Tags:fiction
The First Team
Moscow has taken the USA without a shot. Student protesters are being slaughtered in the Midwest. The Jewish pogroms have begun. You are now living in Soviet–occupied America!One nuclear submarine and a handful of determined patriots against the combined might of Russia and Soviet–occupied America… The Most Explosive and Gripping “What If” Novel of Our Time!
Rescue Mission
"The guy certainly knows his airplanes well and he held my interest very tightly as he developed the story."—RICHARD BACH, author of Stranger to the Ground and BiplaneThe hurricane warnings were up in the Caribbean when Herb Stallings brought his crippled Constellation in for a landing on Tres Santos. The Connie wasn't safe to fly farther, and the nearest parts for repairing it were in Miami. Stallings decided he'd tie the big plane down on the sheltered side of the hangar, fill the tanks for ballast, and hope the plane would ride out the storm safely.With the plane well anchored, its captain, crew, and the airfield staff flew out ahead of the storm in a DC-3, to the mainland and to safety.Meanwhile two Civilian Air Patrol pilots, who had been on a rescue mission over the water searching for some men adrift in a rubber raft, realized that the wind was increasing and that they had better head for land. The nearest land was Tres Santos.When the CAP pilots arrived at Tres Santos, they found the airfield deserted: only the giant Constellation was there... which was bewildering.Then they were approached by two of the islanders and a priest—who begged them to fly a very sick man and a badly burned little girl out of the storm's path to the mainland and a doctor.The CAP pilots knew that men whose only flight experience and training had been in one-engine planes could not possibly handle anything the size of a Constellation. They protested—said they couldn't do it.But it seemed to be a matter of life and death. Foolhardy and dangerous though they knew the attempt to be, they finally agreed to try to fly the big plane out. They didn't know its condition—and one of them certainly didn't have any idea what his passenger list was like.Desperately they began the terrifying task of getting the Connie up into the air to outrace the hurricane.John Ball (who has flown many air rescue missions himself) knows what he's writing about—and his exciting novel lets the reader share a pilot's experiences with unusual immediacy.
Last Plane Out
This is the gripping, compelling saga of men and their machines and their lonely women. Men who have only one goal—get up in the sky in anything that flies!The Captain—a man not to be grounded, determined to fly the last plane out of the war; Jennings—survivor of a terrifying crash, who kept his eyes turned to the skies all his life; The copilots, navigators, technicians, ground crews—and the two young women who tie together the threads of their lives.They could live no other way. Praise for Last Plane Out"As exciting a story of adventure in the sky as anything ever given us..."—Chicago Tribune (Last Plane Out)
The Van: A Tale of Terror
The Van: A Tale of TerrorJohn Ball said of this novel: "The series of bizarre and frightful murders described in the pages that follow is based on an actual case, the complete file of which is shattering reading."The setting for the powerful story is the Los Angeles area. The van, a dark-colored one, basic to much of the horror, was not much of a van.The many victims whose mutilated bodies were discovered were chosen haphazardly. There were two killers. The Los Angeles sheriff’s office and homicide bureau included many able, well-trained men, used to dealing with murders. But when the tapes the killers enjoyed making were found and played, they were the most horrifying piece of evidence the technicians had ever listened to.The victims were always young ladies—often very young.Working with the police department was Dr. Flavia de la Torre, a sociologist who had been given a grant to do a study on the incidence of serious crimes committed by men on parole. She was an attractive woman who was an asset—but who wasn't really aware (were any of them?) of the criminal minds she'd be encountering.The reader should be prepared, too, as he (or she) reads ahead.
The Winds of Mitamura
In this haunting novel, John Ball returns to the setting he evoked so beautifully in his earlier success, Miss One Thousand Spring Blossoms. Set against the exquisite landscape of rural Japan, The Winds of Mitamura weaves an engrossing contemporary story of how people from radically different backgrounds seek in individual ways for respect, mutual understanding, and love.Peter Storm, an assistant professor of sociology, receives the plum assignment of his career: to study at first hand the effects of modern technology on a remote Japanese rice farming village. His partner on the project is a young black graduate student named Marjorie Saunders. Because the sponsors of the project do not want "expert" preconceptions to interfere with fresh observations, both Peter and Marjorie are ignorant of a crucial prejudice: the rural Japanese have a deep-rooted fear of dark-skinned people. Worst of all, the inhabitants of this particular village, Mitamura, have a very special reason to dread blacks—a reason that almost costs Peter and Marjorie their lives.From the moment the two Americans set foot in Mitamura, they are caught up in the task of overcoming the villagers' distrust of strangers. Only with the help of Akitoshi Ko-jima, an artist living in the village, do they begin to find acceptance from the members of the community. They come to appreciate the rhythms and customs of life in the village, the arduous work in the rice paddies, and, surrounding them, the undisturbed order of the countryside—a serenity which all but conceals the village's terrible secret. Peter and Marjorie also discover new loves that intensify their experiences in Mitamura, experiences ultimately threatened by a ferocious typhoon.Two sensitive love stories, the climactic typhoon that crashes down on Mitamura, and, above all, the author's deep understanding of a rich, complex culture combine to make The Winds of Mitamura one of John Ball's most satisfying novels.
The First Team
Moscow has taken the USA without a shot.Student protesters are being slaughtered in the Midwest.The Jewish pogroms have begun.You are now living in Soviet–occupied America!One nuclear submarine and a handful of determined patriots against the combined might of Russia and Soviet–occupied America… The Most Explosive and Gripping “What If” Novel of Our Time!
A Killing in the Market
MONEY, MANIPULATION, AND MURDER A successful Wall Street speculator is turning his custom-built car into the private drive of his vast Long Island estate when a bomb blasts him and the vehicle to bits. In nearby Westchester another financial manipulator is executed in the back seat of his Cadillac. Police specialist John Harbizon is called in to investigate. He soon realizes that he has a difficult task before him; the careers of both men consisted mainly in taking away other people's money, and many had cause to hate them. Then the vice president of an L.A. brokerage firm is electrocuted while taking a shower and another financial advisor leaps or is pushed from the twenty-third floor of his Chicago penthouse. Harbizon recognizes the frightening potential of the pattern that is emerging. Police specialists from New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles and two eager journalists join the investigation as the series of murders stuns the financial world. Someone seems to be more interested in collecting death certificates than stock certificates. A novel of ruthlessly professional murders, brilliant police work, and swift suspense by the author of In the Heat of the Night.
How to Be Polite in Life
In this book, "How to Be Polite in Daily Life," you will embark on a transformative journey towards enhancing your communication skills and cultivating positive relationships. Starting with an introduction that sets the stage for the importance of politeness, you will explore the power of politeness in attracting people and creating meaningful connections.Discover the consequences of neglecting politeness and respect, as you gain a deeper understanding of how your interactions impact others and shape your relationships. Dive into a comprehensive list of 100 practical and actionable ways to be polite in daily life, covering various social situations and providing guidance on how to navigate them with grace and courtesy.Additionally, you'll find a valuable resource of 300 useful phrases for speaking polite English, empowering you to express yourself effectively while maintaining a respectful and considerate demeanor. This collection of phrases will serve as a powerful tool to communicate with kindness and create positive impressions in your personal and professional interactions.With this book as your guide, you'll develop the skills and mindset needed to navigate the complexities of daily life with politeness and grace. Whether you're looking to enhance your relationships, make a positive impression, or simply improve your overall communication, "How to Be Polite in Daily Life" is your go-to resource for cultivating better connections and fostering a more harmonious environment.
Mastering English Tenses in 7 Days: A Comprehensive Guide to Verb Forms and Usage
"Mastering English Tenses in 7 Days" is a comprehensive guide that helps you navigate the complexities of verb forms and tenses in English. Whether you're a beginner seeking a solid foundation or an advanced learner looking to refine your skills, this book offers a systematic approach to mastering English tenses.With a user-friendly structure, the book begins with an introduction highlighting the importance of understanding tenses and providing an overview of verb forms. It also provides guidance on how to effectively use the book to maximize your learning experience.Each tense is explored in detail, starting with the Present Tense, including the Simple Present, Present Continuous, Present Perfect, and Present Perfect Continuous. You'll find clear explanations and numerous examples to illustrate their common uses.The Past Tense section covers the Simple Past, Past Continuous, Past Perfect, and Past Perfect Continuous, enabling you to grasp their structures and nuances. The Future Tense chapter delves into the Simple Future, Future Continuous, Future Perfect, and Future Perfect Continuous, providing clarity on their correct application.The book also focuses on Perfect Tenses, distinguishing between the Present Perfect and Past Perfect, as well as the Present Perfect Continuous and Past Perfect Continuous. The Continuous Tenses section explains the variations between the Present Continuous, Past Continuous, and Present Perfect Continuous, allowing you to choose the appropriate tense confidently.Conditional Tenses are extensively covered, including the Zero Conditional, First Conditional, Second Conditional, Third Conditional, and Mixed Conditional. You'll gain a thorough understanding of these tenses, enabling you to express hypothetical or imagined situations accurately.In addition, the book explores the Passive Voice, guiding you through its formation and highlighting the differences between active and passive voice constructions. The Reported Speech section clarifies the changes in verb tenses when reporting speech and introduces essential reporting verbs.To reinforce your learning, the book includes a dedicated Review and Practice Exercises section. It provides a recap of tenses, multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blank exercises, and writing and speaking practice opportunities."Mastering English Tenses in 7 Days" empowers learners to confidently navigate the complexities of English verb forms and tenses. With its comprehensive coverage, clear explanations, and ample examples, this guide is an invaluable tool for learners at all levels. Whether you're a student, professional, or language enthusiast, this book will equip you with the skills needed to express yourself accurately and fluently in English.
English Grammar Made Easy: How to Understand English Grammar as a Beginner
Unlock the secrets of English grammar effortlessly with "English Grammar Made Easy." This user-friendly guide takes you on a journey through the intricacies of the language, tailored especially for beginners. From the foundational building blocks to sentence structures and common grammar mistakes, this book equips you with the knowledge and confidence to communicate effectively. With clear explanations and practical tips, embark on your path to mastering English grammar with ease. Start your language journey today and elevate your communication skills to new heights.
Migration to Developed Countries: Exploring Aspirations, Opportunities, and Transformations
"Embark on a transformative exploration of human migration to developed countries in 'Migration to Developed Countries: Exploring Aspirations, Opportunities, and Transformations.' Delve into the intricacies of motives, challenges, and impacts as each chapter unfurls the captivating tapestry woven by individuals seeking new horizons. From economic and social factors to political dynamics, education, and cultural allure, this book unveils the multifaceted facets of migration's allure. With meticulous analysis, this essential resource navigates the pathways that shape the modern human experience and offers insightful reflections on the global significance of understanding migration to developed lands."
Everyday English Excellence: Phrases, Idioms, and Vocabulary for Life
"Everyday English Excellence: Phrases, Idioms, and Vocabulary for Life" is your essential companion on the journey to mastering the English language. This comprehensive guide offers a rich assortment of everyday expressions, idiomatic phrases, and practical vocabulary that seamlessly blend into your daily interactions. With a focus on both spoken and written English, this book equips you to communicate confidently and effectively in various contexts.Unlock the power of idioms that add color and depth to your conversations, as well as essential phrasal verbs that capture the nuances of language. From casual chats to formal discussions, this book empowers you to convey your thoughts with precision and flair. Dive into curated vocabulary sections that cater to everyday life scenarios, enriching your vocabulary with words tailored for diverse situations.Whether you're a language enthusiast, a student, or a professional aiming to enhance your English language skills, "Everyday English Excellence" is a transformative resource. Seamlessly transitioning from the intricacies of tenses to the finesse of idiomatic expressions, this book is an indispensable tool for those seeking fluency in spoken and written English. Elevate your language proficiency and immerse yourself in the beauty of everyday English with this comprehensive guide.