A Boy and His Comet: Dancing Through the Rain

In A Boy and His Comet: Dancing Through the Rain, we meet a young man facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Dismissed and discouraged by his high school counselor, he’s told that college is a far-fetched dream. His senior year becomes a survival challenge, living alone in the woods without basic amenities, grappling with the shame of his situation and the painful legacy of parental abuse he’s forced to keep hidden.

At 17, free from the constraints of his tumultuous home life, he is confronted with temptations — drugs, alcohol, and sex — testing his resolve to maintain his personal values. This book is a poignant tale of an American boy who, against all odds, breaks free from a cycle of dysfunction to chart his own course to extraordinary success, ultimately becoming a self-made millionaire.

A Boy and His Comet is an emotional journey that will take you through the full spectrum of feelings. You’ll share in his laughter and tears, marvel at his resilience, and cheer as he navigates the trials of his youth, self-finances his college education, finds love with a kindred spirit, and together, they build their own version of the American Dream. This story is more than a read; it’s an experience of hope, perseverance, and the unyielding power of the human spirit.

A Day of Infamy Revisited

Tragic events can often be the catalyst and inspiration for the creation of meaningful works of art. In this case, it was the September 11th catastrophe of 2001 which provided the stimulus that would ultimately lead me down a totally unforeseen path, revealing an attitude never previously observed. Other than a proclivity for drawing geometric shapes, no artistic tendencies had even been evident.

The one constant theme in my work is the recurring use of nines and elevens to generate images. Other symbols and characters are also employed; sometimes intentional, sometimes not.

People who have explored my world have seen different things. Take the journey and see what you can uncover. Remember, in the future, be open to the possibility that sometimes unexpected abilities can appear anytime in one’s life. Be ready to embrace the opportunity these possibilities present and take them down your own personal road of discovery.

A Message from a Mother's Heart

A Message from a Mother’s Heart is a compelling autobiography that chronicles the life of Ana Lydia, who grew up as one of five children in a border town in Sonora, Mexico. In the summer of 1977, Ana Lydia’s life takes a dramatic turn when her mother decides to uproot the family and move to California in search of a better life, and to reunite with their father.

However, Ana Lydia’s journey towards a brighter future is riddled with unexpected tragedies and setbacks that take a toll on her young life. Her life takes a rebellious and reckless turn as she grapples with the events that unfold before her.

A Story that Needs to Be Told

Should a woman experience spiritual events in her life, that give her undeniable proof the Heavens are real, that we are able to receive direction from those beyond the grave, it does not seem to be fulfilling the intent of the heavens to keep this knowledge to herself.

Should this same woman receive such encouragement from beyond to share her experiences with others, may she recount only the truth for others to interpret; whether the facts seem sensible, or leave one with more questions. She realizes anyone picking up this book has possibly had experiences of their own.

Should this same woman realize that she is just the messenger and that the stories have been provided by the heavens, deem it fair to acknowledge this fact, and donate one half of all proceeds to help others in need.

A Sword Over the Nile: A Brief History of the Copts Under Islamic Rule

“With Egypt’s Copts targeted as part of a bloody and systematic campaign of genocide against the ancient churches of the Middle East, Adel Guindy has produced a timely and authoritative account of their story. It deserves to be widely read.”

• — Professor Lord Alton, Professor of Citizenship at Liverpool John Moores University

Actualitas: Philosophy-Art for the 21st Century

Philosophy offers more than a momentary diversion; it provides valuable insights for gaining personal control and making important decisions. Imagine a lone leaf drifting in an autumn breeze, coasting on an updraft before floating to the ground, eventually broken down by the elements and recirculated into the soil. Embracing personal responsibility without scapegoats exemplifies the essence of carpe diem – seize the day.

Throughout history, philosophy has grappled with the concept of fear, though modern times have seen this domain largely conceded to pseudosciences, often offering solutions through natural and synthetic drugs.

Aristotle had much to say about fear: ‘…the things we fear are fearful and such things are, broadly speaking, evils: e.g. disgrace, poverty, sickness, friendlessness, death… Probably one ought not to fear poverty or disease, nor in general anything that is not… one’s own fault…’

African Financial Ecosystem

Historically and contextually, various integration models were experimented with by colonial powers, but these systems largely collapsed post-independence. For instance, the French attempted to maintain cohesion but prioritized their own interests, leading to fragmentation.

Efforts in East and West Africa similarly faltered, as each nation pursued its own agenda without a unified political will. South Africa made a notable attempt, but integration never materialized; it would have required a different approach, such as the adoption of a SADC currency.

The recent endeavors of AES countries and Zimbabwe’s new currency inject fresh dynamics into this ecosystem. Concurrently, the rise of new technologies presents both challenges and opportunities for financial integration.

Public organizations and pan-African institutions play crucial roles in navigating this journey, where the political dimension holds significant sway. Additionally, international dynamics, exemplified by initiatives like those of the BRICs, further influence the landscape.

Taken together, these elements paint an intriguing picture, fostering discussions on the African ecosystem and brainstorming plausible solutions. The ultimate aim is to achieve, within a reasonable timeframe, a monetary union and a common African currency.

America's First Soldiers

America’s First Soldiers unfolds with the critical events and people that lead Massachusetts to initiate the American Revolutionary War. These first soldiers were the catalyst for the skirmish at Lexington Green, the battle of the Old North Bridge, and the life and death struggle along a 16-mile road, passing through six Massachusetts towns in a violent, running battle of fire and maneuver.

Dig in on the deadly struggle for a Boston hilltop, Breed’s Hill, known as Bunker Hill. For the British Army, it was the deadliest battle of the American Revolutionary War. This battle, more than any other event, created the moment Massachusetts and the other colonies realized the American Revolution had begun.

Meet a young Boston bookseller who believed he could bomb the mighty British army out of Boston. He became Washington’s Yankee, standing with him from Boston to victory at Yorktown.  He was the man General Washington personally chose to succeed him as the Continental Army’s commanding general.

America’s First Soldiers is the account of extraordinary men whose defeat of the British was so thorough, that during the eight-year struggle of the American Revolutionary War the British never again fought in Massachusetts.

Part 1 of this book chronicles America’s First Soldiers. Part 2 visits some of the well-preserved and fascinating sites in Massachusetts as a 21st-century historical tourist.

This book uncovers the hidden story of the men from Massachusetts—America’s First Soldiers.

Angel and the Orphan

From eating raw potatoes in abandonment to being personally served cake by a future African President, experience the extraordinary life of an orphan child through a tapestry of divine interventions and mystical adventures. Driven by his quest to understand the enigmatic voice that has persistently guided and saved him from the jaws of death, each chapter unfolds a series of astonishing true stories.

Witness harrowing accounts of kidnapping, murder, and suicide, juxtaposed against uplifting moments, like growing up as a white child in an Aboriginal orphanage, miraculously surviving an Al-Shabaab terrorist attack, and working as a compassionate paramedic. Journey alongside him as he solves the 110-year-old mystery of a missing police officer and champions the cause of Albino children targeted by witchdoctors in Africa.

Spanning continents – from Northern Ireland and Austria to the USA, Africa, and Canada – these magical yet deeply human stories are not just a testament to one man’s resilience but also an exploration of the unseen forces that guide us all. Take this global odyssey and witness the miraculous in the mundane, the divine in the everyday.

Aristotle: Form and Matter Edification

Aristotle: Form and Matter Edification offers an in-depth exploration of Aristotle’s central metaphysical concepts. This scholarly work meticulously reconstructs Aristotle’s theories, presenting them through the rigorous lens of analytic geometry and metaphysics. Fortin successfully bridges ancient philosophical thought with modern scientific inquiry, making complex ideas accessible and relevant for contemporary scholars.

In this treatise, Fortin delves into the intricate relationship between form and matter, which lies at the heart of Aristotelian ontology. He thoroughly examines Aristotle’s notions of substance, expanse, and quantity, elucidating how these foundational principles underpin existence and change. The text traverses various dimensions of being, from the indivisible unity of numbers to the tangible perceptions of visual and auditory experiences, offering a comprehensive understanding of Aristotle’s enduring impact on both ancient and modern science and philosophy.

Fortin’s focus on the dynamic nature of human intellect underscores the timeless relevance of Aristotelian thought. Aristotle: Form and Matter Edification is an essential read for serious students of philosophy and science, providing a rigorous and thoughtful analysis of Aristotle’s work. This volume not only pays homage to Aristotle’s intellectual legacy but also invites readers to engage with the perennial questions of existence, substance, and the nature of reality.

Back to the Trees and Caves

After dedicating over three decades to managing wilderness areas for the USDA Forest Service, Jonathan Klein comes to a sobering realization: the wilderness within the lower forty-eight is, at best, a theatrical semblance of the real essence of wild. Upon retirement at age sixty, Klein embarks on a solo canoe journey across the untamed expanses of northern Canada, yearning to uncover the authentic wilderness that eludes him. Back to the Trees and Caves unfolds this riveting 700-mile adventure from Saskatchewan to Hudson Bay, across landscapes untouched by time.

The voyage is far from tranquil. Klein battles violent storms, navigates raging rapids, and crosses lake expanses that mirror oceans. After seven grueling weeks, an utterly exhausted Klein reaches Churchill, Manitoba, but not without facing a life-and-death encounter with an apex predator, a confrontation that brings him face to face with the harsh yet majestic reality of the wild.

As Klein paddles through the endless miles, the journey morphs into more than a physical quest; it becomes a conduit for profound reflections on the intrinsic value of wild places. Not just for the wandering souls of humans, but as irreplaceable havens for the myriad wild creatures that inhabit them. The narrative encapsulates Klein’s evolving insights on the sanctity of these landscapes and the imperative to shield them from the unrelenting grasp of human consumption.

Basic Algebra

BASIC ALGEBRA

This is the best book around to teach the essentials of pre-algebra and first-year algebra in an easy-to-follow, low-anxiety way.

Basic Algebra makes complex ideas simple:

• Teaching material is broken down into one- or two-page lessons, each explaining a single principle.

• Clear explanations mean a minimum of intervention is required.

• Can be used for self-instruction or as a classroom text.

• A special section with practice exercises follows each lesson.

• Chapter checkout tests reinforce individual lessons.