As Chiasson and his contributors illustrate, trials are media events that can have long-reaching significance. They can, and have, changed the way people think, how institutions function, and have shaped public opinions. While this collection on ten trials is about withcraft, slavery, religion, and radicalism, it is, in many ways, the story of America. Trials are the stuff of news. Those rare moments when justice, or a reasonable facsimile, is meted out. And what offers up more high drama, or melodrama, than a highly publicized trial? Most news events enjoy short life spans. They happen; they are reported; they are quickly forgotten. As Chiasson and his contributors make clear, a trial often is a lingering, living thing that builds in tension. It is, every once in a long while, a modern Shakespearean drama with a twist: The audience becomes members of the cast because, every once in a long while, society finds itself the defendant. Trials can have lasting importance beyond how the public perceives them. A trial can have long-reaching significance if it changes the way people think, or how institutions function, or shapes public opinion. Ten such American trials covering a span of 307 years are covered here. In each, the sociological underpinnings of events often has greater significance than either the crime or the trial. The ten trials included are the Salem witch trials, the Amistad trial, the Sioux Indian Uprising trials, the Ed Johnson/Sheriff Shipp trial, the Big Bill Haywood trial, the Ossian Sweet trial, the Clay Shaw trial, the Manuel Noriega trial, and the Matthew Shepard trial. While the book is about ten crimes, the subsequent trials, and the media coverage of each, it is also a book about witchcraft, about religion, slavery, and radicalism. It paints portraits of a racist America, a capitalistic America, an anarchist America. It relates compelling tales of compassion, greed, stupidity, and hate beginning in 17th-century colonial times and ending in present-day America. In many ways, it is the story of America.

In "Faking Reality No More," Manoj Mahendru urges you to step off the societal stage and unmask the charade of existence. This compelling sequel, akin to shedding autumn leaves of pretension, urges you to strip bare and dance with the unadorned truth. Imagine a masquerade ball of existence; Mahendru provides you the courage to rip off your veneer and let the contours of your soul shine under the bright lights of truth. As a compass guiding you through a maze of authenticity, Mahendru's sequel raises crucial questions, challenging you to sever the marionette strings of illusion. Are you a mere shadow or the illuminating light? A charade keeper or a truth seeker? This profound journey marries philosophy and practical wisdom, encouraging you to awaken to your raw, untainted self. More than a book, it's a prism, separating the greyness of societal expectations to reveal your true colors. It invites you to step into the glaring spotlight of truth, dissolving the facade, and greeting the naked truth. As a beacon in the obscurity of delusion, "Faking Reality No More" beckons you towards self-liberation. So, are you prepared for the encore of your authentic life? The Naked Truth is eager to meet you.

The child of The Light, Glimmer, is taken from her mother's arms and forced into exile on Magoria, the Waterworld. Her only connection with her native land is Pagan, her Champion and Guardian, who must use his wits and powers to protect Glimmer from detection and hide the evidence of her true destiny. Meanwhile on Atheyre (the Airworld), Princess Khatrene and her lover Talis watch on helplessly, unable to protect Glimmer from the dangerous and bloody power play that is taking place. Kraal, the evil God of Haddash, and Djahr, the Lord of the Dark, are plotting the violent death of baby Glimmer so that they can gain total control of the four elemental worlds. But the universe is rebelling. Ever so slowly the Maelstrom is building momentum, threatening to obliterate the four worlds and all who inhabit them. Glimmer must return to the land of her birth and fight the fiercest battle of her young life to right the terrible wrongs of the past, defeat the enemies who threaten to destroy her and restore peace. Once again, Louise Cusack weaves an intricate web of intrigue, magic, erotica and horror to create a tale of pure fantasy.

Such illusive shadows, belonging to neither Earth nor Heaven, are used by sorcerers and other adepts of the Black Art to help them in persecutions of victims; to hallucinate the minds of very honest and well-meaning persons occasionally, who fall victims to the mental epidemics aroused by them for a purpose; and to oppose in every way the beneficent work of the guardians of mankind, whether divine or human.

The messages in this book contain words of encouragement for anyone who is struggling with a physical affliction or a wide variety of other life altering challenges. It offers spiritual insight into how to maintain your hope in the midst of fear, disappointment, loss, and growing older. When you read this book, you will be drawn back into some of your own pleasurable childhood experiences. You will also have moments of laughter, and feel the unsettling and sometimes awesome moments of the presence of God. As you continue your journey through the various corridors, you may sense the enabling power of the Holy Spirit gently leading you through your own personal challenges. This book will be a tremendous resource to help reshape or strengthen your walk of faith with God.

About the Author Ronald D. Feekes has been active in his community as a teacher, choir director, writer, and event speaker. He represented teachers on the state NCA board and helped facilitate in-service programs for other school districts. After visiting his daughter and son-in-law in the Netherlands, Feekes became interested in cycling and started riding his bike across Iowa on RAGBRAI. This will be his 19th ride this coming year. Canoeing into the Boundary Waters, sleeping with bears and other creatures interest him as well, along with fishing. He has found that fishing in South Dakota in a motorboat is much easier. Ron also enjoys hunting wild hogs in Oklahoma, bear in Canada, and deer in both South Dakota and Iowa with his son, son-in-law, and a Navy buddy. Feekes has been married to his wife, Heidi, for 52 years. Together, they have 13 grandchildren, making life rewarding and meaningful. The past three years, they have been contacting those mentioned in this book to acknowledge their significance to the story being told. Some are in nursing homes, others in assisted living, and those who have already passed away, Ron and Heidi have met with their families. Ron and Heidi have concluded that all author proceeds and other donations will be directed toward veterans in need to offer hope for a brighter tomorrow. Proceeds will be sent to the Feekes Veteran Benefit Fund for redistribution.