"Strausbaugh leaves no sacred cow untipped. He is as nonpartisan as he straight shooting taking equal aim at Democrats and Republicans, gays and straights, PETA fanatics, and the Christian right. But all is not lost. Sissy Nation offers "modest proposals" for getting back the gumption that made this culture great."--Jacket.

An innovative exploration of postwar representations of effeminate men and boys.

Mediated Boyhoods: Boys, Teens, and Young Men in Popular Media and Culture brings together work from various disciplines that explores the relationships among the everyday lives of boys and such media platforms as television, films, games, sports, music, urban and suburban culture, fashion, young adult novels, Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube. Offering a comprehensive overview of boyhood studies, chapters consider questions about the current state of boyhood as it is represented in the popular media; the ways that boys are influenced by and work to influence popular culture; the ways that popular texts often reflect adult expectations, anxieties, and prejudices about boys and boyhood; and the ways that boys, teens, and young men are often able to reflect upon and to act, sometimes unpredictably, to resist, subvert, or re-imagine and re-create popular culture and media. The volume serves as a companion to Mediated Girlhoods: New Explorations of Girls' Media Culture, edited by Mary Celeste Kearney.

Imagine a world where imagination is forbidden. Coketown is such a place. Thomas Gradgrind will not permit fanciful thoughts in his school or his home. But what effect will this policy have on his own children, Tom and Louisa? How can he protect them from corrupting influences – especially when the circus comes to town? Dark satanic mills, interrupted by the colour and vibrancy of Sleary's Circus, set the stage for a sweeping tale of suppressed love, seduction and social mores, peopled with the sharply observed exaggerated characters that Dickens is celebrated for.

Bankers used to be stodgy types, close and fretful, and above all, disinclined to act. These Old Turks went out of their way to protect their clients monies, sometimes erring on the side of too much caution. Over time, watched over by a somnolent if not collusive government, bankers morphed to a new model: The Young Turks. They gamble with other peoples money and constantly say that they know what will happen tomorrow. How we went from the Old Turks to the New Turks is the story of this book. And, too, how the avoidable debacle of 2008 seemed nearly to swamp the Martin Ship of Five until, . . . until they realized. We are in a war for the hearts and minds of the American people, one always asking: What do we believe in? What does this country stand for?

College students Parker Shaw and Sam Lukas take a trip to the American Southwest after a series of mysterious happenings.

In 'The Complete Works of Charles Dickens', readers are transported to the mid-19th century England through the eyes of one of the most celebrated authors of the Victorian era. This collection encompasses all of Dickens' literary works, including renowned novels such as 'Great Expectations', 'A Tale of Two Cities', and 'Oliver Twist'. Dickens' unique blend of social commentary, humor, and vivid character portrayals make his writing style captivating and timeless, reflecting the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution. His works remain an important part of English literature, shedding light on the social issues of his time. With intricately woven plots and memorable characters, Dickens' novels continue to resonate with readers of all ages. Readers will find themselves immersed in a world of poverty, injustice, love, and redemption, beautifully crafted by Dickens' masterful storytelling. 'The Complete Works of Charles Dickens' is a must-read for those who appreciate classic literature and wish to explore the complexities of 19th-century society through the eyes of a literary genius.

Welcome to Farraday Country, a contemporary twist on 7 Brides for 7 Brothers. Complete with swoon worthy heroes this bestselling series set in cattle-ranching West Texas is filled with all the friends, family and fun that fans have come to expect from USA TODAY Bestselling author Chris Keniston. This collection includes books 4-7 of the series. DECLAN - Declan Farraday left the Dallas PD to take the job of Police Chief in his peaceful and uncomplicated West Texas hometown. He just wished the folks in Tuckers Bluff would cooperate. Especially when someone leaves a definite complication on his doorstep and his only option is to reach out to the one girl in town he has no business asking for help. Becky Wilson has loved Declan Farraday's brother since the first grade and the whole town knows it. When Declan needs help, she doesn't hesitate to step up. Working with the normally serious big brother reveals his gentler sweeter side. The more time they spend together, the more she questions has she been dreaming of the wrong Farraday? ETHAN - The maverick brother in a family of Texas ranchers, Ethan Farraday found happiness in the cockpit of a Marine helicopter. When his career choice is threatened by a recent injury and the unexpected discovery of a baby daughter, the last thing he needs is to lock horns with a feisty woman hell-bent on turning what's left of his world upside down. The middle of the Amazon is no place to discover your free-spirited sister has left her baby on someone else's doorstep. Determined to correct her sister's wrong, Dr. Allison Monroe follows the trail to Tuckers Bluff and comes toe to toe with a six foot dreamy cowboy and his arsenal of helpful relatives eager to make love not war. FINN - Born to be a cattleman, Finn Farraday is living his dream—running the family's West Texas ranch. Even though his brothers have found the loves of their lives, Finn isn't looking for a wife. Not even if she literally falls into his arms. City Girl Joanna Gaines knows she's not cut out for the nine to five rat race. But the ambling West Texas pace isn’t her speed either. That is until a ghost of an idea, and a last minute career-building opportunity lands her in the arms of the one good man that got away. GRACE - When free-spirited Grace Farraday leaves Dallas and returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding, it’s with the firm knowledge the visit is temporary . . . no matter what. She’s had more than enough of dusty West Texas, cow dung and nosy neighbors. Successful Wall Street businessman Chase Prescott has made a career taking risks. Now, he’s willing to take the biggest risk of all for a life in Tuckers Bluff, Texas. He loves the slow pace, friendly neighbors, cattle ranches . . . and a certain lady with a strong will. Unfortunately, everything Chase has dreamed of is exactly what Grace has vowed to leave behind. ALSO IN THE FARRADAY COUNTRY SERIES: Adam Book -1 Brooks Book -2 Connor –Book 3 Declan Book 4 Ethan Book 5 Finn Book 6 Grace Book 7 Hannah Book 8 Ian –Book 9 Jamison – Book 10 Keeping Eileen – Book 11 Loving Chloe - Book 12 Morgan - Book 13 Neil - Book 14 PRAISE FOR FARRADAY COUNTRY: "Chris Keniston gives us a world you'll never want to leave." Emily March, New York Times Bestselling Author of Eternity Springs series. "Loved it. Fast moving and fun." Jodi Thomas, New York Times Bestselling Author “Spellbinding!” Lori Wilde, New York Times Bestselling Author "My kind of read! Spend an afternoon with a great romance story, a feisty heroine, and one unforgettable hero." Lindsay McKenna, New York Times Bestselling Author PRAISE FOR ALOHA SERIES: "This warmhearted sweet read will draw readers in and keep them flipping to the last romantic page.” Nancy Naigle, USA TODAY Bestselling Author "Chris Keniston never disappoints! Readers will adore Aloha Texas." RaeAnne Thayne, New York Times Bestselling Author " If you're a fan of contemporary romance that depicts real people dealing with real problems written in a way that steals your heart, don't miss this one—it’s a real gem! " Jane Graves, New York Times Bestselling author. FOR MORE ON CHRIS AND HER BOOKS GO TO: chriskeniston.com

Hard Times is a novel by Charles Dickens, published in 1854. It is significant for being the shortest of his full novels. The book is one of a number of state-of-the-nation novels published around the same time, another being North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, which aimed to highlight the social and economic pressures some people were under. The novel is unusual, in that it is not set in London, as is Dickens' usual wont, but the fictitious Victorian industrial town of Coketown. It has met mixed critical response from a diverse range of critics, such F. R. Leavis, George Bernard Shaw, and Thomas Macaulay. This was usual for Dickens' treatment of trade unions, and the pessimism about the division between capitalistic millowners and the undervalued workers, after the Industrial Revolution, set in the Victorian era of Britain