"Karin knew what she was getting herself into when she fell for John, the high-flying criminal and love of her life. But she never imagined things would turn out like this: John is now gone and the coke-filled parties, seemingly endless flow of money, and high social status she previously enjoyed have been replaced by cut telephone lines, cut heat, and cut cash. All that remains of Karin's former life is the big house he bought for her--and his daughter,...

A man hangs from the ceiling of an art gallery. A woman spells out messages to her sister using her own hair. Children deemed "bad" are stolen from their homes. In Hardly Children, Laura Adamczyk's rich and eccentric debut collection, familiar worlds' bars, hotel rooms, cities that could very well be our own - hum with uncanny dread. The characters in Hardly Children are keyed up, on the verge, full of desire. They're lost, they're in love with someone...

"Pause, find connection, and choose peace rather than harm when you feel overwhelmed in the crashing ocean of life"-- Cuong Lu, a long-time disciple of Thich Nhat Hanh, personally witnessed a shooting while fleeing Vietnam in 1975. The memory of this trauma prompted him to dedicate his life to sharing the wisdom of deep listening, finding understanding, and in his words, "defusing the bombs in our hearts." Lu encourages readers to help turn the tide,...

In 1981, Chris Gardner was a struggling salesman. His wife worked double shifts to support the family including their young son, Christopher. In the face of this difficult life, Chris has the desperate inspiration to try for a stockbroker internship where one in twenty has a chance of a lucrative full time career. Even when his wife leaves him because of this choice, Chris clings to this dream. The odds become more daunting by the day. Together, father...

"Do you sense your child might be struggling with something but you just can't put it into words? Maybe you're a youth pastor, small group leader, teacher, or coach who wants to know how to help kids who are facing despair. There are countless resources available for addressing the physical and academic needs of today's youth, but what about their mental and emotional needs? Youth anxiety and depression rates are rising. No parent wants their kid...