"If readers are to come to Shakespeare and to Chekhov, to Henry James and to Jane Austen, then they are best prepared if they have read Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear, Robert Louis Stevenson and Rudyard Kipling," writes Harold Bloom in his introduction to this enchanting and much-needed anthology of exceptional stories and poems selected to inspire a lifelong love of reading. As television, video games, and the Internet threaten to distract young people from the solitary pleasures of reading, Bloom presents a volume that will amuse, challenge, and beguile readers with its myriad voices and subjects. Here are old favorites by beloved writers of children's literature, as well as exciting rediscoveries and wonderful works penned by writers better known for their adult classics, such as Herman Melville, Leo Tolstoy, Edith Wharton, and Walt Whitman. Encompassing the natural world and the supernatural; childhood, romance, and death; pets, wild animals, and goblins; mystery, adventure, and humor; the selections reflect the passion and erudition of our most revered literary critic. Arranged by season, Stories and Poems for Extremely Intelligent Children of All Ages is a must-have anthology, sure to delight readers young and old for years to come.

With the wit, tact, and wisdom that have made Miss Manners a household name, America's foremost authority on civilized behavior takes you through every aspect of your personal, professional, and social life with ease and charm. From somewhat classic queries: * What do I wear to a job interview/felony trial/jacuzzi? * Where does the soup spoon/seafood fork/butter knife go? To comments on truly modern phenomena: * Call waiting is like a child screaming for attention * Leaky earphones are the equivalent of humming To strictly personal do's and don'ts: * Don't communicate everything in a marriage ("I had the wildest dream about a man at my office...") * Do continue the ancient custom of mealtimes, that is, breakfast, lunch, and dinner And professional guidelines: * Don't start grabbing company property after being fired * If a candy dish is on the visitor's side of a receptionist's desk, it is for visitors... Miss Manners offers consistently sound, sage advice to her Gentle Readers. With a tipping guide (including coat checks and pizza deliveries), sections devoted to both traditional and nontraditional households, details on protocol for ceremonies and celebrations, invitations and disinvitations, insights on courtship and romance, and much more, this is the comprehensive guide to a kinder, gentler, more civilized society.

Ben Seidel wasn't sure how serious they were when he and his wife, Shira, discussed having an open marriage. But when Shira announces that she is going on a date with Liz, any ambiguity evaporates. Suddenly, every day is new terrain for Ben, navigating between keeping things together with Shira and exploring new partners. And when one of those new partners begins to matter to him more than he ever anticipated, he discovers that the complexities of this new life are only just beginning. Bracingly honest, refreshingly sexy, and deeply empathetic, I Am My Beloveds is the work of a superior storyteller, making real a lifestyle that might be as close as your own bedroom door.

Two psychotherapists discuss romantic love, covering such issues as jealousy, infidelity, communication of love and anger, marriage and its alternatives, and romantic love in later years

An Exaltation of Romance and Revelry

Most writers today are more familiar with printers and modems than with typewriter ribbons. Personal computers and the Internet are changing the way writers create and communicate. With twenty-four-hour information and instant memory, these modern conveniences are radically altering the face of the literary community. In "writers.net, veteran Internet trainer and best-selling author Gary Gach gives writers of every medium valuable insight into using the Net in many aspects of their writing. From poetry and romance to technical writing and science fiction, Gach directs writers to appropriate forums, magazines, publishers, home pages, and many other resources that will help writers stay on top of developments in their field of specialty. "Writers.net also covers the most common uses of the Internet for writers including finding writing assignments, conducting research, improving one's writing, and carrying on discussions with other writers.For those new to the Internet, Gach provides an Internet Primer for Writers that includes basic terminology, a guided tour, and an essay that puts the Net in perspective for beginners. He also discusses the new worlds of electronic publishing, interactive and collaboratory writing, Net censorship, and cyberjournalism. "Getting information from the Internet can be like trying to get a glass of water off an open fire hydrant," warns Gach, but with "writers.net, writers now have a handbook to help them control the unlimited resources that make up the Internet.About the Author Veteran Internet instructor and widely published writer Gary Gach is the author of the recent bestseller "The Pocket Guide to the Internet.Join other readers of"writers.net for an unmoderated online forum. E-mail [email protected]. In the message body put "subscribe writersnet." Prepublished and published writers are equally welcome. Discussion topics will span the subjects covered in the book and beyond. This is a free service to the writing community. Visit the author's web site for //updates to the book The title of this book is not intended to suggest any affiliation or sponsorship of any particular web site. It should be noted, however, that Writers.Net is a trademark of Internet Concepts, an internet hosting and content provider. This book is not affiliated with, sponsored or licensed by Internet Concepts.