In this “irresistible memoir that’s equal parts pathos and belly laughs,” the Irish American writer and actor shares stories from his first decade in the US (People). Malachy McCourt left behind a childhood of poverty and painful memories of his father and mother in Limerick, Ireland, when he followed his brother, Frank, to America in 1952. In A Monk Swimming, McCourt recounts the decade that followed. With not much to his name other than his sharp wit and knack for storytelling, McCourt was unsure what he would do after arriving in New York City. He worked as a longshoreman on the Brooklyn docks, became the first celebrity bartender in a Manhattan saloon, performed on stage with the Irish Players, and told tales to Jack Paar on The Tonight Show. Although McCourt gained success, money, women, and, eventually, children of his own, he still carried memories of the past with him. So, he fled again. He found himself in the Manhattan Detention Complex, otherwise known as the Tombs. He was arrested several times: poolside in Beverly Hills, in Zurich with gold-smugglers, and again in Calcutta with sex workers. McCourt’s journey also took him to Paris, Rome, and even Limerick again, until finally he was forced to grapple with his past. “[A] funny, oddly winning book.” —The New York Times “A rollicking good read that, as the Irish say, would make a dead man laugh.” —The Philadelphia Inquirer “A triumphant tale. . . . You will find yourself laughing through the tears.” —Newsday “Howlingly funny.” —Atlanta Journal-Constitution “Build[s] on the story of the McCourts’ early life so dazzlingly told in Angela’s Ashes by his brother Frank.” —Thomas Keneally, author of the international bestseller Schindler’s List

Ten Minute Plays: ALL 49 STATES - When California falls into the ocean after "the big one", new president Jenna Bush devises a plan to reborder the United States. (1M, 3F) BLACK & DECKER - As two best friends prepare for a Halloween party they are visited by Death, who is taking a break on one of his busiest days. (3M) DUDE LOOKS LIKE A LADY - In the adult film world everyone has to audition. The young lady in today's audition used to have an addition, if you get my drift.. (2M, 2F) LOVE IN THE TIME OF BAILOUT - An under-achieving cubicle dweller is fired by his unfaithful and pregnant executive wife, and she needs him gone to finish embezzling millions before the day is out. (2M, 2F) RESERVATIONS - A young married couple stuck in traffic discover that their happiness may be an illusion. (1M, 1F) REVERSED CURSE - It's game 7 of the 2004 ALCS, and Yankees fan Casey wants to propose to Red Sox fan Rhonda, if only her dad would butt-out.. (1M, 1F) Monologues: POMEGRANATE - A daycare professional has a one-on-one with some wealthy parents. (1F) PIZZA BOY - A former Wall Street banker has a tough time with his new gig. (1M) SHRINK ME - A soon to be father is having trouble adjusting to the idea of having a daughter. (1M) YOU'RE FIRED! - A sub-par employee gets the axe. (1M) MAN UP! - A football coach lays into his team at halftime. Who cares if they're only nine. (1M)

“Hilarious, honest, and full of the hard-won wisdom...At its core is this truth: real change only happens when we realize God loves us whether we change or not.” —Susan E. Isaacs, author of Angry Conversations With God From a popular pastor and radio host—Three Free Sins teaches that the only people who make any progress toward being better are those who know that God will still love them, regardless of how good they are. This book is about the misguided obsession with the management of sin that cripples too many Christians. It’s about the view that religion is all about sin…about how to hide side sin or how to stop sinning all together. In the Introduction, the author toys good-naturedly with an agitated caller on his radio program, teasing him in a segment where he offers three free sins. The offer is real. Not that Steve has the power to forgive sins, but he wants to make the point that Jesus has made the offer to cover all of our sins – not just three. Chapter one, titled “Teaching Frogs to Fly,” is even better. The gist of this chapter is that you can’t teach frogs to fly, just like you can’t teach people not to sin. Steve tells a story about a guy who has a frog, and he’s convinced he can teach the frog how to fly. The man keeps throwing the frog up in the air or up against walls – all to the poor frog’s demise. The message is that even though people can be better, they can never not sin—just like a frog can never learn to fly, no matter how much pressure is put on it. Steve continues through the book to show readers that while they can never manage sin, they can relax in knowing that they are completely forgiven—not just of three, but of all.

A collection of quotes, reminiscences and ponderings by numerous people raised in a broad assortment of Plymouth Brethren (So-called) groups, all the way from gospel chapels on the one hand, to the cultish right-wing end of the movement, seen in groups like the Raven-Taylor-Hales Exclusives. Intended to spark thoughts and feelings.

Three Novellas from Bestselling Authors In Dee Henderson's Missing, a Wyoming sheriff is called to Chicago when his elderly mother goes missing. Paired with a savvy Chicago cop, the two realize her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins. Dani Pettrey returns to Alaska with Shadowed, introducing readers to the parents of her beloved McKenna clan. Adventure, romance, and danger collide when a young fisherman nets the body of an open-water swimming competitor who may actually be a possible Russian defector. Lynette Eason's Blackout delivers the story of a woman once implicated in a robbery gone wrong. The loot has never been found--but her memory of that night has always been unreliable. Can she remember enough to find her way to safety when the true culprit comes after her?

A clear, accessible guide to reading and understanding the Talmud. This book offers a unique introduction to the study of the Talmud and suggest ways to apply its messages and values to contemporary life. Imaginatively conceived, this volume is recommended for both individuals and group study sessions.