"Lost on Purpose" is the non-fiction adventure narrative of a former technology executive who reinvented himself as a 21st century mountain man. In October/November 2013, Patrick Taylor crossed the Rocky Mountains alone on foot. He passed through one of the largest wilderness areas in the Lower 48 to reach and retrace the route of Lewis & Clark in the winter. The sacrifices - vocationally, financially, emotionally - are measured against the benefits by the author in a refreshingly honest, humorous, and inspirational fashion. If you liked "Wild" (and who didn't), you will love this wilderness adventure.

Democracy does not deliver on the things we have assumed are its natural outcomes. This, coupled with a growing sense of malaise in both new and established democracies forms the basis to the assertion made by some, that these are not democracies at all. Through considerable, impressive empirical analysis of a variety of voting methods, across twenty different nations, Roslyn Fuller presents the data that makes this contention indisputable. Proving that the party which forms the government rarely receives the majority of the popular vote, that electoral systems regularly produce manufactured majorities and that the better funded side invariably wins such contests in both elections and referenda, Fuller's findings challenge the most fundamental elements of both national politics and broader society. Beast and Gods argues for a return to democracy as perceived by the ancient Athenians. Boldly arguing for the necessity of the Aristotelian assumption that citizens are agents whose wishes and aims can be attained through participation in politics, and through an examination of what “goods” are provided by democracy, Fuller offers a powerful challenge to the contemporary liberal view that there are no "goods" in politics, only individual citizens seeking to fulfil their particular interests.

Has America, in its quest for goodness, sacrificed its sense of greatness? In this sharp-witted, historically informed book, veteran political observer Alan Wolfe argues that most Americans show greater concern with saving the country's soul than with making the nation great. Wolfe castigates both conservatives and liberals for opting for small-mindedness over greatness. Liberals, who at their best insisted on policies of national solidarity, have convinced themselves that small is beautiful, prefer multiculturalism to one nation, and are mistrustful of executive political power. Conservatives, who once embraced strong, active central government and an ideal of national citizenship, now support huge tax cuts that undermine America's future ability to undertake any ambitious, long-term project at home or abroad. No great society, in Wolfe's view, has ever been built on the cheap. Wolfe notes that neither the conservatives' call for small-scale faith-based initiatives nor the recent embrace on the left of a grassroots "civil society" can provide health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans or ensure national security in an age of terrorism. To find better solutions, Wolfe looks back at specific moments in our national experience, when, in the face of sharp resistance, aspirations for the idea of national greatness shaped American history. He demonstrates how a bold and ambitious political agenda, championed at various times by Alexander Hamilton, John Marshall, Abraham Lincoln, and the two Roosevelts, steered the country toward periods of national strength and unity. Steeped in a colorful, panoramic reading of history, Return to Greatness offers a fresh take on American national identity and purpose. A call to action for a renewed embrace of the ideal of an activist federal government and bold policy agendas, it is sure to become a centerpiece of national debate.

Through his own death in 1995, author Micah McElveen was challenged to think differently about purpose, and now challenges us to do the same. McElveen discovered that purpose was never designed to be a destination, but rather a bridge connecting you to the place where you are designed to make a difference. The result has led to a life of radical decisions and harrowing stories, all in the name of purpose. McElveen's unique approach to narrative engulfs readers in thought-provoking views on poverty, success, life, and death. Dying for Purpose will encourage you to truly live.

Lost, Travel, Found: A Compelling Story of Surviving Grief, Finding Oneself Through World Travels, & Falling Madly in Love - Indulge in an Inspirational Personal Tale of Overcoming Hardships, Caregiving, & Coming Out a Victor! Hardships have defined us in more ways than we realize... or more than we care to admit. It is through surviving life's rough patches that we find our way to off the beaten paths toward self-discovery, learning, and well-deserved triumphs. Ashley Jackson is a walking testament to this. After the unexpected death of her beloved father, Ashley sought to blunt her grief by navigating the world on a solo trip, and coming home to the love of her life, Troy. But, as with most things, her happiness - though profound and life-changing - was challenged, her faith shaken, when her husband was given a devastating cancer diagnosis. Not one to be defeated easily, Ashley used her life's hardships to inspire her to find the best version of herself. This allowed her to radiate love, compassion, patience, and determination unto others and become an inspiration to the people around her. "Lost, Travel, Found" is a story of perspective, hope, and big dreams. Ashley takes you through the challenges she went through on her caregiving journey, including her struggle to overcome her victim mentality and finally emerge the victor. "Lost, Travel, Found" will make hope call your name again. The question is... Will you be brave enough to answer?

“A mock self-help book designed not to help but to provoke . . . to inveigle us into thinking about who we are and how we got into this mess.” (Los Angeles Times Book Review). Filled with quizzes, essays, short stories, and diagrams, Lost in the Cosmos is National Book Award–winning author Walker Percy’s humorous take on a familiar genre—as well as an invitation to serious contemplation of life’s biggest questions. One part parody and two parts philosophy, Lost in the Cosmos is an enlightening guide to the dilemmas of human existence, and an unrivaled spin on self-help manuals by one of modern America’s greatest literary masters.

A New York Times Notable Book A Daily Beast Best Book of the Year A Huffington Post Best Book of the Year From elementary school on, Walter Kirn knew how to stay at the top of his class: He clapped erasers, memorized answer keys, and parroted his teachers’ pet theories. But when he launched himself eastward to an Ivy League university, Kirn discovered that the temple of higher learning he had expected was instead just another arena for more gamesmanship, snobbery, and social climbing. In this whip-smart memoir of kissing-up, cramming, and competition, Lost in the Meritocracy reckons the costs of an educational system where the point is simply to keep accumulating points and never to look back—or within.