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Understanding Young Chinese Backpackers: The Pursuit of Freedom and Its Risks (China Perspectives)
by Jia XieAn activity that originated in Western societies, backpacking has gained increasing popularity among Chinese millennials. In a spirit of the ‘search for self’, young Chinese backpackers have sought to display their pursuit of freedom, independence and responsibility within an increasingly individualised society through backpacking. This volume investigates contemporary young Chinese persons’ views on backpacking culture and backpackers. A group of Chinese backpackers are studied using interview and participant observation, and focus groups are conducted to study young professionals’ and university students’ attitudes towards backpacking. The results indicate a profound cultural change along with a degree of division. On the one hand, the backpackers often begin their journey due to a desire to pursue freedom, and use the pursuit as a process of reflexive awareness; on the other hand, the risks of pursuing a freewheeling lifestyle within an individualised society drive the majority of them to return home. The author concludes that this phenomenon is a kind of ‘staged individualism’, describing how Chinese millennials strike a balance between individual interests and wider social obligations. Students and scholars of sociology tourism, and youth culture will be interested in this volume.
Understanding Young Chinese Backpackers: The Pursuit of Freedom and Its Risks (China Perspectives)
by Jia XieAn activity that originated in Western societies, backpacking has gained increasing popularity among Chinese millennials. In a spirit of the ‘search for self’, young Chinese backpackers have sought to display their pursuit of freedom, independence and responsibility within an increasingly individualised society through backpacking. This volume investigates contemporary young Chinese persons’ views on backpacking culture and backpackers. A group of Chinese backpackers are studied using interview and participant observation, and focus groups are conducted to study young professionals’ and university students’ attitudes towards backpacking. The results indicate a profound cultural change along with a degree of division. On the one hand, the backpackers often begin their journey due to a desire to pursue freedom, and use the pursuit as a process of reflexive awareness; on the other hand, the risks of pursuing a freewheeling lifestyle within an individualised society drive the majority of them to return home. The author concludes that this phenomenon is a kind of ‘staged individualism’, describing how Chinese millennials strike a balance between individual interests and wider social obligations. Students and scholars of sociology tourism, and youth culture will be interested in this volume.
Unlocking Mandarin Chinese with Paul Noble
by Paul Noble Kai-Ti NobleEver tried to learn Mandarin Chinese and found it too hard? Bestselling language coach Paul Noble has a quick and easy way to get you back on track with his unique tried-and-tested method.
Unravel the Dusk (The Blood of Stars)
by Elizabeth LimThree magical gowns. Two kingdoms on the brink of war. One chance to save them all.Maia Tamarin proved her skill as a tailor when she wove the dresses of the sun, the moon, and the stars, but it will take more than a beautiful gown to hide the darkness rising up within her, in the stunning sequel to Spin the Dawn. Maia Tamarin's journey to sew the dresses of the sun, the moon and the stars has taken a grievous toll. She returns to a kingdom on the brink of war, while Edan, the boy she loves, is gone - perhaps forever. No sooner does she set foot in the Autumn Palace than she is forced to don the dress of the sun and assume the place of the emperor's bride-to-be. But the emperor's rivals learn of her deception, and there is hell to pay - yet the war raging around Maia is nothing compared to the battle within. Ever since she was touched by the demon Bandur, she has been changing: losing control of her magic, her body and her mind. It's only a matter of time before Maia loses herself completely, but until then she will stop at nothing to find Edan, protect her family, and bring lasting peace to her home. The stakes are higher than ever in this breathtaking sequel to Spin the Dawn.** Praise for Elizabeth Lim **'Your next big YA series' Entertainment Weekly'A stunning tapestry of adventure' Washington Post'What an amazing creation!' Tamora Pierce
Up All Night: 13 Stories between Sunset and Sunrise
by Laura SilvermanWhen everyone else goes to bed, the ones who stay up feel like they&’re the only people in the world. As the hours tick by deeper into the night, the familiar drops away and the unfamiliar beckons. Adults are asleep, and a hush falls over the hum of daily life. Anything is possible. It&’s a time for romance and adventure. For prom night and ghost hunts. It&’s a time for breaking up, for falling in love—for finding yourself. Stay up all night with these thirteen short stories from bestselling and award-winning YA authors like Karen McManus, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nina LaCour, and Brandy Colbert, as they take readers deep into these rarely seen, magical hours. Full contributor list: Brandy Colbert, Kathleen Glasgow, Maurene Goo, Tiffany D. Jackson, Amanda Joy, Nina LaCour, Karen M. McManus, Anna Meriano, Marieke Nijkamp, Laura Silverman, Kayla Whaley, Julian Winters, Francesca Zappia
The Upper World
by Femi Fadugba''I couldn''t put this book down'' - Academy Award winner Daniel KaluuyaSOON TO BE A MAJOR MOVIE IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE TO CHANGE YOUR FUTUREWOULD YOU TAKE IT? Esso is running out of time and into trouble. After he is accidentally caught up in a gang war, he is haunted by a vision of a bullet fired in an alleyway with devastating consequences. A generation later, fifteen-year-old football prodigy Rhia is desperately searching for answers - and a catastrophic moment from the past holds the key to understanding the parents she never got to meet. Whether on the roads of South London or in the mysterious Upper World, Esso and Rhia''s fates must collide. And when they do, a race against the clock will become a race against time itself. . .Praise for the Upper World:''''Wow! The Upper World is a time-twisting, mind-bending thrill ride. I raced through the pages trying to keep up with Esso and Rhia - if I could read at the speed of light, I would have! This south London epic will stay with you long after the final page.'''' - Holly Jackson''''A thrilling, electric book - so sharp and quick, so witty and wise it leaves you gasping.'''' - Katherine Rundell''''For days after reading [The Upper World], I was left with what I can only describe as an electricity surging through my spirit. Fadugba is an impeccable weaver of universes and this is a book I will return to time and time again.'''' - Caleb Femi
The Valentines 3-Book Collection: Happy Girl Lucky, Far From Perfect, Love Me Not
by Holly SmaleIntroducing The Valentines – the hilarious, romantic-comedy series by Holly Smale, author of the bestselling and critically acclaimed Geek Girl books.
Valorant: Essential Guide 100% Unofficial
by DeanDive into action with 2020's smash-hit tactical shooter, Valorant! This illustrated in-depth guide explains expert tactics, details the different characters and their heroic abilities, and explores the epic maps that you'll do battle on.
Violet Ghosts
by Leah ThomasFrom William C. Morris and Edgar Award finalist Leah Thomas comes an ethereal, thought-provoking YA tale about a teen who can see ghosts . . . and helps them avenge their deaths.Dani's best friend, Sarah, is a ghost. But maybe that's normal when you've spent your childhood running from an abusive parent.Dani and Sarah might be more than friends, though Dani dares not say so. Dani is afraid that if he tells Sarah he's trans, she won't bother haunting him anymore. Sarah's got good reason to distrust boys, having been strangled by one.After Sarah and Dani come across another ghost haunted by her own brutal murder, they set out to bring peace and safety to spirits like her. But when an old rival reenters Dani's life, their unexpected friendship gives Dani a strange new feeling of belonging. As Dani starts to find his place in the living world, he'll need to let go of his ghosts.Equal parts chilling, raw, and emotionally resonant, acclaimed author Leah Thomas's ghost story for the #MeToo era is about reclaiming trauma and finding peace among true friends.
A Vow So Bold and Deadly (The Cursebreaker Series)
by Brigid KemmererKINGDOMS WILL CLASH. CHOOSE YOUR SIDE.Grey has been revealed as the rightful prince of Emberfall. But the kingdom is crumbling fast, torn between his claim and that of the reigning Prince Rhen and Princess Harper. Newly crowned as Queen of the enemy kingdom Syhl Shallow, Lia Mara struggles to rule with a gentler hand than her mother. But as Grey moves closer to claiming the crown of Emberfall, both Harper and Lia Mara are forced to question where they stand – and how far they can follow the dictates of their hearts. Brigid Kemmerer's heart-pounding saga comes to a thrilling climax, as two kingdoms come closer and closer to conflict – and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all.
A Vow So Bold and Deadly (The Cursebreaker Series)
by Brigid KemmererKingdoms will clash. Choose your side.The incredible conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Cursebreaker series.Face your fears, fight the battle.Emberfall is crumbling fast, torn between those who believe Rhen is the rightful prince and those who are eager to begin a new era under Grey, the true heir. Grey has agreed to wait two months before attacking Emberfall, and in that time, Rhen has turned away from everyone--even Harper, as she desperately tries to help him find a path to peace. Fight the battle, save the kingdom.Meanwhile, Lia Mara struggles to rule Syhl Shallow with a gentler hand than her mother. But after enjoying decades of peace once magic was driven out of their lands, some of her subjects are angry Lia Mara has an enchanted prince and a magical scraver by her side. As Grey's deadline draws nearer, Lia Mara questions if she can be the queen her country needs. As the two kingdoms come closer to conflict, loyalties are tested, love is threatened, and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all, in this stunning conclusion to bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer's Cursebreaker series.
Vulture: Book 3 (Isles of Storm and Sorrow)
by Bex HoganPower, politics and pirates collide in Vulture, the finale of the epic YA fantasy series The Isles of Storm and Sorrow, perfect for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean.We are all one misstep away from being the villain...Marianne has passed the ultimate test required to be a Mage. She is finally powerful enough to reunite the Twelve Isles.But having exposed herself to the darker side of magic, Marianne is struggling. The magic within her is nearly impossible to control, and she becomes cruel and violent, mercilessly pursuing those who have harmed her in the past, ignoring the pleas of those closest to her to remember what's really important: saving the islands.Everything she's fought for has come down to this. Will Marianne be able to fulfil her promise to bring peace to the islands when she can't even bring peace to herself? Conquer the darkness. Control the magic. Save the Isles.
Walls
by L.M. ElliottCan two cousins on opposite sides of the Cold War and a divided city come together when so much stands between them? Drew is an army brat in West Berlin, where soldiers like his dad hold an outpost of democracy against communist Russia. Drew&’s cousin Matthias, an East Berliner, has grown up in the wreckage of Allied war bombing, on streets ruled by the secret police. From enemy sides of this Cold War standoff, the boys become wary friends, arguing over the space race, politics, even civil rights, but bonding over music. If informants catch Matthias with rock &’n&’ roll records or books Drew has given him, he could be sent to a work camp. If Drew gets too close to an East Berliner, others on the army post may question his family&’s loyalty. As the political conflict around them grows dire, Drew and Matthias are tested in ways that will change their lives forever. Set in the tumultuous year leading up to the surprise overnight raising of the Berlin Wall in August 1961, and illustrated with dozens of real-life photographs of the time, Walls brings to vivid life a heroic and tragic episode of the Cold War.
The Wanderer
by Josie WilliamsNothing can stand in the way of love, not even death. Fifteen-year-old Maggie is in foster care following the death of her mother and her grandmother's slip into dementia. When Ryder saves her life, she can't help but fall in love with him. The only problem is that he has been dead for five years... Unsentimental, passionate and immensely moving, The Wanderer takes a fresh look at first love and growing up.
We Free the Stars (Sands of Arawiya #2)
by Hafsah FaizalThe epic sequel to the New York Times-bestselling We Hunt the Flame, by the masterful Hafsah Faizal.Darkness surged in his veins. Power bled from her bones.The battle is over, but the war is just beginning. Low on resources and allies alike, Zafira and Nasir are determined to finish their mission; to restore magic to their kingdom.But the land teems with the return of an ancient evil, and as Nasir fights to command the magic in his blood, Zafira battles a very different darkness. And yet, in spite of everything, they find themselves falling into a love they can't stand to lose.Time is running out and if order is to be restored, sacrifices will have to be made . . . Set in a richly detailed world inspired by ancient Arabia, Hafsah Faizal's We Free the Stars is the spellbinding conclusion to the Sands of Arawiya duology.
We're Going Places
by John Broadley Mick JacksonThe second children’s book from the wonderful illustrator John Broadley, working with Booker-shortlisted novelist Mick Jackson, following their glorious debut While You’re Sleeping.
What Beauty There Is
by Cory AndersonPerfect for fans of Patrick Ness, Meg Rosoff and Daniel Woodrell, What Beauty There Is is an unforgettable debut novel that is as compulsive as it is beautiful, and unflinchingly explores the power of determination, survival and love.When everything you love is in danger, how long can you keep running to survive? Life can be brutal Winter in Idaho. The sky is dark. It is cold enough to crack bones. Jack knew it Jack Dahl has nothing left. Except his younger brother, Matty, who he'd die for. Their mother is gone, and their funds are quickly dwindling, Jack needs to make a choice: lose his brother to foster care, or find the drug money that sent his father to prison............ So did I Ava lives in isolation, a life of silence. For seventeen years her father, a merciless man, has controlled her fate. He has taught her to love no one. But now Ava wants to break the rules - to let Jack in and open her heart. Then she discovers that Jack and her father are stalking the same money, and suddenly Ava is faced with a terrible choice: remain silent or speak out and help the brothers survive. Did I feel the flutter of wings when Jack and I met? Did I sense the coming tornado? Looking back, I think I did . . . 'Beautifully written and superbly constructed, Anderson pulls you onto a chilling footpath of love and loss and keeps you there until you've read every last word' Ruta Sepetys, Carnegie Medal Winner
What Love Looks Like: Sometimes love turns up where you least expect it
by Jarlath GregoryWhen Ireland voted to let gay people get married, my stepdad hugged me and said, ‘Your turn next, Ben! Get yourself a boyfriend. Make us proud.’ So I decided to try. Ben is 17, gay, and happy most of the time. He’s finished school and is on track to a great career – all that’s missing is falling in love. Romantic but a little naïve, Ben meets Peter online. But the guy of his dreams is still in the closet, his pal Soda is suddenly more interested in nights in than nights out, and his old school bully seems determined to ruin his life. Then, on top of everything else, his best friend, Chelsea, goes AWOL – just when he needs her most. Everything is changing and Ben’s not sure what to do. But change brings all kinds of possibilities. You just have to be ready to see them. Can Ben navigate the pitfalls of modern gay dating, with all its highly sexualised expectations, and be true to himself?
What's the Hurry, Murray?: A Child’s Guide to Finding Calm
by Anna AdamsMurray can’t wait for his friend Florrie to come round to play. That’s until he starts to panic about it… Luckily, Hoots the owl is here to help Murray take a breath and keep calm. A thoughtful and accessible book, What’s the Hurry, Murray? includes practical steps to help children identify and resolve their worries.
When We Were Strangers
by Alex Richards"An exquisitely told story of grief, growing up, and the glorious complexities of love and life." - Kathleen Glasgow, New York Times bestselling author of Girl in Pieces and You'd Be Home Now"A sparkling, stirring ode to love, art, and unexpected human connection." - Jeff Zentner, Morris Award-winning author of The Serpent KingFrom the author of Accidental comes a gripping story about a teen grieving her father's sudden death--and grappling with the shocking secrets he left behind.Seventeen-year-old Evie Parker is devastated in the wake of her father's sudden death. But she knows something her mother doesn't: the day of his heart attack, her dad was planning to move out. After finding his packed bags, an impulsive Evie puts everything away to spare her mom more heartache.To make matters worse, Evie soon learns the reason her father was going to leave: he had been dating his twenty-two-year-old receptionist, Bree, who is now six months pregnant. Desperate to distract herself, Evie signs up for a summer photography class, where she meets a motley crew of students, including quirky and adorable Declan. Still, Evie can't stop thinking about her father's mistress. Armed with a telephoto lens, she caves in to her curiosity, and what starts as a little bit of spying on Bree quickly becomes full-blown stalking. And when an emergency forces Evie to help Bree, she learns there's more to the story than she ever knew . . .Alex Richards crafts a riveting new story about betrayal, complicated family secrets, and getting to the heart of what matters--ultimately asking readers how far they'd be willing to go to unravel the truth.
When You Get The Chance
by Emma LordWhen You Get The Chance is a heartwarming read from Emma Lord, the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese Witherspoon YA Book Club pick You Have a Match.Nothing will get in the way of Millie Price's dream of becoming a Broadway star. Not her lovable but super introverted dad, who raised Millie alone since she was a baby or her drama club rival, Oliver, who is the very definition of Simmering Romantic Tension. Millie needs an ally. And when an accidentally left-open browser brings Millie to her dad's embarrassingly moody LiveJournal from 2003, Millie knows just what to do — find her mum.But how can you find a new part of your life and expect it to fit into your old one without leaving any marks? And why is it that when you go looking for the past, it somehow keeps bringing you back to what you've had all along?Praise for Emma Lord:"Brimming with energy, rapid-fire banter, and affectionate theater references, this memorable Mamma Mia! retelling . . . thoughtfully pays homage while skillfully modernizing it for today's readers." - Publishers Weekly "Chock-full of musical theater references and humor, the novel includes high-stakes emotional drama that is balanced by supportive friendships and strong, deep family connections . . . An entertaining personal journey with plot twists galore." - Kirkus Reviews
Where There's a Whisk
by Sarah J. SchmittLife is what you bake it.Peyton Sinclaire wants nothing more than to escape her life as a diner waitress in her small, North Florida town and attend culinary school. Top Teen Chef, Food TV's new show that pairs reality TV drama with a fast-paced culinary competition, is her ticket out of her boring future. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make her dreams come true and Peyton is determined to prove to herself, and the world, that where you're born does not determine where you can go. However, once on the show, Peyton quickly discovers that there is more to the competition than just a well-seasoned dish. As things start to heat up on and off the set, Peyton will have to prove to the judges that she deserves to win while trying to untangle what is real and what is scripted drama, and decide what she is willing to risk to win before her dreams end up on the chopping block.
Where We Go From Here
by Lucas RochaHenrique has had HIV for three years.Ian has just tested positive.Victor got with Henrique last night and thinks he might have it.Ian, Victor and Henrique must navigate treatment, friendship and love, and eventually learn to trust each other.Because with judgement and ignorance lurking round every corner, the real challenge isn't the disease — it's other people.Brazilian author Lucas Rocha unveils the common misconceptions and prejudices that still surround HIV in the twenty-first century, showing how far we've come while shining a light on just how far we have yet to go.
Wicked Little Deeds
by Kat Ellis*THE BRAND NEW TERRIFYING THRILLER FROM KAT ELLIS*'Riverdale meets The Haunting of Hill House' - Amy McCaw, author of Mina and the Undead'Kat Ellis wields an oppressive atmosphere like a sharply honed blade' - Sera Milano, author of This Can Never Not Be Real 'Horrifyingly good fun!' Kathryn Foxfield, author of Good Girls Die FirstFrom its creepy town mascot to the story of its cursed waterfall, Burden Falls is a small town dripping with superstition. Ava Thorn knows this well - since the horrific accident she witnessed a year ago, she's been plagued by nightmares.But when her school nemesis is brutally murdered and Ava is the primary suspect, she starts to wonder if the legends surrounding the town are more fact than fiction.Whatever secrets Burden Falls is hiding, there's a killer on the loose, and they have a vendetta against the Thorns...Praise for Harrow Lake:'A captivating and creeping mystery full of brilliantly twisting turns and dark secrets' - Holly Jackson, bestselling author of A Good Girls' Guide to Murder'If you like Stephen King, snap this up!' - Cass Green, Sunday Times bestselling author of In a Cottage in a Wood'Scream meets The Babadook in small-town USA' - Kirsty Logan, award-winning author of The Gracekeepers
Witchshadow (The Witchlands Series #4)
by Susan DennardSusan Dennard’s New York Times bestselling fantasy series continues – with the story of Iseult, the Threadwitch.War has come to the Witchlands . . . and nothing will be the same again.Iseult has found her heartsister Safi at last, but their reunion is brief. For Iseult to stay alive, she must flee Cartorra while Safi remains. And though Iseult has plans to save her friend, they will require her to summon magic more dangerous than anything she has ever faced before.Meanwhile, the Bloodwitch Aeduan is beset by forces he cannot understand. And Vivia – rightful queen of Nubrevna – finds herself without a crown or home.As villains from legend reawaken across the Witchlands, only the mythical Cahr Awen can stop the gathering war. Iseult could embrace this power and heal the land, but first she must choose on which side of the shadows her destiny will lie.Witchshadow is the fourth book in the Witchlands series by bestselling author Susan Dennard.'Truthwitch by Susan Dennard is like a cake stuffed full of your favourite fantasy treats . . . this book will delight you' – Robin Hobb, author of Assassin's Apprentice