Two men in 1940s New Jersey are caught up in organized crime and international intrigue, in this novel by the Edgar nominee and author of Narrows Gate. After a bloody showdown with the mob, grocer Sal Benno is being left in peace—at least for now. But he carries a gun and looks over his shoulder as he goes about his business. Sal’s lifelong friend, Leo, is also still in the gritty waterfront town of Narrows Gate—for the time being. Unlike Sal, he has a woman in his life and a promising future at CBS across the river, though the Red Scare hangs over the network and threatens his career. Meanwhile, in Sicily, an exiled Mafia boss works to protect his weakened empire from rivals and opportunists, darting around the world as the CIA tries to keep a tail on him. With chaos ruling in the wake of a crackdown on organized crime, the effects are felt from Havana to Hollywood, Las Vegas to Greece—and in the lives of Sal, Leo, and those they love. In this novel that takes readers into back alleys and halls of power, the two must struggle to hold their friendship and their community together, even as they are driven to desperation. Praise for Narrows Gate “Must be ranked among the half-dozen most memorable novels about the Mob.” —Mystery Scene “A uniquely American tale of ambition and failure, of people who underplay their hands and those who overstep their bounds . . . Dazzling.” —David Liss, Edgar Award–winning novelist “Equal parts Ellroy, Puzo and Scorsese.” —George Pelecanos, writer andproducer of The Wire and author of The Night Gardener “As tender as it is tough . . . A compelling, gritty, and brilliant voice.” —Lisa Scottoline, New York Times–bestselling author

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 I had a difficult time in school from the start. I was always a bad student, and I never learned how to knit. I was hit by the teacher whenever I did something wrong. #2 I had a very fraught relationship with my stepfather, because I was an only child and he was a newly married man with two children from his previous marriage. I was constantly being bullied by his newly acquired siblings. #3 My sexual education began when I was very young. I grew up in a rural area, and I would often find people going at it in the fields. I grew up dancing, and when the twist came in, I gave that up because it offended me. I needed to get close and warm. #4 I was 14 when I started working at the riding school. I was in love with Ann, who was five years older than me. I couldn’t understand why she would go out with such an ugly guy. But the funniest story involved a friend of mine named Tommy Lee.

A morality tale from the perspectives of a young empress and a mighty warrior who stand as enemies in a mortal duel to decide the fate of a falling empire.

"How is it that there are so many lloronas?" A haunting figure of Mexican oral and literary traditions, La Llorona permeates the consciousness of her folk community. From a ghost who haunts the riverbank to a murderous mother condemned to wander the earth after killing her own children in an act of revenge or grief, the Weeping Woman has evolved within Chican@ imaginations across centuries, yet no truly comprehensive examination of her impact existed until now. Tracing La Llorona from ancient oral tradition to her appearance in contemporary material culture, There Was a Woman delves into the intriguing transformations of this provocative icon. From La Llorona's roots in legend to the revisions of her story and her exaltation as a symbol of resistance, Domino Renee Perez illuminates her many permutations as seductress, hag, demon, or pitiful woman. Perez draws on more than two hundred artifacts to provide vivid representations of the ways in which these perceived identities are woven from abstract notions—such as morality or nationalism—and from concrete, often misunderstood concepts from advertising to television and literature. The result is a rich and intricate survey of a powerful figure who continues to be reconfigured.

General history, medal of honor winners, biographies of hispanic sergeants majors in the United Stated Army.

Born into a poor, Mexican, immigrant family, young Gonzalo didn't have his first pair of shoes or enroll in school until after his ninth birthday. While many around him resigned themselves to their lot, Gonzalo dreamed of a better life, a life full of service and contribution to his community, and a life rich in family, friends, and freedom. He will inspire you to look at your own life very differently. From the migrant farms of New Braunfels, Texas, to the South Pacific during World War II, Korea, and back to Texas, Gonzalo Garza has had a profound and positive effect on thousands. Read why the State of Texas has named this man as a true Texas legend.