Ballad of Books

This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that the perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite. Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

At forty-four, Tom Jokinen decided to quit his job in order to become an apprentice undertaker, setting out to ask the What is the right thing to do when someone dies? With the marketplace offering new options (go green, go anti-corporate, go Disney, be packed into an artificial reef and dropped in the Atlantic...), is there still room for tradition? In a year of adventures both hair-raising and hilarious, Jokinen finds a world that is radically changed since Jessica Mitford revised The American Way of Death , more surprising than Six Feet Under , and even funnier and more illuminating than Stiff . If Bill Bryson were to apprentice at a funeral home, searching for the meaning of life and death, you'd have Curtains . Genres: Nonfiction Death Memoir Biography Memoir Canada Religion Adult Anthropology Humor

The chilling dual existence of some of history's most infamous murderers. This gripping exploration reveals how seemingly ordinary neighbors concealed their sinister secrets, blending into society while committing heinous crimes. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Estep exposes the dark realities lurking behind closed doors.

In this book review we explore the profound insights of this captivating book that reveals the beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. Through evocative prose and enlightening examples, the author invites us to appreciate the subtle, often overlooked details of life, encouraging a shift in perspective that celebrates the natural cycle of growth and decay. This review delves into the core principles of Wabi Sabi, examining how they can transform our approach to aesthetics, relationships, and personal growth, offering a refreshing antidote to the relentless pursuit of perfection in modern society.

Game of Thrones: Where Thinking Hurts So, there's this show called "Game of Thrones", based on some thick books about knights with questionable morals and ladies with too much time for fancy hairdos. Anyway, some egghead decided this whole mess was, like, super deep and wrote a whole book on the "philosophy" of it. Murdery Kings and Family Drama – the Good Stuff: Basically, this book asks questions like, "Is it okay to murder your family if they're in the way of your throne?" and "How gross is it REALLY to sleep with your sibling?" Whoa, spoiler alert! Dragons, Ice Zombies, and...Aristotle?: They talk about dragons and magical ice monsters right alongside dudes like Plato and... some guy named Nietzsche? Who knew a show with sword fights could make your brain work so hard?

"Double Dexter" is the sixth novel in the Dexter series written by Jeff Lindsay. In this installment, Dexter Morgan, the blood-spatter analyst with a dark secret, continues his double life as a forensic expert and a vigilante serial killer. Facing a new set of challenges, Dexter finds himself entangled in a series of gruesome murders while navigating his own complex relationships. As he battles both personal and professional dilemmas, Dexter's dark sense of humor and moral ambiguity add a unique and intriguing layer to this gripping psychological thriller.

Tess Thorne, a famous mystery writer, faces a long drive home following a book signing engagement. Advised to take a shortcut at the suggestion of the event’s planner, Tess sets out for home, well after dark. On a lonely stretch of New England road, her tire blows out, and when a man in a pick up stops, it is not to help her, but to repeatedly assault her and leave her for dead. Tess survives, and she plots a revenge that will bring her face-to-face with another stranger: the one inside herself, capable of gruesome violence.

Starting in 2001, much of the world media used the image of Osama bin Laden as a shorthand for terrorism. Bin Laden himself considered media manipulation on a par with military, political, and ideological tools, and intentionally used interviews, taped speeches, and distributed statements to further al-Qaida's ends. In Covering Bin Laden , editors Susan Jeffords and Fahed Yahya Al-Sumait collect perspectives from global scholars exploring a startling that media depictions of Bin Laden not only diverge but often contradict each other, depending on the media provider and format, the place in which the depiction is presented, and the viewer's political and cultural background. The contributors analyze the representations of the many Bin Ladens, ranging from Al Jazeera broadcasts to video games. They examine the media's dominant role in shaping our understanding of terrorists and why/how they should be feared, and they engage with the ways the mosaic of Bin Laden images and narratives have influenced policies and actions around the world.

A captivating journey through India’s past and present, exploring how its diverse geography shaped its history, culture, and identity.

Books are portals to other worlds, but be careful which one you step through.

Books discussed in this episode: A Life in Stitches: Knitting My Way through Love, Loss, and Laughter by Rachael Herron Weirdest War Two: Extraordinary Tales and Unbelievable Facts from the Second World War by M J Trow The Geography of India: Sacred and Historic Places by Kenneth Pletcher Be The Dog: How To Start (And More Importantly) Finish Your Novel by Brian Yansky Bizarre, Creepy Hoaxes by Kelly Barnhill Khushwant Singh's Big Book of Malice by Khushwant Singh Aurangzeb: The Man and the Myth by Audrey Truschke Buddhism 101: From Karma to the Four Noble Truths, Your Guide to Understanding the Principles of Buddhism by Arnie Kozak Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War by Max Hastings Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama by Bob Odenkirk Confessions of a Funeral Director: How the Business of Death Saved My Life by Caleb Wilde Consider This: Moments in My Writing Life After Which Everything Was Different by Chuck Palahniuk Snuff by Chuck Palahniuk Culture: 50 Insights from Mythology by Devdutt Pattanaik

Books discussed in this episode: Anvils, Mallets & Dynamite: The Unauthorized Biography of Looney Tunes by Jaime Weinman Porn King: The Autobiography of John C. Holmes by Holmes, John Curtis The Complete Sherlock Holmes, Volume I by Doyle, Arthur Conan Killer Kids Volume 10: 22 Shocking True Crime Cases of Kids Who Kill by Keller, Robert What's A Lemon Squeezer Doing In My Vagina?: A Memoir of Infertility by Rajagopal, Rohini S. A Weird and Wild Beauty: The Story of Yellowstone, the World's First National Park by Peabody, Erin Plato's " Republic " : A Biography - A Book That Shook the World by Blackburn, Simon Gatsby in New Delhi by Deb, Siddhartha Harry Potter and International Relations by Nexon, Daniel H.

Books discussed in this episode: The Incest Diary by Anonymous Judge This Cover by Brittany Renner Wuhan Diary: Dispatches from a Quarantined City by Fang Fang

Step into the glittering world of the 1920s, where champagne flows like a river and dreams hang in the balance. In this episode of "Ballad of Books" with your host Arjun, we journey through F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," a novel that sparkles with alliteration, intrigue, and introspection.

In this episode of Ballad of Books, host Arjun takes you on a captivating literary journey through the pages of "Indira Gandhi: A Life in Nature" by Jairam Ramesh. Delve into the life of India's iconic leader, Indira Gandhi, not as a politician but as an environmental advocate. Discover how her passion for the natural world unfolded in unexpected places, from the confines of a prison cell to the corridors of power. Arjun explores the nuances of this memoir, which blends history, biography, and environmental advocacy with the precision of a symphony conductor. Join him as he discusses Indira's transformation into an environmental champion, her struggles with decision-making at the highest levels of government, and the delicate balance between development and conservation. Through personal and official correspondence, you'll gain insight into Indira's deep connection to the environment. Explore her legacy as both a wildlife enthusiast and a policy-maker, and understand the contemporary relevance of her environmental decisions. You'll hear insights into Indira's environmental convictions and how she might have responded to today's environmental challenges. It's a thought-provoking episode that urges us all to consider our role as stewards of the Earth and the urgency of protecting our environment. Tune in to this episode and let the eloquence of language and the power of storytelling inspire you to embrace your responsibility in the battle to conserve the environment.

In this electrifying episode of Ballad of Books, host Arjun delves deep into the heart of Margaret Atwood's dystopian masterpiece, "The Handmaid's Tale." Prepare to be captivated we dissect the novel's themes, characters, and its eerie parallels to our own world. A riveting analysis of the book's profound impact on literature and society. Don't miss this thought-provoking journey through the dark corridors of Gilead, where words become weapons and hope burns brighter than ever. Stay tuned for a poignant closing message that will leave you with a newfound sense of purpose in today's turbulent world.

In this captivating podcast episode, we delve deep into the enchanting world of Harry Potter and explore how the personal experiences and journey of author J.K. Rowling shaped the magical universe we all know and love. Join us as we unravel the connections between Rowling's life and the iconic characters, themes, and stories that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide. From her struggles to her triumphs, we'll uncover the hidden threads that wove the tapestry of Harry Potter's enchanting world, making it a timeless literary phenomenon. Whether you're a die-hard Potterhead or simply curious about the creative forces behind one of the most beloved book series in history, this episode is sure to cast a spell on your imagination.

Join Arjun as he ventures into the mesmerizing world of Bruce Chatwin's "In Patagonia." From dinosaur hunts to encounters with eccentric characters, this episode explores the magic and mystery of the remote Patagonian landscapes. Get ready for a literary journey that will leave you feeling like you've traveled to the end of the Earth and back.

Join us in this episode as we lean into Sheryl Sandberg's empowering book, 'Lean In.' We explore the book's invaluable insights on career, ambition, and gender equality. Discover how leaning in can lead to personal and professional growth, and learn from the stories that inspire us to embrace our aspirations and break down barriers. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will motivate you to lean into your own journey towards success.

In this episode of "Ballad of Books," we take a poignant journey into the heart of one of the most iconic symbols of New York City. The left tower of the World Trade Center narrates its harrowing experience during the 9/11 attacks, sharing its perspective on the tragedy that shook the world. Through its narrative, we explore themes of resilience, tragedy, and heroism, pondering the fragility of life and the enduring hope for a more peaceful world. Join host Arjun as we step into the shoes of a silent witness to history, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on that fateful day.