In 'The Secret Toll,' edited by Paul Thorne and Mabel Thorne, the collection heralds an adventurous exploration into the nuances of human experience through a tapestry of literary expression. This anthology intricately weaves together narratives of discovery, loss, and the transformation that bridges the two, challenging readers to consider the myriad ways we navigate life's inevitable tolls. With a range spanning from reflective poetry to provocative short stories, the breadth of styles serves as a testament to the rich diversity of human thought and the complex emotional landscapes we traverse. Among its standout pieces, the anthology features narratives that dare to question the very essence of our perceptions, making it a significant contribution to contemporary literary discourse. The contributing authors, spearheaded by the visionary editors Paul and Mabel Thorne, bring a heterogeneous mix of backgrounds, from seasoned literati to emerging voices. Their collective work aligns with the broader cultural and literary movements that seek to untangle the intricate web of human emotion and experience. By encapsulating a spectrum of perspectives, these narratives delve deep into personal and collective histories, enriching the theme with layers of depth and insight that are as diverse as they are poignant. 'The Secret Toll' invites readers on a profound journey into the heart of storytelling, offering a unique opportunity to engage with an array of voices and styles. This anthology is not just a literary endeavor but a bridge to understanding the multifaceted nature of human resilience and adaptability. It is recommended for those seeking to expand their horizons, to immerse in the educational value of diverse cultural and emotional landscapes, and to partake in a dialogue that transcends the traditional boundaries of narrative expression.

For use in schools and libraries only. The autobiographical account of an eight-year-old Jewish girl as she hides from the Nazis in a small bedroom in Lwow, Poland, in 1943 contains 29 examples of her many paintings during that period.

With almost 5 million copies sold 60 years after its original publication, generations of readers have now journeyed with Milo to the Lands Beyond in this beloved classic. Enriched by Jules Feiffer’s splendid illustrations, the wit, wisdom, and wordplay of Norton Juster’s offbeat fantasy are as beguiling as ever. “Comes up bright and new every time I read it . . . it will continue to charm and delight for a very long time yet. And teach us some wisdom, too.” --Phillip Pullman For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason. Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams!

In the highly anticipated finale to the New York Times bestselling trilogy, dictators, prophets, and tensions rise. In a world that’s conquered death, will humanity finally be torn asunder by the immortal beings it created? Citra and Rowan have disappeared. Endura is gone. It seems like nothing stands between Scythe Goddard and absolute dominion over the world scythedom. With the silence of the Thunderhead and the reverberations of the Great Resonance still shaking the earth to its core, the question remains: Is there anyone left who can stop him? The answer lies in the Tone, the Toll, and the Thunder.

A thrilling, harrowing novel of war, intrigue and dark, uncontrollable magic, Toll the Hounds is the new chapter in Erikson's monumental series - epic fantasy at its most imaginative and storytelling at its most exciting. In Darujhistan, the city of blue fire, it is said that love and death shall arrive dancing. It is summer and the heat is oppressive, but for the small round man in the faded red waistcoat, discomfiture is not just because of the sun. All is not well. Dire portents plague his nights and haunt the city streets like fiends of shadow. Assassins skulk in alleyways, but the quarry has turned and the hunters become the hunted. Hidden hands pluck the strings of tyranny like a fell chorus. While the bards sing their tragic tales, somewhere in the distance can be heard the baying of Hounds...And in the distant city of Black Coral, where rules Anomander Rake, Son of Darkness, ancient crimes awaken, intent on revenge. It seems Love and Death are indeed about to arrive...hand in hand, dancing. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Welsh Affairs Committee considers the impact of the Severn Crossings Toll on the economy of South Wales and beyond. The Severn Crossings are seen as a vital link for the people and business located in South Wales and beyond. In the Committee's view, while the Crossings, currently managed by Severn River Crossings Plc, bring many valuable benefits including reduced journey times and improved access to customers and suppliers, there is a perception that the high cost of the toll represents a barrier to business. The Committee found that much evidence about the toll's impact is anecdotal and recommends that empirical evidence should be gathered about the economic impact of the toll on both sides of the border. The report is also critical that the inflexibility of the Severn Crossings Act does not allow the toll to be reduced without the taxpayer bearing the cost and is disappointed that it has not proved possible for the Toll to be frozen for 2011. The report concludes that the end of the concession projected for 2017, provides an opportunity to re-examine the pricing policy for the Severn Crossings. The Committee argues that once the bridge returns to public ownership and its current debt is paid off, the cost of maintenance and toll operation will be a fraction of the current monies raised by the toll charges and concludes that there is a strong case for significantly reducing the cost of the toll.

Everyone is aware of the public outcry regarding how the elderly were abandoned to die of Covid-19 in care homes and in their houses. There’s a big reveal in that the UK has taken global leadership in under-counting and under-reporting its official death toll. Countries over-run by the pandemic are heavily attributing Covid-19 deaths to underlying conditions and co-morbidities. That has been surprising. But what is even more shocking, is the extent to which this has happened. To say, it is a tip of the iceberg is perhaps an understatement. Is the UK’s actual death toll as much as 15 times the official figures? That’s the big reveal. There is a reason why the official death toll only focused only on the NHS and hospital deaths. The book reveals it is a tip of the iceberg, but the extent is one that is shocking. The book highlights the women leaders who protected their countries from the crisis contrasting them with macho men leaders who chose the path of herd immunity, even against shocking scenes – yet due to massive egos, refused to change course. The book covers George Floyd in a unique way. The race for a vaccine is presented – but, will the public accept the shortcuts and the methods used?