This funny, exuberant novel captures the reader with the grand sweep of seven-foot-tall David “Lizard” Hochmeyer’s larger-than-life quest to unravel the mystery surrounding his parents’ deaths. It’s a journey laden with pro football stars, a master chef and his beautiful transvestite lover, a world-famous ballerina and her English rocker husband, and a sister who’s as brilliant as she is unstable. A wildly entertaining, plot-twisting novel of murder, seduction, and revenge--rich in incident, expansive in character, and lavish in setting--Life Among Giants is an exhilarating adventure. Editors’ pick for Amazon’s Best of 2012 Shelf Awareness Top Ten Best Fiction of 2012 Columbus Dispatch’s Top Books of 2012

The outer Solar System is rich in resources and may be the best region in which to search for life beyond Earth. In fact, it may ultimately be the best place for Earthlings to set up permanent abodes. This book surveys the feasibility of that prospect, covering the fascinating history of exploration that kicks off our adventure into the outer Solar System. Although other books provide surveys of the outer planets, Carroll approaches it from the perspective of potential future human exploration, exploitation and settlement, using insights from today’s leading scientists in the field. These experts take us to targets such as the moons Titan, Triton, Enceladus, Iapetus and Europa, and within the atmospheres of the gas and ice giants. In these pages you will experience the thrill of discovery awaiting those who journey through the giant worlds and their moons. All the latest research is included, as are numerous illustrations, among them original paintings by the author, a renowned prize-winning space artist.

In 'Among Giants: The Nephilim's Saga The ancient giants called Nephilim fight epic battles with scary dinosaurs. They use their strength and smarts to change the direction of Earth's prehistoric history, even though the odds were against them. . In Summary: Long before humans lived, there was a race called the Nephilim that was very big and very powerful. With unmatched strength, knowledge, and a strong bond to the land, these prehistoric giants set out on a dangerous but educational trip. They found the strong dinosaurs that ruled the ancient world in the middle of a busy world. The Nephilim were incredibly strong, and these scary monsters were also very strong, so they got into great battles. But the Nephilim didn't just win by force; their intelligence, cunning, and unwavering bravery were also very important in getting past the dinosaurs that were fighting them. The Nephilim were more than just the fights they were in, though. They had to deal with the problems that come with living together in a world that was always changing while they were on their journey. Starting in the beautiful Valley of Beginnings and going on to interesting and dangerous places, the Nephilim's journey was both about learning and excitement and about staying alive and fighting. They knew how important it was to keep the natural balance and knew that they were responsible for the land and all the people who lived on it. The Nephilim made connections that changed the path of their trip. They fought and beat old enemies and found allies in the strangest places. These partnerships, based on mutual respect and a clear goal, showed how important it is to work together to deal with doubt. The Nephilim's history shows how much of an impact they had on the world in ancient times, as well as the places they took over and expanded into. Their journey showed the next generation the values they taught them, such as courage, unity, and respect for all living things. As guardians of the world, they left behind a legacy that would become many stories and legends. They did this by protecting the beauty and harmony of their surroundings. So, even though the Nephilim story takes place in a time of giants and dinosaurs, it still talks about ideals like bravery, knowledge, and caring for the environment. This story explores ancient history and shows the unwavering resolve of those who want to live in harmony with nature and all its living things. Chapter 1: The Beginning The Nephilim are a group of giant creatures that lived on a world very different from ours. These giants were looking for a place to live that was peaceful and happy. They found something truly amazing at the end of a long and difficult trip. The valley was very green and beautiful, and it looked like it was sparkling in the sun. It looked like a live work of art in this area, which became known as the Valley of Beginnings. The Valley of Beginnings wasn't like other places. You could see life everywhere. The giants were dwarfed by trees whose bright leaves looked like they were dancing in the wind. There were flowers on the ground in every color you can think of, and they smelled so good. Beautiful, clear streams of water ran through the landscape, and their soft babble made a relaxing sound. The sky was mostly pink and blue, with fluffy clouds floating by without any thought. The Nephilim were amazed by this valley. They had never seen a place with so much life and beauty. It looked like the valley was welcoming them and telling them they could live there. So, they chose to do the right thing. They saw the valley as more than just a place to live. It was a sign of a fresh start and the chance to live a peaceful, happy life. As they got to know their new home, they saw that the valley was home to many different kinds of animals. The birds with feathers of every color could be heard by the giants. The breeze made the butterfly wings whisper sweetly as they flew from flower to flower. In the streams, fish of all shapes and sizes swam through the water. Their scales sparkled like diamonds. The Nephilim saw that there were other people living in the valley with them. But the animals that lived in the valley with the giants caught them off guard. The valley was home to dinosaurs whose standards were as high as the Nephilim's. It was full of dangerous predators whose roars could be heard all over the sky and peaceful giants who ate in the trees. Still, this valley was peaceful and harmonious, which helped everyone who lived there do well. The Nephilim knew that their new home in the Valley of Beginnings would be hard. Having such beautiful wildlife around taught me how to get along with all living things and keep the natural balance. But as a family, they were ready to deal with these problems together. They found a valley that was more than just a place to live; it was a land full of endless potential where their souls could soar. In this way, the Valley of Beginnings was the center of the new universe the Nephilim created. There was magic and beauty there, as well as obstacles and exciting things to do. It reminded me that you can find a fresh start and the chance to live a peaceful, happy life even in the most unlikely places. People called Nephilim found themselves in the Valley of Beginnings and made a home there. Chapter 2: The First Meeting The Nephilim, who are gentle giants, moved into the Valley of Beginnings one sunny day. That same day, something strange happened. As they walked through the huge, beautiful valley and enjoyed the sights and sounds of this peaceful place, their journey took an unexpected turn. Even the Nephilim, who are giants, were shocked when something so big and strong came out of the woods. The Tyrannosaurus Rex was one of the scariest monsters ever. The T. Rex was a scary animal with huge, sharp teeth and a roar that could shake the ground. When Rex came out in front of the Nephilim, it was the first time the giants had seen such a strong hunter. It was clear that people around them were feeling uneasy. T and the Nephilim saw a split second of time. Rex carefully looked at each other, their eyes locked in a silent battle for power. The Nephilim were known for not being afraid of anything and being strong, so they weren't easily scared. Still, the T could see. They knew that the quiet in the valley wasn't as stable as they thought it was because of Rex's stern look and commanding presence. There was more to this fight than just two giants going at it. It was a sign of things to come and a warning that they lived in a world with other huge, strong beings. When the Nephilim came to the Valley of Beginnings, they wanted to start a peaceful life away from the wars that had ruined their past. They were amazed by how beautiful the valley was, how green it was, and how many living things there were. They saw it as a safe place to live where they could get along with nature and the people who lived there. However, the T's sudden arrival. Rex was very interested in a new world. Even though the valley was peaceful and beautiful, it was also a place where life depended on each other. All living things, big and small, had an important part to play in the delicate cycle of life. Getting in touch with T. The Nephilim saw rex as a sign of good things to come. It was a note to tell them that the Valley of Beginnings would have problems. They would have to figure out how to live in this strange new place, how to get along with the other people that lived there, and how to become part of the huge web of life that was there. The valley wasn't just a pretty place; it was a live, breathing universe full of wonders and dangers. It's the same T. The air became less tense as Rex turned around and disappeared back into the bush. The Nephilim were left to think about what had happened since they now knew how important balance was in their new home. They were aware that their presence had changed the way the valley worked, and they would have to be careful to respect the people who had lived here before them. The first time I met the T. The time of Rex was very important for the Nephilim. The sight made them think about their place in the world and how powerful and beautiful nature is. It set the stage for future meetings, learning and growing, and the rise of a way of life that respected the worth and power of all living things, no matter how big or small. The Nephilim had found a home in the Valley of Beginnings, which was full of tall trees and lush grass. But they had also found a lively world that they would have to learn about and respect in order to live together peacefully.

As the Millennial generation rises to positions of leadership across all fields, Peter Gariepy explains the mindset and motivation of a husband, father, and first-time political candidate as he embarks on a campaign for Cook County Treasurer across the Chicago area’s legendary political landscape. In Who Among Giants, he calls for empowering voters with more usefully transparent information to boldly invest in our children, infrastructure, and progressive principles; while enticing others to take the thrilling first step onto the ballot to transform a political system in need of a rising generation’s voice and vision.

“A page-turner, a love story and a vivid drama of man (and woman) against the elements . . . A great read by a wonderful writer.” —Newsday When the “Storm of the Century” threatens western Maine, Eric closes his office early and heads to the grocery store. In line ahead of him, an unkempt and seemingly unstable young woman comes up short on cash, so Eric offers her twenty bucks and a ride home. Trouble is, Danielle doesn’t really have a home. She’s squatting in a cabin deep in the woods: no electricity, no plumbing, no heat. Eric, with problems of his own, tries to walk away, but finds he can’t. Fending off her mistrust of him, he gets her set up with food, water, and firewood, and departs with relief. But when he climbs back to the road, his car is gone, and in desperation he returns to the cabin. As the storm intensifies, these two lost souls are forced to wait it out together. Deeply moving, frequently funny, The Remedy for Love is a story about the secrets revealed when there is no time or space for anything but the truth. “A superbly grown-uplove story.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review “Brilliant . . . A tale that is as gripping as any Everest expedition--and that is also tender and terrifying and funny and, in the end, so true it seems inevitable.” —Peter Heller, author of The Dog Stars and The Painter “Roorbach . . . is at the top of his literary game here. He is masterful in inviting readers along, allowing them to slowly get to know these two strangers as they get to know one another.” —Portland (Maine) Press Herald “Snowbound in Maine, two strangers struggle to survive--fighting, flirting, baring secrets. Their sexy, snappy dialogue will keep you racing through.” —People “One of the best novels of this or any year . . . A flat-out funny, sexy, and poignant romantic thriller.” —David Abrams, author of Fobbit