Like all of V. S. Naipaul's "travel" books, "The Masque of Africa" encompasses a much larger narrative and purpose: to judge the effects of belief (in indigenous animisms, the foreign religions of Christianity and Islam, the cults of leaders and mythical history) upon the progress of civilization.

What if there was an herb, previously lost to history in the jungles of Central America, capable of inducing an experience so momentous it could shake the foundations of Western civilization? What if powerful forces on both sides of the law got wind of that herb, and uncompromising pursuit to be the first to exploit it? And what if FBI agent Sean Reilly and his girlfriend Tess Chaykin were, unknowingly, the only two people who could keep the lid on this Pandora's box capable of destabilizing the world?

Stephen Hawking has beenan iconic figure inphysics for the last half a century, making many groundbreaking discoveries on the nature of the universe. Yet while his mind roams to the farthest corners of reality, his body has become increasingly trapped bythe advanceof Lou Gehrig's disease, whichhas bound himto awheelchair, without speech or movement except for a few facial muscles. Told in his youth that he would not live past his 20s, Hawking will turn 70 in 2012, and today he continues to inspire millions, drawing rock-concert-sized crowds wherever he lectures. Science writer Kitty Ferguson has been working with Stephen Hawking for decades, and producedan internationally bestsellingbiography of his life in 1992. Now, she brings his life as well as his scientific discoveries up-to-date. This is a remarkable look at how one of the greatest scientific mind alive overcame the odds to become the truly inspirational figure he is today.
 

Number-one bestselling author Evanovich teams up with award-winning author Kelly to deliver a sparkling novel of romantic suspense, small-town antics, secretive sabotage, and lots and lots of beer. Filled with humor, heart, and lovable characters, "Love in a Nutshell" is delicious fun.