Thomas Bernhard was one of the most original writers of the twentieth century. His formal innovation ranks with Beckett and Kafka, his outrageously cantankerous voice recalls Dostoevsky, but his gift for lacerating, lyrical, provocative prose is incomparably his own.One of Bernhard's most acclaimed novels, The Loser centers on a fictional relationship between piano virtuoso Glenn Gould and two of his fellow students who feel compelled to renounce their musical ambitions in the face of Gould's incomparable genius. One commits suicide, while the other-- the obsessive, witty, and self-mocking narrator-- has retreated into obscurity. Written as a monologue in one remarkable unbroken paragraph, The Loser is a brilliant meditation on success, failure, genius, and fame.

From renowned Newbery-winning author Jerry Spinelli comes a powerful story about how not fitting in just might lead to an incredible life. This classic book is perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Carl Hiaasen. Just like other kids, Zinkoff rides his bike, hopes for snow days, and wants to be like his dad when he grows up. But Zinkoff also raises his hand with all the wrong answers, trips over his own feet, and falls down with laughter over a word like "Jabip." Other kids have their own word to describe him, but Zinkoff is too busy to hear it. He doesn't know he's not like everyone else. And one winter night, Zinkoff's differences show that any name can someday become "hero." With some of his finest writing to date and great wit and humor, Jerry Spinelli creates a story about a boy's individuality surpassing the need to fit in and the genuine importance of failure. As readers follow Zinkoff from first through sixth grade, it becomes impossible not to identify with and root for him through failures and triumphs. The perfect classroom read.

This is a laugh-out-loud exploration of sexuality, family, female friendship, grief, and community. With the heart and hilarity of Netflix's critically-acclaimed Sex Education, Wibke Brueggemann's sex positive debut Love Is for Losers is required reading for Generation Z teens. Did you know you can marry yourself? How strange / brilliant is that? Fifteen-year-old Phoebe thinks falling in love is vile and degrading, and vows never to do it. Then, due to circumstances not entirely in her control, she finds herself volunteering at a local thrift shop. There she meets Emma . . . who might unwittingly upend her whole theory on life.

"At a sports-crazy NJ high school where all kids must play on a team, a group of rebels start[s] a soccer team designed to undermine the jock-culture of the school"--

"This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to make and wear your 18th century dream gown. [The authors] have endeavored to ... [bring] historically accurate dressmaking techniques into your sewing room. Learn how to make four of the most iconic 18th century silhouettes--the English Gown, Sacque Gown, Italian Gown and Round Gown--using the same hand sewing techniques done by historic dressmakers. From large hoops to full bums, wool petticoats to grand silk gowns, ruffled aprons to big feathered hats, this manual has project patterns and instructions for every level of 18th century sewing enthusiast"--Amazon.com.

What dating advice would you give your daughter as she heads out into the real world? If you re pub-owner Mark Berzins, who has literally seen it all during his 21-year bar career, you would create a handbook and give it to her as a graduation gift. Frank and humorous, here is his perspective on finding a Good Man...and avoiding the Losers! "Remember the name Mark Berzins-he is as eloquent, passionate, informative, empowering, self-aware, funny, entertaining, and insightful as they come. He understands what makes men tick, what women want, and what all of us really need on our journey to find love and happiness." -Brian Howie, producer of "The Great Love Debate" and author of How to Find Love in 60 Seconds"

Over the last six seasons of The Biggest Loser, you've watched as contestants shed pounds, got healthy, and dramatically changed their lives for the better. In fact, you may have been so inspired by the show's remarkable success stories that you've considered embarking on your own weight loss journey. If you're looking to get healthy now, there's good news: You don't have to spend time at the ranch to benefit from The Biggest Loser magic. The Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start brings all of the secrets of the ranch right into your own home. The Biggest Loser experts—the same ones who advise the contestants—are here to walk you through a 30-day plan that will kick off your weight loss and help you build new, healthy habits. In this book you'll find easy-to-follow menus, recipes, exercise plans, and motivation for each day of the week. You'll also find helpful tips and advice from past Biggest Losers who have been in your shoes, including the nine contestants from Season 7 who left the ranch early to follow this very plan at home. So far, the Biggest Losers have lost more than a combined 10,000 pounds. But for each of them, the journey started with a commitment: to health, to weight loss, and to themselves. The first steps toward a healthier future are in this book—what are you waiting for? Make the commitment, take the leap—and begin your 30 day jump start today!