Fractured Reflections


Book Description

Discover the powerful journey of self-discovery and resilience in Fractured Reflections. This emotionally charged novel follows Michael, a man struggling with dissociative identity disorder, as he battles the complexities of his fragmented mind. Faced with the stark realities of his past and the lingering presence of his alternate identities, Michael embarks on a courageous journey toward healing, understanding, and acceptance. Fractured Reflections is an unflinchingly honest portrayal of the human spirit, exploring themes of love, identity, and redemption. As Michael learns to confront the darker aspects of himself, he also learns to embrace his vulnerabilities and find strength in compassion—both for himself and for others. With vivid storytelling and poignant insight, this novel will take readers on an unforgettable journey of transformation and hope. Perfect for those who appreciate raw and deeply human stories, Fractured Reflections is a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of finding light even in the darkest of times.




The Handbook of Race, Ethnicity, Crime, and Justice


Book Description

This Handbook presents current and future studies on the changing dynamics of the role of immigrants and the impact of immigration, across the United States and industrialized and developing nations. It covers the changing dynamics of race, ethnicity, and immigration, and discusses how it all contributes to variations in crime, policing, and the overall justice system. Through acknowledging that some groups, especially people of color, are disproportionately influenced more than others in the case of criminal justice reactions, the “War on Drugs”, and hate crimes; this Handbook introduces the importance of studying race and crime so as to better understand it. It does so by recommending that researchers concentrate on ethnic diversity in a national and international context in order to broaden their demographic and expand their understanding of how to attain global change. Featuring contributions from top experts in the field, The Handbook of Race and Crime is presented in five sections—An Overview of Race, Ethnicity, Crime, and Justice; Theoretical Perspectives on Race and Crime; Race, Gender, and the Justice System; Gender and Crime; and Race, Gender and Comparative Criminology. Each section of the book addresses a key area of research, summarizes findings or shortcomings whenever possible, and provides new results relevant to race/crime and justice. Every contribution is written by a top expert in the field and based on the latest research. With a sharp focus on contemporary race, ethnicity, crime, and justice studies, The Handbook of Race and Crime is the ideal reference for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and scholars interested in the disciplines such as Criminology, Race and Ethnicity, Race and the Justice System, and the Sociology of Race.




Shattered Reflections


Book Description

The moon hung high in the midnight sky, casting an ethereal glow upon the deserted streets of Lourdes, a small town tucked away in the heart of the French countryside. Simone Delacroix, a young woman burdened by an unyielding sense of emptiness, wandered through the winding alleys, her footsteps echoing in the silence of the night. In the shadows, the remnants of shattered glass littered the cobblestones, a stark reflection of the broken pieces of Simone's own life. Her once-vibrant spirit had been fractured by the weight of expectations and the suffocating conformity of her existence. Trapped in a cycle of pleasing others, she had lost touch with the true essence of her being. A peculiar mirror caught Simone's attention, standing alone in a dimly lit corner of an antiquities shop. Its ornate frame seemed to beckon to her, whispering secrets from ages long past. As she approached, an irresistible pull drew her closer, and before she knew it, she stood before the mirror, mesmerized by her own reflection. But what she saw was not the familiar face she had grown accustomed to. Instead, a stranger stared back at her—a woman with fiery eyes that mirrored her own inner turmoil, with wild, untamed hair that mirrored her desire for freedom. It was a reflection that spoke of hidden depths and untapped potential, of a dormant power waiting to be awakened. A surge of curiosity and longing coursed through Simone's veins. With trembling hands, she reached out and touched the mirror's surface. In that instant, the world around her seemed to shift and dissolve, giving way to a realm beyond her wildest imagination.




Soulforged Mirrors


Book Description

In ""Soulforged Mirrors,"" readers are transported to a world where memories take tangible form through reflective surfaces. Zara, a gifted artisan from a remote village, discovers her extraordinary ability to craft mirrors that unveil hidden truths. As her unique creations gain popularity, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous web of political intrigue and self-discovery. Set in a richly imagined realm blending magical realism with advanced biotechnology, this novel explores profound themes of identity, perception, and the malleability of truth. The lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of a society obsessed with appearances, while the innovative narrative structure—each chapter beginning from a mirror's perspective—adds layers of mystery and depth. As Zara delves deeper into her craft, she uncovers a reality-altering conspiracy that threatens to shatter more than just mirrors. This thought-provoking urban fantasy challenges readers to reflect on the nature of memory and the unexpected consequences of seeing ourselves too clearly.




The Mirror Season


Book Description

"An unforgettable story of trauma and healing, told in achingly beautiful prose with great tenderness and care." —#1 New York Times-bestselling author Karen M. McManus When two teens discover that they were both sexually assaulted at the same party, they develop a cautious friendship through her family’s possibly-magical pastelería, his secret forest of otherworldly trees, and the swallows returning to their hometown, in Anna-Marie McLemore's The Mirror Season. Graciela Cristales’ whole world changes after she and a boy she barely knows are assaulted at the same party. She loses her gift for making enchanted pan dulce. Neighborhood trees vanish overnight, while mirrored glass appears, bringing reckless magic with it. And Ciela is haunted by what happened to her, and what happened to the boy whose name she never learned. But when the boy, Lock, shows up at Ciela’s school, he has no memory of that night, and no clue that a single piece of mirrored glass is taking his life apart. Ciela decides to help him, which means hiding the truth about that night. Because Ciela knows who assaulted her, and him. And she knows that her survival, and his, depend on no one finding out what really happened.




Facets of Modernity


Book Description

What does it mean to be human in modernity? This book examines being human, in its theoretical, practical, and productive aspects, not in abstraction from historical, social, and political settings, but rather as set in concrete historical and material circumstances. Through the analysis and close reading of a number of texts of the modern thinkers, which include those of Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Kracauer, Heidegger, Benjamin, Hans Jonas and Agnes Heller, it demonstrates that the complexity and variety of the human experience is grounded in the modern subjectivity, which establishes itself as universal, rational, autonomous, and necessary. Such a subjectivity is characterised as self-legislating or establishing the universal moral law and is further defined by historicity, or the interpretation of its actions as conditioned by the previous and current social and political circumstances. The book then shows that the multiple facets of modernity make the experience of being human fascinating, complicated and ultimately unique.




The Art of the Machiavellianist


Book Description

"The Art of the Machiavellianist" is an enthralling novel that centres on Joseph, a character deeply influenced by the political philosophies of Niccolò Machiavelli, particularly as outlined in "The Prince." The story begins with Joseph's early exposure to Machiavellian concepts and follows his ascent as he skilfully applies these principles in various spheres of his life. Joseph, portrayed as a complex figure with a keen understanding of human nature, navigates through challenging scenarios in politics, business, and personal relationships. His journey highlights the practical application of Machiavellian tactics, ranging from subtle manipulations to overt power plays. The novel meticulously details his strategies for gaining influence, controlling outcomes, and safeguarding his interests. As the plot progresses, the narrative delves into the psychological aspects of Machiavellianism, examining how traits like manipulation, moral flexibility, and a focus on self-interest play out in Joseph's interactions and decisions. The story provides a rich exploration of the psychological underpinnings of this trait and its manifestation in different environments. A critical aspect of the novel is its exploration of the ethical implications of Machiavellian practices. It engages the reader in a philosophical debate over the morality of Joseph's actions, questioning whether the ends justify the means and the potential moral cost of such tactics on an individual and societal level. Through various subplots and interactions with other characters, the novel presents real-world parallels, drawing comparisons to historical and contemporary figures known for their Machiavellian tactics. These examples serve to ground Joseph's story in a broader context, offering insights into the pervasive influence of Machiavellianism in modern society. In conclusion, "The Art of the Machiavellianist" offers a comprehensive, thought-provoking examination of Machiavellianism through the lens of a captivating fictional narrative. It appeals to readers interested in psychology, philosophy, politics, and the intricate dynamics of power and influence.




Tacit Racism


Book Description

We need to talk about racism before it destroys our democracy. And that conversation needs to start with an acknowledgement that racism is coded into even the most ordinary interactions. Every time we interact with another human being, we unconsciously draw on a set of expectations to guide us through the encounter. What many of us in the United States—especially white people—do not recognize is that centuries of institutional racism have inescapably molded those expectations. This leads us to act with implicit biases that can shape everything from how we greet our neighbors to whether we take a second look at a resume. This is tacit racism, and it is one of the most pernicious threats to our nation. In Tacit Racism, Anne Warfield Rawls and Waverly Duck illustrate the many ways in which racism is coded into the everyday social expectations of Americans, in what they call Interaction Orders of Race. They argue that these interactions can produce racial inequality, whether the people involved are aware of it or not, and that by overlooking tacit racism in favor of the fiction of a “color-blind” nation, we are harming not only our society’s most disadvantaged—but endangering the society itself. Ultimately, by exposing this legacy of racism in ordinary social interactions, Rawls and Duck hope to stop us from merely pretending we are a democratic society and show us how we can truly become one.




Rock Fractures and Fluid Flow


Book Description

Scientific understanding of fluid flow in rock fractures--a process underlying contemporary earth science problems from the search for petroleum to the controversy over nuclear waste storage--has grown significantly in the past 20 years. This volume presents a comprehensive report on the state of the field, with an interdisciplinary viewpoint, case studies of fracture sites, illustrations, conclusions, and research recommendations. The book addresses these questions: How can fractures that are significant hydraulic conductors be identified, located, and characterized? How do flow and transport occur in fracture systems? How can changes in fracture systems be predicted and controlled? Among other topics, the committee provides a geomechanical understanding of fracture formation, reviews methods for detecting subsurface fractures, and looks at the use of hydraulic and tracer tests to investigate fluid flow. The volume examines the state of conceptual and mathematical modeling, and it provides a useful framework for understanding the complexity of fracture changes that occur during fluid pumping and other engineering practices. With a practical and multidisciplinary outlook, this volume will be welcomed by geologists, petroleum geologists, geoengineers, geophysicists, hydrologists, researchers, educators and students in these fields, and public officials involved in geological projects.




Light as Experience and Imagination from Medieval to Modern Times


Book Description

In Light as Experience and Imagination from Medieval to Modern Times, David S. Herrstrom synthesizes and interprets the experience of light as revealed in a wide range of art and literature from medieval to modern times. The true subject of the book is making sense of the individual’s relationship with light, rather than the investigation of light’s essential nature, while telling the story of light “seducing” individuals from the Middle Ages to our modern times. Consequently, it is not concerned with the “progress” of scientific inquiries into the physical properties and behavior of light (optical science), but rather with subjective reactions as reflected in art, architecture, and literature. Instead of its evolution, this book celebrates the complexity of our relation to light’s character. No individual experience of light being “truer” than any other.