The book is a gripping tale that explores complex characters and their intertwined lives against a backdrop of significant themes such as love, betrayal, and redemption. Set in a vividly depicted environment, it delves into the emotional struggles and triumphs of its protagonists, offering readers a deep connection to their journeys. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover the characters' fates. Rich in detail and insight, it promises a compelling reading experience that resonates on multiple levels.
San Francisco, 1947. Bartender Sammy "Two Toes" Tiffin and the rest of the Cookie's Coffee Irregulars--a ragtag bunch of working mugs last seen in Noir--are on the hustle: they're trying to open a driving school; shanghai an abusive Swedish stevedore; get Mable, the local madam, and her girls to a Christmas party at the State Hospital without alerting the overzealous head of the S.F.P.D. vice squad; all while Sammy's girlfriend, Stilton (a.k.a. the Cheese), and her "Wendy the Welder" gal pals are using their wartime shipbuilding skills on a secret project that might be attracting the attention of some government Men in Black. And, oh yeah, someone is murdering the city's drag kings and club owner Jimmy Vasco is sure she's next on the list and wants Sammy to find the killer. Meanwhile, Eddie "Moo Shoes" Shu has been summoned by his Uncle Ho to help save his opium den from Squid Kid Tang, a vicious gangster who is determined to retrieve a priceless relic: an ancient statue of the powerful Rain Dragon that Ho stole from one of the fighting tongs forty years earlier. And if Eddie blows it, he just might call down the wrath of that powerful magical creature on all of Fog City
Set against a backdrop of art and history, the narrative explores the allure of a vibrant blue pigment, reminiscent of the Virgin Mary's cloak. This captivating hue draws artists into a world filled with danger, adventure, and the supernatural. As they navigate the complexities of creativity and obsession, the story delves into the mysteries surrounding this exquisite color, intertwining themes of inspiration and the darker sides of artistic ambition.
Set adrift by his pirate crew, Pocket of Dog Snogging--last seen in The Serpent of Venice--washes up on the sun-bleached shores of Greece, where he hopes to dazzle the Duke with his comedic brilliance and become his trusted fool. But the island is in turmoil. Egeus, the Duke's minister, is furious that his daughter Hermia is determined to marry Demetrius, instead of Lysander, the man he has chosen for her. The Duke decrees that if, by the time of the wedding, Hermia still refuses to marry Lysander, she shall be executed . . . or consigned to a nunnery. Pocket, being Pocket, cannot help but point out that this decree is complete bollocks, and that the Duke is an egregious weasel for having even suggested it. Irritated by the fool's impudence, the Duke orders his death. With the Duke's guards in pursuit, Pocket makes a daring escape. He soon stumbles into the wooded realm of the fairy king Oberon, who, as luck would have it, IS short a fool. His jester Robin Goodfellow--the mischievous sprite better known as Puck--was found dead. Murdered. Oberon makes Pocket an offer he can't refuse: he will make Pocket his fool and have his death sentence lifted if Pocket finds out who killed Robin Goodfellow. But as anyone who is even vaguely aware of the Bard's most performed play ever will know, nearly every character has a motive for wanting the mischievous sprite dead. With too many suspects and too little time, Pocket must work his own kind of magic to find the truth, save his neck, and ensure that all ends well
Exploring the experience of being hospitalized later in life, this innovative non-fiction book combines humor and realism to guide readers through the journey of a hospital stay. Drawing from personal experiences following a stroke, the author highlights the often-overlooked roles of various hospital staff and the absurdities of ward life. The narrative unfolds chronologically, detailing everything from pre-admission to after-care, making it particularly relevant for those over fifty or anyone apprehensive about hospitalization.
San Francisco 1947: Es kommt nicht jeden Tag vor, dass eine rätselhafte, anmutige Blondine namens Stilton (ja, wie der Käse) in den verlotterten Laden kommt, in dem Sammy »Two Toes« Tiffin Gin ausschenkt. Für ihn ist es Liebe auf den ersten Blick. Aber bevor Sammy den ersten Schritt machen kann, betritt ein General der Air Force aus Roswell den Saloon. Er hat einen eiligen Auftrag, den Sammy nur widerwillig annimmt, denn eigentlich hat er ganz andere Dinge im Kopf. Doch als Stilton kurz darauf spurlos verschwindet, geht es ohnehin erst einmal nur noch um eines: Er muss seine Traumfrau retten – und vielleicht auch noch einen kleinen Alien ...
This book offers a comprehensive exploration of Socrates' engagement with the concept of selfhood, delving into ancient philosophical perspectives on identity and individuality. It systematically analyzes how Socratic thought contributes to the understanding of the self, highlighting key ideas and their implications for both ancient and modern philosophy. Through this examination, the work sheds light on the foundational role of selfhood in philosophical discourse.
