"In Fragile Dreams, John A. Gould examines Central European communism, why it failed, and what has come since. Moving loosely chronologically from 1989 to the present, each chapter focuses on topics of importance to the fields of comparative politics, sociology, and feminist and gender studies. He addresses literature and key events related to the following: uprisings and social movements; communism and liberalism; the 20th century communist experience; post-communist liberal economic and political reform; politicized identity (with a focus on nation, gender and sexual orientation); democratization and EU accession; homophobia; and finally, populism and democratic decline. He draws heavily from his own research and experience as well as case studies of the former Czechoslovakia, Western Balkans, and Hungary-but much of the analysis has general applicability to the broader postcommunist region. Broad in its coverage, this academically rigorous book is ideal for students, travelers, and general readers. Gould writes in the first person and seamlessly blends theory with stories both from the existing literature and from 30 years of regional personal experience with family and friends. Throughout, Gould introduces key concepts, players, and events with precise definitions. Wherever possible, he emphasizes marginalized narratives, centering theory and stories that are often overlooked in standard comparative political science literature"--

An affecting biography of the author of Anne of Green Gables is the first for young readers to include revelations about her last days and to encompass the complexity of a brilliant and sometimes troubled life. Once upon a time, there was a girl named Maud who adored stories. When she was fourteen years old, Maud wrote in her journal, “I love books. I hope when I grow up to be able to have lots of them.” Not only did Maud grow up to own lots of books, she wrote twenty-four of them herself as L. M. Montgomery, the world-renowned author of Anne of Green Gables. For many years, not a great deal was known about Maud’s personal life. Her childhood was spent with strict, undemonstrative grandparents, and her reflections on writing, her lifelong struggles with anxiety and depression, her “year of mad passion,” and her difficult married life remained locked away, buried deep within her unpublished personal journals. Through this revealing and deeply moving biography, kindred spirits of all ages who, like Maud, never gave up “the substance of things hoped for” will be captivated anew by the words of this remarkable woman.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A modern classic explores the connections between science and art, the process of creativity, and ultimately the fragility of human existence. “A magical, metaphysical realm ... Captivating, enchanting, delightful.” —The New York Times Einstein’s Dreams is a fictional collage of stories dreamed by Albert Einstein in 1905, about time, relativity and physics. As the defiant but sensitive young genius is creating his theory of relativity, a new conception of time, he imagines many possible worlds. In one, time is circular, so that people are fated to repeat triumphs and failures over and over. In another, there is a place where time stands still, visited by lovers and parents clinging to their children. In another, time is a nightingale, sometimes trapped by a bell jar. Now translated into thirty languages, Einstein’s Dreams has inspired playwrights, dancers, musicians, and painters all over the world. In poetic vignettes, it explores the connections between science and art, the process of creativity, and ultimately the fragility of human existence.

Still recovering from a divorce and the death of her parents, Rachel is living in the large house she grew up in. Upon meeting an African American veteran and his five-year-old son, she begins to hope for a new life. But when her estranged brother shows up demanding to move in to her back cottage, he threatens to ruin everything. He is disturbed, gun-obsessed, and, as Rachel discovers, involved with people who threaten much more than her dream of a happy home. Addressing themes of love, hate, social fracturing, and violent white supremacy, House of Fragile Dreams is not just a suspenseful love story; it's a poignant reflection of a country in troubled times. "For readers drawn to our contemporary social issues, House of Fragile Dreams is a must read. In crafting this compelling tale of the relationship between a privileged white woman and a struggling black veteran with a child, Moose unapologetically highlights today's hot-button issues of family conflict, race, domestic terrorism, poor choices, and more." - Nancy Klann-Moren, award-winning author of The Clock of Life and Like The Flies On The Patio "On its surface, House of Fragile Dreams is a tale of two estranged siblings: one driven by filial duty and compassion, the other tormented by obsession, and maybe something far darker and more deadly. But, guided by the sure hand of this gifted author, the narrative evolves into an exploration of the machinations of the heart, and the tragic repercussions from a single regrettable decision. The prose itself is confident and conversational, the dialogue both passionate and keenly observed. In all, this lovely book reverberates with realism, insight, and empathy, ultimately revealing an uncommon understanding of the myriad strengths and frailties of the human spirit." - Baron R. Birtcher, award-winning author of Fistful of Rain

This is Johnny Perrems first publication. These poems were written between 2004 and 2017. The subject matter covers a broad range of topics: his parents; some of his eleven siblings (both alive and deceased); his wife, Bernadette; his children, Nathan and Lucy; and his granddaughters Nessa and Elizabeth, both born about one year ago. His experiences in and feelings about fighting several cancers (four) are explored. Some are reflections about previous relationships with special women over the years since his youth. He describes his thoughts and feelings about a few friends and his eldest stepdaughter, Aoife. A few deal with political events.

The Power of Dreams tells the story of a couple, already in their 40?s, who uprooted themselves from urban life to follow their dream of living in the wilderness. They settled in a remote mountain valley called Precipice Valley, part of the ancient trade route linking B.C.'s Chilcotin plateau to the Pacific Coast. Surrounded by mountain vastness they lived there for nearly three decades, much of it in near-total isolation. Their dreams sustained them while they carved out a lifestyle that was both rewarding and challenging. These are the stories of how the two of them designed and hand-built a solar powered, two-storey post and beam house, which they named Firhome, all the while learning how to live off-grid and in conjunction with nature. They share their experiences with you; vivid descriptions of the events, places, practical solutions and ingenuity that filled their lives. Some of these stories are philosophical, ethereal or humourous - some are sad. These vignettes will give you a feeling for life in the wilderness and perhaps inspire you to fulfill your own wilderness dream, helping you find a path through these challenging times when new ideas and insights are so desperately needed.