Controversial Essays

Controversial Essays

Thomas Sowell

Nonfiction / Social Sciences / History

One of conservatism's most articulate voices dissects today's most important economic, racial, political, education, legal, and social issues, sharing his entertaining and thought-provoking insights on a wide range of contentious subjects. —"This book contains an abundance of wisdom on a large number of economic issues." —Mises Review
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In Defense of Animals

In Defense of Animals

Peter Singer

Philosophy / Social Sciences

Bringing together new essays by philosophers and activists, In Defense of Animals: The Second Wave highlights the new challenges facing the animal rights movement. Exciting new collection edited by controversial philosopher Peter Singer, who made animal rights into an international concern when he first published In Defence of Animals and Animal Liberation over thirty years ago Essays explore new ways of measuring animal suffering, reassess the question of personhood, and draw highlight tales of effective advocacy Lays out "Ten Tips for Activists", taking the reader beyond ethical theory and into the day-to-day campaigns for animal rightsThe EPUB format of this title may not be compatible for use on all handheld devices.
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Mississippi Manhunt

Mississippi Manhunt

R. Barri Flowers

Mystery & Thrillers / Social Sciences / Young Adult

Witness. Survivor.And a killer's final victim?When a serial killer breaks out of prison, he's got his sights set on Nikki Sullivan, the only witness to his criminal past. But for Special Agent Gavin Lynley, this is one case he's determined to solve. Haunted by the tragic history they share, Nikki and Gavin can't risk letting down their guard even for a moment. And their growing closeness is a distraction neither can afford. Now, with the killer closing in, Nikki's survival skills will be put to the ultimate test...and so will the connection she shares with her high-level protector.From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.Discover more action-packed stories in The Lynleys of Law Enforcement series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order: Book 1:...
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A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles

A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles

Thomas Sowell

Nonfiction / Social Sciences / History

In this classic work, Thomas Sowell analyzes the two competing visions that shape our debates about the nature of reason, justice, equality, and power: the “constrained” vision, which sees human nature as unchanging and selfish, and the “unconstrained” vision, in which human nature is malleable and perfectible. He describes how these two radically opposed views have manifested themselves in the political controversies of the past two centuries, including such contemporary issues as welfare reform, social justice, and crime. Updated to include sweeping political changes since its first publication in 1987, this revised edition of A Conflict of Visions offers a convincing case that ethical and policy disputes circle around the disparity between both outlooks.From Publishers WeeklySowell, an economist and author (The Economics and Politics of Race, etc.), presents a provocative analysis of the conflicting visions of human nature that have shaped the moral, legal and economic life of recent times. For the past 200 years, he writes, two visions ofor "gut feelings" abouthow the world works, have dominated: the constrained vision, which views man as unchanged, limited and dependent on evolved social processes (market economies, constitutional law, etc.); and the unconstrained vision, which argues for man's potential and perfectability, and the possibility of rational planning for social solutions. Examining the views of thinkers who reflect these constrained (Adam Smith) and unconstrained (William Godwin) visions, Sowell shows how these powerful and subjective visions give rise to carefully constructed social theories. His discussion of how these conflicting attitudes ultimately produce clashes over equality, social justice and other issues is instructive. Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library JournalThis latest work by Sowell examines two competing visions which shape our debates about the nature of reason, justice, equality, and power. These visions are the "constrained" vision, which sees human nature as unchanging and selfish, and the "unconstrained" vision, in which human nature is malleable and perfectible. The book builds a convincing case that ethical and policy disputes are ultimately based on the differences in these visions. It covers a wide variety of political, philosophical, and economic thought. Although occasionally abstract, this volume is an important contribution to our understanding of current social issues. Recommended for large public and all college and university libraries. Richard C. Schiming, Economics Dept., Mankato State Univ., Minn.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Changing Grace

Changing Grace

Elizabeth Marshall

Social Sciences / Historical Fiction

Alone in a foreign city, haunted by the ghost of Robert Hamilton and confronted with a portrait of herself painted four hundred years ago, Grace Evans has every reason to doubt her sanity.‘Haunting Grace’, ‘Changing Grace’ and ‘Saving Grace’ have been published in short story form to allow readers the opportunity to sample Ms Marshall’s work. These three books are part of a much larger piece of work; the ‘Highland Secret Series’.‘Beyond Time’ is a compilation of the three ‘Grace’ books and is the second book in the ‘Highland Secret Series’. ‘Beyond Time’ will soon be available in both ebook and paperback format.The first book in the ‘Highland Secret Series’ is ‘When Fate Dictates’; a full 90 000 word novel set in the Scottish Highlands and York and is available as an ebook and paperback.The third book of the series, ‘Entwined’, is due for release shortly and will also be available in ebook and paperback format.
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Murder of the Hula Dancers

Murder of the Hula Dancers

R. Barri Flowers

Mystery & Thrillers / Social Sciences / Young Adult

Maui County homicide detective and composite sketch artist Leila Kahana and her partner Detective Jonny Chung investigate the murders of beautiful hula dancers by a serial killer dubbed the "Hula Killer." Each victim was stabbed to death. As they chase leads and suspects, Leila starts to believe that Chung might be a dirty cop. But should she act on her suspicions and report it to her boss Lieutenant Blake Seymour?In the meantime, Leila is in the midst of a new relationship with handsome restaurateur Maxwell Kishimoto. When he asks her to marry him, she's conflicted due to her conservative upbringing, career, and independence.Also in the Homicide Unit, Detectives Trent Ferguson and Rachel Lancaster investigate the murder of a woman whose charred corpse was found in a vehicle along a deserted road. Could solving one case help solve the other? Or be an impediment?As the Hula Killer continues to evade capture with the body count rising, Leila volunteers to go undercover as a hula dancer to try and flush out the murderer. But is the cunning killer one step ahead of them? Is Leila putting her life at risk to become another one of his victims?
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Gamma Nine (Book One)

Gamma Nine (Book One)

Christi Smit

Social Sciences / Religion & Spirituality

We thought we were the kings of the known universe. But something ancient, a ravenous evil, had been waiting for our race to free it from its planet-sized prison. It carved a bloody path through our star kingdom, consuming everything in its path. The Titans were our last hope against the Beast’s insatiable hunger. Would the Titans stand against evil, or fall before it?
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Haunting Grace

Haunting Grace

Elizabeth Marshall

Social Sciences / Historical Fiction

Having endured years of an abusive marriage, Grace Evans finally walks out on her loveless marriage and boards a train for York. Within hours of arriving in the ancient city, her life is changed forever by a portrait in her hotel room. ‘Haunting Grace’, ‘Changing Grace’ and ‘Saving Grace’ have been published in short story form to allow readers the opportunity to sample Ms Marshall’s work. These three books are part of a much larger piece of work; the ‘Highland Secret Series’.‘Beyond Time’ is a compilation of the three ‘Grace’ books and is the second book in the ‘Highland Secret Series’. ‘Beyond Time’ will soon be available in both ebook and paperback format.The first book in the ‘Highland Secret Series’ is ‘When Fate Dictates’; a full 90 000 word novel set in the Scottish Highlands and York and is available as an ebook and paperback.The third book of the series, ‘Entwined’, is due for release shortly and will also be available in ebook and paperback format.
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The Democracy Project

The Democracy Project

David Graeber

Social Sciences / History / Politics

A bold rethinking of the most powerful political idea in the world--democracy--and the story of how radical democracy can yet transform America Democracy has been the American religion since before the Revolution--from New England town halls to the multicultural democracy of Atlantic pirate ships. But can our current political system, one that seems responsive only to the wealthiest among us and leaves most Americans feeling disengaged, voiceless, and disenfranchised, really be called democratic? And if the tools of our democracy are not working to solve the rising crises we face, how can we--average citizens--make change happen? David Graeber, one of the most influential scholars and activists of his generation, takes readers on a journey through the idea of democracy, provocatively reorienting our understanding of pivotal historical moments, and extracts their lessons for today--from the birth of Athenian democracy and the founding of the United...
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Teen Ghost at Dead Lake

Teen Ghost at Dead Lake

R. Barri Flowers

Mystery & Thrillers / Social Sciences / Young Adult

When sixteen year old Paige Preston and her mother relocated to Dead Lake, Michigan, they were unaware that a seventeen year old previous resident of their house had killed himself by jumping off a cliff into the lake six months earlier.But was it really suicide?Noah Snyder is a ghost. At least he thinks so. Only he's not sure how he died. He recruits the cute Paige to help him get to the bottom of the mystery so he can move on.Before he died, Noah was the captain of the boys swim team and popular at Dead Lake High School. He had also suffered from depression after losing his father when Noah was just a boy.Paige, who had initially believed she was dealing with an imposter Noah, is stunned to find that he is a real ghost and that there were more than a few people who may have wanted him dead. Being attracted to a cute teen ghost is no small feat as Paige tries to adjust to life in a new town and help unravel the mystery of his death. In the process, she soon finds herself in danger as someone wants to keep a deadly secret at all costs.
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The Quest for Cosmic Justice

The Quest for Cosmic Justice

Thomas Sowell

Nonfiction / Social Sciences / History

This book is about the great moral issues underlying many of the headline-making political controversies of our times. It is not a comforting book but a book about disturbing and dangerous trends. The Quest for Cosmic Justice shows how confused conceptions of justice end up promoting injustice, how confused conceptions of equality end up promoting inequality, and how the tyranny of social visions prevents many people from confronting the actual consequences of their own beliefs and policies. Those consequences include the steady and dangerous erosion of fundamental principles of freedom -- amounting to a quiet repeal of the American revolution.The Quest for Cosmic Justice is the summation of a lifetime of study and thought about where we as a society are headed -- and why we need to change course before we do irretrievable damage.
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