Michael George Livres

Compelling and Controversial....The Melon Boys is a story of the South in the summer of 1968, soon after the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. Its fictitious account brings to light real events that took place outside the view of TV cameras and the 6 O'clock evening news. This was the South of the migrant worker and sharecropper, where white social backlash exacted a terrible price on ordinary blacks. In turbulent times, everyday life can require great courage, and friendships can lead to ultimate tests of loyalty. For college student Matt Mayer, the job of migrant worker turns into the education of a lifetime in this context. After he befriends two black co-workers, he finds himself in the path of danger more than once. He is quickly driven to decide if he should follow the unwritten rules that dictate day-to-day race relations, or honor the bonds of friendships he has formed. How can a white college student from the Midwest, with little exposure to any race but his own, make sense of the complex social rules of a still segregated South? And, more importantly, how will his experience shape the man he will become?

Raw emotion permeates the narrative, blending humor with poignant moments. The story offers an honest and compelling exploration of family life, capturing both the pain and the uplifting experiences that resonate with families globally. This heartfelt tale promises to evoke laughter and tears, making it a relatable and powerful read.

"Since 2001, business leaders have been using Lean Six Sigma (LSS) to drive improvements across industries, enabling their companies to reduce cycle time and waste, thus improving revenue and profits. Now they can finally unlock their company’s full potential by combining LSS and AI."--Amazon.com

When private detectives, Mack and Lisa Thomas decide to spend their much-needed vacation searching for information about their friend, Jasper Klug, they never expected to find constant danger. But find it they did. From young men who are sure they can rape Lisa, to a father in the Canadian wilderness who has been abusing his eleven-year-old daughter, their adventure never stops. Before it's over, two of the detective agencies have been shot. Even so, they fulfill their quest to find what they were searching for. In more ways than one.

The collection offers a profound exploration of human experience, addressing themes of life, consciousness, and purpose. It begins with the fresh perspective of a newborn, capturing innocent viewpoints, and gradually transitions to the complex insights of adulthood. Each chapter presents a unique narrative that challenges societal norms and delves into existential mysteries, creating a rich tapestry of understanding that guides readers through the multifaceted dimensions of human life.

The book showcases the architectural achievements of the renowned firm led by McKim, Mead, and White, highlighting their significant contributions to American architecture over nearly forty years. Featuring plans, elevations, and detailed illustrations of iconic structures like the Boston Public Library and Penn Station, it serves as both a comprehensive reference and a source of inspiration for architecture students and enthusiasts alike.

The narrative explores the search for a missing teenage girl, Alison, through the perspectives of five distinct characters: her boyfriend, a truck driver, a roadside preacher, a small-town librarian, and a police detective. Each voice contributes to the overarching theme of absence, highlighting the gaps in stories and the deeper truths that remain unspoken. The novel's unique structure emphasizes the varied human experiences surrounding loss and the quest for understanding in the face of uncertainty.

For centuries the south coast of Kent – in particular the ports of Dover and Folkestone - have been England’s front line, as her enemies have planned invasions and launched attacks from just across the Channel. During the Great War of 1914-1918 these two towns were again vulnerable to enemy action, and they played a vital role in war effort. As this well-researched and highly illustrated book shows, the people of the Channel Ports suffered from bombardment by air and sea. They also played a significant role in the experience of the men who fought in the Great War. For the humble soldier, this stretch of coastline had a personal meaning - it represented ‘Blighty’. It might be the last thing the departing Tommy would see of his country and, for a soldier returning wounded or on leave, the White Cliffs on the horizon were his first glimpse of home.