LITMIR.BIZ

"Oates's introduction to Akashic's noir volume dedicated to the Garden State, with its evocative definition of the genre, is alone worth the price of the book . . . Poems by C.K. Williams, Paul Muldoon, and others–plus photos by Gerald Slota–enhance this distinguished entry."–Publishers Weekly"It was inevitable that this fine noir series would reach New Jersey. It took longer than some readers might have wanted, but, oh boy, was it worth the wait . . . More than most of the entries in the series, this volume is about mood and atmosphere more than it is about plot and character . . . It should go without saying that regular readers of the noir series will seek this one out, but beyond that, the book also serves as a very good introduction to what is a popular but often misunderstood term and style of writing."–Booklist, Starred Review"A lovingly collected assortment of tales and poems that range from the disturbing to the darkly humorous."–Shelf AwarenessFeaturing brand-new stories (and a few poems) by: Joyce Carol Oates, Jonathan Safran Foer, Robert Pinsky, Edmund White & Michael Carroll, Richard Burgin, Paul Muldoon, Sheila Kohler, C.K. Williams, Gerald Stern, Lou Manfredo, S.A. Solomon, Bradford Morrow, Jonathan Santlofer, Jeffrey Ford, S.J. Rozan, Barry N. Malzberg & Bill Pronzini, Hirsh Sawhney, and Robert Arellano.From the introduction by Joyce Carol Oates:". . . The most civilized and 'decent' among us find that we are complicit with the most brutal murderers. We enter into literally unspeakable alliances–of which we dare not speak except through the obliquities and indirections of fiction, poetry, and visual art of the sort gathered here in New Jersey Noir."

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Included in MTV.com's «These 17 Music-Themed YA Books Could Be Your Life»A selection of the Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Program."Meno gives his proverbial coming-of-age tale a punk-rock edge, as seventeen-year-old Chicagoan Brian Oswald tries to land his first girlfriend…Meno ably explores Brian's emotional uncertainty and his poignant youthful search for meaning…His gabby, heartfelt, and utterly believable take on adolescence strikes a winning chord."–Publishers Weekly"A funny, hard-rocking first-person tale of teenage angst and discovery."–Booklist"Captures the loose, fun, recklessness of midwestern punk."–MTV.com"Captures both the sweetness and sting of adolescence with unflinching honesty."–Entertainment Weekly"Joe Meno writes with the energy, honesty, and emotional impact of the best punk rock. From the opening sentence to the very last word, Hairstyles of the Damned held me in his grip."–Jim DeRogatis, pop music critic, Chicago Sun-Times"The most authentic young voice since J.D. Salinger's Holden Caulfield…A darn good book."–Daily Southtown"Sensitive, well-observed, often laugh-out-loud funny…You won't regret a moment of the journey."–Chicago Tribune"Meno is a romantic at heart. Not the greeting card kind, or the Harlequin paperback version, but the type who thinks, deep down, that things matter, that art can change lives."–Elgin Courier News"Funny and charming and sad and real. The adults are sparingly yet poignantly drawn, especially the fathers, who slip through without saying much but make a profound impression."–Chicago Journal"Underneath his angst, Brian, the narrator of Hairstyles of the Damned, possesses a disarming sense of compassion which allows him to worm his way into the reader's heart. It is this simple contradiction that makes Meno's portrait of adolescence so convincing: He has dug up and displayed for us the secret paradox of the teenage years, the desire to belong pitted against the need for individuality–a constant clash of hate and love."–NewPages.com"Joe Meno knows Chicago's south side the way Jane Goodall knew chimps and apes–which is to say, he really knows it. He also knows about the early '90s, punk rock, and awkward adolescence. Best of all, he knows the value of entertainment. Hairstyles of the Damned is proof positive."–John McNally, author of The Book of Ralph"Filled with references to dozens of bands and mix-tape set lists, the book's heart and soul is driven by a teenager's life-changing discovery of punk's social and political message…Meno's alter ego, Brian Oswald, is a modern-day Holden Caulfield…It's a funny, sweet, and, at times, hard-hitting story with a punk vibe."–Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times"Meno's language is rhythmic and honest, expressing things proper English never could. And you've got to hand it to the author, who pulled off a very good trick: The book is punk rock. It's not just punk rock. It's not just about punk rock; it embodies the idea of punk rock; it embodies the idea of punk–it's pissed off at authority, it won't groom itself properly, and it irritates. Yet its rebellious spirit is inspiring and right on the mark."–SF WeeklyHairstyles of the Damned is the debut novel of our Punk Planet Books imprint, which originates from Punk Planet magazine.Hairstyles of the Damned is an honest, true-life depiction of growing up punk on Chicago's south side: a study in the demons of racial intolerance, Catholic school conformism, and class repression. It is the story of the riotous exploits of Brian, a high school burnout, and his best friend, Gretchen, a punk rock girl fond of brawling. Based on the actual events surrounding a Chicago high school's segregated prom, this work of fiction unflinchingly pursues the truth in discovering what it means to be your own person.

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Best anthology of Portland literature ever published. Local interest will be through the roof.

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This guidebook covers the iconic Overland Track in Tasmania's stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. The well-maintained 80km route from Cradle Valley to Lake St Clair is described over seven stages, along with optional sidetrips to the area's many accessible peaks including Mt Ossa, Tasmania's highest mountain. The track can be completed in between 5 and 9 days, depending on fitness and whether hikers undertake sidetrips.
Each stage features clear 1:50,000 mapping and profiles alongside detailed route description. The guide also includes essential practical information about booking onto the track and arranging permits, as well as comprehensive notes about the facilities available at each of the Overland huts. The extensive plant and animal section provides photos and descriptions of the eclectic range of wildlife that can be spotted along the track, and many of these fascinating species are found nowhere else on Earth.
The Overland Track crosses Tasmania's spectacular wild landscape, travelling through buttongrass moorland and rainforests, passing tranquil lakes and impressive waterfalls. Although more physically and technically challenging than the main route, the track's sidetrips are well worth the effort in good weather for the panoramic views they offer of the stunning Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

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Letters home detail the life, travels, and studies of a young artist immersing herself in Eastern spiritual and artistic traditions during the late 60s and early 70s. Before the Internet, texting, and social media were ubiquituous, Stablein travels through India, Nepal, and Tibet on a journey from girlhood to adulthood and eventually motherhood.

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Join writer and motorcyclist George Lockyer and hit the road with him as he circumnavigates the wide brown land of Australia on his Kawasaki KLR 650 «Percy». On his ride through the awe-inspiring landscapes of this ancient land George interviews in his laid-back style, a cavalcade of colourful characters. From iconic country singer John Williamson and former leader of the opposition DR Brendon Nelson to among others, cattleman, indigenous author, restorer, journalist and multi-millionaire Tuna Baron. We also get to hear the stories of fellow travellers, well-met at roadhouses or «on the road.» At times hilarious but often philosophical, thoughtful and instructive, this travelogue is a must for fans of a rattling good read or anyone planning a road trip.

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John Cherrington and his seventy-four year old walking companion set out one fine morning in May to traverse the only English footpath that cuts south through the rural heart of the country, a formidable path called the Macmillan Way. Cherrington’s walking partner is Karl Yzerman, an irascible “bull of the woods”, a full twenty years his senior and the perfect foil to the wry and self-deprecating author. Their journey begins at Boston on the Wash and takes them through areas of outstanding beauty such as the Cotswolds, Somerset, and Dorset, all the way to Chesil Beach. Their ultimate destination is Cadbury Castle, a hillfort that many archeologists believe to be the likely location of King Arthur’s legendary centre of operations in the late 5th century when he—or some other prominent British warrior chieftain—made his last stand against the Saxons. Along the way the unlikely duo experiences many adventures, including a serious crime scene, a bull attack, several ghosts, a brothel, and the English themselves. On virtually every page of the book the historical merges with the magic of the footpath, with Cherrington making astute, often humorous observations on the social, cultural and culinary mores of the English, all from a very North American perspective.

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"Britain's Best Historic Sites" takes the reader on a journey around this ancient land, detailing over 80 of the most important and fascinating of Britain's historic remains from 8000BC to the 20th century. From excavations of everyday life found in forgotten highways and Roman villas to areas of great spiritual significance, such as stone circles and medieval churches, as well as sites that were key to the Industrial Revolution, this book uncovers the amazing heritage that can be found across Britain. It features sites that include: Stonehenge, Wiltshire; Castlerigg Stone Circle, Cumbria; Callanish, Isle of Lewis; Fishbourne Roman Palace, West Sussex; Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland; Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset; Lindisfarne, Northumberland; Tower of London, London; Dover Castle, Kent; The George Inn, London; and, Ironbridge, Shropshire.

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Meandering through the London metropolis are the city’s many waterways. From the mighty Thames to tranquil streams, from historic wharves to buzzing docklands, the 21 walks in this book follow these waters, revealing a hidden London full of history, discovery and surprises. Professional walking guide Gilly Cameron-Cooper has carefully selected the best routes to uncover the capital’s distinct waterways. An enthusiastic explorer, she will lead you alongside docks, rivers and canals in the footsteps of Roman traders, Tudor adventurers and Victorian engineers. These paths will take you past iconic landmarks, great feats of engineering and a variety of lesser-known treasures. London’s rivers and canals were once pulsing arteries of industry, but today they provide a haven for wildlife and walkers alike. Here you will find green and peaceful retreats by the water, just moments away from the bustle of sprawling suburbia. Full colour photographs, clear maps and practical route directions make Walking London’s Waterways the essential companion for discovering a new side to London.

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This beautifully photographed guidebook takes you on a gastronomic tour of more than 100 of London’s finest food experiences, shops, services, and trends. You’ll discover the best bakers, butchers, cheesemongers, chocolatiers, delicatessens, fishmongers, food halls, farmers' markets, grocers, wine merchants, and world food stores, visiting famous names and uncovering hidden gems. Maps at the beginning of every chapter help you find your way to your chosen attraction, with stunning color photographs of the food and people involved.

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