Bøger udgivet af Atmosphere Press

"As a practicing Retina Surgeon/Ophthalmologist, who trained at, taught at, and has access to some of the best medical institutions in the world, it was only my personal interface, as a patient, with John E. Sarno, MD that led me out of my own inexplicable 'Health-Scare' labyrinth. In Breaking Out of Pain, a beautiful compendium of essays on the pioneering work of Dr. Sarno, several leaders in the field of mind-body science remind us that a leading diagnostic question for all patients needs to be, 'How are YOU doing and feeling in this thing called LIFE?'" - Michael J. Cooney, MD MBA, Managing Partner, Vitreous Retina Macula Consultants of New York, Clinical Assistant Professor, New York University Grossman School of Medicine"Dr. Sarno's seminal contributions to the field of Mindbody Medicine are duly honored in this collection of essays, commemorating his 100th birthday. I have been impressed by Dr. Sarno's work for decades. Fortunately, the impact of his ideas PERSISTS in recent paradigm shifts in the mainstream understanding and treatment of chronic pain." - Andrew T. Weil, MD, Founder, University of Arizona Andrew Weil Center for Integrative MedicineHave you been living for years with pain? Have doctors been unable to explain satisfactorily why you're suffering? Does nothing seem to work, and do you feel like you've tried everything, including surgery?Maybe you're suffering from Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS), a Mindbody disorder. Delve into the world of Mindbody disorders and how they're commonly mis/undiagnosed. Learn how identical structural findings on imaging studies might appear in people without pain as well as in those struggling with discomfort and why physical treatments fail to treat Mindbody disorders. Gain an appreciation of the pioneering work of John E. Sarno, M.D. in diagnosing and treating Mindbody disorders as well as insight into how four healthcare professionals who worked directly with Dr. Sarno have been carrying on his legacy.Learn how you might finally break out of the clutches of chronic pain.

President Runo is a man who knows no boundaries, defying rules and exploiting legal loopholes to maintain his iron grip on power. With the help of cunning legal masterminds, he employs an improvisational rationality, making up the rules as he goes along.Friendships crumble as Runo sows seeds of discord, creating factions that tear each other apart while he remains untouchable. Those who dare challenge his authority are dealt with ruthlessly - used and discarded when their political utility expires. For those who still pose a threat, he employs the insidious honey trap to silence them forever.In The Sacred Passage, Mwana waMusikavanhu unravels the intricate web of Runo's sadistic reign, leaving readers in awe of the depths of his depravity. With every turn of the page, you'll be drawn into a world of ruthless politics and relentless ambition, where no elimination trick is too foul in the pursuit of power.

In 1924, at Brooklyn's Kings County Hospital, Ruby del Palacio delivers a blue baby weeks early. The baby girl dies for want of oxygen. Within a year, Ruby delivers another baby girl named Alice.Gradually realizing that her sole role in the del Palacio household is to conceive, deliver, and nurse babies, trapped by societal expectations in a time of limited women's rights and rampant injustices, Ruby summons the courage to sue for a legal separation from her Colombian husband, Juan. Her efforts are met with a counter lawsuit, resulting in Juan being granted custody of their six children. Months later, he flees the state with the children, leaving Ruby abandoned and bereft.Decades later, Alice embarks on a journey to find her long-lost mother. It is only when a dear friend imparts a profound revelation to Alice, explaining that forgiveness necessitates relinquishing all hope for a different past, that Alice finds the strength to accept her history.Across the Narrows unravels as a sweeping family saga, centered around a tragedy that shapes the del Palacio family's destiny and leaves little room for forgiveness. With themes of love, loss, and resilience, this poignant novel explores the transformative power of forgiveness and the pursuit of one's own identity in the face of adversity.

Come with us on the magical journey of the sweetly insane and delusional Mrs. Naomi Billingsley, who has created fantastic, magical and delightful fantasies to break the humdrum existence of her daily midwestern life. She decides to share them with her psychiatrist, who comes to believe he's found the unusual patient that will make him famous.In the world of Mrs. Naomi Billingsley, illogical, colorful experiences begin to manifest, with evidence that suggests perhaps some of her stories actually have taken place. This also raises the question of whose world her psychiatrist is actually living in - his own world, or his patient's - and results in an eventual reversal of their two roles. Naomi Billingsley is a most engaging, slightly disturbed but delightful character, and every chapter's story is a world of its own. Things eventually turn out well - even the alarming bullet wound in her forehead that her psychiatrist can't help noticing upon her arrival to his office, in one of her early visits.Mrs. Billingsley's life gradually morphs back into a realistic, grounded world where she has gained the confidence needed to face the challenges. And there are challenges to face ...one of which culminates in an utterly unexpected twist.

No one uses guilt the way Italians and Greeks do.Maria and Nick know that only too well. The two teachers swap stories about their respective mothers and aunts, who have employed tears and sorrow the way a surgeon uses a scalpel. They gift their tormentors a trip to California, but ironically the ladies wind up on the same flight, where they become instant friends, and the world suddenly gets turned upside down.If you have kids, if you were a kid---whatever your ethnic background---you will laugh, sigh, and shake your head as you share this adventure with Maria and Nick and their Mediterranean Mothers!!

Magic has returned to the world, eagerly awaiting at your fingertips. Many of us now walk the earth, recognizing, and remembering that we are more than mere humans; we are spiritual beings here once again for a human experience.This Activation Letter recounts my journey of breaking conditioning and "waking up." It catalyzes your inner awakening, guiding you to rediscover the magic within. Through self-acceptance, self-discovery, and the embrace of your innate magic, we are poised to bring healing and peace back into the world.Awakening Souls, you stand on the precipice of a transformative journey. In this book you will find channeled messages from ancient Deities, enchanting Fae, majestic Dragons, and other mystical beings, the very essence of your soul will kindle with remembrance and the magic that still courses through your veins.It is time to embrace your readiness and wake up to the enchanting possibilities that await. Your inner awakening journey begins now.

"As you turn the page in this quirky poetry collection, here it comes! Each poem is a surprise journey of fun, starting with 'Evil Glass Dog.' Feel the sense of wonder reading this book. Then it's gone..." - Janay CosnerImmerse yourself in this collection, where myriad souls abide. Encounter the likes of Rod Serling, Judas, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Dunn, Franco Harris, and an eerie glass dog within Richard Sipe's latest work. These diverse characters come together in a tapestry that delves into the fleeting nature of existence; a reckoning with the ephemeral nature of all things.With a sharp wit, Sipe guides us through themes of hunger, love, time travel, bowling, and an unforgettable ride in a hearse. These narratives culminate in a gathering that beckons us to ponder the journey we've unexpectedly embarked upon and the party we somehow crashed.

From inhabitant of a cardboard cradle deep in the Kentucky hills to young romantic in New York City, Geneva Clay is transformed by her journey and yet indelibly the same.As Geneva's family migrates from one place to another, the once-familiar landscapes of her Kentucky childhood blend into a mosaic of poetic memories and near mythologies. In an Ohio college, she forms enduring friendships that provide both sustenance and education: Ella, an independent and empathetic spirit navigating a racially challenged environment; Sammy, a sophisticated rebel who briefly mentors Geneva; and Annie, who introduces Geneva to the excitement and complexities of New York.Geneva tentatively adopts the grand city, seeking work and love. After months of unhappy struggle and loneliness, she secures a position in a prestigious research foundation and, taking a chance on a brief encounter in a museum, gets involved with and marries Cullen, her first true love. However, continuing to grapple with reshaping her identity, she eventually leaves the Chatham Foundation and Cullen, too, behind.Much like Geneva, we all must part with our childhood innocence and embark on a quest to find our place within the universe, one that will fill the void left by the magic circle of meaning we've left behind.

"Good fiction humanizes other people for us. Jeff Kirchick writes about the boys we all envied or pretended to dismiss-the star athletes, the handsome straight guys, the respected Ivy League graduates, the men with two parents, both kind and supportive and prosperous-and shows these paragons from the inside, their fears, their vulnerabilities, their sensitivity, their loves and their coming to terms with mortality, their own and that of others. Most writers are losers; it's something new to hear about the inner life of a winner." - Edmund WhiteIn today's world, young men grapple with concepts like "toxic masculinity" that often lead to self-doubt and aimlessness. Such ideologies can push them toward negative influences online or unproductive behaviors. How Boys Learn by Jeff Kirchick presents a different perspective, delving into the nuanced journeys boys navigate. These stories offer insight into friendships, relationships, sexuality, and the quest to become better individuals.Kirchick's collection captures diverse experiences: from a conflicted teenage wrestler in rural Pennsylvania to a postwar society designed to curb "bad ideas," and a doctor's encounters with family and an unusual patient. Love is the overarching theme, whether it's the characters' connections with others or their pursuit of self-love.Originally penned in 2010 under the guidance of esteemed author Edmund White at Princeton University, these tales have been refined for a wider audience. Kirchick's aim is to impart lessons on struggle, humanity, and discovering love in unexpected corners. How Boys Learn invites readers to explore the complexities of growing up and finding love amid life's challenges.

The companion novel to The Aquamarine Surfboard. "This is a night for being brave."In the aftermath of a devastating sickness that shatters their close-knit beach town, six lonely kids are drawn together during the unpredictable autumn equinox. Among them are fourteen-year-old Lorelei, who yearns to be an oceanographer, and her peculiar younger brother, Tad, who possesses an otherworldly curiosity. When Lorelei has a strange and almost deadly encounter in a sea cave, her loyal boyfriend, Casey, cannot reconcile her fantastical experience with the rational world. Condi, Lorelei's best friend, understands ocean magic but isn't free to share what she knows. Kait, a girl from Ireland, regrets her impulsive move to America-all because of an odd occurrence involving her deceased boyfriend's lost surfboard. When tides turn and the moon shifts, Isaac, the new kid in town who despises the ocean, is forced to face the truth-a profound and powerful magic lives in the deep. Guided by a wise surf master, mystical old women known as the Beachlings, and an open-hearted grandmother, six kids embark on transformative adventures that challenge their beliefs about possibilities and the intense nature of love.----Praise for The Aquamarine Surfboard "A tender, richly imagined middle-grade novel."BookLife (Publisher's Weekly) - Lightning Bolt Editor's Pick"This book will have you laughing out loud and crying softly into its pages."Samantha Hui, Independent Book Review

The time is now, the place is here.¿Kathy Marvin's life takes a thrilling turn when she discovers a mysterious book drifting along the Fremont Falls River. Within its pages, she unravels the secrets of the para-transfuser, an ancient device capable of realizing time travel since the dawn of humanity. The text also speaks of a parallel world and a destined warrior's mission to free the Leviathan from the clutches of an Earthly King.With explicit instructions to throw the book into the sea, Kathy embarks on an extraordinary journey to different worlds. Join her in this mesmerizing collection of adventures spanning history and beyond, where imagination knows no bounds in an ever-expanding universe of captivating stories.

Coming back from the dead sucks.Resurrecting from the dead was never meant to be easy. All of Ami's cherished Bonds vanished, leaving her to rebuild connections from scratch. As she battles to forge new ties, fresh trials emerge. Her newfound captaincy appears promising, yet the formidable Head General Tso is unwavering in his determination to banish her. With Generals Lee and Mason pursuing their own ambitions and Rikardi maintaining a watchful gaze, Ami navigates a treacherous landscape.Amidst fears of a shattered alliance with Jasmine and a resurfacing Dali curse, Ami seeks support among the Nobles. But there's more-a dire situation brews beyond Talient, demanding her attention. Living again might not be ordinary, but it's certainly never dull.In Conri, book two in the White Dragon series, Ami's resilience shines as she confronts the trials of the living and the challenges of her newfound captaincy. Can she rally allies, salvage alliances, and confront the growing threats, or will she find herself swallowed by the chaos she faces?

With an increasing multitude of Greeks stomping around metropolitan New York, the author noticed many of them seemed to be employed as corporals of the service industry-park attendants, apartment painters, supermarket clerks, and, especially, dishwashers, waitresses, and short-order cooks. This circumstance led him to wonder: How did it happen that these custodians, busboys, and counter girls ended up being the last remnants of the ancient architects of Western Civilization?To explore this question, he began writing storychapters, which followed the exploits of one Greek family transplanted in Brooklyn, NY, as it wrestled to make sense of life in America from the 60s to the end of the 20th century. He used family feasts at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, a wedding, and a funeral as milestones in their journey, and labeled these feasts profane because of the unholy manner in which they were conducted. The profane feasts herein are narrated by Alexandros Dropolous, Jr., as he passes from childhood to young manhood and, ultimately, to his own wedding feast and the baptism of his son.Whether their adventure had been carefully planned or pursued intuitively, the author believed this family of Greeks in America was using their classical history as a kind of modern-day Trojan horse. The idea was not to topple our government which, after all, is held together by Greco-Roman ideas, but to replace their own lost greatness with the American dream by inserting themselves, patiently and unobtrusively, into one household, one coffee shop, one school, one house of worship at a time.

Ever been told you or your child cannot do something?Yet, is there an inner knowing, a voice inside you telling you are limitless and can do anything you put your mind to? Believe and you will achieve! Come fly with this brave bluejay as he does what makes his soul sing. Learn how to teach yourself and your children the power of manifestation as we center our thoughts in a colorful array of watercolor illustrations with one brave bluejay who dares to be different and lives his life as an example to inspire others. What makes your soul sing?

The hope of two species rests on the wings of a dragon.In the aftermath of Adelaide's failed attempt to save her people and her beloved man-dragon, Klinhun is left vulnerable and on the brink of war with the neighboring country of Gyndilad. Determined to ensure her people's survival and secure lasting peace, Adelaide embarks on a perilous quest alongside her loyal hawk, Cyr, in search of the legendary dragons.However, the dragons prove to be less cooperative than Adelaide anticipated, placing the fate of Klinhun squarely on her shoulders. With the help of a small group of dragons, Adelaide, Cyr, and their newfound allies must confront the Gyndilians and protect their homeland. Yet, the weight of this responsibility threatens to overwhelm Adelaide, especially as she grapples with her own deadly dragon abilities.As Adelaide navigates the treacherous landscape of Gyndilad, she discovers a web of secrets that jeopardize everything she holds dear, including her closest friend, Gunter. Trapped amidst his enemies, Gunter must find a way back home while struggling to preserve his identity. Will he reunite with his loved ones, or will he lose himself in the clutches of the enemy?In the fiery sequel to The Gift of Dragons, Adelaide faces not only the formidable Gyndilians but also her own nagging doubts that threaten to consume her. To save the ones she cherishes, she must conquer her inner turmoil and confront the challenges that lie ahead once and for all.Don't miss the first book of the duology!

What does it mean to be a monster? Is it dangerous? Is it fun? Do people hate you? Do they like you?I've got the answers on speed dial, and I've got to admit, I couldn't care less about anyone's two cents on the matter.I'm your not-so-average eight-year-old on a mission to carve out a life that's entirely my own. Will I choose to become an unstoppable force of magical marvels? You bet your enchanted socks I will! Does this journey make a whole bunch of folks around me more than a little uneasy? You bet your bottom gold piece! Do I occasionally find myself in a spot of trouble over it? Well, that all depends on how you define "trouble."But hey, enough of my rambling! Grab a seat, whether it's a chair, a cozy sheet fort, a trusty old lamp, or even enlist your significant other as a living footrest-whatever floats your boat! Prepare to dive in, chuckle a bit at my escapades, and lose yourself in a tale that's bound to tickle your funny bone.Trust me, you're in for quite the ride!

Who are we really? Where do we come from? Breaking generational false beliefs can be challenging, yet not impossible! Join our young flamingos as they explore who they are and challenge the status quo of their parents' hallucinations of what should be or how things are always meant to be. The only certain thing about life is that change is constant. We are ever evolving, growing, learning and expanding our consciousness. Shall we never limit a child to fit inside society's pushed conformities. How do we raise wise and strong children? Children express the purest form of light and love. We all can learn to tap more into our inner child, slow down and listen to our kids more often to fully embody their messages.

Sabrina Watson's words resonate with profound emotion from the very first to the last. Within these pages, you'll find authentic stories of unconditional love and heart-wrenching experiences. When you open this book, you open another's mind.Enter My Mind chronicles the journey of a young woman as she embarks on a path of self-discovery that takes her from her small hometown to adventures across the world. Along the way, she shares heartwarming moments with loved ones and encounters eye-opening parallels that shape her perspective.Sabrina opens up about her hard-earned triumphs and the life events that molded her character. She creates a safe haven for readers to explore real emotions-vulnerability, honesty, and self-discovery. Within these pages, you'll find the scents of growing up, the significance of life's little moments, and the cherished memories that become a part of the tapestry of our minds. It's a captivating exploration of the human experience through one woman's lens.

In the scorching heat of Destin, Florida, a tangled web of secrets threatens to unravel both friendships and lives.A year has passed since the tragic death of Callista Kobb, Destin's once-golden girl, and the town still bears the scars of the event. Avery Hill, her former best friend, struggles with a year-long state of depression, but her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets River Aviera, someone with his own enigmatic past. Meanwhile, Andres McQueen, esteemed captain of the town's swim team, is tormented by a dangerous secret that weighs heavily on his conscience- one he's been hiding for too long. When the topic of Callista's death is re-opened by ambitious aspiring journalist, Akemi Ito, the once-buried secrets resurface, threatening to shatter the fragile peace in Destin. In The Undertow of Healing, a pivotal choice emerges: to leave the past behind without closure or to confront the haunting memories head-on. As the fiery summer unfolds and friendships fray, the long-concealed truths hidden beneath the surface just might prove that some doors are better left unopened.

"If you could ride higher into yourself, you'd see we're just a string of pearls along this saltless sea."I've Been Meaning to Tell You is an engaging and thought-provoking collection of poems by Ariana Moulton. With a keen focus on vivid landscapes and intertwining themes of nature, gun violence, teaching, and motherhood, the author masterfully creates a strong sense of place for readers to immerse themselves in. Through her heartfelt verses, Moulton delves into profound questions that resonate with both the emotions and intellect of her audience, while skillfully painting vivid images that evoke a sense of truth.The central aim of this collection is to offer readers a glimpse into the author's personal experiences and surroundings, all while raising a vital question that holds significance for everyone: "What's at stake?"The title serves as an invitation, drawing readers closer to explorations of post-Covid life, loss, inspiration, and the rich history emanating from the streets and lakefront of Chicago. I've Been Meaning to Tell You fearlessly embraces a range of compelling themes, including gun violence, homelessness, the struggles of dawn, and the timeless battles faced with aging. Through dreamlike imagery and narrative glimpses into Chicago's history, Moulton allows space for the unimaginable and grants readers the freedom to embark on their own interpretive journeys.

Twenty-nine-year-old Izzie Burke has struggled with mental illness her entire life, but it's the recent problematic drinking that has alienated her from family. Depressed and alone the day after Thanksgiving, Izzie spirals into a descent of binge drinking, where she blacks out on the bathroom floor. After Izzie's best friend, Annie, encourages her to seek help, life for Izzie begins to improve. She even meets one of Annie's coworkers, and their relationship intensifies quickly.But things take a drastic turn when Annie is involved in a tragic accident. When the truth is finally revealed, Izzie is left not knowing how to cope or what to do. Can she handle the truth, or will it destroy her for good? She must decide if she is going to fight for her life or allow the darkness to overtake her.Beneath the Smiling Moon is a novel of rebirth that explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and family. Ultimately, it is a story about the human experience and how internal struggles shape who we are destined to become.

Pith, the fifth book of lyric poems by William Guest, delves into a wide array of themes and styles, offering vignettes of rich and joyful moments. These poems explore experiences with family, the passage of time, and the mysteries of life and death. While building upon the themes explored in his previous works, Guest ensures a fresh perspective to avoid redundancy.In essence, Pith aims to cast a broad net around the human experience, touching upon the enigmatic realms of birth, existence, relationships, and mortality. The possibilities and topics are endless, and in this new addition, Who Are We? Man and Cosmology, Guest ventures into these profound questions through the medium of verse.William Guest, a graduate of Yale University and Harvard Law School, has dedicated much of his life to the practice of law and business ventures, all while pursuing his passion for sculpting and poetry. His previous collections of lyric poems include What I Cannot Abandon, Time Do Not Stop, Out of the Dark, and Never Enough. In addition to his poetic endeavors, he has also authored a captivating travel journal titled Places You Want to Go, chronicling his adventures in the Arctic, Antarctica, the Amazon, and his experiences at the Yeats Poetry Festival in Sligo, Ireland.

International Firebird Book Award - First Place Women's Fiction2024 Readers Favorite Award - Gold in Historical Fiction2024 American Fiction Awards - Historical Fiction Finalist2024 International Impact Book Awards Winner2024 BookFest Awards - First Place Historical FictionNABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Books in Historical FictionAn Appalachian granny woman. A daughter on a crusade. A granddaughter caught between the two.Maggie McCoury, a generational healer woman, relies on family traditions, folklore, and beliefs gleaned from a local Cherokee tribe. Her daughter, Carrie Ann, believes her university training holds the answers. As they clash over the use of roots, herbs, and a dash of mountain magic versus the medicine available in the town's apothecary, Josie Mae doesn't know whom to follow. But what happens when neither family traditions nor science can save the ones you love most?Daughters of Green Mountain Gap weaves a compelling tale of Maggie, Carrie Ann, and Josie Mae, three generations of remarkable North Carolina women living at the turn of the twentieth century, shedding light on racism, fear of change, loss of traditions, and the intricate dynamics within a family. Author Teri M. Brown skillfully navigates the complexities of their lives, revealing that some questions are not as easy to answer as one might think.

"Wallace's thriller, as action-packed as it gets, gives us a reluctant hero we'll follow from the edge of our seats on his perilous mission to rescue a young woman held hostage by human traffickers."Phyllis Gobbell, author of Notorious in Nashville and other Jordan Mayfair mysteries"Jack Wallace's novel, No Good Deed, is an authentic depiction of the sex trade...a fast-moving thriller with well-defined characters and an explosive ending." R. A. Van Vleet, author of Dark Traffic"Jack Wallace's powerful novel, No Good Deed, takes the reader on a journey few of us will ever experience firsthand. In an age when stories of modern slavery and human trafficking have become so prevalent, it is important for books like this to remind us of the real human cost of exploitation and the responsibility we all share, to realize that injustice experienced by others affects the quality of life for all of us."- Lorenzo DeStefano, author of House Boy---Christopher Jones offers a young Korean woman a ride to the Greyhound bus station, and within hours, his good deed plunges him into the dark, dangerous world of human trafficking.Struggling with a painful divorce, unemployment, and responsibilities of caring for his mother and teenage daughter, Christopher is hardly prepared for the dangers that unfold. Helping the woman escape from sex traffickers puts him on the radar of Korean mobsters, exposing him to a cascade of unintended consequences. His life is in jeopardy, his reputation tarnished, and the police show no belief in his ordeal.In a desperate bid for survival, Christopher teams up with his Iraq War Veteran friend and a preacher's widow. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, battling escalating terror, murder, and mayhem.No Good Deed sheds light on the modern-day slavery of human trafficking, a grave issue affecting millions worldwide. Join Christopher as he courageously fights against the odds in this gripping tale of survival and redemption. Will he prevail against the shadows lurking in the darkest corners of society? Discover the heart-pounding truth in this riveting narrative of courage and sacrifice.

"Make him pay, daughter dear."When Suzanne-a clairsentient enchantress-meets Max-an irresistible rogue-at a Garden District soirée, destiny is at play. As their relationship sizzles, Suzanne experiences an uptick in supernatural encounters, each demanding that an evil deed from yesteryear be avenged.As Suzanne navigates these hauntings, she must confront her past and acknowledge her heritage. Raised by a hoodoo conjurer, Suzanne had rejected her mother's expectations to practice folk magic but eluding her role as a spellcaster no longer remains an option. Instead, Suzanne must embrace her legacy to survive. Set in New Orleans and along Mississippi's sparkling Gulf Coast, Suzanne rediscovers the power of the tarot and learns that bonding with a beloved specter, trapped since the 1940s, will change everything.Told in dual timelines and stretching the bounds of realism, A Southern Enchantress celebrates the generational love of women bound even beyond death.

A riveting tale of self-discovery and redemption. ~ The Prairies Book ReviewThis life-affirming adventure from Badgley (author of The Foreigner's Confession) follows a Seattle chef, Mallory Jones, through Burma and other enchanting Southeast Asian locales, on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected intrigue and danger. ~ BookLife ReviewsA mesmerizing novel with amazing vivid descriptions of Burma, Bangkok, the golden Pagodas, and the MC Mallory, a Seattle chef on quite the adventure. The sights and sounds were clear, and I was really immersed in the adventure and Mallory's own personal transformation. It's a page turner and a fairly quick read. I could see this as a movie! A great adventure, with great sites, smells, food, and the heart. ~ 5 Star Amazon ReviewThis book captivated me from the first page and never let go until the end. This mesmerizing story totally and completely transported me to Burma and led me along a harrowing adventure to Bangkok. I could see the sites, and almost taste and smell the foods. I could not put this book down. Author Lya Badgley's connection to Southeast Asia shines through in this book. Her brilliant use of perfect words draws you in and brings you fleeting back to reality at the end. I will read this book again so I can savor every word again and again. ~ Five Star Goodreads ReviewA priceless Burmese ruby leads Mallory Jones on a journey from the remote mountains of Burma to the swelter of Bangkok in search of redemption.In 1995, Mallory Jones, a Seattle chef, embarked on an adventurous trip to Rangoon, Burma, in pursuit of a dream project. Immersed in a foreign world of beauty, stifling heat, and political turmoil, Mallory's life takes an unexpected turn when she befriends a British diplomat and a charismatic French gem dealer, unwittingly becoming entangled in a treacherous plot to steal a priceless Burmese ruby. Haunted by her traumatic past, Mallory must confront her own capacity for violence and deceit, all while clinging to the elusive hope of a new beginning.The Worth of a Ruby transports readers to the mesmerizing landscapes of Southeast Asia, where a priceless ruby becomes a powerful metaphor for Mallory's journey of self-discovery. Can Mallory finally break free from the disaster of her former life or will her inner demons consume her? The story is a riveting exploration of the human psyche and the search for one's true worth. Weaving elements of mystery, suspense, and personal transformation, this story leaves readers pondering the true value of the ruby of the heart.