"Our Game (Abridged): With the Cold War fought and won, British spymaster Tim Cranmer accepts early retirement to rural England and a new life with his alluring young mistress, Emma. But when both Emma and Cranmer's star double agent and lifelong rival, Larry Pettifer, disappears, Cranmer is suddenly on the run, searching for his brilliant protégé, desperately eluding his former colleagues, in a frantic journey across Europe and into the lawless, battered landscapes of Moscow and Southern Russia, to save whatever of his life he has left … Absolute Friends (Abridged): The friends of the title are Ted Mundy, British soldier’s son born 1947 in a new independent Pakistan, and Sasha, refugee son of an East German Lutheran pastor and his wife, who have sought sanctuary in the West. The two men first meet as students in riot-torn West Berlin of the late 60s, again in the grimy looking-glass of Cold War espionage and, most terribly, in today’s world of terror.

Can be purchased from Bolinda.com, Audible.com or borrowed from the library using our BorrowBox app"

Our Game & Absolute Friends [ABRIDGED]

Generations of Black Americans have faced racism, redlining and environmental injustices, such as breathing 40 percent dirtier air and being twice as likely as white Americans to be hospitalized or die from climate-related health problems. So the quest for racial justice now must include addressing the climate emergency, writes Heather McTeer Toney in her book Before the Streetlights Come On: Black America’s Urgent Call for Climate Solutions. 
Also, the incredible story of Robert Smalls, who commandeered a Confederate ship called The Planter in Charleston, South Carolina in 1862 and liberated himself and his family from enslavement. How his courage relates to the courageous action and leadership that is now urgently needed to deal with the climate emergency.
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What issues are you most interested in having Living on Earth cover in the 2024 election season? Let us know by sending us a written or audio message at comments@loe.org.

Juneteenth: An Urgent Call for Climate Solutions + Robert Smalls’ Heroic Escape from Slavery

U.S. redirects air-defense missile deliveries to Ukraine, millions sweating it out as heat wave nears peak from Midwest to Maine, and why do we get crankier the hotter it gets.

This Morning with Gordon Deal June 21, 2024

We all need a little more sanuk in our lives 

 Sanuk is a Thai concept that can loosely be translated as meaning ‘fun’. Though sanuk is in fact much more than that

The Little Book of Sanuk: The Thai Secret to a More Joyful Life, By Karen Sinotok, Read by Imogen Wilde

The Unretirement is an uplifting story about the joy of pursuing dreams at any age, full of warmth, heart and community spirit. 

 'Funny, uplifting and warm' Sunday Times bestselling author PHILLIPA ASHLEY

'Beautifully written, the characters leap from the page' Million-copy bestselling author SUE MOORCROFT

–––––––––––––
﻿Meet foodie Maggie Lawford.

After spending her retirement travelling the world, she’s home again – and ready for a new adventure.

When Maggie’s daughter, Hannah, takes her to visit their favourite local restaurant, Maggie is heartbroken to find the place empty. But the last straw comes when Maggie realises the chef is at his wit’s end – she can’t resist charging into the kitchen and taking matters into her own hands.

Never one to give up without a fight, Maggie resolves to save their beloved restaurant from failure, and it’s not long before she has a military-grade plan to turn the place around again. Finding herself back at work, all she’ll need is support from Hannah and her cheeky granddaughter, Alice, as well as a little help from her neighbours.

After all, Maggie’s golden days aren’t behind her just yet… 

––––––––––––––––

'A breath of fresh air… funny, uplifting and warm.' PHILLIPA ASHLEY

'An uplifting gem of a novel! Funny, heartwarming and hopeful!' KATE STOREY

'An uplifting celebration…a great big hug of a book.' JULIE MA

'Funny, fresh and gloriously inspiring. I feel joyous after finishing this book.' KATE GALLEY

'A likeable cast of characters, an engaging story and delicious food…a fun, involving read.' JANE LOVERING

'I loved Maggie from the first page and cheered her on through every chapter.' RUTH O'LEARY

The Unretirement, By Penny Mirren, Read by Deryn Edwards

Since his election last year, President Javier Milei has enjoyed some economic and political wins in Argentina. But <a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2024/06/19/javier-mileis-next-move-could-make-his-presidency-or-break-it" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">his toughest fight</a> is yet to come. On Britain’s general election trail, our correspondent found voters less keen on the prospect of a Labour victory than on <a href="https://www.economist.com/britain/2024/06/18/britains-conservatives-rule-the-thames-estuary-not-for-long" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">punishing the Conservative party</a> at the polls (10:00). And <a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2024/06/20/birubala-rabha-fought-to-end-the-stigmatisation-of-women" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">remembering Birubala Rabha</a>, who campaigned against witch-hunting in India (18.35). Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+</a> For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account. <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Argentina turning? Milei’s surprising political success

How to be safe in the heat, pet owners face an insurance dilemma, and golf is back at the office.

This Weekend with Gordon Deal June 22, 2024

A heartfelt middle grade story about changing friendships, peer pressure, and the courage to speak up when lines are crossed, perfect for fans of Starfish and Finally Heard.

Sophie Valentine would rather be at home, doing school virtually. Instead, she’s waiting in a crowded middle school building for her best friend, Eve, who’s finally back after an extended absence, which only Sophie knows the truth about.

But when Eve returns, things aren’t the same. First, Eve stops walking to school with her in the morning. Then, she’s ditching Sophie to hang out with the Crash Crew, a group of popular kids notorious for their social media dares. Eve seems to fit right in, but Sophie is devastated: Did she just lose her best friend?

When rumors surface that Eve is hiding a painful secret she didn’t share with Sophie, Sophie is spurred on an investigation to discover what—or who—caused the incident behind Eve’s sudden change...and why all clues lead back to the Crash Crew. Using lessons from her forensics class and the help of a new friend, Sophie will have to uncover the truth before more harm is done.

Crushed By Melanie Conklin Read By Vanessa Moyen

Seven-year-old Lola Levine is fierce on and off the soccer field. She can do a slide tackle (although she's not supposed to) and even likes gooey worms. Nothing scares Lola! That is, until she's auditioning in front of EVERYONE for her class play. After Lola is overcome with stage fright, she's cast as Squirrel #2, a non-speaking part!

Lola is more than a little disappointed, and she looks to her bubbe for advice and comfort. But on opening night, the curtain rises and she finds herself smack in the middle of an exasperating turn of events.

In this fun and heartfelt chapter book, can Lola give Squirrel #2 her own special stamp and make it a play to remember?

Lola Levine: Drama Queen By Monica Brown Read By Maria Liatis

From internationally renowned expert in resuscitation and New York Times bestselling author Sam Parnia, MD, PhD, comes a groundbreaking look at what happens to us when we die, based on the largest-ever research study run on recalled experiences of death.

Today, for the first time in history, the scientific exploration of death and what happens when we die is real, active and ongoing. Contrary to popular perceptions, this subject is no longer the remit of philosophy, religion, or personal opinion. Truly remarkable scientific discoveries that will fundamentally affect everyone’s lives now and in the future are taking place, yet very few people are aware of them. Most people—including scientists and doctors—maintain strong beliefs about death and its experience. Those beliefs are rooted in traditional, and often cultural, notions of death. But what if all that we have come to believe about death is fundamentally wrong? What if the paradigm we have been operating within no longer exists? What if death is not the end we thought?

Lucid Dying is the first book to share that science. Presenting data derived from multiple groundbreaking studies, Dr. Parnia shows that the entity we refer to as consciousness—our Self—does not seem to become annihilated when we die. In fact, during death, our consciousness vastly expands and leads to a vivid experience that follows a very specific narrative arc.

These studies support that there really is a universal experience of death that is meaningful, transcendent, positive, and transformative—not hallucinatory, delusional, or illusory as previously imagined. In his latest book, Dr. Parnia weaves empirical research with gripping stories to show us the truth of how death is not the end we all thought and how anyone can harness the newfound wisdom to lead deeper, more intentional lives.

Lucid Dying By Sam Parnia MD PhD Read By Brian Nishii

When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola's class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere—pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Yuck! Pink is Lola's least favorite color. Plus, Ballet isn't nearly as hard as soccer, is it?

Lola and Bella can't seem to stop squabbling. But when a mishap during class lands them in Principal Blot's office, Lola's mom comes up with a scheme—a ballet scheme—that just might make these classroom rivals realize that ballerinas and soccer players have more in common than they ever thought possible.

But is it too late for Lola to make a new friend?

Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme By Monica Brown Read By Maria Liatis

Bolinda, audio publisher of elite literary and commercial talent, is the No. 1 audiobook publisher in the British Commonwealth. For more than 25 years it has created the highest quality collection of audiobooks in the world. Bolinda was born in the library and has been supplying libraries with the world’s greatest audiobooks for over 25 years. 

The company is credited worldwide for reinvigorating the audiobook category. Now Bolinda offers libraries the world’s best digital content via BorrowBox – the award-winning digital lending solution.

‘Bolinda values’ are intrinsic to the company’s success, encapsulating commitment to libraries, authors, the user experience, the provision of great literature and the fostering and engaging of communities.

Anywhere. Everywhere.

Our Game & Absolute Friends [ABRIDGED]

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