NCW Libraries

This revelatory tour de force by an acclaimed and internationally bestselling science writer upends our understanding of "survival of the fittest"-and invites us all to think and act more altruistically Book jacket.

Standing at the Edge is an evocative examination of how we can respond to suffering, live our fullest lives, and remain open to the full spectrum of our human experience. Joan Halifax has enriched thousands of lives around the world through her work as a humanitarian, a social activist, an anthropologist, and as a Buddhist teacher. Over many decades, she has also collaborated with neuroscientists, clinicians, and psychologists to understand how contemplative...

It's a belief that unites the left and right, psychologists and philosophers, writers and historians. It drives the headlines that surround us and the laws that touch our lives. From Machiavelli to Hobbes, Freud to Dawkins, the roots of this belief have sunk deep into Western thought. Human beings, we're taught, are by nature selfish and governed by self-interest. Humankind makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume...

Can the hyperambitious, bottom-line-driven practices of the global economy incorporate compassion into the pursuit of wealth? Or is economics driven solely by materialism and self-interest? In Caring Economics, experts consider these questions alongside the Dalai Lama in a wide-ranging, scientific-based discussion on economics and altruism.

Depicts the efforts of four people to improve the harsh conditions of life in the impoverished and over-populated area of Calcutta, India.

"In Little Pumpkin, Where's Your Light?, a jack-o-lantern's light is missing just before Halloween! Unsure what to do, the pumpkin asks for help, and a witch, a black cat, and a friendly ghost all join the quest to find the light. With an air of mischievous Halloween fun, an intriguing problem, and oddball friends, this board book is equal parts silly and sweet. Little trick-or-treaters will love the simple storyline and satisfying, cooperative conclusion....

"In the winter of 1939, five-year-old Andrew Bienkowski was exiled to Siberia with his family. The two years of struggle that followed - especially his grandfather's amazing act of sacrifice during their first long, cold winter - have informed the rest of Andrew's life. Thanks to his devoted mother, his quick-witted grandmother, and the unexpected kindness of strangers, Andrew established an approach to life that emphasizes helping others as the essential...

"From celebrated authors Amy Hempel and Jill Ciment writing as A.J. Rich, a smart, thrilling, sexy, and emotionally riveting novel of psychological suspense about an accomplished woman involved with a man who proves to be an imposter. Morgan Prager, at age thirty, is completing her thesis on victim psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. She is newly engaged to Bennett, a seductive but possessive and secretive man. She returns...

"This is LIFE, people! You've got air coming through your nose! You've got a heartbeat! 'That means it's time to do something!' announces Kid President in his book, Kid President's Guide to Being Awesome. From YouTube sensation (75 million views and counting!) to Hub Network summer series star, Kid President--ten-year-old Robby Novak--and his videos have inspired millions to dance more, to celebrate life, and to throw spontaneous parades.In his Guide...