Earl: The Christmas Tree Spider

Erin Rafanello Ferguson wrote this story about little Earl after becoming frustrated with the furry spiders that invaded her home when she cut down a living Christmas tree from a Christmas tree farm. She was shocked, but after a few years of having the same issue, she decided she didn’t want herself or her family to be afraid of them any longer. She decided to name one of the spiders Earl, and her family giggled about him all throughout the Christmas season. A story was born and a tradition of accepting the spiders was found in Earl: The Christmas Tree Spider.

This story takes you through Earl’s journey from the forest to a loving home he gets to call his own. With Christmas cheer throughout, and even Santa Claus, this book brings the warmth of the season home to its readers.

Earlier Fires

Earlier Fires chronicles the personal evolution of Adrian, a promising student, over 20 years as he leaves his prestigious New Jersey prep school to make his name in the competitive legal world of NYC’s corporate law firms. As a disillusioned 17-year-old, Adrian recognizes the entrapment of perpetuating his privileged socioeconomic status.

He excels academically but struggles to envision a purposeful future, feeling fate-bound to graduate high school and college before climbing the well-worn ladder of material success. Adrian grapples with whether meaningful relationships can endure in a culture consumed by globalized commercialization.

In his quest for purpose, he connects with Dominic, a like-minded rebel, and rekindles a childhood friendship with Delilah when she serendipitously re-enters his life.

Will Adrian break free from expectations to chart his own definition of achievement? Can these kindred spirits sustain bonds despite diverging destinies? Or will the cycle of reproducing class status subsume Adrian as its unwitting heir?

Echoes of the Unknown

In Echoes of the Unknown, dive into a riveting odyssey that transcends the boundaries of Earth and ventures into the realms of the unknown. When a young machine learning programmer, grappling with terminal cancer, finds himself miraculously cured, his relief turns to dread as he unravels the truth behind his recovery. Thrust into a clandestine world where advanced alien civilizations covertly manipulate human affairs, he becomes a pawn in a cosmic game that could alter the fate of humanity.

As he navigates a labyrinth of espionage, interstellar politics, and technological marvels, he is guided by a mysterious figure from his dreams, challenging him to make an impossible choice. With a nano-chip controlling his every thought and move, and the weight of Earth’s future on his shoulders, he faces a moral dilemma that tests the limits of his courage and intellect.

Economic Myths and Economic Realities

The world’s ten richest countries have about 60 times the income per capita of the bottom ten. Nobel Prize-winning economists have acknowledged their ignorance regarding the sources of economic growth. This explains why, despite considerable financial assistance, the gap between poorer and richer countries has grown year after year, both globally and within countries like the USA and Europe.

Using straightforward statistical diagrams, this book explains approximately 90% of the variance in income among countries or states. First, it empirically demonstrates what does not work – the myths – from reindustrialization to Keynesianism. Then, it examines the real drivers of growth by evaluating whole countries (public, social and private sectors combined, including the non-working population) as companies, assessing their business administration across areas like marketing, work culture, strategy and operations. After all, numerous multinationals are larger than countries.

The lessons are twofold: First, nothing is more pointless than perfecting the irrelevant. Second, there are no underdeveloped countries, only undermanaged ones (P. Drucker). The wealthiest countries are, overall, the best-run companies.

Eddie's Spaghetti

Eddie loves spaghetti, and he loves his mama even more. Their bond over a special family recipe might just be the answer to a happy, successful life. But first, the key ingredient must be found. This sweet story of food and love has an important lesson in store for all readers to enjoy. 

Eight Fought to Live

1988: 82,362 gay and bisexual men had AIDS.

1989: 100,000 gay and bisexual men had AIDS.

1990: 307,000 gay and bisexual men had AIDS.

These are the two years Dr. Rosiello led an AIDS therapy group at Gay Men’s Health Crisis in New York City. Within two years each man in her group passed away from AIDS complications. One of these men was Vito Russo, an AIDS activist and historian.

This is the story of eight gay men living with advanced AIDS and one inexperienced fresh out of training psychoanalyst. Each man’s intimate story is peppered with Dr. Rosiello’s anxiety and her growing awareness regarding the importance of emotional authenticity in psychotherapy. The group members had no spare moments for Dr. Rosiello to use her newly learned psychoanalytic techniques. There was only time to be real.

Early on these group members pledged to not die. They pledged emotional support for the life of the group. This pledge held true for over a year. Blood brothers in their fight to live.

El Club de los Suicidas

La vida nunca es fácil. Es una lección que varios jóvenes aprenden al decidir e intentar tomarse su vida. Por medio de un acto insólito, estos jóvenes logran ver que la vida trae consigo muchas cosas, tal como personas que no solo se encuentran en su misma situación o similar, sino que también les abre los ojos y los ayuda a ver lo hermosa y variada que es la vida.

El Duelo (The Duel)

There comes a time when you must put things in writing before they are forgotten and lost forever. That even applies today in spite of the highly advanced society we live in. In this rural community on the river banks of the Rio Grande in the early 1900s when illiteracy predominated, the history and identity of its residents were preserved by story-telling. These “cuentos” often left much to the imagination but still were very entertaining, vivid and memorable (not to be confused with tall-tales).

One of the very first stories that I remember hearing was that of a bigger-than-life character who happened to be my grandfather, Don Juan. We were all fascinated by how this man was able to win the admiration and respect of his neighbours at least enough to have stories told about him. Although they were all survivors, they were also all interdependent, and looked for an orientation that could make them believe in themselves.

In spite of the many and varied challenges they confronted, many like Don Juan provided a perspective of right and wrong, of commitment to family, of surviving untold suffering, but also of purpose to continue. This story provides a sampling of how this rural community in “El Capote” ranch sought its own destiny from the bare essentials that the river lands could provide. Don Juan may not have been a legend, but he was a pilar of strength, faith and loyalty to a way of life many had no choice but to embrace.

Eli's Hot Dog Tree

Step into the wild imagination of Eli, where anything is possible, even a hot dog tree! Eli is the only one who would dream up such an extraordinary idea, but when his hot dog tree actually begins to grow, everyone is amazed.

The excitement spreads quickly, and Eli is the talk of the town. But when the novelty wears off and the hot dog tree needs care and attention, will Eli keep his promise to nurture it? Or will he forget about his special creation and let it wither away?

This charming children’s book is perfect for young readers who love to imagine and dream big. With vivid illustrations and a heartwarming story, it encourages children to take care of their creations and believe in the power of their imagination.

Eliza: From Slave to Plantation Mistress

In a world echoing the ancient tales Ovid’s Metamorphoses, a tale unfolds of Perseus and Andromeda – an interracial love story written in the stars. This ancient narrative finds a haunting parallel in the turbulent times of the American South. When Michael, a man of privilege and power, comes across Eliza, a beautiful soul bound in the chains of slavery, their worlds collide in an unexpected twist of fate. Just as Perseus once freed Andromeda, Michael is determined to liberate Eliza from her cruel circumstances.

As they venture through trials and tribulations, their bond deepens, leading them on a path neither could have imagined. From the depths of bondage, Eliza rises to become a force to reckon with, challenging the very fabric of a society that once held her captive. Eliza: From Slave to Plantation Mistress is a riveting tale of love, sacrifice, and transformation set against the backdrop of a world divided. Love, it proves, transcends boundaries, reshaping destinies and redefining power structures.

Elodie's Magical Adventures

In Elodie’s Magical Adventures, readers are introduced to a young girl with big dreams and an imagination that knows no bounds. Even with Kindergarten just around the corner, Elodie is already dreaming of magical adventures that may one day come true. With the love and support of those around her, Elodie believes that anything is possible.

Follow along as Elodie embarks on a journey of the mind, exploring enchanted forests, meeting mystical creatures, and discovering hidden treasures. With each turn of the page, readers will be captivated by Elodie’s boundless imagination and the possibilities that await her.

Emily Fisher - Word Maven

Emily Fisher - Word Maven introduces an engaging and imaginative child who takes it upon herself to find out as much as she can about words and how to use them. Emily's fascination with words, how they sound, and what they mean, lead to her determination to pursue a career as a "word maven," a term she has invented from listening to those around her, most notably her grandmother. Determined and focused on the task at hand, Emily embarks on her quest with sometimes humorous and always delightful results.