In an era of global warming, war, escalating expenses, declining income, and drugs and violence in schools, many mothers feel they have little control over their families or their worlds. Nora Murphy eloquently demonstrates that many women do control one tiny thing: their next stitch. While tracing the frustrations and joys of knitting a sweater for her son through the course of one cold, dark Minnesota winter, Murphy eloquently brings to life the traditions and cultures of women from many backgrounds, including Hmong, American Indian, Mexican, African, and Irish. Murphy’s personal stories — about her struggles to understand esoteric knitting patterns, her help from the shaman of the knit shop, and her challenges sticking with an often vexing project — will appeal to knitters as well as everyone else who has labored to create something from scratch.

In a world buzzing with technology and creativity, hobby writing has become more than just a pastime; it has emerged as a vivid expression of passion and imagination. For many, writing has always been at the intersection of creativity and challenge, allowing stories to flow from the depths of the mind and onto the page. In an age where narratives are crafted not only in books but also in the pixelated realms of computer games, the potential for inspiration is limitless. Computer games, once regarded simply as entertainment, have evolved into multifaceted experiences that integrate story, art, and music, forging deep connections with players. They craft rich narratives that captivate audiences and encourage engagement on multiple levels, resembling modern-day interactive novels. This evolution offers aspiring writers a treasure trove of inspiration. Whether it's the intricacies of character development, the nuances of world-building, or the delicate balance of plot pacing, the gaming world provides a myriad of lessons for those eager to pen their own stories.

The thematic range of the collection is expansive, covering the various stages of heartbreak – from the initial shock to the gradual emergence of strength and resilience. Some poems delve into the nostalgia of what once was, exploring the remnants of love that linger in memory. Others navigate the storm of emotions that accompany the aftermath, unraveling the threads of attachment and laying bare the vulnerabilities of the human heart. Despite the prevailing melancholy, there is an undercurrent of hope that runs through the collection. The poems are not only a testament to the pain of love lost but also a celebration of the indomitable spirit that emerges from the ashes of heartbreak. They speak to the resilience of the human heart, emphasizing that even in the throes of despair, there is a transformative journey towards self-discovery and renewal. The organization of the collection is deliberate, creating a narrative arc that mirrors the emotional trajectory of heartbreak. The poems are often grouped thematically, guiding readers through the labyrinth of emotions with a sense of coherence. This organization enhances the overall reading experience, creating a flow that mirrors the ebb and flow of the emotional tide.

David Jongeward brings to life the artistic journey of master weaver Carolyn Jongeward, beginning with her apprenticeship to Navajo weavers in Arizona and extending to her studies in sacred geometry and number symbolism, Native American philosophy, Jungian psychology, and creation mythology.

In ""Whispers of Starfall,"" young weaver Lyra stumbles upon an ancient tapestry that prophesies a cosmic collision between the mortal world and the realm of celestial beings. As meteors shower the land with otherworldly whispers, Lyra embarks on a perilous quest to decode the tapestry's secrets and prevent catastrophe. Set in a richly imagined world blending Scandinavian and West African mythologies, this YA dystopian fantasy weaves a tale of destiny, cultural exchange, and the transformative power of art. The narrative alternates between Lyra's journey and the stories embedded in the magical tapestry, creating a unique storytelling structure that mirrors the art of weaving itself. As Lyra gathers a diverse group of allies, including a star-charting astronomer and a griot with the ability to bring stories to life, she must confront celestial beings whose whispers are reshaping reality. With its lyrical prose and intricate world-building, this folklore-inspired fantasy offers a fresh take on the hero's journey, emphasizing creativity and cultural understanding in the face of world-altering challenges.

The search for a notorious serial killer takes a therapist on a nightmarish quest to an alternate world to find the sinister secret behind his crimes, in a dark fantasy inspired by Caribbean urban myth, from the award-winning author of The Blue, Beautiful World. “The natural heiress to Octavia Butler and Ursula Le Guin.”—Financial Times Dr. Miranda Ecuovo works as a forensic therapist, helping traumatized witnesses recover their memories so that they can testify about the crimes they observed. Her most famous case resulted in the conviction of the serial killer Walther Gray, a pathologist’s assistant known as the Butcher of the City. One day Miranda is seized by Chance, one of the spirits known as the Undying, and transported to a fantastical dreamlike world. There she is greeted by an Angel and presented with an unusual mission: Help catch the rogue Undying who was the true mastermind behind the Butcher’s crimes. Now Miranda and Chance must stop the murderer before he kills again. Together they will race through a surreal otherworld of magical labyrinths and wondrous spirits—but also into the maze of Miranda’s own memories when they retrace her original investigation. As Miranda draws closer to the truth, she finds herself confronted by even bigger questions than the killer’s identity. How could his victims’ deaths be forgotten so easily? And what can she do to create a world where the vulnerable can be safe and have their lives treated as precious?