness can afford the individual certain resources and abilities that are not available to others. The fantasy life, free flight of ideas, distortions of reality, and heightened senses . . . offer a unique perspective on the world." —From the Introduction Why do some extraordinary individuals overcome mental anguish and produce brilliant creative artistry that is often enhanced by their madness? New York Times best-selling author and noted psychologist Jeffrey Kottler explores this fascinating question in Divine Madness. His book is filled with the compelling stories of emotional turmoil that many great artists have undergone as they struggle for success and survival. Jeffrey Kottler writes about the dramatic and tragic lives of cultural icons Sylvia Plath, Judy Garland, Mark Rothko, Ernest Hemingway, Virginia Woolf, Charles Mingus, Vaslav Nijinsky, Marilyn Monroe, Lenny Bruce, and Brian Wilson. In this riveting book, Kottler highlights the personal story of each of these extraordinary individuals and analyzes how they struggled to overcome their emotional hardships. Divine Madness clearly differentiates between those who surrendered to their illness, often taking their own lives, and those who managed to endure and even recover. Kottler details how their profound psychological issues affected their lives and work, their great productivity and success, and how they strove to achieve some kind of personal stability. The fascinating and brilliantly told stories in Divine Madness help us to find meaning in the incredible lives of these artists. They also serve as an inspiration for those who are grappling to rise above their own challenges and limitations and express themselves more productively and creatively.

Darcy Stone is the first lady of a thriving ministry. Her secrets have just caught up with her. When she comes clean with her husband about it his reaction creates opposition in their home. Just when she thinks she can see light at the end of the tunnel darkness intervenes and sends her faith plummeting. If she loses her faith she will cost the Light an essential soldier for the battles ahead. Grey has finally found someone she believes she can spend the rest of her life with. There's only one catch, he's a homicide detective. She tries to overlook the constant demands of his job. When the bodies start piling up she lends a hand to help him figure out what's going on. Together they begin to uncover something very dangerous but this is just the beginning of what destiny has placed them in the middle of. Jamal and Lindsey are new to Tallahassee but they find their way to the Kingdom Builders Worship Center. The closer they get to God the more things about their past are revealed. One troubling night changes everything they thought they knew. Lindsey can't help the downward spiral she's on that could cost her not only her own life but someone else's. Time is running out and judgment is coming. There are plenty of angelic warriors on standby to assist. The demonic forces are pulling out the big guns this time around. They are about to bring in their most deadly forces, a kingdom that has been active since the earth existed. The dark side also has its own humans in play who are strategically infiltrating the city. The madness that unfolds only leads to the temptations that await them on Tuesday.

Terri Cheney ripped the covers off her secret battle with bipolar disorder in her New York Times bestselling memoir, Manic. Now, in this "stigma-buster" and "must-read", she blends a gripping narrative with practical advice (Elyn Saks). Cheney flips mental illness inside out, exposing the visceral story of the struggles, stigma, relationship dilemmas, treatments, and recovery techniques she and others have encountered. Sometimes humorous, sometimes harrowing, Modern Madness is the ultimate owner's manual on mental illness, breaking this complex subject down into readily understandable concepts like Instructions for Use, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, and Warranties. Whether you have a diagnosis, love or work with someone who does, or are just trying to understand this emerging phenomenon of our times, Modern Madness is a courageous clarion call for acceptance, both personal and public. With her candid and riveting writing, Cheney delivers more than heartbreak; she promises hope.

New York Times Bestseller: The shadowy world of “off the books” businesses—from marijuana to migrant workers—brought to life by the author of Fast Food Nation. America’s black market is much larger than we realize, and it affects us all deeply, whether or not we smoke pot, rent a risqué video, or pay our kids’ nannies in cash. In Reefer Madness, the award-winning investigative journalist Eric Schlosser turns his exacting eye to the underbelly of American capitalism and its far-reaching influence on our society. Exposing three American mainstays—pot, porn, and illegal immigrants—Schlosser shows how the black market has burgeoned over the past several decades. He also draws compelling parallels between underground and overground: how tycoons and gangsters rise and fall, how new technology shapes a market, how government intervention can reinvigorate black markets as well as mainstream ones, and how big business learns—and profits—from the underground. “Captivating . . . Compelling tales of crime and punishment as well as an illuminating glimpse at the inner workings of the underground economy. The book revolves around two figures: Mark Young of Indiana, who was sentenced to life in prison without parole for his relatively minor role in a marijuana deal; and Reuben Sturman, an enigmatic Ohio man who built and controlled a formidable pornography distribution empire before finally being convicted of tax evasion. . . . Schlosser unravels an American society that has ‘become alienated and at odds with itself.’ Like Fast Food Nation, this is an eye-opening book, offering the same high level of reporting and research.” —Publishers Weekly

The untold story of King Nebuchadnezzar’s daughter For seven years the Babylonian princess Tiamat has waited for the mad king Nebuchadnezzar to return to his family and to his kingdom. Driven from his throne to live as a beast, he prowls his luxurious Hanging Gardens, secreted away from the world. Since her treaty marriage at a young age, Tia has lived an opulent yet oppressive life in the palace. But her husband has since died and she relishes her newfound independence. When a nobleman is found murdered in the palace, Tia must discover who is responsible for the macabre death, even if her own freedom is threatened. As the queen plans to wed Tia to yet another prince, the powerful mage Shadir plots to expose the family’s secret and set his own man on the throne. Tia enlists the help of a reluctant Jewish captive, her late husband’s brother Pedaiah, who challenges her notions of the gods even as he opens her heart to both truth and love. In a time when few gave their hearts to Yahweh, Tia must decide if she is willing to risk everything—her possessions, her gods, and her very life—for the Israelites’ one God. Madness, sorcery, and sinister plots mingle like an alchemist’s deadly potion as Tia chooses whether to risk all to save the kingdom—and her family. “The biblical story of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar’s seven years as a madman, found in the Old Testament Book of Daniel, deepens and broadens thanks to veteran author Higley’s historical research and vivid imagination . . . Readers will find much to enjoy here: fine writing, suspense, mystery, faith, love, and a new look at an old story.” —Publishers Weekly “Higley gives readers a dose of biblical history set in King Nebuchadnezzar’s palatial gardens and a character like no other in Tiamat, devoted daughter of a king gone mad. The author’s insights into a woman’s inner strength as she searches for the one true God will leave readers rejoicing.”—Romantic Times TOP PICK "Her story will appeal not just to readers of historical fiction but also to those with an interest in biblical history." —Booklist

BOOK SUMMARY Metastatic Madness is a collection of poems and the recollections of the author’s experience with a first time cancer diagnosis. The book describes the author’s five phases of coping with this diagnosis, from initial shock to adjusting to and becoming a strong advocate for herself and others. Soon after discovering a thickening in her left breast, the author learned she was at Stage 4 breast cancer. Despite previous negative screening and test results, she now has an incurable form of the disease. Following several months of chemotherapy and surgery, she went into remission of her illness. Since then, she has developed the strength and will to face an illness that has an average life span of three to five years. The author’s intent is to share her experience with others who may be struggling with a cancer diagnosis, and hopefully, give them strategies to improve the quality of their lives. AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY Carol A. Miele retired from nursing after a 45 year nursing career. Growing up in Old Forge, Pennsylvania, she graduated from Community Medical Center School of Nursing in 1965, received a BS Degree in Nursing Education at Wilkes College in 1977 and a Masters of Public Health at East Stroudsburg University in 2000. The author enjoyed many roles in nursing: Medical-Surgical, Psychiatric, Operating Room, Emergency Room, Recovery Room and Intensive Care Unit clinical nurse. Also. She was an Occupational Health Nurse, Nursing Instructor, Assistant Director of Nurses, and Quality/Risk Manager in the hospital, home care, hospice and residential environments. Diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer and metastasis to bone in October 2010, she went into remission in June 2011 following months of Chemotherapy. Enjoying her stable condition, she lives with her husband and dog Flora in Ocala, FL. They have two married daughters, Marisa Grier and Kristen Miele Beatty.

How different are the kids in Mrs. Frightenright's class? There's the kid who is half boy, half-fish and a really, really hairy kid! How different do you think you are?

Dive into the uproarious world of office life with K.D. Gudwerck's "WERK" – a sharp, satirical survival guide for young professionals. In this laugh-out-loud journey, Gudwerck demystifies the chaos of the corporate jungle, offering witty insights and comical strategies to navigate its absurdities. From conquering Monday Madness to decoding the caffeine-fueled rituals of Coffee, Caffeine, and Colleagues, Gudwerck transforms mundane office activities into hilarious escapades. Email Escapades takes center stage, turning the inbox battle into a comedic quest from Inbox Zero to Infinity, while Office Jargon 101 hilariously deciphers the cryptic buzzwords of corporate speak. Bosses, Bloopers, and Blunders expose the quirky dynamics of workplace hierarchy, while Fashion Roulette navigates the perplexing world of office dress codes with a comedic twist. Procrastination Station provides playful tips for avoiding derailment, and Surviving Office Parties and Team-Building Torchers turns social events into laugh-out-loud adventures. Desk Yoga and Stress Ball Strategies become essential survival tools, offering quirky approaches to maintain sanity. The Great Escape explores daydreaming techniques during boring meetings, turning dull gatherings into moments of creativity and mental exploration. Gudwerck wraps up the journey by highlighting Humor as a Career Skill, revealing how laughter can be a secret weapon in the professional arena. With wit and practical advice, "WERK" is the ultimate guide for young professionals to not just survive but thrive in the wild and wonderful world of the office jungle. Get ready for a hilarious ride through the absurdities of corporate life, where a well-timed chuckle might just be the key to success!

Minu paints the canvas of her life with splendid colors dipping her brush into desires, dreams and recollection! Minu pulls off the red scrunchy with a swift movement and gives her head a shake, letting her wavy hair bounce around her shoulders. Oh Oh!! Minu has a problem that’s eating into her. What’s it this time? A bossy boss, a strange birthday wish, an acrimonious client or a fishy shadow? Minu grapples with the hiccups of everyday life and finds solutions in playful childhood conversations. The author adds a personal touch to the stories with Acrylics and Oil paintings connecting the stories with the paintings seamlessly, leaving the reader mesmerized and joyful.