Best Selling Fiction Ebooks

61 Hours
By: Child, Lee
Published by: Transworld
Publication date: March 18 2010

GET READY FOR THE MOST EXCITING COUNT-DOWN OF YOUR LIFE HOUR SIXTY-ONE Icy winter in South Dakota. A bus skids and crashes in a gathering storm. On the back seat: Jack Reacher, hitching a ride to nowhere. A life without baggage has many advantages. And disadvantages too, like facing the arctic 

Cutting For Stone By: Verghese, Abraham Published by: Random House Publication date: March 4 2010 Marion and Shiva Stone, born in a mission hospital in Ethiopia in the 1950s, are twin sons of an illicit union between an Indian nun and British doctor. Bound by birth but with widely different temperaments they grow up together, in a country on the brink of revolution, until a betrayal splits them The Lost Symbol By: Brown, Dan Published by: Transworld Publication date: September 15 2009 The Capitol Building, Washington DC: Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon believes he is here to give a lecture. He is wrong. Within minutes of his arrival, a shocking object is discovered. It is a gruesome invitation into an ancient world of hidden wisdom. When Langdon?s mentor, Peter Solomon ? prominent read more:http://www.ebooks.com/news/46.asp

Best selling novels of 2011 (Based on Amazon site)

Dead in the Family

Dead in the Family is the tenth “Sookie Stackhouse” novel by Charlaine Harris.

Full of subplots, with an expanding array of human, faerie and were-human characters, Dead in the Family presents many views of “family”.  Will all “Sookie Stackhouse” fans find everything they want?  No, but you might well find many chapters to your liking.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

Stieg Larsson’s The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest is the third in the Millennium trilogy. You might recognize the similarity to the movie title “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”.

Larsson shows exceptional skill, both in resolving plot issues throughout this novel, and in presenting the emotional realities his characters face.

Although Larsson may have planned a much longer series, his death in 2004 brought the series to an end.

Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue

In Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue, Paul Woodruff examines the notion of ‘reverence’ – the emotion that respects, fears, or loves with awe and wonder.

Woodruff, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, has written several books of popular philosophy.  Reverence deals with religious and secular views, and crosses cultural and historic settings. Don’t be put off by the word “philosophy”, because Woodruff is clear, concise, and writes well.

As an example of what this book discusses, consider: If you are strong, how do you treat others?  If you are weak, how would you like the strong to treat you?

read more: http://hubpages.com/hub/Best-Selling-Novels

The Books For Teenagers

The Hunger Games

In the Hunger games the US has been replaced by Panem, a country with 12 districts.Every year 2 teenagers are picked from each district to participate in the televised and brutal Hunger Games. A compelling book that will blow teenagers away.

Historical fiction

Set in Nazi Germany, Number the Stars tells the story of a young girl who goes on a dangerouse mission to save her best friend. This book is extremely moving.

The Help tells the story of a young white women who lives in Jackson in the early 60s. She is an aspiring writer and starts to to write about the plight of the black ladies who work in the white's homes and of the struggles and prejudices they face.

The Feed

The Feed is a connection to the Internet/television that is directly hardwired into the brain. Teenager Titus grows up in a world in the not too distant future, where schools teach children how to use the feed effectively and corporations dominate the information that goes into the feed, Teenagers lives are similar to those in the 21st century with parties, music, girlfriends and drink but the feed dominates their world, where people can use them to chat to each other rather than speak. Titus never questions his world until he goes to the moon and meets Violet. Violet thinks and makes decisions for herself, searches for the news she chooses to read and isn't dominated by the feed. A fascinating, science fiction book for teenagers.

read more: http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-books-for-teenagers

Top 15 Must Read Books

These are the top 15 most recommended books that you must read before you die. Yes, they have also touched my soul, scared me senseless and pissed me off. I didn’t put them in any order just the best books of all times that have reached out and spoken to me, they made me feel the raw emotion that is being written page by page. Hopefully, you understand my meaning with each of these books; I hope they have touchedyou in a deep dark place that very few times you get to go.

Follow the River Book by James Alexander Thom

This is the story of Mary Ingles, a 23 year old married woman, pregnant with her third child. In 1755 the Shawnee Indians raided her peaceful settlement and kidnapped her. The bloody savages destroyed her settlement and took her away from all that she had known. This is her amazing story of escaping the Indians after being captive, how she followed the Ohio River and walked thousands of miles to get back to her family. This bookportrays her hardships, determination and dedication to getting back to her family. Follow the River, astounding story of survival.

Who Moved My Cheese Book by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard

This book will help you learn the art of change. How to accept change as it happens in your work place and/or live. The little mice will show you the positive way of change and how your attitude should adapt to change. Short read but a must read for all. The mouse is not a pet, but helpful for us all in his journey.

The Little Engine That Could Book by Watty Piper and Loren Long

Every child, teen or adult should read this amazing story of the little engine that could. This is an incredible book for all ages, so buy it and keep it forever! Encouragement to all of any age that you can do it!

My Sister’s Keeper Book by Jodi Picoult

This is the story of Anna, which has a younger sister that is sick and Anna has often help with bone marrow and blood transfusions. Anna parent’s wants her to give one of her kidney’sto her older sister, to help save her life. This is the remarkable story of Anna and her sister Kate, a beautiful story about two sisters and their journey of life, boys and sickness.

Little Women Book by Louisa May Alcott

This is a classic book that women of all ages should read (men too). This story is based off true life events of Ms. Alcott, the story of four sisters, little women, talented tomboy an author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Book by Mark Twain

Story of a teenage boy that finds himself floating down the Mississippi River with a slave that has escaped. This is their course of adventure, danger and many other hilarious characters that just keep you on the edge of your seat. This is truly a classic book and a must read for all ages.

Pride and Prejudice Book by Jane Austen

Yes, this is a classic tale too but really take the time to read it. It’s beautiful, about a boy and a girl and life. Few have charmed Mr. Darcy but Elizabeth’s wit and independent spirit penetrated through Mr. Darcy’s pride. The characters jump out of the pages, they are real and raw to the readers. Marvelous book and wonderful classical author as well.

Gone With The Wind Novel by Margaret Mitchell

One of the most favorite books of all times, plus, one you will never forget after you read it. The two main characters, the white-shouldered, irresistible Scarlett and the flamboyant, scornful Rhett, Margaret Mitchell not only conveyed a timeless story of survival under the harshest of circumstances, she also created two of the most famous lovers in the English-speaking world since Romeo and Juliet.

To Kill A Mocking Bird Novel by Harper Lee

A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father, a crusading local lawyer risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

Band of Brothers Book by Stephen Ambrose

The men of E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, volunteered for this elite fighting force because they wanted to be the best in the army--and avoid fighting alongside unmotivated, out-of-shape draftees. The price they paid for that desire was long, arduous, and sometimes sadistic training, followed by some of the most horrific battles of World War II. This book is absolutely a MUST read!

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume

The preteen girl’s book but one of the funniest books I have ever read. It’s about girls filling out their training bras, Puberty and when all of it’s going to happen. The weird things that girls do all the fun stuff about growing up and talking to Godabout it. So much fun to read.

The Wolf and The Dove Book by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

One of the most romantic books I have ever read. The old historian romance between the bad guy and the good girl. But the bad guy, the master turns in to a good guy. The sexual feeling is magnificent throughout this book. The wanting and panting is raw and express within this book that you will be sweating when you’re done.

Montana Sky Book by Nora Roberts

This is the story about Jack Mercy's three daughters which are strangers to each other, but to inherit his huge ranch they must live there together for a year -- a year that will bring them together against a terrifying unknown enemy as well as bringing each of them someone to make their dreams sweeter. A rich, stunning story of family, death, and love.

Clan of the Cave Bear Book by Jean M. Auel

When her parents are killed by an earthquake, 5-year-old Ayla wanders through the forest completely alone. Cold, hungry, and badly injured by a cave lion, the little girl is as good as gone until she is discovered by a group who call themselves the Clan of the Cave Bear. This is the journey of the little girl’s life, remarkable and spiritual.

Chocolat Novel by Joanne Harris

Try me...Test me...Taste me. When an exotic stranger, Vianne Rocher, arrives in the French village of Lansquenet and opens a chocolate boutique directly opposite the church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his flock. A mysterious story of love, romance, trust and determination.

I realize there are more books you would probably put on this list of most highly recommended books to read but I am here to tell you that each of these books above bring something special and you will learn something new from each one. Each of these books should be read during your lifetime, feel them, breathe them, go deep within the pages and read, then learn from them and you will understand what I mean once you have finished the books.

source: http://hubpages.com/hub/Top-Books-Must-Read-In-Your-Lifetime

The most unique book ever written?

Is it the fact that The 24:Hour Man! is a relationship book written for men? Or that it has two forewords on the back cover and numbered paragraphs like the Bible? Or that you can win a free copy on Freado.com? What is it that makes it so unique?


Online PR News – 17-April-2011 –The 24:Hour Man! will be the first book ever to have a digital clock built into its hardcover edition! "I wanted the reader to feel as though he was holding something special even before he read the first word of the book I believe is one of the most important books ever written for men", says the author. This is the book Steve Harvey SHOULD have written! There is something for everyone in this book, and at the very least, you'll know what time it is! www.the24hourman.com Ebook - $4.99


source: http://www.onlineprnews.com/news/126518-1302970552-the-most-unique-book-ever-written.html

Human Travel to Mars May Happen Sooner Than Expected, Scientists Say

Betsy Querna
National Geographic Today 

May 15, 2001

For years, people have speculated about, written about and made movies about traveling to Mars. Those dreams of landing a human being on the planet may become a reality sooner than we think.

Although no official deadline for achieving human travel to Mars has been set, a mission to our closest neighbor—136 million to 150 million miles (220 million to 240 million kilometers) from Earth—is imminent, according to some scientists.

"Let's burn it into our brains that in our lifetimes, we will extend the reach of these human species onto other planets and onto other bodies in our solar system," said Daniel Golden, director of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

While many scientists say a mission to Mars is technologically possible today, there are many questions of whether it is practical, economic, or safe to undertake such a mission.

Currently, the only means of extended space travel is by chemically propelled rockets, similar to those used today. Using such rockets, it would take about six months to fly to Mars, and the amount of fuel needed just to get there would be so large that the fuel would make up a huge part of the spacecraft's volume. Moreover, there would not be enough fuel for the spacecraft to turn around and come back to Earth if the mission needed to be aborted.

Another option is plasma engines, which operate using super-heated gas as fuel. Still in development, these types of engines hold the promise of a faster, safer trip to Mars.

"If we can get there quickly, or if we even have ways to turn around and come back, we create a safer environment for the humans," said Gary Marin, director of advanced programs at NASA.

In the view of some scientists, it is just a matter of when a spacecraft capable of carrying people to Mars will be developed.

Robert Zubrin, president of Pioneer Astronautics and The Mars Society, toldNational Geographic Today, "We are much closer today to sending people to Mars than we were to sending people to the moon in 1961."

Our first encounter with the mystical red planet may be only a few years away.

For more about Mars, tune into National Geographic Today all this week. Also read more about it later on this Web site.

Java Jazz Festival 2011

Opened with the a short speech from Peter F. Gontha and Jero Wacik, our ministry of tourism on introducing its new symbols ‘Wonderful Indonesia’, then our national anthem that sang by all audience, Benson opened his show with the lovely 80′s ballad “In Your Eyes”.

Benson has again played some of his special ability on scatting with his guitar tunes. Such hits like “Turn Your Love Around”, “Kisses In The Moonlight”, “Lady Love Me (One More Time)”, “Give Me The Night”, the classic “Moody’s Mood For Love”, the everlasting ballad “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You”and “The Greatest Love Of All”, plus Java Jazz Festival audience’s favorite, “On Broadway”, rolled into one amazing pack of greatest hits from one of the greatest jazz artists ever. And this time, the media had no difficulty to reported the whole show from the very beginning. Just like he said on the press conference, that jazz is never about a school of jazz, we just need some improvizations to build it inside our mind and heart. George Benson‘s two special performances this year is one of the greatest show ever held in the festival’s history.

an ambitious saxophonist and composer, Eric Darius is always hungry to do more of what he does. He consistenly evolve and grow by embracing different kinds of music from Jazz, R&B, Pop, Reggae to Hip-hop, Rock and Gospel eventhough he stated that contemporary jazz is the genre that has embraced his music. This ambitious saxophonist always lke to explore new things to keep him excited. since he was young, Darius has been exposed to music anbd also has obtained some great achievements by playing in Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and released his first album at the age of 17. He also has shared the stage with many big musicians such as: Prince, Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Barry Mcknight, and many more. He is a kind of musician who always bringing a sense of history yet he approaches his music with fresh and modern idea. He always has a mission through his music; he wants his music to be a vehicle for change and to transcend boundaries from age to race; it is to make a difference in the world.

As the undeniable prove of how well the jazz development runs in Indonesia lately, today we have seen many growing communities all over Indonesia. One of them is Margo. At this present time they already have more than 200 artists inside. They all help one another to go higher and further with their career. While some have emerged as a successful musicians, some are going towards that direction. The contribution of Margo Friday Jazz, the regular weekly event from Margo Jazz Community has helped big time to shape these musicians until they are ready to hatch.

Margo Rising Stars is one of the group consists of young singers and musicians which represent the community in many events, big and small. They have performed in many places from Bekasi Jazz Festival to reach Bandung’s Sunday Jazz. Now they landed at the Java Jazz Festival 2011.

Margo Rising Stars is a large ship with crowded formations including brass sections. For Java Jazz Festival 2011 the lineup were Peppy Probo, Grace Sahertian, Angel Bollemeyer, Mekelin Yopiania on vocals,Satriawan Wiguna and Lia Harlan on keyboards, Rio Alief on drums, Ankadiov on bass, Aditya Bayuand Christian Dylan on guitar, plus brass and reeds section guarded by Damez Nababan, Maleaki, Yudha and Jordy Walaukarauw. That made the ensemble appeared in crowded formations. Like it wasn’t enough they got reinforced by more senior artists, the lovely jazz couple Otti Jamalus and Yance Manusama plus the hyperactive rapper Kyriz Boogiemen. This big ensemble brought some of The Police and Sting’s famous hits such as “Englishman In New York” and “Roxanne”. Otti and Yance brought “Spirit in the Material World”and “Message in a Bottle”. Having a very special theme tributing The Police, these young guns showed how smooth they could collaborate with much senior musicians. It was a nice package indeed, and we are happy to see the growth of Margo Jazz community. You’re doing great. Keep it up guys!

Attenzione! Meet the “Fiddler In The Loop”, the Italian violist who trancends the boundaries between jazz, folk and classical with his music, Luca Ciarla. Not only bridging the gap between these big worlds, he also combines the traditional and contemporary creating a new sonic landscapes. In Luca Ciarla Quartethe brought 3 other friends, Vince Abbracciante (accordion), Nicola di Camilo (contrabass) and Francesco Savoretti (drums/percussions). Together they brought their audiences into a new horizon where contemporary jazz, classical and ethnique ambiences blended in magic. As he often surprised his audiences everywhere he went, this time he did that once again at the Java Jazz Festival 2011. Grazie per la bella musica, Luca!

source: http://jazzuality.com/java-jazz-2011/java-jazz-festival-2011-george-benson-eric-darius-margo-rising-star-luca-ciarla-quartet/

Banned Books Week: 10 banned books you might not expect

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[NEWS] SMTown Live in Paris confirmed for June 10

SM Entertainment is going to Europe and they are holding a concert in France, Paris for the first time.

SM revealed on the 20th, “SMTown World Tour that’s has been held in Seoul, LA, Tokyo, Shanghai, etc, will also be held in ‘Le Zenith de Paris’, which is located in France, Paris, on June 10th. They plan to meet the music fans in Paris”.

SM Entertainment is first Korean entertainment company to hold a joint concert in Europe.

The venue that the concert will be held in, ‘Le Zenith de Paris’, is also famous as a stage that world star singers like Ne-Yo, PCD, and the Jonas Brothers have performed in.

The SM artists that will participate in Paris performance include: TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, and f(x) are the leaders of the K-pop sensation in Europe. Because it’s the first performance that popular K-pop singers will be holding in Paris, this will gain attention from music fans from Europe.

Also, last January, France TV Channel 2TV reported the hHallyu sensation with SM artists mainly.

SM Entertainment revealed “Through this Paris performance, through Asia, they plan to get their artists to have global activities using a variety of networking”.


Translated by 오이사랑싴@soshified.com
Source: Asia Economy


source: http://www.dkpopnews.net/2011/04/news-smtown-live-in-paris-confirmed-for_20.html

Jeju (Cheju) Island Travel Information

Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many Japanese. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches.

Although tourism is one of the main industries on the island, many of the hotels and other tourist areas are run by mainland companies, so much of the income never gets put back into the local economy. Also, since the attractions are geared towards tourists, many of the entrance fees can be hefty (although the locally owned and operated ones tend to be cheaper). Similar to Gyeongju and some other areas, local residents can enter most places for free or for a steeply discounted price.

Lodging
Jeju (Cheju) Island has 20 lodging facilities listed with Life in Korea. See all Jeju (Cheju) Island hotels.

Transportation
Bicycle: Given Jeju's wide expanses, bicycling here is much safer than in most of Korea. Many of the roads have sufficient room to ride along the edge, and some even have special bike lanes- not just a painted line between you and traffic, but a separate road with curbs between you and the drivers. Unfortunately, many of the local residents are convinced that the bikes lanes were actually built especially for them to dry their seeds and herbs, so in some places you may have to take short detours onto the road.
Boat: The ferry terminals in Jeju City has daily boats to Busan, Yeosu, Mokp'o, Wando, Noktong, and Incheon on the mainland, as well as several boats to Japan (see the Jeju Port section for schedules). Several other smaller ports have boats to the outlying islands of Kapa-do, Mara-do, Piyang-do, and U-do.
Bus: The bus terminal in Jeju City has buses to numerous destinations around the island. Most do circuits between here and Seogwip'o or Jungmun Resort on the south coast, stopping at various points of interest along the way. Several Jeju City buses criss-cross the city. The main bus is #100, running between the airport and the port, passing the bus terminal and most major hotels. Major hotels and tourist agencies run 1- and 2-day tours around the island.
Car: Several rental car agencies have various models for hire, starting from around W35,000 per half day.
Plane: Jeju International Airport has several flights daily via Korean Air and Asiana to Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Jinju, Kunsan, Gwangju, Mokp'o, P'ohang, Ulsan, Yecheon, and Yeosu. Domestic flights have an airport tax of W3,000. It also has international flights to Japan: Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka, and Tokyo. International flights have an airport tax of W9,000.

Food and Drink:
Besides tourism, Cheju's main industries are fishing and agriculture. Fresh fish, squid, octopus, sea cucumber, and various other creatures can be easily bought in markets, restaurants, and even right on the beach. Cheju's tropical weather and high preciptation are perfect for growing pineapples and tangerines. The island is also famouse for its Shitake mushrooms and cactus plants. Honey made from local flowers has a special taste.

read more: http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel2/cheju