Blue Ticket


Book Description

From the author of the Booker Prize longlisted novel The Water Cure comes another mesmerizing, refracted vision of our society: What if the life you're given is the wrong one? "Blue Ticket adds something new to the dystopian tradition set by Orwell’s 1984 or Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale." —New York Times Book Review Calla knows how the lottery works. Everyone does. On the day of your first bleed, you report to the station to learn what kind of woman you will be. A white ticket grants you marriage and children. A blue ticket grants you a career and freedom. You are relieved of the terrible burden of choice. And once you've taken your ticket, there is no going back. But what if the life you're given is the wrong one? When Calla, a blue-ticket woman, begins to question her fate, she must go on the run. Pregnant and desperate, Calla must contend with whether or not the lottery knows her better than she knows herself—and what that might mean for her child. With Blue Ticket, Sophie Mackintosh has created another mesmerizing, refracted vision of our world that explores the impossible decisions women have to make when society restricts their choices.




Dark Blue 100 Ride Bus Ticket


Book Description

When Carlo and his mother, Jessica, accept a free bus ticket to the supermarket at the end of the world they are really only being polite. But the wonderful supermarket turns out to be real, and so are the horrible howling Dowlers who are plotting to destroy it. What begins as fun and laughter becomes violent and dangerous, and a pair of resourceful children will need all their courage if the Dowlers are to be defeated. Suggested level: primary.




The Water Cure


Book Description




Pattern Recognition


Book Description

'Part-detective story, part-cultural snapshot . . . all bound by Gibson's pin-sharp prose' Arena -------------- THE FIRST NOVEL IN THE BLUE ANT TRILIOGY - READ ZERO HISTORY AND SPOOK COUNTRY FOR MORE Cayce Pollard has a new job. She's been offered a special project: track down the makers of an addictive online film that's lighting up the internet. Hunting the source will take her to Tokyo and Moscow and put her in the sights of Japanese hackers and Russian Mafia. She's up against those who want to control the film, to own it - who figure breaking the law is just another business strategy. The kind of people who relish turning the hunter into the hunted . . . A gripping spy thriller by William Gibson, bestselling author of Neuromancer. Part prophesy, part satire, Pattern Recognition skewers the absurdity of modern life with the lightest and most engaging of touches. Readers of Neal Stephenson, Ray Bradbury and Iain M. Banks won't be able to put this book down. -------------- 'Fast, witty and cleverly politicized' Guardian 'A big novel, full of bold ideas . . . races along like an expert thriller' GQ 'Dangerously hip. Its dialogue and characterization will amaze you. A wonderfully detailed, reckless journey of espionage and lies' USA Today 'A compelling, humane story with a sympathetic heroine searching for meaning and consolation in a post-everything world' Daily Telegraph 'Electric, profound. Gibson's descriptions of Tokyo, Russia and London are surreally spot-on' Financial Times




Come from Away


Book Description

From the bestselling author of Tides of Honour and Promises to Keep comes a poignant novel about a young couple caught on opposite sides of the Second World War. In the fall of 1939, Grace Baker’s three brothers, sharp and proud in their uniforms, board Canadian ships headed for a faraway war. Grace stays behind, tending to the homefront and the general store that helps keep her small Nova Scotian community running. The war, everyone says, will be over before it starts. But three years later, the fighting rages on and rumours swirl about “wolf packs” of German U-Boats lurking in the deep waters along the shores of East Jeddore, a stone’s throw from Grace’s window. As the harsh realities of war come closer to home, Grace buries herself in her work at the store. Then, one day, a handsome stranger ventures into the store. He claims to be a trapper come from away, and as Grace gets to know him, she becomes enamoured by his gentle smile and thoughtful ways. But after several weeks, she discovers that Rudi, her mysterious visitor, is not the lonely outsider he appears to be. He is someone else entirely—someone not to be trusted. When a shocking truth about her family forces Grace to question everything she has so strongly believed, she realizes that she and Rudi have more in common than she had thought. And if Grace is to have a chance at love, she must not only choose a side, but take a stand. Come from Away is a mesmerizing story of love, shifting allegiances, and second chances, set against the tumultuous years of the Second World War.




The Velveteen Rabbit


Book Description

"The Velveteen Rabbit" is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for over a century.An enchanting tale about a soft toy rabbit's journey to becoming Real. Through his adventures with his best friend, Boy, the rabbit learns about the transformative power of love, loyalty, and imagination. When Boy falls ill, the rabbit faces the ultimate test of strength and resilience. "The Velveteen Rabbit" is a heartwarming story of childhood innocence and the bonds of friendship that continues to inspire generation after generation. Rediscover the magic of a world where toys can become real, and dreams can come true. Margery Williams was a successful writer who authored a number of beloved children's books and novels, but she is best known for her classic tale "The Velveteen Rabbit." She also wrote other popular children's books such as "The Little Wooden Doll" and "Poor Cecco," as well as several novels for adults, including "Winterbound" and "The Thing in the Woods." Her writing career spanned several decades, and her works continue to be cherished by readers of all ages around the world.




How Do We Know We're Doing It Right?


Book Description

__________________ THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Stop searching for the answers - and start delighting in the questions with Pandora Sykes, co-host of The High Low podcast. 'Deliciously fascinating' MARIAN KEYES 'Refreshing ... thoughtful, considered' STYLIST 'Brilliant' EVENING STANDARD 'Timely and fulsome' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS 'Joyful and wise' LISA TADDEO Modern life is full of choices - but how do we know we're making the right ones? Why, in our attempts to make life easier, do we often make it harder? With a light touch and plenty of humour, Pandora Sykes delves into the myths we've been sold and the stories we tell ourselves, in a timely bid to encourage us to consider the lives we once led, and how they might better serve us. It's time to stop looking for the answers - and start delighting in the questions. __________________ 'Thoughtful and funny' DOLLY ALDERTON 'Like a very clever, lucid, charming friend unpacking all the messy anxieties of modern existence with tremendous intelligence and elan. Read this book. It will help your life' INDIA KNIGHT 'Had me cackling. So smart but so well-researched' CANDICE BRATHWAITE 'Energetic and compelling' OLIVIA SUDJIC 'Navigates complicated issues with great humanity, humour and humility ... [it] left me wanting more' SATHNAM SANGHERA 'Self-aware, self-deprecating, relatable, funny, and brilliantly curious' STACEY DOOLEY 'Witty and zeitgeisty ... strikes a fresh, honest note' VANITY FAIR __________________ Readers love Pandora's first book: 'A truly marvellous debut' 'Insightful and beautifully written' 'Totally brilliant ... I devoured this masterpiece in one sitting' 'A bright book in a gloomy year' 'Feeling a lot better about life after finishing this!' 'I adored Pandora's book and will be thinking about it for a long time.' 'So clever and thought-provoking' 'Pandora is a wonderful writer and I found myself unexpectedly in tears by the end' INCLUDES A NEW PROLOGUE




Blue Mind


Book Description

A landmark book by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols on the remarkable effects of water on our health and well-being. Why are we drawn to the ocean each summer? Why does being near water set our minds and bodies at ease? In Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols revolutionizes how we think about these questions, revealing the remarkable truth about the benefits of being in, on, under, or simply near water. Combining cutting-edge neuroscience with compelling personal stories from top athletes, leading scientists, military veterans, and gifted artists, he shows how proximity to water can improve performance, increase calm, diminish anxiety, and increase professional success. Blue Mind not only illustrates the crucial importance of our connection to water; it provides a paradigm shifting "blueprint" for a better life on this Blue Marble we call home.




The Price of the Ticket


Book Description

An essential compendium of James Baldwin’s most powerful nonfiction work, calling on us “to end the racial nightmare, and achieve our country.” Personal and prophetic, these essays uncover what it means to live in a racist American society with insights that feel as fresh today as they did over the 4 decades in which he composed them. Longtime Baldwin fans and especially those just discovering his genius will appreciate this essential collection of his great nonfiction writing, available for the first time in affordable paperback. Along with 46 additional pieces, it includes the full text of dozens of famous essays from such books as: • Notes of a Native Son • Nobody Knows My Name • The Fire Next Time • No Name in the Street • The Devil Finds Work This collection provides the perfect entrée into Baldwin’s prescient commentary on race, sexuality, and identity in an unjust American society.




Touch Blue


Book Description

An exquisite second novel from the Newbery Honor author of RULES! TOUCH BLUE, sure as certain, will touch your heart.The state of Maine plans to shut down her island's schoolhouse, which would force Tess's family to move to the mainland--and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately, the islanders have a plan too: increase the numbers of students by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home. And Tess needs a plan of her own--and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess's wish come true or will her luck run out?Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord offers a warm-hearted, humorous, and thoughtful look at what it means to belong--and how lucky we feel when we do. Touch Blue, sure as certain, will touch your heart.