The 100-foot promontory known as Pointe du Hoc -- where six big German guns were ensconced -- was the number one target of the heavy U.S. and British warships poised in the English Channel on D-Day morning. Facing arguably the toughest task to befall U.S. forces during the war, the brave men of the Army 2nd Ranger Battalion boldly took control of the fortified cliff and set in motion the liberation of Europe.

Based upon recently released documents, here is the first in-depth, anecdotal remembrance of these fearless Army Rangers. Acclaimed author and historian Douglas Brinkley deftly moves between events four decades apart to tell two riveting stories: the making of Ronald Reagan's historic 1984 speeches about the storming of the Normandy coast and the actual heroic event that inspired them and helped to end the Second World War.

‘Brinkley’s sentences are daggers’ Raven Leilani, author of Luster ‘A dazzling collection by a masterful storyteller’ Yiyun Li, author of The Book of Goose ‘Read everything this man writes, and regard the world anew’ Justin Torres, author of We the Animals An electric new collection of stories set in contemporary New York, from the award-winning author of A Lucky Man and National Book Award finalist, Jamel Brinkley. What does it mean to take action? To bear witness? What does it cost? These stories take us into the heart of contemporary New York City and its residents’ lives. We meet children, grandmothers and even ghosts as they strive to connect, to stand up for, and to really see each other. Their relationships shape not only their own futures but those of their families and their city. In its portraits of families and friendships, Witness enacts its own testimony. Here is a world where fortunes can be made and stolen in a generation, where strangers sometimes show kindness while those we trust—doctors, employers, siblings—too often turn away, where joy comes in snatches. With prose as upendingly beautiful as it is artfully crafted, Jamel Brinkley offers nothing less than the full scope of life and death and change in the great, unending drama of the city. ‘Jamel Brinkley is brilliant, the real thing, a revelation’ Garth Greenwell, author of What Belongs to You ‘These are stories of rare beauty and insight, that glitter with humour and hurt, written with lambent clarity and tenderness’ David Hayden, author of Darker With the Lights On ‘There is all the involvedness and complexity of a novel in each story, which makes Witness so abundant and wise. A brilliant writer’ Caoilinn Hughes, author of The Wild Laughter ‘Read Witness and allow yourself the pleasure of seeing the world as Brinkley sees it' Angela Flournoy, author of The Turner House ‘A fully formed, entirely distinctive new voice … reinvigorating the short story itself’ Observer ‘Brinkley writes like a dream, mixing intoxicating, rhythmic street talk with high poetry’ Big Issue

Sacred Lessons from Heaven to Help Us Fulfill Our True Purpose, from the Bestselling Author of Saved by the Light

In 1975, Dannion Brinkley was struck and killed by lightning. When he awoke in a morgue twenty-eight minutes later, everything was forever changed. Over the next twenty years, Brinkley had not one, but two more near-death experiences. Now, in Secrets from the Light, he shares the lessons he learned in the afterlife so we, too, can fulfill our true purpose in life. With wit, humor, and compassion, Brinkley shows that by living the way Heaven intends, you will find happiness in this life and beyond.

Many African American males are headed down the wrong paths in school and society, but that's mostly because we as a community do not understand the challenges they face. In this guide, Dr. Alfred Brinkley, an African American studies scholar and alternative school administrator, explores how to boost the odds of success for at-risk, African American males. He focuses on helping teachers, parents, and students to promote a lifetime love of reading; narrow the achievement gap; encourage self-esteem and intrinsic motivation; and hone parenting and mentoring skills. Leaving your comfort zone and learning why this group of students needs support can better equip you to establish a relationship based on mutual respect. Educating, inspiring, and motivating at-risk African American males requires a support system that can prepare them to succeed. Students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community leaders can begin to do their part with Courageous Expectations.