In the middle of the journey of our life Dante finds himself lost in a dark wood but then he founds a whole lot of literary movements and arguably modernity itself with his Divine Comedy that, nonetheless, inexplicably, didn't make God laugh. This serious absence caused God's non-divine counterparts, humans, to wonder: "Why are we in hell?" "Why is it so funny?" "And why can't I laugh?"

A cinematic Reconstruction-era drama of violence and fraught moral reckoning In Dawson’s Fall, a novel based on the lives of Roxana Robinson’s great-grandparents, we see America at its most fragile, fraught, and malleable. Set in 1889, in Charleston, South Carolina, Robinson’s tale weaves her family’s journal entries and letters with a novelist’s narrative grace, and spans the life of her tragic hero, Frank Dawson, as he attempts to navigate the country’s new political, social, and moral landscape. Dawson, a man of fierce opinions, came to this country as a young Englishman to fight for the Confederacy in a war he understood as a conflict over states’ rights. He later became the editor of the Charleston News and Courier, finding a platform of real influence in the editorial column and emerging as a voice of the New South. With his wife and two children, he tried to lead a life that adhered to his staunch principles: equal rights, rule of law, and nonviolence, unswayed by the caprices of popular opinion. But he couldn’t control the political whims of his readers. As he wrangled diligently in his columns with questions of citizenship, equality, justice, and slavery, his newspaper rapidly lost readership, and he was plagued by financial worries. Nor could Dawson control the whims of the heart: his Swiss governess became embroiled in a tense affair with a drunkard doctor, which threatened to stain his family’s reputation. In the end, Dawson—a man in many ways representative of the country at this time—was felled by the very violence he vehemently opposed.

Have you ever wanted to create your own autobiography or wished you could read about the life of a relative or friend? The Book of Myself is a do-it-yourself memoir that helps you record and preserve the experiences, relationships, and lessons that define you. Created by a grandson who wanted to capture his grandfather's life story for future generations, The Book of Myself offers 201 memory-evoking prompts on family, friends, and the journey you take through all of life's stages. It is the perfect way for you -- or someone close to you -- to record life's highlights and everyday moments that can slip through your fingers if not written down.

Learn how to reverse the effects of negative self-talk and embrace a more positive, optimistic outlook on life

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves--inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what Here's a little girl who knows what really matters. At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont's joyous rhyming text and David Catrow's wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful--and straight from the heart.

Being Myself is a contemplative exploration of the essential nature of our self. Everyone has the sense of ‘being myself,' but not everyone knows their self clearly. In most cases, our sense of self is mixed up with the content of experience and, as a result, its natural condition of peace and happiness is veiled. Through investigation and analogy, the meditations in this collection take us back to our true nature again and again, until we begin to find our self naturally and effortlessly established there, as that. In time, experience loses its capacity to veil our being, and its innate peace and joy emerge from the background of experience. * * * The Essence of Meditation Series presents meditations on the essential, non-dual understanding that lies at the heart of all the great religious and spiritual traditions, compiled from contemplations led by Rupert Spira at his meetings and retreats. This simple, contemplative approach, which encourages a clear seeing of one’s experience rather than any kind of effort or discipline, leads the reader to an experiential understanding of their own essential being and the peace and fulfilment that are inherent within it.

What Should You Say When You Talk to Yourself? Have you ever noticed the things you say to yourself—and believe? I could never do that. They don't like me. I am such an idiot! You wouldn't talk that way to anyone else, yet phrases like these constantly flow through your mind, leaving you insecure and defeated. Jennifer Rothschild was there, as well, until she learned how to replace the lies with truth. With wisdom and authenticity, Jennifer will help you... silence the negative voices in your mind as you learn to speak kindly to your soul grow in confidence by replacing the lies that shackle you with the truth that sets you free overcome a lifetime of damaging self-talk by practicing godly and biblical soul-talk Plus, you'll hear from Lysa TerKeurst, Laura Story, Lisa Whelchel, Stormie Omartian, and other popular authors and speakers as they share what they say when they talk to themselves.

I feel good about myself. Somebody loves me just as I am. I don't have to look like anyone else, be the same size, or do the same things. It's fine to be me. This book offers children positive and upbeat examples about being themselves. The author portrays a very young guinea pig and friends feeling good about themselves through common situations readers will relate to. Together, the text and art will foster self-esteem and independence.

Children and parents alike will delight in this joyous declaration of toddler independence. This book celebrates the feats of growing out of babyhood and starting to embrace the world on your own terms. Whether it’s being tall enough to reach a high shelf or brave enough to splash in the waves, Krensky and Gillingham address the small victories that come with growing just a little bit older. Energentic text and retro-fresh illustrations celebrate this important developmental stage with charm and relevance. Note: illustrations are in the style of vintage screen prints, with imperfect variations in color and texture. Praise for I Can Do It Myself "Short and satisfying, these 'empowering celebrations' of burgeoning independence will encourage small children to see how far they've already come." —The Wall Street Journal "Krensky celebrates the increasing independence of toddlers and their pride of accomplishment." —The Horn Book Awards The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids & Teens - Spring 2013 Toronto Public Library system’s “First & Best” Reading Program

Tell your own story with a little help from Dr. Seuss in this DIY dream activity book that's all about YOU! A perfect gift to celebrate a new school year, birthdays, milestones and all the amazing things YOU accomplish! How tall are YOU? How many teeth do YOU have? Where do YOU live? What do YOU like to eat? Kids will answer these questions and more, celebrating their unique selves while creating their very own biographies in this classic activity book from Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Roy Mckie. With fill-in-the-blanks, lists, check boxes, and drawing prompts, this book allows readers to write and draw right on the fun-filled pages! From the number of freckles you have, to the kind of house you live in, to the silly animal sounds you can make, Dr. Seuss guides kids through an interactive reading experience with a creative spark. The perfect gift for special birthdays or for year-round fun, this book will hold special memories long after it's filled in.