The Homesman

The Homesman
Author: Glendon Swarthout
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 352
Release: 2014-09-11
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1471136051

The Homesman is a devastating, humane story of early pioneers to America's West in the 1850's. It celebrates the ones we hear nothing of-the brave women whose hearts and minds were broken by that life of bitter hardship. When a nineteen-year-old mother loses her three children to diphtheria in three days, or a woman left alone for two nights has to shoot wolves as they crash through the window, it is no wonder they should lose their minds. After a dreadful winter, the Rev. Dowd finds there are four such cases in his parish and, as yet, no asylum in this frontier town. A 'homesman' must be found to escort the women East to civilization. Not a job anyone would volunteer for, it falls to Mary Bee Cuddy, ex-teacher, spinster-indomitable, resourceful, "plain as an old tin pail." Brave as she is, Mary Bee knows she cannot succeed alone, and the only companion available is the low-life and untrustworthy "George Briggs," a claim-jumper.Thus begins a trek East, against the tide of colonization, against hardship, Indian attacks, ice storms, loneliness, and the unceasing aggravation of a disparate group of mad women, which provides a series of tough, fast-paced adventures and introduces two wonderful, idiosyncratic characters. Coming to cinemas in 2014 with an incredible cast - featuring Tommy Lee Jones, Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank and John Lithgow. Not to be missed!

Easterns and Westerns

Easterns and Westerns
Author: Glendon Swarthout
Publisher: MSU Press
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2001
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

In his only collection of short fiction, Glendon Swarthout, author of The Shootist, Where the Boys Are, and Bless the Beasts and the Children, reveals in microcosm the heroic and gritty themes that characterized both his novels and films. Stories such as "Mulligans" and "A Glass of Blessings" explore the seedy underbelly of human desire, while "A Horse for Mrs. Custer" quietly celebrates the dedication of men and women who act above and beyond their capabilities during war and upheaval. Although these stories were written over a span of three decades, their themes of generational conflict, hypocrisy, loss, sacrifice, love, and war remain fresh and startling. Alternately funny and uncomfortable, Swarthout captures the postwar tensions of twentieth-century Americans. This collection reveals the versatility, range, and skill of one of America's great storytellers. Easterns and Westerns includes one unpublished novella and thirteen stories, some of which have appeared in national magazines such as Esquire, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, and the Saturday Evening Post. One of these, "A Glass of Blessings," was an O'Henry Prize Short Story in 1960. Another, "A Horse for Mrs. Custer," became a 1956 Western film for Columbia Pictures; 7th Cavalry, starring Randolph Scott and Barbara Hale. A third story, "Mulligans," has been made into a short comedy film.

Once More Around the Park

Once More Around the Park
Author: Roger Angell
Publisher: Open Road Media
Total Pages: 494
Release: 2023-01-24
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1504081676

This essay collection covers more than forty years of history, fandom, and insider analysis from “the best baseball writer of our time—maybe ever” (Newsweek) The celebrated baseball chronicler has selected his favorite pieces from the last forty years to create Once More Around the Park, a definitive volume of his most memorable work. Here are the extraordinary games Roger Angell has witnessed and written about, as well as compelling insights that deepen our love and understanding of the sport. This book includes such timeless essays as “The Interior Stadium,” on the complex attractions of baseball; “In the Country,” on a friendship that began with a fan letter and took Angell far from the big stadiums and big money; “The Arms Talks,” on contemporary pitching strategy and the arrival of the split-finger delivery; and many others. Angell’s conversations with past and present players and managers, scouts and coaches, rookies and Hall of Famers enhance his expertise and critical appreciation, defining him as “baseball’s most eloquent analyst” (The New York Times Book Review).

Red Helmet

Red Helmet
Author: Homer Hickam
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Total Pages: 353
Release: 2008-11-11
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 1418537209

Can their love survive the difference in their circumstances? Song Hawkins is a beautiful, tough, but lonely New York City businesswoman who thinks she's met the man of her dreams in Cable Jordan, the superintendent of a West Virginia coal mine. But soon after they impulsively marry, Song realizes they're in big trouble. She can't imagine life outside of New York, and Cable has no intention of leaving his beloved town of Highcoal. Song's visit to the little mining community only makes things worse. It looks like the marriage is over. But in a shocking turn of events, Song realizes it's up to her to put on the red helmet of the new coal miner and descend into the deep darkness. There she faces her greatest challenge with choices and courage that will forever impact the life of Cable and the entire town. Sweet and thoughtful contemporary read Stand-alone novel Book length: 86,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs

The Shootist

The Shootist
Author: Glendon Swarthout
Publisher: Center Point
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2006
Genre: Criminals
ISBN: 9781585477715

Chosen by the Western Writers of America as one of the best western novels ever written, this novel was also the inspiration for John Wayne's last great starring role in the acclaimed 1976 film by the same name. This special commemorative edition includes a new Introduction by the author's son, Miles Swarthout, in which he talks about his father's work and the making of the legendary film.

The Night of Wenceslas

The Night of Wenceslas
Author: Lionel Davidson
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Total Pages: 245
Release: 2016-07-05
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0571329934

The award-winning debut thriller from the bestselling author of Kolymsky Heights 'Quite simply the best thriller writer around.' Spectator Nicolas Whistler is young, bored and in debt. When an opportunity to make some money arises, he can't turn it down. He is sent to Prague to carry out a simple assignment, but he soon finds himself trapped between the secret police and the clutches of the mysterious Vlasta. Whether he likes it or not, Nicolas is now a spy. 'Fast-moving, exciting, often extraordinarily funny.' Sunday Times 'Brilliant. Don't miss it.' Observer

The Social Climber's Bible

The Social Climber's Bible
Author: Dirk Wittenborn
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2014
Genre: Cooking
ISBN: 0143125206

"Welcome fledging Social Climbers! Allow us to show you the way. Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it, so what's the big deal? You shouldn't be punished for wanting to improve your lot in life! This is America, after all. In the grand tradition of True Prep and The Hipster Handbook, The Social Climber's Bible will teach you everything you need to know to become a pro Mountaineer: The Art of Social Climbing at gallery openings, cocktail parties, and funerals Social Climbing as a family How to handle sex, dating, marriage, and love Your social climbing IQ and how to improve it How to spot a Big Fish, Whale, Turtle or Unicorn, and what they can do for you Johnson & Johnson heiress Jazz Johnson is a lifelong insider in that rarefied world that fans of both Downton Abbey and Gossip Girl dream about. Raconteur Dirk Wittenborn is old enough to remember when sex was safe and cocaine wasn't addictive. In short, Jazz belongs to some of the most exclusive clubs in the world, whereas Dirk has been kicked out of them. Who better to guide you? "--

The Beaten Territory

The Beaten Territory
Author: Randi Samuelson-Brown
Publisher: Wheeler Publishing, Incorporated
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2018-10-17
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9781432856458

Annie Ryan is running a second-rate brothel in 1890s Denver with an eye toward expansion -- until murder stalks the good-time girls. This rollicking tale of blurred lines, flowing booze, played-out miners and upstairs girls delivers a compelling look at the Wild West, where women were enterprising and a price was paid for justice.

Hillary and Clinton

Hillary and Clinton
Author: Lucas Hnath
Publisher: Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
Total Pages: 116
Release: 2019-12-17
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0822233851

In an alternate universe light-years away from our own is a planet called Earth. It looks a lot like our Earth, except it’s slightly different. And living on this other Earth is a woman named Hillary. Hillary is trying to become the president of a country called the United States of America. It’s 2008 and she’s campaigning in a state called New Hampshire. She’s not doing very well in the polls. She needs more money to keep the campaign going, so she calls her husband for help. He offers her a deal, a tough deal, but when she gets his help, she gets more than she bargained for. You may think you know where this story is going, but you don’t. After all, the play takes place in an alternate universe where anything can happen.

Red-Tails in Love

Red-Tails in Love
Author: Marie Winn
Publisher: Vintage
Total Pages: 353
Release: 1999-03-30
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0679758461

Updated Edition—Ten Years Later The scene of this enchanting (and true) story is the Ramble, an unknown wilderness deep in the heart of New York's fabled Central Park. There an odd and amiable band of nature lovers devote themselves to observing and protecting the park's rich wildlife. When a pair of red-tailed hawks builds a nest atop a Fifth Avenue apartment house across the street from the model-boat pond, Marie Winn and her fellow "Regulars" are soon transformed into obsessed hawkwatchers. The hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking saga of Pale Male and his mate as they struggle to raise a family in their unprecedented nest site, and the affectionate portrait of the humans who fall under their spell will delight and inspire readers for years to come.