From a renowned sociologist, the wisdom of saying goodbye Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot is enthralled by exits: long farewells, quick goodbyes, sudden endings, the ordinary and the extraordinary. There's a relationship, she attests, between small goodbyes and our ability "to master and mark the larger farewells." In Exit, her tenth book, she explores the ways we leave one thing and move on to the next; how we anticipate, define, and reflect on our departures;...

An engaging story that provides a biblical basis for time-honored traditions.

"Chinese culture is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern, and readers discover how the natural world, government, and history of this vast country have impacted its people for centuries. Featuring the most up-to-date information about life in the most populous country in the world, this focused guide gives readers a comprehensive look at how the past and present come together in China. Vibrant photographs, eye-catching fact boxes, and detailed...

"When Dr. Croft takes in orphan Eleanor Beady, he doesn't realize that he's gained an apprentice. Raised amidst Croft's experiments, "Nora" becomes his most trusted assistant-an unthinkable and unlawful pursuit for a woman. Nora helps Croft's groundbreaking research and his clinic gain recognition, and she finds she doesn't mind working in the background, as long as she can continue to hone her skills. But the arrival of a new surgical resident threatens...

"The Southeast Asian nation of the Philippines is made up of thousands of islands and is one of the most populous countries in the world. What is life like for the millions of people who live on these islands? Readers find out as they explore the unique culture of the Philippines. Through focused chapters that detail the nation's geography, history, arts, festivals, food, and more, they broaden their horizons and develop a sense of global citizenship....

"Life after the war takes an unexpected turn for the Kopp sisters, but soon enough, they are putting their unique detective skills to use in new and daring ways"-- Winter 1919; the war is over. Norma is summoned home from France, Constance is called back from Washington, and Fleurette puts her own plans on hold as the sisters rally around their recently widowed sister-in-law and her children. To help support them, Fleurette does clandestine legal...

"Published in 1859, we are immediately intrigued by the narrative - a young and genial tutor of arts, Walter Hartright, encounters a woman dressed head to toe in white who is lost in the streets of London. After reporting her to the authorities Walter is informed that the lady was an escapee from a mental asylum. However, when Walter takes a new position in teaching art he encounters a girl named Laura, whose looks are stunningly similar to those...

""Ahlaan bikum fi eamman"-Welcome to Oman, a country of contrasts. Located on the Arabian Peninsula in the Middle East, Oman straddles the old and the new, the traditional with the modern. Camels and horses vie with cars and buses for room on the roads. Mosques made for worshippers share the land with motels made for tourists. Multiple cups of kahwa, or coffee mixed with cardamom, are served daily, alongside countless cans of Mountain Dew, both competing...