Hachette USA

The Mysterious Benedict Society: A Journey of Wit and Wonder

A Peculiar Invitation

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?" This intriguing question, posed in a peculiar newspaper ad, sets off a chain of events that will forever alter the lives of four extraordinary children. Dozens of bright minds answer the call, eager to prove their worth through a series of mind-bending tests. The stakes are high, and the competition fierce, as only the most intelligent and resourceful children can hope to succeed.

A Secret Mission Awaits

Our four heroes, chosen for their unique talents, embark on a secret mission that will challenge them in ways they could never have imagined. They are tasked with infiltrating the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, a seemingly ordinary school with a hidden agenda. Within these walls, rules are fluid and boundaries are blurred, forcing our young adventurers to rely on their wits and ingenuity to navigate the treacherous path ahead.

Facing Unforeseen Trials

The Learning Institute proves to be more than just a school. It's a labyrinth of physical and mental challenges, testing the very limits of our heroes' abilities. They encounter perplexing puzzles, face unexpected dangers, and grapple with emotions they've never known before. But amidst the trials, they forge an unbreakable bond, relying on each other for support and guidance.

The Most Important Test of All

As the stakes rise and the secrets of the Institute unravel, our heroes must confront their own fears and vulnerabilities. They face a final test that transcends intellect and resourcefulness – a test of friendship, loyalty, and courage. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles and emerge victorious?

A Review: Intelligence, Adventure, and Friendship

"The Mysterious Benedict Society" is a captivating read that blends adventure, mystery, and heartwarming themes. The story is engaging, with fast-paced action and a sense of wonder that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The characters are relatable, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, and their evolving friendship forms the emotional core of the story.

Beyond the thrilling plot, the book offers a compelling exploration of intelligence and its potential for good. The characters' use of their unique talents to solve problems and overcome challenges serves as an inspiration, reminding readers that intelligence is not just about book smarts, but also about creativity, resilience, and the ability to think outside the box.

"The Mysterious Benedict Society" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys adventure, mystery, and stories that celebrate the power of friendship and the importance of using our minds to make a difference in the world.

The Casual Vacancy: A Tale of Conflict and Revelation in a Seemingly Idyllic Town

A Town Divided

J.K. Rowling's "The Casual Vacancy" plunges readers into the heart of Pagford, a picturesque English village with cobbled streets and a timeless charm. However, beneath the idyllic facade lies a community deeply divided. Rich and poor clash, teenagers rebel against their parents, spouses engage in bitter battles, and teachers find themselves at odds with their students. Pagford is a microcosm of societal tensions, where seemingly insignificant disagreements escalate into full-blown conflict.

The Catalyst: An Empty Seat and a Tumultuous Election

The story unfolds when Barry Fairbrother, a beloved resident, unexpectedly passes away in his early forties. This sudden loss leaves a void on the parish council, creating a power vacuum and setting the stage for a turbulent election. With the vacant seat as the catalyst, the town's simmering conflicts erupt into a full-blown war for control.

A Masterful Exploration of Human Nature

Rowling, renowned for her masterful storytelling, crafts a complex tapestry of characters, each with their own motivations, secrets, and vulnerabilities. As the election heats up, personal agendas collide, alliances shift, and long-buried truths are unearthed. The author delves into the complexities of human nature, exposing the dark side of ambition, the seductive nature of power, and the profound impact of loss.

A Powerful and Unforgettable Read

"The Casual Vacancy" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that transcends the confines of genre. It is a story about community, loss, and the consequences of our choices. Rowling's exquisite prose, deft character development, and masterful pacing create an immersive reading experience that will stay with readers long after the final page.

This is a book that challenges assumptions, provokes reflection, and ultimately, leaves readers with a deeper understanding of the human condition. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story with complex characters and a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human nature.

Political Risk: Navigating a World of Global Insecurity

This insightful book, authored by former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Stanford University Professor Amy B. Zegart, offers a comprehensive examination of the rapidly evolving landscape of political risk and provides practical strategies for navigating its complexities.

A Shifting World of Risk

The world today is a volatile place, where political risk – the potential for political actions to significantly impact businesses – is more pervasive than ever before. Gone are the days where political risk was confined to specific industries operating in a handful of emerging markets. Now, a diverse array of actors, from social media users and local officials to activists, terrorists, and hackers, contribute to an ever-changing landscape of uncertainty. Even institutions and laws meant to stabilize business environments often exacerbate this unpredictability, leaving businesses with no "safe bets" in a truly globalized world.

Understanding and Navigating the New Landscape

"Political Risk" delves deep into this dynamic environment, analyzing the evolving threats and providing a roadmap for businesses to navigate them effectively. Drawing on real-world examples from a variety of industries, including successes and failures of Fortune 500 companies, aircraft carrier operations, and NASA missions, the authors present a unique framework applicable to organizations of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations.

A Framework for Success

The authors emphasize the importance of a systematic approach to political risk management. Organizations that prioritize this proactive strategy are better equipped to anticipate and mitigate unexpected challenges, ultimately achieving better recovery outcomes. Conversely, companies that neglect this fundamental aspect of risk management are more susceptible to being caught off guard by unforeseen events.

Key Takeaways and Insights

"Political Risk" offers valuable insights for businesses operating in today's volatile environment, including:

* **Recognizing the multifaceted nature of political risk:** It's no longer about just a few countries or industries. Today, political risk can originate from anywhere and impact almost any business.

* **Developing a comprehensive strategy:** This requires identifying potential risks, assessing their impact, and developing mitigation strategies.

* **Building resilience:** Organizations must be prepared to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and have the capacity to recover quickly from unexpected events.

**Review:**

"Political Risk" is a must-read for anyone involved in business, finance, or international relations. Its clear analysis, practical advice, and compelling real-world examples provide a comprehensive guide for understanding and mitigating the risks inherent in today's interconnected world. The authors' expertise and engaging writing style make this complex topic accessible to a broad audience.

<p>Full Count: The Education of a Pitcher</p>

<p>INSTANT&nbsp;NEW YORK TIMES&nbsp;BESTSELLER!</p>

<p>Met and Yankee All-Star pitcher David Cone shares lessons from the World Series and beyond in this essential memoir for baseball fans everywhere.</p>

<p>"There was a sense about him and an aura about him. Even when he was in trouble, he carried himself like a pitcher who said, 'I'm the man out here.' And he usually was." --Andy Pettitte on David Cone.</p>

<p>To any baseball fan, David Cone was a bold and brilliant pitcher. During his 17-year career, he became a master of the mechanics and mental toughness a pitcher needs to succeed in the major leagues. A five-time All-Star and five-time World Champion now gives his full count -- balls and strikes, errors and outs -- of his colorful life in baseball.</p>

<p>From the pitchers he studied to the hitters who infuriated him,&nbsp;Full Count&nbsp;takes readers inside the mind of a thoughtful pitcher, detailing Cone's passion, composure and strategies. The book is also filled with never-before-told stories from the memorable teams Cone played on -- ranging from the infamous late '80s Mets to the Yankee dynasty of the '90s.</p>

<p>And, along the way,&nbsp;Full Count&nbsp;offers the lessons baseball taught Cone -- from his mistakes as a young and naive pitcher to outwitting the best hitters in the world -- one pitch at a time.</p>

<p>The basis for the forthcoming motion picture starring Lily Collins and Sam Claflin! What happens when two people who are meant to be together can't seem to get it right? Rosie and Alex are destined for each other, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, they are separated as teenagers when Alex and his family relocate from Dublin to Boston. Like two ships always passing in the night, Rosie and Alex stay friends, and though years pass, the two remain firmly attached via emails and letters. Heartbroken, they learn to live without each other. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel o f several missed opportunities, Rosie and Alex learn that fate isn't quite done with them yet.</p>

<p>Carmilla</p>

<p>An adaptation of Shaftesbury's award-winning, groundbreaking queer vampire web series of the same name, Carmilla mixes the camp of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the snark of Veronica Mars, and the mysterious atmosphere of Welcome to Nightvale.</p>

<p>Newly escaped from the stifling boredom of a small town, college freshman Laura is ready to make the most of her first year at Silas University. But when her roommate, Betty, vanishes and a sarcastic, nocturnal philosophy student named Carmilla moves into Betty's side of the room, Laura decides to play detective. Turns out Betty isn't the first girl to go missing ? she's just the first girl not to come back.</p>

<p>All over campus, girls have been vanishing, and they are completely changed when (or if) they return. Even more disturbing are the strange dreams they recount: smothering darkness, and a strange pale figure haunting their rooms. Dreams that Laura is starting to have herself.</p>

<p>As Laura closes in on the answers, tensions rise with Carmilla. Is this just a roommate relationship that isn't working out, or does Carmilla know more than she's letting on about the disappearances?</p>

<p>What will Laura do if it turns out her roommate isn't just selfish and insensitive, but completely inhuman? And what will she do with the feelings she's starting to have for Carmilla?</p>

<p>Produced by Shaftesbury, and available on the YouTube channel KindaTV, Carmilla is a global sensation. A scripted transmedia series that puts a modern spin on the cult-classic gothic vampire novella by Joseph Sheridan LeFanu, Carmilla has generated over 71 million views and 245 million minutes of watch time across three seasons since its launch in 2014. It has been translated into more than 20 languages and also been made into a feature film.</p>

<p>Author Kim Turrisi brings her trademark humor and sensitivity to an adaptation that offers a deep dive for existing fans and a portal for new fans around the world.</p>

<p>Becoming Myself: A Psychiatrist's Memoir</p>

<p>Bestselling writer and psychotherapist Irvin D. Yalom puts himself on the couch in a lapidary memoir</p>

<p>Irvin D. Yalom has made a career of investigating the lives of others. In this profound memoir, he turns his writing and his therapeutic eye on himself. He opens his story with a nightmare: He is twelve, and is riding his bike past the home of an acne-scarred girl. Like every morning, he calls out, hoping to befriend her, "Hello Measles!" But in his dream, the girl's father makes Yalom understand that his daily greeting had hurt her. For Yalom, this was the birth of empathy; he would not forget the lesson. As&nbsp;Becoming Myself&nbsp;unfolds, we see the birth of the insightful thinker whose books have been a beacon to so many. This is not simply a man's life story, Yalom's reflections on his life and development are an invitation for us to reflect on the origins of our own selves and the meanings of our lives.</p>

<p>Good thinking. It's the one thing all successful people have in common. People who achieve their dreams understand the critical relationship between their level of thinking and their level of progress - and know that when thinking is limited so is potential. John C. Maxwell explores the idea and identifies the specific skills people need to make their potential for success explode into results. From focused and creative thinking to thinking of the big picture or the bottom line, he provides examples of effective thinking for every situation. The book doesn't tell you what to think but how to think. After all, success is as simple as changing your mind!</p>

<p>A Discovery Of Witches</p>

<p>Fall under the spell of Diana and Matthew in the stunning first volume of the No.1 internationally bestsellling ALL SOULS trilogy.</p>

<p>A world of witches, daemons and vampires. A manuscript which holds the secrets of their past and the key to their future. Diana and Matthew - the forbidden love at the heart of it.</p>

<p>When historian Diana Bishop opens an alchemical manuscript in the Bodleian Library, it's an unwelcome intrusion of magic into her carefully ordered life. Though Diana is a witch of impeccable lineage, the violent death of her parents while she was still a child convinced her that human fear is more potent than any witchcraft. Now Diana has unwittingly exposed herself to a world she's kept at bay for years; one of powerful witches, creative, destructive daemons and long-lived vampires. Sensing the significance of Diana's discovery, the creatures gather in Oxford, among them the enigmatic Matthew Clairmont, a vampire genticist. Diana is inexplicably drawn to Matthew and, in a shadowy world of half-truths and old enmities, ties herself to him without fully understanding the ancient line they are crossing. As they begin to unlock the secrets of the manuscript and their feelings for each other deepen, so the fragile balance of peace unravels...</p>

<p>The classic graphic novel. Bianca Castafiore, Thomson and Thompson are being imprisoned for allegedly attempting to overthrow General Tapioca's dictatorship. Tintin, Professor Calculus, and Captain Haddock set out to clear their friends' names.</p>

<p>The classic graphic novel. Seven explorers return from an expedition in the Andes, where they unearthed the tomb of an Incan priest. One by one, they fall into a coma. Can Tintin figure out what is causing the mysterious illness?</p>

<p>It's Hiccup's birthday, but that's not going to keep him from getting into trouble. To save his dragon, Toothless, from being banished, Hiccup must sneak into the Meathead Public Library and steal the Viking's most sacred book. But the Vikings see books as a dangerous influence, and keep them locked up and under heavy guard. To save his friend, Hiccup must brave the Hairy Scary Librarian and his dreadful army of Meathead Warriors and face off against the formidable Driller-Dragons. Will he make it out and live to see his next birthday?</p>

<p>Whiplash: How To Survive Faster Future: How To Survive Our Faster Future</p>

<p>This "brilliant and provocative" (Walter Isaacson) guide shares nine principles to adapt and survive the technological changes shaping our future from the director of the MIT Media Lab and a veteran Wired journalist.</p>

<p>The world is more complex and volatile today than at any other time in our history. The tools of our modern existence are getting faster, cheaper, and smaller at an exponential rate, transforming every aspect of society, from business to culture and from the public sphere to our most private moments. The people who succeed will be the ones who learn to think differently.</p>

<p>In WHIPLASH, Joi Ito and Jeff Howe distill that logic into nine organizing principles for navigating and surviving this tumultuous period: Emergence over Authority</p>

<p>Pull over Push

Compasses over Maps

Risk over Safety

Disobedience over Compliance

Practice over Theory

Diversity over Ability

Resilience over Strength</p>

<p>Systems over Objects Filled with incredible case studies and cutting-edge research and philosophies from the MIT Media Lab and beyond, WHIPLASH will help you adapt and succeed in this unpredictable world.</p>

<p>Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World</p>

<p>One of the most valuable skills in our economy is becoming increasingly rare. If you master this skill, you'll achieve extraordinary results.</p>

<p>Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It's a skill that allows you to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time. Deep work will make you better at what you do and provide the sense of true fulfillment that comes from craftsmanship. In short, deep work is like a super power in our increasingly competitive twenty-first century economy. And yet, most people have lost the ability to go deep-spending their days instead in a frantic blur of e-mail and social media, not even realizing there's a better way.</p>

<p>In DEEP WORK, author and professor Cal Newport flips the narrative on impact in a connected age. Instead of arguing distraction is bad, he instead celebrates the power of its opposite. Dividing this book into two parts, he first makes the case that in almost any profession, cultivating a deep work ethic will produce massive benefits. He then presents a rigorous training regimen, presented as a series of four "rules," for transforming your mind and habits to support this skill.</p>

<p>A mix of cultural criticism and actionable advice, DEEP WORK takes the reader on a journey through memorable stories-from Carl Jung building a stone tower in the woods to focus his mind, to a social media pioneer buying a round-trip business class ticket to Tokyo to write a book free from distraction in the air-and no-nonsense advice, such as the claim that most serious professionals should quit social media and that you should practice being bored. DEEP WORK is an indispensable guide to anyone seeking focused success in a distracted world.</p>

<p>The classic graphic novel. Picking up where Destination Moon left off, Professor Calculus and Tintin discover a secret agent has managed to sneak onboard the rocket with plans to hijack it and abandon everyone on the moon!</p>

<p>The classic graphic novel. A can of crab meat turns out to be a small clue to a big mystery! Tintin meets Captain Haddock in his escape and his plan to track down the crooks takes him to an exotic desert city.</p>

<p>Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, everyone's favorite reluctant Viking hero, has three months, five days and six hours to discover America, get back to Berk, save his father, battle Polarserpents and win the annual Inter-Tribal Friendly Swimming Race. Can he do it?</p>

<p>At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy's instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through Gaea's forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors from both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape? They have no choice. If the demigods don't succeed, Gaea's armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus. This paperback edition will include a never-before-seen short story, "The Crown of Ptolemy," in which Percy and Annabeth fight alongside Carter and Sadie Kane, and more bonus content!</p>

<p>Ella is a special girl--one who cares for every person and animal she comes across; one who values kindness and courage above all else. But her true uniqueness comes from staying compassionate and brave, even when faced with trials and tragedy. From not giving into darkness, even when it seems all hope is lost. Follow Ella's story in the classic tale told anew--a tale filled with bright pumpkins and glass slippers, with shiny palaces and ringing clock towers, and with the power of kindness and courage.</p>

<p>The Great Successor</p>

<p>The behind-the-scenes story of the rise and reign of the world's strangest and most elusive tyrant, Kim Jong Un, by the journalist with the best connections and insights into the bizarrely dangerous world of North Korea.</p>

<p>Since his birth in 1984, Kim Jong Un has been swaddled in myth and propaganda, from the plainly silly--he could supposedly drive a car at the age of three--to the grimly bloody stories of family members who perished at his command.</p>

<p>Anna Fifield reconstructs Kim's past and present with exclusive access to sources near him and brings her unique understanding to explain the dynastic mission of the Kim family in North Korea. The archaic notion of despotic family rule matches the almost medieval hardship the country has suffered under the Kims. Few people thought that a young, untested, unhealthy, Swiss-educated basketball fanatic could hold together a country that should have fallen apart years ago. But Kim Jong Un has not just survived, he has thrived, abetted by the approval of Donald Trump and diplomacy's weirdest bromance.</p>

<p>Skeptical yet insightful, Fifield creates a captivating portrait of the oddest and most secretive political regime in the world--one that is isolated yet internationally relevant, bankrupt yet in possession of nuclear weapons--and its ruler, the self-proclaimed Beloved and Respected Leader, Kim Jong Un.</p>