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The Ongoing Moment
Geoff Dyer | Canongate Books

The Ongoing Moment

$10.90 $7.90 28% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$10.90 $7.90 28% off

60% off est. retail
If you find yourself drawn to the subtle dialogues between past and present in art, "The Ongoing Moment" is for you. Geoff Dyer compellingly intertwines the works of renowned photographers, inviting you into a visual conversation that spans decades. It's as much a feast for the imagination as it is a scholarly excursion into photography's heart. This book isn't just about the pictures; it's about connecting the dots in an endless gallery of time.
The Future Dictionary of America: A Book to Benefit Progressive Causes in the 2004 Elections Featuring Over 170 of America's Best Writers and Artists
Jonathan Safran Foer, Dave Eggers, Nicole Krauss  | Mcsweeney's Books

The Future Dictionary of America: A Book to Benefit Progressive Causes in the 2004 Elections Featuring Over 170 of America's Best Writers and Artists

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 3.53

$10.90

If you're intrigued by the intersection of language and politics, "The Future Dictionary of America" could be a stimulating read for you. It's a unique blend of satire and foresight from some of the most creative minds of the time. As it reimagines the English lexicon through a political lens, this book will entertain, provoke thought, and perhaps even inspire your engagement with progressive causes.
Women in Clothes
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Sheila Heti, Heidi Julavits, Leanne Shapton  | Particular Books

Women in Clothes

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 3.94

$3.90

"Women in Clothes" could resonate with you if you enjoy exploring the profound relationship between personal identity and fashion. It's a mosaic of women’s voices offering a kaleidoscopic view into how wardrobe choices reflect and affect our lives. You'll get a sense of intimacy and camaraderie, reading stories that could have easily been shared by a close friend. The book provides depth and meaning to the daily act of getting dressed, illuminating the narratives woven into the very fabric of the clothes we wear.
The Best American Essays of the Century
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Robert Atwan, Joyce Carol Oates  | Mariner Books

The Best American Essays of the Century

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.15

$8.90

74% off est. retail
If you're keen to delve into the minds that have shaped American thought across decades, "The Best American Essays of the Century" offers a rich tapestry. The collection curated by Joyce Carol Oates isn't just a series of essays; it's a conversation across time, reflecting the diversity and depth of American experiences, thought, and identity. Engaging with these pieces is like engaging with history itself—thought-provoking and deeply resonant.
Better Than Fiction: True Travel Tales from Great Fiction Writers
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Alexander McCall Smith, Kurt Andersen, Stefan Merrill Block  | Lonely Planet

Better Than Fiction: True Travel Tales from Great Fiction Writers

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.43

$8.90

Imagine immersing yourself in tales where the narrators usually craft worlds from sheer imagination. In "Better Than Fiction," celebrated fiction writers share personal travel experiences, blurring the lines between the fantastical and the real. This anthology promises to take you on an unexpected journey, showing sides of these authors you've never seen, crafting a profound connection between the art of storytelling and the adventures of travel.
The Moth
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Catherine Burns | Profile Books

The Moth

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.35

$13.90

"The Moth" is like sitting around a communal fire where every person's experience ignites a unique flame. The humanity in these true stories ranges from heart-wrenching to heartwarming, often with a humorous twist. If you're seeking connection through the art of narrative, or just love to hear about the variety of human experience, this book might just be what you need to feel a sense of shared existence.
Comics of Chris Ware: Drawing Is a Way of Thinking
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Martha B. Kuhlman, David M. Ball  | University Press Of Mississippi

Comics of Chris Ware: Drawing Is a Way of Thinking

$21.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$21.90

57% off est. retail
If you have a taste for graphic novels and want to delve into the mind behind them, this book is a window to Chris Ware's intricate world. The way it assesses his unique aesthetic will likely change the way you view comics, elevating them from simple entertainment to complex, thought-provoking art. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the deeper aspects of visual storytelling and the creative process.
Love and Other Ways of Dying
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Michael Paterniti | The Dial Press

Love and Other Ways of Dying

$10.90

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$10.90

If you're drawn to stories that unite the profound with the seemingly mundane, "Love and Other Ways of Dying" could intrigue you. Michael Paterniti's essays traverse the globe, offering an intimate look into the lives of people and events that reverberate with universal truths. Each narrative promises a compassionate gaze into humanity's depths, marrying everyday encounters with the extraordinary - a combination that's sure to linger with you long after the pages are closed.
What Should I Do With My Life?
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Po Bronson | Vintage

What Should I Do With My Life?

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.68

$8.90

You might find Po Bronson's "What Should I Do With My Life?" insightful if you're at a crossroads. Through engaging stories of real people, Bronson uncovers the bravery it takes to pursue one's true calling. This isn't just a set of success stories; it's a collection of transformative journeys that highlight the complexities of finding personal and professional fulfillment. If these resonate, it could be the signpost you're looking for.
Feel Free: Essays
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Zadie Smith | Penguin Books

Feel Free: Essays

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$8.90

If you're someone who likes to delve deep into the intricacies of contemporary culture, politics, and personal experience through a mix of criticism and storytelling, Zadie Smith's "Feel Free: Essays" is for you. Her sharp wit and insightful observations offer readers a panoramic view of our complex social landscape, making it an ideal read for thoughtful contemplators and lovers of rich, engaging prose.
This Idea Must Die: Scientific Theories That Are Blocking Progress
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John Brockman | Harper Perennial

This Idea Must Die: Scientific Theories That Are Blocking Progress

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.51

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

76% off est. retail
Embrace the thought-provoking adventure "This Idea Must Die" offers. It's the mind-stretching opportunity to engage with today's intellectual vanguard as they argue which established scientific concepts should be retired. Blending controversy with insight, each page promises to ignite discussions and encourage you to question the assumptions at the heart of science. Whether you're an avid science enthusiast or just someone who enjoys watching the boundaries of human knowledge being pushed, you'll find yourself hooked on the intellectual daring it delivers.
More Sex Is Safer Sex: The Unconventional Wisdom of Economics
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Steven E. Landsburg | Simon & Schuster Ltd

More Sex Is Safer Sex: The Unconventional Wisdom of Economics

$7.90 $5.90 25% off

Goodreads rating: 3.51

$7.90 $5.90 25% off

62% off est. retail
If you're the kind of person who enjoys having your perspectives challenged, "More Sex Is Safer Sex" might be right up your alley. Steven Landsburg takes economic principles and playfully applies them to unconventional wisdom, creating a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is controversial. Through each page, you'll find yourself questioning the intuitive, which could make dinner conversations a lot more interesting.
Alien Phenomenology, or, What It's Like to Be a Thing
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Ian Bogost | Univ Of Minnesota Press

Alien Phenomenology, or, What It's Like to Be a Thing

$12.90 $10.90 16% off

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$12.90 $10.90 16% off

If you’re intrigued by the philosophy that veers away from human-centric viewpoints, 'Alien Phenomenology' will be a breath of fresh air. Ian Bogost invites you into a world where non-human things take the limelight, helping you to appreciate the complex web of interactions beyond our usual human experience. It's an intellectual journey that reshapes how one views the world.
Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times - Thryft
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Neil Astley | Miramax

Staying Alive: Real Poems for Unreal Times

$10.71 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 4.36

$10.71 $3.90 64% off

85% off est. retail
If you find solace or understanding in verse, "Staying Alive" might just resonate with you profoundly. It's not just a book—it's a companion for those moments when reality feels too intense or surreal. This collection connects readers with a multitude of voices that capture the human experience in a way that both challenges and comforts. Whether you're well-versed in poetry or just dipping your toes in, this anthology offers a powerful reflection on what it means to be alive.
Seven Days In The Art World - Thryft
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Sarah Thornton | Granta

Seven Days In The Art World

$6.74

Goodreads rating: 3.63

$6.74

If you're intrigued by what happens behind the canvas, "Seven Days In The Art World" offers a rich, immersive journey. Thornton's narrative is like a backstage pass to the esoteric and glamorous facets of the art world—you'll feel as if you're right there, from the pressure of the classroom to the buzz of the auction house. It's a must-read for anyone with a passion for modern art and the culture that surrounds it.
Horizontal Vertigo: A City Called Mexico - Thryft
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Alfred MacAdam, Juan Villoro  | Pantheon

Horizontal Vertigo: A City Called Mexico

$7.90

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$7.90

Imagine being able to walk Mexico City's streets, feeling the heartbeat of its history, culture, and the thrills of its everyday quirks right from your reading nook. That's what Juan Villoro offers—a literary journey that paints a city not just as a place, but as a living, breathing character. 'Horizontal Vertigo' is your ticket to experiencing the spirit of the world’s largest Spanish-speaking metropolis, with all its complexities and wonders, without ever leaving home.
Every Time I Find the Meaning of Life, They Change It : Wisdom of the Great Philosophers on How to Live - Thryft
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Daniel Klein | Oneworld

Every Time I Find the Meaning of Life, They Change It : Wisdom of the Great Philosophers on How to Live

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.95

$3.88

A humorous and philosophical trip through life, from the New York Times–bestselling coauthor of Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . . Daniel Klein’s fans have fallen in love with the warm, humorous, and thoughtful way he shows how philosophy resonates in everyday life. Readers of his popular books Plato and a Platypus Walk into a Bar . . . and Travels with Epicurus come for enlightenment and stay for the entertainment.As a young college student studying philosophy, Klein filled a notebook with short quotes from the world’s greatest thinkers, hoping to find some guidance on how to live the best life he could. Now, from the vantage point of his eighth decade, Klein revisits the wisdom he relished in his youth with this collection of philosophical gems, adding new ones that strike a chord with him at the end of his life. From Epicurus to Emerson and Camus to the theologian Reinhold Niebuhr—whose words provided the title of this book—each pithy extract is annotated with Klein’s inimitable charm and insights. In these pages, our favorite jokester–philosopher tackles life’s biggest questions, leaving us chuckling and enlightened.
Oppression and Liberty - Thryft
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Simone Weil | Routledge

Oppression and Liberty

$6.90

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$6.90

Simone Weil's voice resonates with timeless insights, and in "Oppression and Liberty," she delves deep into the human struggle for freedom within the constructs of society. Her ideas on the machinery of oppression and the pursuit of liberty are as relevant today as they were during her lifetime. Her sharp intellect and compassionate reasoning make this a must-read for those who question the balance of power and individual autonomy.
The Complete Polysyllabic Spree - Thryft
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Nick Hornby | Penguin Books

The Complete Polysyllabic Spree

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 3.58

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

82% off est. retail
The Complete Polysyllabic Spree by Nick Hornby is a must-read for avid readers who love reading eclectic literature. Hornby's monthly accounts of what he's read, along with his witty and humorous writing style, make this book a delightful and insightful guide to expand your reading horizons. The book is also perfect for those who are looking to diversify their reading genres and discover new books to fall in love with.
Mortal Questions - Thryft
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Thomas Nagel | Cambridge University Press

Mortal Questions

$7.42

Goodreads rating: 4.07

$7.42

85% off est. retail
Mortal Questions offers a unique perspective on some of the most fundamental issues concerning human life, prompting readers to consider their own attitudes towards topics such as death, sexuality, inequality, war, and political power. Nagel's approach is both theoretical and personal, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read that feels especially relevant in today's complex world.
The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten : And 99 Other Thought Experiments - Thryft
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Julian Baggini | Granta Books

The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten : And 99 Other Thought Experiments

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$8.26

The author presents 100 thought experiments which pose a problem in a vivid and concrete way, and invites the reader to think about possible answers for him/herself. Experiments cover identity, religion, art, ethics, language, knowledge and many more. Baggini offers some ways of approaching each problem.
How To Disappear : Notes on Invisibility in a Time of Transparency - Thryft
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Akiko Busch | Penguin Books

How To Disappear : Notes on Invisibility in a Time of Transparency

$9.67

Goodreads rating: 3.31

$9.67

"How to Disappear" is a thought-provoking book that can resonate with anyone tired of the constant pressure to be visible and "connected." It encourages readers to rediscover the beauty of living a private life by exploring different forms of invisibility and their meaning in today's society. Busch's engaging writing style and personal experiences make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a fulfilling and meaningful life outside the spotlight.
The Consolations of Philosophy - Thryft
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Alain de Botton | Vintage

The Consolations of Philosophy

$7.88

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$7.88

72% off est. retail
The Consolations of Philosophy could be a good read for someone who enjoys practical, yet thought-provoking advice. It offers insights from some of the greatest minds in history, on how to deal with everyday challenges that we face. Alain de Botton writes in a conversational style that makes the book engaging and easy to understand. Reading this book could leave a sense of enlightenment and inspiration that encourages personal growth and resilience.
The Ongoing Moment - Thryft
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Geoff Dyer | Vintage

The Ongoing Moment

$9.95 $6.96 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$9.95 $6.96 30% off

The Ongoing Moment is a must-read for photography enthusiasts. Geoff Dyer's insightful narrative delves into the signature styles of various iconic photographers like Alfred Stieglitz and Diane Arbus, and how they captured everyday objects in unique and fascinating ways. Dyer's storytelling ability breathes life into the photographs, transporting the reader to the time and place where each image was created, making it a fascinating and engaging read.
Spiaking Singlish : A companion to how Singaporeans communicate - Thryft
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Gwee Li Sui | Marshall Cavendish Editions

Spiaking Singlish : A companion to how Singaporeans communicate

$9.05 $6.34 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$9.05 $6.34 30% off

75% off est. retail
If you're interested in Singapore's unique culture and style of communication, "Spiaking Singlish" is the book for you! Gwee Li Sui's collection of articles on Singlish is both entertaining and informative. The included comic strips and quiz are a fun way to test your Singlish knowledge. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about Singaporean life and its fascinating dialect.
Portraits : John Berger on Artists - Thryft
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Tom Overton, John Berger  | Verso

Portraits : John Berger on Artists

$14.49

Goodreads rating: 4.34

$14.49

This book is perfect for art enthusiasts who want to discover new ways of understanding their favorite artists. Berger's unique storytelling style and analysis provides a fresh perspective that will deepen one's appreciation of great artists. Users can expect to be taken on a journey through centuries of art, exploring the works of the most well-known and cherished artists, as well as discovering the hidden gems in the world of art.
You Are Not Special : And Other Encouragements - Thryft
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David McCullough Jr. | Ecco

You Are Not Special : And Other Encouragements

$12.26 $8.58 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.33

$12.26 $8.58 30% off

Recommended for those seeking a refreshing perspective on success, and how pressures of society could impact a person's journey. McCullough Jr's use of humor captures the essence of his message that individuals should focus on fulfilling their passions, rather than chasing society's definition of success.
Stupid Is Forever - Thryft
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Miriam Defensor Santiago, Dark Chapel, Josel Nicolas  | Abs-cbn Publishing Inc.

Stupid Is Forever

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.97

$3.88

Sense of humor is almost absent among politicians, but Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago is a truly talented exception. People are puzzled how she can spontaneously make them laugh in the midst of national policy crises, and of real danger to her life as a corruption fighter.This book is a collection of jokes, one-liners, pick-up lines, conebacks and speeches delivered and/or curated by the beloved Senator. Also, inside are illustrations by Cj de Silva-Ong, Manix Abrera, Elbert Or, Rob Cham and more of the Philippines' best young illustrators.
The Complete Polysyllabic Spree - Thryft
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Nick Hornby | Penguin Books

The Complete Polysyllabic Spree

$7.29

Goodreads rating: 3.57

$7.29

61% off est. retail
Recommended for book lovers and Hornby fans. The book offers diverse, humorous and sometimes unconventional takes on books. It is not only an insightful peek into the mind of one of the celebrated authors of contemporary times, but also a source of great recommendations for books that readers might have not explored yet.
Against Everything : Essays - Thryft
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Mark Greif | Pantheon

Against Everything : Essays

$9.75

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$9.75

In Against Everything, Mark Greif makes us rethink the ordinary, taking our own lives seriously, exploring how we might live an honest life in these dishonest times. In a series of coruscating set pieces, Greif asks why we put ourselves through the pains of exercise, what shopping in organic supermarkets does for our sense of self-worth, what the political identity of the hipster might be, and what happens to us when we listen to too much Radiohead. From such counter-intuitive observations, Greif exposes the fundamental contradictions between our actions, desires and the excuses that we make to ourselves in hope of consolation. With the wit and seriousness of David Foster Wallace, Against Everything is the most thought-provoking study and essential guide to everyday life under 21st-century capitalism.
The Consolations of Philosophy - Thryft
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Alain de Botton | Penguin

The Consolations of Philosophy

$9.73

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$9.73

65% off est. retail
Alternate Cover Edition can be found here. From the internationally heralded author of How Proust Can Change Your Life comes this remarkable new book that presents the wisdom of some of the greatest thinkers of the ages as advice for our day to day struggles.Solace for the broken heart can be found in the words of Schopenhauer. The ancient Greek Epicurus has the wisest, and most affordable, solution to cash flow problems. A remedy for impotence lies in Montaigne. Seneca offers advice upon losing a job. And Nietzsche has shrewd counsel for everything from loneliness to illness. The Consolations of Philosophy is a book as accessibly erudite as it is useful and entertaining.
Think : A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy - Thryft
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Simon Blackburn | Oxford University Press, Usa

Think : A Compelling Introduction to Philosophy

$9.20

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$9.20

Here at last is a coherent, unintimidating introduction to the challenging and fascinating landscape of Western philosophy. Written expressly for "anyone who believes there are big questions out there, but does not know how to approach them," Think provides a sound framework for exploring the most basic themes of philosophy, and for understanding how major philosophers have tackled the questions that have pressed themselves most forcefully on human consciousness.
Daemon Voices : On Stories and Storytelling - Thryft
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Philip Pullman | Vintage

Daemon Voices : On Stories and Storytelling

$10.32

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$10.32

From the internationally best-selling author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, a spellbinding journey into the secrets of his art--the narratives that have shaped his vision, his experience of writing, and the keys to mastering the art of storytelling.One of the most highly acclaimed and best-selling authors of our time now gives us a book that charts the history of his own enchantment with story--from his own books to those of Blake, Milton, Dickens, and the Brothers Grimm, among others--and delves into the role of story in education, religion, and science. At once personal and wide-ranging, Daemon Voices is both a revelation of the writing mind and the methods of a great contemporary master, and a fascinating exploration of storytelling itself.
What Should I Do with My Life? - The True Story of People who Answered the Ultimate Question - Thryft
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Po Bronson | Ballantine Books

What Should I Do with My Life? - The True Story of People who Answered the Ultimate Question

$4.99

Goodreads rating: 3.68

$4.99

“Brimming with stories of sacrifice, courage, commitment and, sometimes, failure, the book will support anyone pondering a major life choice or risk without force-feeding them pat solutions.”— Publishers WeeklyIn  What Should I Do with My Life ? Po Bronson tells the inspirational true stories of people who have found the most meaningful answers to that great question. With humor, empathy, and insight, Bronson writes of remarkable individuals—from young to old, from those just starting out to those in a second career—who have overcome fear and confusion to find a larger truth about their lives and, in doing so, have been transformed by the experience. What Should I Do with My Life?  struck a powerful, resonant chord on publication, causing a multitude of people to rethink their vocations and priorities and start on the path to finding their true place in the world. For this edition, Bronson has added nine new profiles, to further reflect the range and diversity of those who broke away from the chorus to learn the sound of their own voice.
Seven Days In The Art World - Thryft
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Sarah Thornton | Granta

Seven Days In The Art World

$6.74

Goodreads rating: 3.63

$6.74

From London to Beijing to New York, art sales are booming, and the art world receives the sort of breathless media attention once reserved for celebrities and royals. In "Seven Days in the Art World", Sarah Thornton, a brilliant young sociologist, looks at all aspects of buying, selling, and creating serious art. Thornton has exceptional access, and brings a keen critical eye to her coverage of this glamorous milieu, offering the first authoritative account of what is now a multi-billion dollar global marketplace-cum-playground for an ever-expanding number of collectors, investors, and enthusiasts.
On Solitude - Thryft
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Michel de Montaigne | Penguin Uk

On Solitude

$4.90

Goodreads rating: 3.64

$4.90

Blending intellectual speculation with anecdote and personal reflection, the Renaissance thinker and writer Montaigne pioneered the modern essay. This selection contains his idiosyncratic and timeless writings on subjects as varied as the virtues of solitude, the power of the imagination, the pleasures of reading, the importance of sleep and why we sometimes laugh and cry at the same things.
Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction: Tips from Editors, Teachers, and Writers in the Field
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Tara Lynn Masih | Rose Metal Press

Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction: Tips from Editors, Teachers, and Writers in the Field

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$8.26

64% off est. retail
Flash fiction is unique because of its brevity and the challenge it poses to writers to convey a story with precision and clarity. This book seems perfect for you if you're enthusiastic about the art of short storytelling or if you teach or write short fiction yourself. With contributions from established writers and editors, this guide doesn't just delve into the history of flash fiction but also offers practical tips and explores the genre's nuances. It's a literary toolbox that both instructs and inspires.
Keeping On Keeping On - Thryft
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Alan Bennett | Faber & Faber / Profile Books

Keeping On Keeping On

$4.63 $2.00 57% off

Goodreads rating: 4.14

$4.63 $2.00 57% off

A collection of Bennett's diaries and essays, covering 2005 to 2015Alan Bennett's third collection of prose, Keeping On Keeping On, follows in the footsteps of the phenomenally successful Writing Home and Untold Stories. Bringing together the hilarious, revealing, and lucidly intelligent writing of one of England's best-known literary figures, Keeping On Keeping On contains Bennett's diaries from 2005 to 2015--with everything from his much celebrated essays to his irreverent comic pieces and reviews--reflecting on a decade that saw four major theater premieres and the films of The History Boys and The Lady in the Van. A chronicle of one of the most important literary careers of the twentieth century, Keeping On Keeping On is a classic history of a life in letters.
How to Be a Man - Thryft
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Jean-Philippe Delhomme, Glenn O'Brien  | Rizzoli

How to Be a Man

$13.58

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$13.58

The ultimate sartorial and etiquette guide, from the ultimate life and style guru. By turns witty, sardonic, and always insightful, Glenn O’Brien’s advice column has been a must-read for several generations of men (and their spouses and girlfriends). Having cut his teeth as a contributor at Andy Warhol’s Interview in its heyday, O’Brien sharpened them as the creative director of advertising at the hip department store Barneys New York for ten years before starting his advice column at Details magazine in 1996. Eventually his column, "The Style Guy," migrated to its permanent home at GQ magazine, where O’Brien dispenses well-honed knowledge on matters ranging from how to throw a cocktail party (a diverse guest list is a must), putting together a wardrobe for a trip to Bermuda (pack more clothes for less dressing), or when it is appropriate to wear flip-flops in public (never). How To Be a Man is the culmination of O’Brien’s thirty years of accumulated style and etiquette wisdom, distilled through his gimlet eye and droll prose. With over forty chapters on style and fashion (and the difference), on dandies and dudes, grooming and decorating, on how to dress age-appropriately and how to age gracefully, this guide is the new essential read for men of all ages.
More Sex Is Safer Sex: The Unconventional Wisdom Of Economics - Thryft
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Steven E. Landsburg | Free Press

More Sex Is Safer Sex: The Unconventional Wisdom Of Economics

$7.51

Goodreads rating: 3.5

$7.51

A witty and razor-sharp look at the many ways our individually rational decisions can combine into some truly weird collective results—and some hilarious and serious ways to fix just about everything.Economics is no longer the “dismal science” dreaded by college freshmen. In recent years, a band of economists has broken away from the charts and graphs of college textbooks, and begun to explain ordinary behavior in plain and often entertaining English. Steve Landsburg was one of the first of the new breed, in his book The Armchair Economist and long-running “Everyday Economics” column in Slate magazine. Now he is back, and more provocative than ever.In More Sex Is Safer Sex , Landsburg shows how the rational behavior of each one of us—when combined together—produces the often bizarre, seemingly irrational behavior of crowds. We all stand up at the ballpark, so none of us can see. We avoid casual sex, from fear of disease, and we thereby make sex more dangerous. Things really get interesting when Landsburg suggests ways to change the rules, and game the system. Why not charge juries if a convicted felon is exonerated? Why not have each member of Congress represent a national subset of voters, chosen alphabetically? Why not solve the “overpopulation” problem by having more children, who will help think of ways to improve our use of resources?More Sex Is Safer Sex will make you laugh and argue—and it will make you think about the world around you in new and unforgettable ways.
Feel Free : Essays - Thryft
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Zadie Smith | Hamish Hamilton

Feel Free : Essays

$9.34

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$9.34

From Zadie Smith, one of the most beloved authors of her generation, a new collection of essays Since she burst spectacularly into view with her debut novel almost two decades ago, Zadie Smith has established herself not just as one of the world's preeminent fiction writers, but also a brilliant and singular essayist. She contributes regularly to The New Yorker and the New York Review of Books on a range of subjects, and each piece of hers is a literary event in its own right. Arranged into five sections--In the World, In the Audience, In the Gallery, On the Bookshelf, and Feel Free--this new collection poses questions we immediately recognize. What is The Social Network--and Facebook itself--really about? "It's a cruel portrait of us: 500 million sentient people entrapped in the recent careless thoughts of a Harvard sophomore." Why do we love libraries? "Well-run libraries are filled with people because what a good library offers cannot be easily found elsewhere: an indoor public space in which you do not have to buy anything in order to stay." What will we tell our granddaughters about our collective failure to address global warming? "So I might say to her, look: the thing you have to appreciate is that we'd just been through a century of relativism and deconstruction, in which we were informed that most of our fondest-held principles were either uncertain or simple wishful thinking, and in many areas of our lives we had already been asked to accept that nothing is essential and everything changes--and this had taken the fight out of us somewhat." Gathering in one place for the first time previously unpublished work, as well as already classic essays, such as, "Joy," and, "Find Your Beach," Feel Free offers a survey of important recent events in culture and politics, as well as Smith's own life. Equally at home in the world of good books and bad politics, Brooklyn-born rappers and the work of Swiss novelists, she is by turns wry, heartfelt, indignant, and incisive--and never any less than perfect company. This is literary journalism at its zenith.
Where the Past Begins : Memory and Imagination - Thryft
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Amy Tan | Fourth Estate

Where the Past Begins : Memory and Imagination

$4.43

Goodreads rating: 3.56

$4.43

In this frank and intimate memoir, the bestselling author of The Joy Luck Club explores the traumatic childhood that made her a writer, her complex relationship with her father, and the shocking truths uncovered by family memorabilia.
Histories of Nations: How Their Identities Were Forged
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Peter Furtado | Thames & Hudson

Histories of Nations: How Their Identities Were Forged

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.32

$8.90

61% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the multitude of narratives that shape a nation's self-image, "Histories of Nations" is a tapestry of insights you shouldn't miss. It's like having a conversation with 28 scholars, each offering a glimpse into the collective memory of their homeland. This book isn't just an accumulation of dates and events; it's about understanding the heartbeats of nations through the stories they tell themselves.
Missing Out : In Praise of the Unlived Life - Thryft
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Adam Phillips | Farrar, Straus And Giroux

Missing Out : In Praise of the Unlived Life

$10.51

Goodreads rating: 3.48

$10.51

A transformative book about the lives we wish we had and what they can teach us about who we are.All of us lead two parallel lives: the one we are actively living, and the one we feel we should have had or might yet have. As hard as we try to exist in the moment, the unlived life is an inescapable presence, a shadow at our heels. And this itself can become the story of our lives: an elegy to unmet needs and sacrificed desires. We become haunted by the myth of our own potential, of what it might be that we have in ourselves to be or to do. And this can make of our lives a perpetual falling short.But what happens if we remove the idea of failure from this equation? With his flair for graceful paradox, the acclaimed psychoanalyst Adam Phillips suggests that if we accept frustration as a way of outlining what we really want, satisfaction suddenly becomes possible. To crave a life without frustration is to crave a life without the potential to identify and accomplish our desires.In this elegant, compassionate, and absorbing book, Phillips draws deeply on his own clinical experience as well as on the works of Shakespeare and Freud, of Donald Winnicott and William James, to suggest that missing out, getting away with it, and not getting it are all chapters in our unlived lives--and may be essential to the one fully lived.
Chronicles of a Liquid Society - Thryft
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Umberto Eco | Vintage

Chronicles of a Liquid Society

$8.37

Goodreads rating: 3.91

$8.37

Umberto Eco was an international cultural superstar. A celebrated essayist as well as novelist, in this, his last collection, he explores many aspects of the modern world with irrepressible curiosity and wisdom written in his uniquely ironic voice.Written by Eco as articles for his regular column in l’Espresso magazine, he brings his dazzling erudition, incisiveness and keen sense of the everyday to bear on topics such as popular culture and politics, unbridled individualism, conspiracies, the old and the young, mobile phones, mass media, racism, good manners and the crisis in ideological values. It is a final gift to his readers – astute, witty and illuminating.
Missing Out : In Praise of the Unlived Life - Thryft
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Adam Phillips | Penguin Books Ltd

Missing Out : In Praise of the Unlived Life

$7.35

Goodreads rating: 3.48

$7.35

67% off est. retail
Recommendation: This book is perfect for readers who like philosophical contemplation and are interested in exploring the concept of yearning for a life unfulfilled. Adam Phillips offers fascinating insights on how our unlived lives are essential in shaping our character, and how accepting our limitations can lead to a fuller life. With relatable examples and clear arguments, this book provides an engaging read for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves.
The Novel Cure : An A - Z of Literary Remedies - Thryft
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Susan Elderkin, Indrajit Hazra, Ella Berthoud  | Roli Books

The Novel Cure : An A - Z of Literary Remedies

$3.88

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$3.88

This book is perfect for those seeking literary solace. The Novel Cure offers a unique and engaging way to find comfort and community in books. The book's most distinctive feature is its categorization of books as remedies for a range of emotions and issues. This creates a personalized reading list to help readers with a multitude of experiences. The Novel Cure is recommended for readers looking to expand their literary horizons while also finding comfort and meaningful connections with themselves and others.
The Consolations of Philosophy
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Alain de Botton | Penguin Group (australia)

The Consolations of Philosophy

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.01

$8.90

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges, you might find comfort and clarity in Alain de Botton's "The Consolations of Philosophy." It's like having time-tested friends, in the form of great philosophers, guiding you through modern-day issues such as heartbreak and career setbacks. De Botton translates ancient wisdom into practical advice for the contemporary reader, making philosophy accessible and relevant to your life.
Beyond the Wall : Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, From A Game of Thrones to A Dance with Dragons - Thryft
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Andrew Zimmerman Jones, James Lowder, Myke Cole  | Benbella Books, Inc.

Beyond the Wall : Exploring George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, From A Game of Thrones to A Dance with Dragons

$3.23 $2.00 38% off

Goodreads rating: 3.73

$3.23 $2.00 38% off

89% off est. retail
Foreword by New York Times bestselling author R.A. Salvatore Go beyond the Wall and across the narrow sea with this collection about George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, from A Game of Thrones to A Dance with Dragons.The epic game of thrones chronicled in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series has captured the imaginations of millions of readers. In Beyond the Wall, bestselling authors and acclaimed critics offer up thought-provoking essays and compelling insights:Daniel Abraham reveals the unique challenges of adapting the original books into graphic novels.Westeros.org founders Linda Antonsson and Elio M. Garcia, Jr., explore the series' complex heroes and villains, and their roots in the Romantic movement.Wild Cards contributor Caroline Spector delves into the books' controversial depictions of power and gender. Plus much more, from military science fiction writer Myke Cole on the way Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder shapes many of the leading characters to author and television writer Ned Vizzini on the biases against genre fiction that color critical reactions to the series.Contributors: R.A. Salvatore (foreword)Daniel AbrahamLinda AntonssonMyke ColeElio M. Garcia, Jr.Brent HartingerJohn Jos. MillerAlyssa RosenbergJesse ScobleCaroline SpectorMatt StaggsSusan VaughtNed VizziniGary WestfahlAdam WhiteheadAndrew Zimmerman Jones
The Myth Of Sisyphus - Thryft
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Albert Camus, Justin O'Brien  | Penguin

The Myth Of Sisyphus

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$3.90

Inspired by the myth of a man condemned to ceaselessly push a rock up a mountain and watch it roll back to the valley below, The Myth of Sisyphus transformed twentieth-century philosophy with its impassioned argument for the value of life in a world without religious meaning.Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves - and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives - and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization and helped make us who we are.