’I can’t recall us ever talking about anything other than eels and how to best catch them, down there by the stream. Actually, I can’t remember us speaking at all. Maybe because we never did.’

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla, is one of the strangest creatures nature ever created. Remarkably little is known about the eel, even today. What we do know is that it’s born as a tiny willow-leaf shaped larva in the Sargasso Sea, travels on the ocean currents toward the coasts of Europe – a journey of about four thousand miles that takes at least two years. Upon arrival, it transforms itself into a glass eel and then into a yellow eel before it wanders up into fresh water. It lives a solitary life, hiding from both light and science, for ten, twenty, fifty years, before migrating back to the sea in the autumn, morphing into a silver eel and swimming all the way back to the Sargasso Sea, where it breeds and dies.

And yet . . . There is still so much we don’t know about eels. No human has ever seen eels reproduce; no one can give a complete account of the eel’s metamorphoses or say why they are born and die in the Sargasso Sea; no human has even seen a mature eel in the Sargasso Sea. Ever. And now the eel is disappearing, and we don’t know exactly why.

What we do know is that eels and their mysterious lives captivate us.

This is the basis for The Gospel of the Eels, Patrik Svensson’s quite unique natural science memoir; his ongoing fascination with this secretive fish, but also the equally perplexing and often murky relationship he shared with his father, whose only passion in life was fishing for this obscure creature.

Through the exploration of eels in literature (Günter Grass and Graham Swift feature, amongst others) and the history of science (we learn about Aristotle’s and Sigmund Freud’s complicated relationships with eels) as well as modern marine biology (Rachel Carson and others) we get to know this peculiar animal. In this exploration, we also learn about the human condition, life and death, through natural science and nature writing at its very best.

As Patrik Svensson concludes: 'by writing about eels, I have in some ways found my way home again.'

Move through emotional triangles toward a natural systems view of the individual in the context of the family and society Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives presents clear applications of Murray Bowen's concept of the emotional triangle in the family, the organization, and society. This comprehensive book discusses in detail the theory, the theory's application to the therapist's own family, clinical applications, organizational applications, and societal applications. This unique resource examines the value of the triangle concept for understanding the emotional process of the family, the organization, and society. Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives provides a theoretical context for understanding the triangle concept and its application, then progresses to exploring and applying the concept of the triangle and interlocking triangles to self, family, and other contexts. This book is devoted to explicating Bowen's seminal concept of the triangle, and providing a clear description of the process of detriangling in clinical practice. The text includes several case studies and vignettes to illustrate concepts. Topics in Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives include: a historical and conceptual overview the triangle's function in the effort to increase differentiation of self the presence of triangles in non-human primates Bowen's differentiation of self effort in his own family and business the functioning of triangles at the time of chronic illness and death emotional triangles involving pets and humans the application of the concept of triangles and interlocking triangles to clinical issues in marriage the presence of triangles in the child-focused family triangles in stepfamilies the triangle's presence and function in families with substance abusing teens triangles involving extramarital relationships triangles in organizations and businesses the triangle's function in the context in societal emotional process and much more! Triangles: Bowen Family Systems Theory Perspectives is a stimulating, enlightening resource for family therapists, social workers, psychologists, pastoral counselors, and counselors.

This book explains violent and abusive behaviour and places it in a social context. It can help readers of any age and sexual orientation to change their own behaviour and to recognise when they are being controlled. "I can honestly say that without reading this book (9 times no less ) I don't think that I would be here today, relaxed in my own home with my children that I love so much."

On one side, there is Grace: prize-winning author Diana Abu-Jaber's tough, independent sugar-fiend of a German grandmother, wielding a suitcase full of holiday cookies. On the other, Bud: a flamboyant, spice-obsessed Arab father, full of passionate argument. The two could not agree on anything: not about food, work, or especially about what Diana should do with her life. Grace warned her away from children. Bud wanted her married above all-even if he had to provide the ring. Caught between cultures and lavished with contradictory "advice" from both sides of her family, Diana spent years learning how to ignore others' well-intentioned prescriptions. Hilarious, gorgeously written, poignant, and wise, Life Without a Recipe is Diana's celebration of journeying without a map, of learning to ignore the script and improvise, of escaping family and making family on one's own terms. As Diana discovers, however, building confidence in one's own path sometimes takes a mistaken marriage or two-or in her case, three: to a longhaired boy-poet, to a dashing deconstructionist literary scholar, and finally to her steadfast, outdoors-loving Scott. It also takes a good deal of angst (was it possible to have a serious writing career and be a mother?) and, even when she knew what she wanted (the craziest thing, in one's late forties: a baby!), the nerve to pursue it. Finally, fearlessly independent like the Grace she's named after, Diana and Scott's daughter Gracie will heal all the old battles with Bud and, like her writer-mom, learn to cook up a life without a recipe.

'The classic assertiveness bible' GUARDIAN Do you sometimes struggle to state what you want (or don't want)? Do tricky conversations go wrong? Does it at times seem easier to suffer in silence? This book has the solutions you need. Despite recent advances in gender equality in education, the workplace and the home, in practice many women and girls still find it a challenge to speak up and be heard. Assertiveness - defined by psychologist and assertiveness trainer Anne Dickson as clear, honest and direct communication - is an art, which can be learned. Instead of being governed by the desire to please - the Compassion Trap - assertiveness teaches us to take charge of our own feelings and behaviour, without blaming others. In her pioneering handbook, now fully updated to mark its 40th anniversary, Dickson draws on her long experience of in-person training to give all women the practical skills and tools we need to assert what we feel and want, manage difficult conversations, avoid being sidetracked by culturally learned behaviours, say 'No', and find self-acceptance.

Dad, Be #1 for Your Kids What does it take to become a great dad? The question alone might overwhelm you, but the answer is simpler than you might think. It all starts with having a heart for God, and a heart for your kids. In A Dad After God's Own Heart, bestselling author Jim George shares the basics for how to be the best dad for your kids, including . . . letting your children know you love and care for them learning the keys to positive and effective communication knowing the qualities kids need most in a dad ways to encourage your children in their spiritual growth how to build healthy relationships that will last for a lifetime As you commit to learning how to become the dad your kids need in their lives, you'll not only draw closer to your children, but you'll find incredible blessing in fatherhood.

FATHERHOOD DEMYSTIFIED Finally-a manual for new dads that deciphers the immensely confusing world of fatherhood and gives crucial tips and advice from a man's point of view. No psychobabble, no warm fuzzies-just a hilarious (and surprisingly practical) military-style guide to surviving and thriving through even the queasiest moments of pregnancy, birth, and babyhood. Seasoned father and master infant-tamer Scott Mactavish breaks the Baby Code down and lays it out in straight-up guyspeak. The New Dad's Survival Guide includes declassified information on such topics as: * Cutting the Cord: The Moment of Truth * Feeding and Cleaning the NFU (New Family Unit) * Surviving Sleep Deprivation * Relieving Stress Without Booze * The Great Boob Irony * Pee, Poo, Hurl, and Snot: Getting Used to the Bodily Functions * Critical Survival Tips Never Before Revealed * Sex: Let the Games Begin Again...Finally * Dozens of Essential Terms Defined, Including Binky, Onesie, Diaper Genie, Passy, and Sippy Cup GRAB YOUR BOOTS AND STRAP ON YOUR HELMET THE BABIES ARE COMING

In Africa Dances Gorer takes the reader on an odyssey across West Africa, in the company of Feral Benga, one of the great black ballet stars of 1930s Paris. It is a devastating critique of colonial rule, which is shown to be destroying African society just as effectively as Christian missionaries undermine indigenous morality. Africa Dances captures the rich physical and psychological detail of African village life from food and architecture to dance and magic. Gorer witnesses men diving for three-quarters of an hour without coming up for breath, witch-doctors conjuring thunderstorms out of clear blue skies, and chameleon fetishists whose skin changes from a dirty white to almost black. This is a place where if you believe, you can.

A 'Biddulph-like' witty and spaciously-designed survival guide which is both practical and celebratory. Written by two generations of one family with illuminating case studies, tips and practical ideas - as well as a sensitive look at emotional issues - this lightly humorous book has a user-friendly, lively design and hilarious cartoons. There are also practical line illustrations to accompany step-by-step essential procedures from happy changing and preparing baby milks. The guide is a good introduction to grandparents who want to be up-to-date with the modern style of parenting and new technological innovations. Covers everything from nappies to car seats, methods of discipline, sleep, feeding. It also offers advice on how to offer the best kind of support and advice without the parents of a new baby feeling crowded or criticised. Includes full coverage of the grandfather's experience as well.

From the cocreator of the celebrated Big Book of Jewish Humor comes a "funny...geezer-licious" (Jack Handey, author of Deep Thoughts) collection of jokes about growing older that makes fun of memory loss, marriages, medicine, sex, the afterlife, and much more--a perfect gift for almost anyone who was born before you were. Growing older can be unsettling and surprising. (How on earth did this happen? Where did the years go?) So what better way to deal with this new stage of life than to laugh about your new reality? Die Laughing includes more than enough jokes (not to mention cartoons!) to let that laughter burst out. Whether it's dealing with doctors, dating in one's seventies, or unexpected bodily changes (not to mention funny noises), some things are easier to face with a smile of recognition. That's why Die Laughing is the perfect gift for your parents, anyone celebrating a significant birthday, or any boomer with a sense of humor whose age begins with a six or higher.

The bite-sized edition of the bestselling humor guide for dads looking to make a good impression! Go back to the past when dads were dads, kids knew their place, and life was exactly as it should be! This fun, retro follow up to the bestselling "Good" series (The Good Mother Guide, The Good Wife Guide, and The Good Husband Guide) shows today's fathers how to be a pal while enforcing the family's rules. The nostalgic advice, all presented in period kitsch includes making sure to kiss the kids good night, even if they're asleep when you get home; setting a good example and eating your vegetables even if you, too, don't like creamed corn; and more!

Closer Together, Further Apart offers current unique insight into the cultural shifts brought about by digital technology and the Internet. It considers how these new connections are impacting not only society as a whole, but more specifically communication in relationships and across generations.
Digital technology has in less than a single generation, dramatically and permanently altered the ways in which humans connect and communicate with each other. Conversations and information transfers that once either weren't possible or took days to complete now occur in an instant. Technological advances are profoundly affecting humankind, forcing us to change on multiple levels.
As with all forms of human/social/technological change, these advances will be good for some and bad for others. Those who learn to effectively absorb information and use new technologies in healthy ways will flourish, and those who don't may feel increasingly disconnected from our technology driven world.

Robert Weiss, MSW, is a therapist, international speaker, author, and a blogger on PsychCentral.com, where he writes regularly on the topic of sex and intimacy in the digital age. He was featured in LA Weekly 2013 People issue as one of LA's most fascinating people. He currently serves as Senior Vice-President of Clinical Development for Elements Behavioral Health.

Jennifer P. Schneider, MD, PhD, is a physician, international speaker, and the author of nine books and numerous journal articles.

From Lane Moore, the critically acclaimed author of How to Be Alone, comes a searingly intimate, funny guidebook about the awkward, painful, and, at times, exhilarating journey of learning to find, build, and keep best friendships in adulthoodYou Will Find Your People is a narrative work of self-development that uncovers the complex, frightening, and mystical world of friendship. Author Lane Moore takes readers on a journey that challenges heteronormative Western ideas of friendship, navigates the tricky world of being friends with your ex, and teaches us how to finally-and fearlessly-accept the friendships we know we deserve. Part memoir, part self-help book, and with Moore's signature self-deprecating humor, You Will Find Your People has wide commercial appeal for readers of all ages who want to challenge and better understand their sense of community.