Books about Possibilities from Amazon.com

Celebrated economist Jeffrey Sachs has a plan to eliminate extreme poverty around the world by 2025. If you think that is too ambitious or wildly unrealistic, you need to read this book. His focus is on the one billion poorest individuals around the world who are caught in a poverty trap of disease, physical isolation, environmental stress, political instability, and lack of access to capital, technology, medicine, and education. The goal is to help these people reach the first rung on the "ladder of economic development" so they can rise above mere subsistence level and achieve some control over their economic futures and their lives. To do this, Sachs proposes nine specific steps, which he explains in great detail in The End of Poverty. Though his plan certainly requires the help of rich nations, the financial assistance Sachs calls for is surprisingly modest--more than is now provided, but within the bounds of what has been promised in the past. For the U.S., for instance, it would mean raising foreign aid from just 0.14 percent of GNP to 0.7 percent. Sachs does not view such help as a handout but rather an investment in global economic growth that will add to the security of all nations. In presenting his argument, he offers a comprehensive education on global economics, including why globalization should be embraced rather than fought, why international institutions such as the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank need to play a strong role in this effort, and the reasons why extreme poverty exists in the midst of great wealth. He also shatters some persistent myths about poor people and shows how developing nations can do more to help themselves.

Despite some crushing statistics, The End of Poverty is a hopeful book. Based on a tremendous amount of data and his own experiences working as an economic advisor to the UN and several individual nations, Sachs makes a strong moral, economic, and political case for why countries and individuals should battle poverty with the same commitment and focus normally reserved for waging war. This important book not only makes the end of poverty seem realistic, but in the best interest of everyone on the planet, rich and poor alike. --Shawn Carkonen.
Price: $7.50 [Notify me when price goes down.]

The lure of this book's promise starts with the assumption in its title. Possibility--that big, all-encompassing, wide-open-door concept--is an art? Well, who doesn't want to be a skilled artist, whether in the director's chair, the boardroom, on the factory floor, or even just in dealing with life's everyday situations? Becoming an artist, however, requires discipline, and what the authors of The Art of Possibility offer is a set of practices designed to "initiate a new approach to current conditions, based on uncommon assumptions about the nature of the world."

If that sounds a little too airy-fairy for you, don't be put off; this is no mere self-improvement book, with a wimpy mandate to transform its readers into "nicer" people. Instead, it's a collection of illustrations and advice that suggests a way to change your entire outlook on life and, in the process, open up a new realm of possibility. Consider, for example, the practice of "Giving an A," whether to yourself or to others. Not intended as a way to measure someone's performance against standards, this practice instead recognizes that "the player who looks least engaged may be the most committed member of the group," and speaks to their passion rather than their cynicism. It creates possibility in an interaction and does away with power disparities to unite a team in its efforts. Or consider "Being the Board," where instead of defining yourself as a playing piece, or even as the strategist, you see yourself as the framework for the entire game. In this scenario, assigning blame or gaining control becomes futile, while seeking to become an instrument for effective partnerships becomes possible.

Packed with such examples of personal and professional interactions, the book presents complex ideas on perception and recognition in a readable, useable style. The authors' combined, eclectic experience in music and painting (as well as family therapy and executive workshops) infuses their examples with vibrant color and sound. The relevance to corporate situations and relationships is well developed, and they don't rely on dry case studies to do it. Indeed, this book assumes the emotional intelligence and desire to engage of its reader, promising access to the rewards of that door-opening notion--possibility--in return. --S. Ketchum.
Price: $7.45 [Notify me when price goes down.]

What Will Happen in 2012? Will there be an age of awakening, a new step in human evolution, or even an end to the world we know? For years, archaeologists have known the Mayan calendar predicts this date as the end of an era on Earth. Today, more and more researchers, spiritual explorers, and even scientists are witnessing signs that 2012 will mark a critical shift in the history of our planet. Now, the leading authorities on the 2012 phenomenon present their insights about this enigmatic date.

Featuring essays from 25 renowned experts on the question of 2012, this invaluable anthology examines the mystery from every angle--spiritual, economic, ecological, and scientific--and to decide for yourself whether 2012 will end with a whimper or a bang. In The Mystery of 2012, you will discover the startling predictions and revelations of prominent thinkers, including: * John Major Jenkins' journey to the source for answers--the original Mayan calendar * Gregg Braden's examination of the scientific evidence for a shift in the Earth's magnetic field, and how it will affect all life * Barbara Marx Hubbard's and Peter Russell's explorations of the accelerating pace of evolution--why we may literally be transforming into a new species * Ecologist Joanna R. Macy's vision of "The Great Turning," and how we can take part in this shift to a life-sustaining culture * Daniel Pinchbeck's investigation of the shift of consciousness that will be necessary for humanity to survive 2012 * Jean Houston's predictions on the coming "Jump Time," and her practical advice for dealing with the impact it will have on your life * Corinne MacLaughlin's discussion of using spirituality and consciousness to influence business and political trends.
Price: $14.05 [Notify me when price goes down.]

In 2006, Judith Durant delighted knitters everywhere with her collection One-Skein Wonders: 101 Yarn Shop Favorites. At last, knitters had a rich array of fun, festive patterns for all those yarn "orphans"— single skeins purchased on impulse or left over from long-finished projects.

With knitters clamoring for even more of these imaginative patterns, Durant has tapped into a wide circle of knitwear designers across the country to compile a totally fresh collection of enchanting projects. Once again, the excitement of small-scale possibility will attract knitters of all skill levels. Like its predecessor, 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders offers patterns for small projects that can be completed with a single skein of yarn.

These designer projects range from the adorable to the elegant. The book includes plenty of patterns for those never-can-have-enough items: hats, scarves, bags, and shawls. It also highlights the unexpected: a useful knitted notebook cover, a fun-to-wear mitered square belt with beads, and an elegant ring bearer pillow. There's something for everyone here — from the novice knitter to the experienced yarn artisan.

With patterns arranged by yarn weight, knitters will easily find broad ranges of possibilities for their particular single skeins. A full-color gallery features detailed photographs of all 101 projects, allowing knitters to browse through all the patterns quickly to find the perfect match for each skein.

The patterns in 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders are practical and fun. They're ideal weekend projects, perfect to give as gifts or wear and enjoy. Because they're small enough to fit in a tote bag, they're great to take on the run. Best of all, they offer simple solutions for that stash of single skeins every knitter has tucked away.

Whether the yarn was picked up on impulse — because it was on sale, or just too beautiful to resist — or left over from a project completed long ago, every skein of yarn cries out to be used. 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders offers the ultimate solution for converting those lonely skeins into knitted wonders..
Price: $11.78 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Author Simon Weisenthal recalls his demoralizing life in a concentration camp and his envy of the dead Germans who have sunflowers marking their graves. At the time he assumed his grave would be a mass one, unmarked and forgotten. Then, one day, a dying Nazi soldier asks Weisenthal for forgiveness for his crimes against the Jews. What would you do? This important book and the provocative question it poses is birthing debates, symposiums, and college courses. The Dalai Lama, Harry Wu, Primo Levi, and others who have witnessed genocide and human tyranny answer Wiesenthal's ultimate question on forgiveness..
Price: $7.00 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Setting: Contemporary U.S.
Sensuality Rating: 8

Bestselling author Nora Roberts continues her acclaimed MacGregor series with two romantic novellas in The MacGregors: Alan and Grant. In All the Possibilities, Washington, D.C., socialite Shelby Campbell meets Senator Alan MacGregor and the attraction is immediate and powerful. Unfortunately, Shelby is determined to avoid romantic involvement with any public figure, a resolve that stems from her witnessing her politician father's assassination. A man in the spotlight, especially a man in politics, is too vulnerable, and she can't risk losing someone she loves again. Her determination is no match for Alan's, though, as the handsome MacGregor lays siege to the Campbell heart with weapons too compelling to resist.

In One Man's Art, Shelby's brother, Grant Campbell, has found his own way of coping with his loss. A famous cartoonist and political satirist, Grant lives as a virtual hermit in an isolated Maine lighthouse, jealously guarding his privacy. His battlements are breached, however, when beautiful Genvieve Grandeau arrives sodden and stranded on his doorstep. Genvieve, herself a renowned artist, has come to Maine seeking solitude and inspiration. When Grant's grudging willingness to assist a damsel in distress turns to outright surliness as he camouflages his attraction to her, she sets upon a mission to make him regret his rudeness. Soon she has more on her hands than she expected, as she and Grant both recognize a passion that neither can deny.

Though thinner in plot than the typical Roberts book--due to the shorter, double-novella format--The MacGregors: Alan and Grant nonetheless contains the same compelling characters, rich description, and sensuous storytelling known and loved by Roberts fans. This newest MacGregor novel should please both her devoted readers and new readers alike. --Lisa Wanttaja.
Price: $5.43 [Notify me when price goes down.]

Part comic strip and part science experiment, Howtoons shows children how to find imaginative new uses for common household items like soda bottles, duct tape, mop buckets, and more–to teach kids the "Tools of Mass Construction"!

Howtoons are cartoons that teach 8– to 15–year–old readers "how to" build, create, and explore things. Combining a fun, full–color cartoon format and real life science and engineering principles, Howtoons are designed to encourage kids to become active participants in the world around them.

Readers meet Tucker and Celine, a lovable brother and sister pair. Sick of watching TV and playing video games, Tucker and Celine decide to conquer every kid's nightmare: the dreaded summer o' boredom. Armed with countless ideas for fun projects, they set out to reclaim the sheer joy of playing. Fifteen practical, build–it–yourself projects are weaved into the Tucker and Celine storyline. With the narrators' help and clear step–by–step instructions, young readers will learn how to set up a workshop, create a marshmallow shooting gun, make ice cream without a freezer, play songs on a turkey baster flute, explore a homemade terrarium, launch a pressure–powered rocket, and more!

Utilizing inexpensive, kid–friendly materials, Howtoons will prove that the world at large is infinitely more exciting than anything happening on the TV or computer screen. Plus, each project will provide readers with practical skills and problem solving know–how that they can use in their everyday lives. These funny, interactive Howtoons are sure to inspire independence and creative savvy in young people everywhere.

.
Price: $6.48 [Notify me when price goes down.]