A fabulous six-CD audio box-set containing the entire collection of stories by Beatrix Potter, complete and unabridged. The twenty-three tales in this giftset, have never lost their popularity, and sell in their millions all over the world. Meet again the famous characters that children love and adore... PETER RABBIT, SQUIRREL NUTKIN, THE FLOPSY BUNNIES, MRS TIGGY-WINKLE, TOM KITTEN, JEREMY FISHER, JEMIMA PUDDLE-DUCK and many more. These stories are beautifully brought to life by a talented cast of readers, including Patricia Routledge, Timothy West, Michael Hordern, Janet Maw, and Rosemary Leach.

Many dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. For Gary Bond, that dream had lain just below the surface for over 30 years. But in 2008, Bond adopted the trail name "Rethinker" and the dream was traded for an adventure. At the Trailhead Leading up to this excursion and the chosen trail name was a period of "rethinking" for Bond. The beliefs that had been the foundation of his entire life had turned into nagging doubts. He longed to shed this burden and seek out Truth and a simpler way of life. And what better way than a long walk in the wilderness? What would "Rethinker" discover during five months on the Trail? What would he learn about Nature, about long-held beliefs, and about himself? How would he apply these lessons to the Larger Trail? The Long Walk This book captures the many aspects of "Rethinker"'s AT thru-hike. Experience the physical and mental highs and lows of the grueling journey. Meet various characters and "legends of the trail" that "Rethinker" encounters, including the "Harbinger of Maine," and enjoy their stories as well. Walk alongside "Rethinker" as he gains his "trail legs" in the mountains of North Carolina. Confront fear as peaceful sleep is invaded by a frightful night-time visitor in Tennessee. Be taught the definition of "necessity" beneath the spreading limbs of a Virginia maple. Endure the crucible of New Hampshire's White Mountains and observe confidence turn to humility by the magnitude of the quest. Witness restoration beside a New England pond as "Rethinker" marvels at the strange contrasting harmony of Nature. Slog through mucky bogs and ford swollen streams while hiking through Maine's 100-mile wilderness. And experience that "diamond day" when lifelong visions of a mystical fish camp are finally realized. Hear from mentors of times past whose words both haunt and encourage "Rethinker" along the way. See how lessons learned in childhood are applied to overcome obstacles and threats. Be amazed, as "Rethinker" was, by "trail angels" and the kindness of strangers. The Larger Trail Whether you have made the hike yourself, or if you're a thru-hiker-wanna-be, or if you simply like to vicariously experience the journeys of others, this book will have something for you. "Rethinker" vividly portrays the wonder of the Appalachian Trail thru-hike experience while also examining the deeper meaning for him on the Larger Trail. In addition, he shares many useful tips and hiking gear advice from his own experiences for those who would attempt the trek. After five million steps and thousands of white blazes, covering 2,175 miles of trail stretching from Georgia to Maine, join "Rethinker" during the bittersweet moment of journey's end on the rocky peak of Katahdin. After all the rethinking of the journey and all the lessons learned, what would be the answer to life's questions? Would a key be found to unlock life's Great Mystery?

Are you eager to ask the questions you've been told not to ask? Are you no longer satisfied with beliefs based on faith alone? Are you bold enough even to ask, "Is God real?" Most importantly, "are you willing to follow where the questions lead?" What is the book about? In "Rethinking God, the Cosmos, and Other Little Things," Gary Bond invites the reader to join him on his journey from belief to skepticism. This journey ultimately led to Bond's renouncing Christianity and his embracing a life of apostasy as a "rethinker." When Bond began rethinking the foundational beliefs upon which his life was built, life could not have been more safe, secure, and comfortable. He found himself a model Baptist church member, leader of a men's ministry, Sunday school teacher, facilitator of seminars, author of a Christian book, and owner of a Christian bookstore. But nagging doubts would eventually lead Bond to end the religious charade and become honest with himself. A central question permeated Bond's rethinking: "Does this make sense?" This book explores questions not only about God, the Bible, and religion, but "other little things" as well, such as the Universe, the American government, human motivations, religion-less morality-and yes, sex. Who is this book for? If you are comfortable and happy and confident in your beliefs, then this book will probably not persuade you otherwise. However, if you have persistent doubts about your belief system, then this book can serve as a catalyst to begin your own "rethinking" of why you believe what you believe. Perhaps you may begin to realize that while beliefs often serve as illusion builders, "dis"illusionment might provide a breakthrough to discovering reality. If you find yourself, as the author did, in any of the following circumstances, you may consider joining the journey: Burdened by a seeming lack of enough faith to accept what you're told by religious authorities Confused by the many interpretations of scripture and the resulting varying views and factions within the Christian community Fearful of expressing the inner doubt, "Is God a delusion?" and afraid to ask questions that would put you in the camps of agnosticism and atheism Not wanting to lose the respect and closeness of friends and family Scared that your doubts will doom you to an eternal hell Why should you read this book? This book will certainly have different effects on different readers. The author's experiences will not necessarily be your experiences. But there will be inevitable similarities, especially for those who question the Christian faith. Here are some possible benefits to reading "Rethinking God, the Cosmos, and Other Little Things": To better understand how beliefs can ensnare the mind, build illusions, and leave no room for questions To bring to light the many inconsistencies within the Christian religion that most Christians choose to ignore To realize that religion does not have to be off-limits to the logic and reason that you apply to every other facet of life To learn the methods of becoming a rethinker Bond's desire is that through reading this book, you may also experience the power of free thought. Consider this book a traveling companion on a journey of doubt and questions. The journey is surely not always easy and may disrupt your life completely. But Bond encourages you to take comfort in the knowledge that many sojourners have come before you, and many are joining the journey now. You are not alone.