"I am inclined to call this the last chapter, but how can an autobiography have a final chapter? At best, it can only be a penultimate one; nor can it be given a rounded-off conclusion, as is possible in a work of fiction." So begins the last chapter of My Days, the only memoir from R. K. Narayan, hailed as "India's most notable novelist and short-story writer" by the New York Times Book Review. In his usual winning, humorous style, R. K. Narayan shares his life story, beginning in his grandmother's garden in Madras with his ferocious pet peacock. As a young boy with no interest in school, he trains grasshoppers, scouts, and generally takes part in life's excitements. Against the advice of all, especially his commanding headmaster father, the dreaming Narayan takes to writing fiction, and one of his pieces is accepted by Punch magazine (his "first prestige publication"). Soon his life includes bumbling British diplomats, curious movie moguls, evasive Indian officials, eccentric journalists, and "the blind urge" to fall in love. R. K. Narayan's larger-than-life perception of the human comedy is at once acute and forgiving, and always true to it.

At eighty-two, Florida Scott-Maxwell felt impelled to write about her strong reactions to being old, and to the time in which we live. Until almost the end this document was not intended for anyone to see, but the author finally decided that she wanted her thoughts and feelings to reach others. Mrs. Scott-Maxwell writes: “I was astonished to find how intensely one lives in one’s eighties. The last years seemed a culmination and by concentrating on them one became more truly oneself. Though old, I felt full of potential life. It pulsed in me even as I was conscious of shrinking into a final form which it was my task and stimulus to complete.” The territory of the old is not Scott-Maxwell’s only concern. In taking the measure of the sum of her days as a woman of the twentieth century, she confronts some of the most disturbing conflicts of human nature—the need for differentiation as against equality, the recognition of the evil forces in our nature—and her insights are challenging and illuminating. The vision that emerges from her accumulated experience of life makes this a remarkable document that speaks to all ages.

For eleven seasons, Marion Ross was head of one of America's favorite television households. Now meet the lovable real-life woman behind the Happy Days mom . . . Before she was affectionately known to millions as "Mrs. C.," Marion Ross began her career as a Paramount starlet who went on to appear in nearly every major TV series of the 1950s and 1960s--including Love, American Style, in which she donned an apron that would cinch her career. Soon after came the phone call that changed her life . . . In this warm and candid memoir, filled with recollections from the award-winning Happy Days team--from break-out star Henry Winkler to Cunningham "wild child" Erin Moran--Ross shares what it was like to be a starry-eyed young girl with dreams in poor, rural Minnesota, and the resilience it took to make them come true. She recalls her early years in the business, being in the company of such luminaries as Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, yet always feeling the Hollywood outsider--an invisibility that mirrored her own childhood. She reveals the joys of playing a wife and mother on TV, and the struggles of maintaining those roles in real life. But among Ross's most heart-rending recollections are those of finally finding a soulmate--another hope made true beyond her expectations. Featuring producer Garry Marshall's final interview--as well as a touching foreword from her "TV son" Ron Howard, and a conversation with her real-life son and daughter, Marion Ross's inspiring story is also a glowing tribute to all those who fulfilled her dreams--and in turn, gave us some of the happiest days of our own lives.

"R.F. Delderfield is a born storyteller." — Sunday Mirror To Serve Them All My Days is the moving saga of David Powlett-Jones, who returns from World War I injured and shell-shocked. He is hired to teach history at Bamfylde School, where he rejects the formal curriculum and teaches the causes and consequences of the Great War. Eventually David earns the respect of his students and many of his fellow teachers, against the backdrop of a country struggling to redefine itself. As David falls in love and finds himself on track to possibly take on the headmaster role, he must search to find the strength to hold true to his beliefs as the specter of another great war looms. To Serve Them All My Days is a brilliant picture of England between the World Wars, as the country comes to terms with the horrors of the Great War and the new forces reshaping the British government and society. Subject of a Landmark BBC Miniseries Includes Bonus Reading Group Guide WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING: "Mr. Delderfield's manner is easy, modest, heartwarming."—Evening Standard "He built an imposing artistic social history that promises to join those of his great forebears in the long, noble line of the English novel. His narratives belong in a tradition that goes back to John Galsworthy and Arnold Bennett."—Life Magazine "Sheer, wonderful storytelling."—Chicago Tribune "Highly recommended. Combines tension with a splendid sense of atmosphere and vivid characterisation. An excellent read." —Sunday Express

In the modern world of high technology and advanced medicine, people are living longer and healthier lives. “Middle age” has taken a leap ten years further down the road until reaching signs that indicate the beginning of the second half of life. In his book Teach Us to Number Our Days, David Roper shows you why and how this season of your life can truly be the best. Offering biblical wisdom and reassurance for you as you mature, Roper invites you to travel with him on his own “journey to maturity.” Calling you to both frank self-reckoning and joy, Roper presents an uplifting look at the possibilities that lie ahead. “So enjoy!” he says. “Enjoy your journey to maturity as you gain perspective on the past and hope for the future. Make the most of every moment of your life.”

Chene Heady was a believing Catholic whose daily concerns were shaped primarily by forces other than his faith--career demands, financial decisions, scheduling conflicts, etc. He worked long hours and had limited regular interaction with his wife, also a busy professional, and his young daughter. He was the typical overextended and anonymous modern Catholic man. Then he tried an experiment that dramatically rearranged his life. After reading about the importance of the Church's liturgical year, Heady took up the challenge to live as though the Church's calendar, not the secular one, stood at the center of his life. Every day for a year, he observed the Church's seasons and feasts, and meditated on the Church's daily readings. As he did so, he found that his life, and his relationships, became more meaningful and fruitful. Numbering My Days tells the story of one man's renewal, and it offers an authentic model of spiritual development for anyone.

Ages 8 to Adult:: Illustrated:: Black/White:: Synopsis: A creative gaol-setting and visualization workshop in book form. This book helps readers use their own writing, drawings and imaginations to envision and bring their their goals to life. Readers are guided toward choosing the thoughts, words and deeds that will lead them to their desires. The book includes historical and contemporary stories and quotations to highlight concepts. The book also includes 28 supplemental sets of work pages. Additional stories, quotations and work pages are available in the companion book "Daily Pages to Create the Life You Want--A Companion to Pictures of My Days":: ### Endorsements:: ."captures.what is important in our multicultural society and asks children and adults alike to be more purposeful in our living.. an excellent piece of work." --Tim Ewing, Management Consultant and Trainer:: "More than a book, Pictures of My Days is an artistic and literary workshop. Readers of all ages will be prompted to release their creative muses." B.J. Robinson, Author of LeBron James: King of the Court":: "This book is a gift to children everywhere." Patricia Elam, Author of Breathing Room, Writing Instructor, Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Washington, D.C.:: ###