Four time Hugo Award winner Vernor Vinge has taken readers to the depths of space and into the far future in his bestselling novels A Fire Upon the Deep and A Deepness in the Sky. Now, he has written a science-fiction thriller set in a place and time as exciting and strange as any far-future world: San Diego, California, 2025. Robert Gu is a recovering Alzheimer's patient. The world that he remembers was much as we know it today. Now, as he regains his faculties through a cure developed during the years of his near-fatal decline, he discovers that the world has changed and so has his place in it. He was a world-renowned poet. Now he is seventy-five years old, though by a medical miracle he looks much younger, and he's starting over, for the first time unsure of his poetic gifts. Living with his son's family, he has no choice but to learn how to cope with a new information age in which the virtual and the real are a seamless continuum, layers of reality built on digital views seen by a single person or millions, depending on your choice. But the consensus reality of the digital world is available only if, like his thirteen-year-old granddaughter Miri, you know how to wear your wireless access—through nodes designed into smart clothes—and to see the digital context—through smart contact lenses. With knowledge comes risk. When Robert begins to re-train at Fairmont High, learning with other older people what is second nature to Miri and other teens at school, he unwittingly becomes part of a wide-ranging conspiracy to use technology as a tool for world domination. In a world where every computer chip has Homeland Security built-in, this conspiracy is something that baffles even the most sophisticated security analysts, including Robert's son and daughter-in law, two top people in the U.S. military. And even Miri, in her attempts to protect her grandfather, may be entangled in the plot. As Robert becomes more deeply involved in conspiracy, he is shocked to learn of a radical change planned for the UCSD Geisel Library; all the books there, and worldwide, would cease to physically exist. He and his fellow re-trainees feel compelled to join protests against the change. With forces around the world converging on San Diego, both the conspiracy and the protest climax in a spectacular moment as unique and satisfying as it is unexpected. This is science fiction at its very best, by a master storyteller at his peak. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The basis for the motion picture starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin! What happens when two people who are meant to be together can't seem to get it right? Rosie and Alex are destined for each other, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, they are separated as teenagers when Alex and his family relocate from Dublin to Boston. Like two ships always passing in the night, Rosie and Alex stay friends, and though years pass, the two remain firmly attached via emails and letters. Heartbroken, they learn to live without each other. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel o f several missed opportunities, Rosie and Alex learn that fate isn't quite done with them yet.

Unprecedented in its scope, Rainbow's End provides a bold new analysis of the emergence, growth, and decline of six classic Irish-American political machines in New York, Jersey City, Chicago, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and Albany. Combining the approaches of political economy and historical sociology, Erie examines a wide range of issues, including the relationship between city and state politics, the manner in which machines shaped ethnic and working-class politics, and the reasons why centralized party organizations failed to emerge in Boston and Philadelphia despite their large Irish populations. The book ends with a thorough discussion of the significance of machine politics for today's urban minorities.

From naughty children to rebellious teenagers, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But just as they're discovering the joys of teenage nights on the town and dating disasters, they're separated. Alex's family moves from Dublin to America - and Alex goes with them. For good.Rosie's lost without her best friend. But on the eve of her departure to join Alex in Boston, Rosie gets news that will change her life forever - and keep her at home in Ireland.Their magical connection sees them through the ups and downs of each other's lives but neither of them knows whether their friendship can really survive the years and miles - as well as new relationships. And at the back of Rosie's mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck have kept them out of each others' arms, but when presented with the ultimate opportunity, will they gamble everything - including their friendship - for true love?Destiny, Alex and Rosie discover, is a funny thing and fate isn't quite done with them yet ...

... The Put-in-Bay resort town on South Bass and the neighboring islands provide the backdrop for an action packed novel including hit and run accidents, murder, arson, sailing adventures, dangerous cave explorations, boat and helicopter chases and ultralight flights, as well as sordid confrontations in Put-in-Bay's crowded bars ...

After his first collection 'Until the Rain comes' became a resounding success the second collection is here. Established Birmingham Poet Peter D Hehir brings you a book full of promise, bringing his thoughts to life once again to enthral the reader in a world of Poetry and Prose. With verses full of deep emotion and high expectations, you will fall in love with every word on every page. 'At Rainbows End' is simply the pot of poetry gold you may just have been searching for...

Join Dave, Sam, and Mae Lee as they visit Gramma and Gramps, caretakers of the Joseph Bates Home, in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The adventure begins when each child is given a special gift—and a task—from Gramma and Gramps. Using their gifts, and the kindness in their hearts, they explore the nature and history surrounding this historic home of one of the great Adventist pioneers. Follow along with them as they discover why Joseph Bates became a sea captain, how he learned the advent message, and his role in the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath. Not everyone is excited that Dave, Sam, and Mae have come to town. While helping Gramma and Gramps with the museum, they must contend with an especially grumpy neighbor who wants them to stay off of her land. The kids, however, are undeterred and wonder what showing kindness and the love of God could do to that old, prickly heart. This story of family, fellowship, and kindness, which offers a glimpse into early Adventist history, will be a valuable addition to any library.