We see SEALs on surveillance missions, overwatching the Ho Chi Minh trail, capturing enemy intelligence agents and calling in air and artillery strikes on their foe. We experience insertions into hostile territory by sea and air. We learn the various types of deadly equipment used by these elite Naval commandos in their never-ending pursuit of the enemy.

Inspired by John Cheever's classic short story, 'The Swimmer', Roger Deakin set out from his home in Suffolk to swim through the British Isles. The result of his journey is this personal view of an island race.

"An immediate classic when first published in Redbook in 1975, Swimmer in the Secret Sea went on to be included in Prize Stories 1975: The O. Henry Awards and then published separately as a paperback. We are proud to restore to print this popular and critically acclaimed novella about Laski and Diane, a sculptor and his wife, and their struggle to bring a new life into the world, set against the backdrop of a cold Maine winter. Author William Kotzwinkle, well-known for his many enduring children's books such as Trouble in Bugland and his novelization of the movie E.T. The Extraterrestrial, is equally adept at writing seriously and poetically about life in extremis. This story of a father-to-be and his painful love for his wife and stillborn son will stay with readers for a lifetime."--Publisher's website.

Fiction. Short Stories. LGBTQIA Studies. Women's Studies. Sharp and stylistic, the trifecta of diptychs that is SWIMMERS IN WINTER swirls between real and imagined pasts and futures to delve into our present cultural moment: conflicts between queer people and the police; the impact of homophobia, bullying, and PTSD; the dynamics of women's friendships; life for queer women in Toronto during WWII and after; experiences of economic precarity and precarious living conditions; the work of being an artist; and dystopian worlds. These are soul-searching, plot-driven character studies. "Faye Guenther lovingly tells the stories of ordinary women whose lives have yet been mostly ignored by literature. Each character in this collection is a planet unto herself: the stories part the mists and show the miles to the surface. Dizzying, precise, and beautiful."--Thea Lim "Faye Guenther's writing is fully given over to both the heart and mind. Her clear-eyed observations of the secrets we keep and the confessions we make lend the stories in SWIMMERS IN WINTER uncommon grace and raw beauty. Guenther traces the paths of women in the city, struggling to survive, keep themselves fed and afloat, while also falling hard for each other. In turns sexy and tender, tough and head-swirling, these characters will leave you changed."--Emily Schultz

In 'Afloat in the Forest; Or, A Voyage among the Tree-Tops' by Mayne Reid, readers are swept away on a thrilling adventure that combines elements of survival, exploration, and nature. The book is written in a captivating and descriptive style, painting vivid pictures of the forest landscapes and the challenges faced by the characters. Set in the backdrop of the wild forests of South America, the narrative transports readers to a world where danger and beauty coexist in equal measure. Mayne Reid, a 19th-century writer known for his adventurous tales, brings his firsthand experiences of travel and exploration to his storytelling. His deep connection to nature and fascination with the unknown are evident in the intricate details and realistic portrayals found in 'Afloat in the Forest.' Reid's background as a soldier and naturalist greatly influenced his writing, providing a foundation of authenticity and excitement to his works. I highly recommend 'Afloat in the Forest; Or, A Voyage among the Tree-Tops' to readers who enjoy immersive and action-packed stories set in untamed landscapes. Mayne Reid's masterful storytelling and his ability to transport readers to exotic locations make this book a thrilling and unforgettable read.