ABOUT THE BOOK Justin Bieber, thanks in no small part to his legions of devoted and adoring fans, is the subject of one of Wikipedia's most popular articles. According the The Observer, a UK-Based newspaper, Bieber is more influential in the social networking world than such world figures as President Barack Obama and the Dalai Lama. Jan Hoffman of The New York Times postulates that Bieber's YouTube channel has played a crucial role in his appeal and popularity. Long before the release of his first EP, My World, Bieber's YouTube channel had already garnered millions of views. This savvy and unarguably successful marketing ploy was pivotal in attracting a devoted fan base even before he had officially released a record. So just how did this young Canadian boy rocket from obscurity to being one of the most popular teen idols of all time? EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK Braun then flew Bieber, just age thirteen, down to Atlanta to record some demo tapes. Within a week of his arrival, Bieber found himself performing for R&B sensation Usher, who was also Braun's buisness partner. Usher was at least as impressed with Beiber's talent and appeal as Braun was, and Bieber was shortly contracted to Raymond Braun Media Group (RBMG), a joint venture established by Usher Raymond and Scooter Braun. Justin Timberlake was also reportedly in the running to sign the young artist, but lost the bidding war to Usher. Usher then began work on the process of finding a record label for his young protegé with the assistance of his then-manager Chris Hicks, who helped procure an audition with his contact at Island Def Jam Music Group, Antonio L.A. Reid. In October of 2008 Reid signed Bieber to Island Records, resulting in a joint venture between RBMG and Island Records. Reid also appointed Hicks as executive Vice-President of Def Jam so he would be able to manage Beiber's career at the label... Buy a copy to keep reading!

One of the most critically acclaimed books of the year, Whiting Award-winner Teddy Wayne’s second novel is “more than a scabrous sendup of American celebrity culture; it’s also a poignant portrait of one young artist’s coming of age” (Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times)—and an enduring yet timely portrait of the American dream gone awry. In his rave on the cover of The New York Times Book Review, Jess Walter praised Wayne’s writing for its “feats of unlikely virtuosity” and the boy at its center as “a being of true longing and depth, and…a devastating weapon of cultural criticism…You’d have to be made of triple platinum not to ache for Jonny Valentine.” With “assured prose and captivating storytelling” (Oprah.com’s Book of the Week), The Love Song of Jonny Valentine also showcases “one of the most complicated portrayals of the mother-son relationship since Room” (BookPage). Touring the country in a desperate attempt to save a career he’s not sure he even wants, Jonny is both driven by his mother’s ambition and haunted by his father’s absence, constantly searching for a familiar face among the crowds. Utterly convincing, whip-smart, yet endearingly vulnerable, with an “unforgettable” voice (Publishers Weekly, starred review), the eleven-year-old pop megastar sounds “like Holden Caulfield Jr. adrift in Access Hollywood hell” (Rolling Stone). Called “a showstopper” (The Boston Globe), “hugely entertaining” (The Washington Post), “heartbreakingly convincing” (People), “buoyant, smart, searing” (Entertainment Weekly), and “touching and unexpectedly suspenseful” (The Wall Street Journal), this extraordinary novel has been widely embraced as a literary masterpiece and the rare “satire with a heart” (Library Journal, starred review).

"It's a big, big world It's easy to get lost in it..." —Justin Bieber, "Up" I love those lines in the lyrics. Sometimes I feel like that's what everyone's expecting. My world got very big, very fast, and a lot of people expect me to get lost in it. I grew up in a small town in Canada. I taught myself to sing in front of my bedroom mirror and to play guitar on a hand-me-down. My mom posted my first videos on YouTube. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I'd sell millions of records, sing for the president of the United States and sell out a massive arena tour. So no, I'm not lost. Not at all. If anything, onstage in front of my fans, I'm home. I'm found. And that's what this book is about: my journey, from singing and busking on the sidewalk in Stratford, Ontario, to performing and showing my appreciation to millions of fans all over the world for making this dream a reality. My music and lyrics give a glimpse of what's in my heart, but I think this book is a window into my world. In here are hundreds of pictures of me that no one's ever seen before, and I'll tell you about who I was before I joined forces with Scooter Braun and Usher and got a record deal, and who I've become since I've been blessed with the opportunity to share my music with the world. This is my gift to you, the fans who've supported and been with me on this amazing journey every step of the way.

Malls, stadiums, and universities are actually liturgical structures that influence and shape our thoughts and affections. Humans--as Augustine noted--are "desiring agents," full of longings and passions; in brief, we are what we love. James K. A. Smith focuses on the themes of liturgy and desire in Desiring the Kingdom, the first book in what will be a three-volume set on the theology of culture. He redirects our yearnings to focus on the greatest good: God. Ultimately, Smith seeks to re-vision education through the process and practice of worship. Students of philosophy, theology, worldview, and culture will welcome Desiring the Kingdom, as will those involved in ministry and other interested readers.

Though one in four pregnancies ends in loss, miscarriage is shrouded in such secrecy and stigma that the woman who experiences it often feels deeply isolated, unsure how to process her grief. Her body seems to have betrayed her. Her confidence in the goodness of God is rattled. Her loved ones don't know what to say. Her heart is broken. She may feel guilty, ashamed, angry, depressed, confused, or alone. With vulnerability and tenderness, Adriel Booker shares her own experience of three consecutive miscarriages, as well as the stories of others. She tackles complex questions about faith and suffering with sensitivity and clarity, inviting women to a place of grace, honesty, and hope in the redemptive purposes of God without offering religious clichés and pat answers. She also shares specific, practical resources, such as ways to help guide children through grief, suggestions for memorializing your baby, and advice on pregnancy after loss, as well as a special section for dads and loved ones.

This book examines how radio announcers construct, prepare, and perform their on-air personalities during a time when the radio industry is fighting to stay relevant amid expanding media options. Crider conducted interviews with key on-air personnel at eleven broadcast stations in order to analyze how each individual created a narrative on-air personality, conducted conversations outside of their performance, were affected by the setting and situation, embraced the role of the listening audience, and reduced the social distance between them and listener. Crider argues that the successful deployment of on-air identity across multiple channels (in-person, online, and through social media as well as broadcast) provides assurance that a space for radio will remain despite the expanding number of media options.

Reveals the core marketing and branding strategies behind the success of the world's greatest bands. This book helps readers learn inside information about the world's most popular bands that translates directly and memorably into actionable business practices.

Justin Bieber's rise from "regular kid" to one of the most famous people on the planet has captivated a nation of devoted fans called "Beliebers." With hit records, 8 million followers on Twitter and the third-largest grossing documentary film of all time, the 17-year-old Canadian pop star dubbed "Super Boy" on Rolling Stone's recent cover has countless fans who hang on his every word. But is there more to this pop idol's startling success than his legendary haircut and unusual talent? "The success I've achieved comes ... from God," Bieber says "I feel I have an obligation to plant little seeds with my fans. I'm not going to tell them, 'You need Jesus,' but I will say at the end of my show, 'God loves you.'" The bold yet humble faith that grounds Bieber's worldview may just be the key to his extraordinary appeal. Recognizing that music and film are the language of this new generation, author and religion journalist Cathleen Falsani's hope is that this book will encourage faith leaders as well as parents to engage with popular culture in a different way so they can better talk to their kids about what matters most.

For the first time ever, get the complete story of Justin Bieber's mother's amazing spiritual journey from brokenness and despair to wholeness and hope.

Studying abroad just got a whole lot sexier... On my first outing in Madrid, I never thought I’d end up spending the hottest night of my life in the arms of a gorgeous Spaniard. Rafael Montoya is everything study abroad dreams are made of: sexy, sophisticated, and really good with his hands. As the sun comes up over the city, he gives me the kiss to end all kisses. And then he disappears. I’m crushed. But it wouldn’t be the first time a guy has ghosted me. I really need to focus on my studies while I’m here in Madrid anyway. My Spanish is practically nonexistent, and my grades show it. My program assigns me a new tutor. But when I walk into the room to find none other than Rafa waiting for me, I almost have a heart attack. Even crazier? I find out I gave him the wrong number. He wants to take me out. Show me his beloved Madrid. More than that, he wants to extend our classroom lessons into the bedroom, too. I should keep my distance. I’m heading back to the states at the end of the semester. Why fall for someone if it will inevitably end in heartbreak? But this Spaniard wants me. And he’ll stop at nothing until I’m his. LESSONS IN LOVE is a STANDALONE romance in the STUDY ABROAD series. The books in this series are complete standalones with interconnected characters, and can be read in any order. LESSONS IN LOVE: Rafa + Vivian's Story LESSONS IN GRAVITY: Javier + Maddie's Story LESSONS IN LETTING GO: Rhys + Laura's Story LESSONS IN LOSING IT: Frederik + Rachel's Story