Nathan Mercer, the only man in my life.Loving him was never an option.We met ten years ago, when we started at the same company on the same day. Both new in town and with nobody else to rely on, we quickly became friends.And while Nathan went on to rule San Francisco, I'm still doing the same job with the same people.We finish each other's sentences, we spend Christmas together and he sleeps at my house more than his.He's beautiful.... beyond belief.In another life, he's probably my soul mate.However, lately things have changed. He's started looking at me differently.His eyes drop to my lips as I speak.His hugs are tighter.... longer.Our fights are more passionate, his jealousy insane.I know it's all in my head....it has to be.They say to never love someone who treats you like you're ordinary.I don't. To him I'm a queen.But our story is complicated.And as much as I love Nathan Mercer with all of my heart. . .He's the one man I can never have.

Following the 2014 Ukrainian revolution, a child of the Ukrainian diaspora challenges her formative ideologies, considers innocence and complicity, and questions the roots of patriotism.

How do our ideas about dying influence the way we live? Life has often been envisioned as a journey, the river of time carrying us inexorably toward the unknown country—and in our day we increasingly turn to myth and magic, ritual and virtual reality, cloning and cryostasis in the hope of eluding the reality of the inevitable end. In this book a preeminent and eminently wise writer on death and dying proposes a new way of understanding our last transition. A fresh exploration of the final passage through life and perhaps through death, his work deftly interweaves historical and contemporary experiences and reflections to demonstrate that we are always on our way. Drawing on a remarkable range of observations—from psychology, anthropology, religion, biology, and personal experience—Robert Kastenbaum re-envisions life's forward-looking progress, from early-childhood bedtime rituals to the many small rehearsals we stage for our final separation. Along the way he illuminates such moments and ideas as becoming a "corpsed person," going down to earth or up in flames, respecting or abusing (and eating) the dead, coping with "too many dead," conceiving and achieving a "good death," undertaking the journey of the dead, and learning to live through the scrimmage of daily life fully knowing that Eternity does not really come in a designer flask. Profound, insightful, often moving, this look at death as many cultures await it or approach it enriches our understanding of life as a never-ending passage.

A little bear and his father share adventures on their long walk home late on a beautiful day.

An inspirational memoir from the recently canonized Pope Saint John Paul II. Following the success of the international bestseller Crossing the Threshold of Hope, Pope John Paul II provides the world with a glimpse into his past in Rise, Let Us Be On Our Way. Chronicling the years he spent as a bishop and later archbishop in Krakow, Poland through his election as the first Polish Pope in 1978, he recounts everything from communist efforts to suppress the church in Poland to his efforts to adopt a new and more open style of pastoral ministry. With recollections on his life as well as his thoughts on the issues facing the world now, Pope John Paul II offers words of wisdom in this book that will appeal to people of any faith looking to strengthen their spirituality.

THESE STORIES TAKE the reader to meet mochos; cholos; Mr. and Mrs. Special; Manny with his mysterious phone calls; Melly, who dreams of being the first girl to take the Dive; Andy and Ruthie, who find that being “boyfriend-girlfriend” takes on new meaning the night of the prom; and Chuy, who seems determined to get kicked out of school. Each distinct voice shares secret thoughts that draw the reader into daily dramas of love, danger, loyalty, and pride. In the final story, a shocking tragedy reverberates through the barrio. “With this collection, Saldaña makes a significant contribution to the field of Latino short stories for young readers.”—VOYA, Starred “These powerfully written, provocative selections have universal appeal and subtle, thoughtful themes.”—School Library Journal “While much is revealed, just as much is implied, making the stories layered and rich while still rendering them accessible.”—The Bulletin

Early adulthood is a time of possibility, uncertainty, decision, and hope. During these years, individuals determine how they will approach life challenges and opportunities. In On Our Way: Christian Practices for Living a Whole Life, writers from a variety of backgrounds address topics of particular relevance to young adults. The essays are grouped in 5 sections that together express the whole: living a whole life attentively together in the real world for the good of all in response to God On Our Way looks at common subjects in fresh, meaningful ways. It presents "study," for example, as "not synonymous with reading books or with academic reflection, though it may well include these." Instead, this essay explains study as "a particular kind of attending to Christ and the world, a particular stance of curiosity, vigilance, and openness to learning—an openness that extends even to unlearning what we have previously learned to take for granted." Other chapters explore such subjects as discerning God's call friendship and intimacy care for creation knowing and loving our neighbors of other faiths doing justice As young adults move away from the confines of home, school, and church youth group, this book will serve as an excellent resource. While it speaks from a Christian perspective, its broad approach makes it appealing both to Christians and to those who consider themselves "spiritual but not religious." Well-suited for individual reading or group discussion, On Our Way is an excellent companion for young adults seeking their place in today's world.