Abu Dhabi--an obscure Middle Eastern principality that happens to be the richest city in the world. This book tells the story of Abu Dhabi's ambitions to transform itself from a sleepy sheikhdom into a thriving international metropolis and a hub of business and leisure. It traces Abu Dhabi's boom years from 2009 to 2011 from the perspective of a Westerner working for the Urban Planning Council, the government agency that planned and coordinated all of the massive development activity. Castles in the Sand explores the drastic changes in Abu Dhabi's built environment, where entire islands are forested with skyscrapers and billions of dollars in infrastructure are spent on a whim--while recounting the disorienting experience of an outsider encountering a society in which foreigners outnumber locals nine to one and modernity clashes head-on with centuries of embedded tradition. General readers will find a broad introduction to Abu Dhabi, and architects and planners will gain a firsthand glimpse inside an unprecedented experiment in city-building.

A step-by-step guide to building elaborate and impressive sandcastles with a basic understanding of sand and a few simple tools. A crenellated turret here, a winding, arched staircase there, maybe even a giant turtle—fairy tale ideas are at the heart of every sandcastle. Summer after summer, children and adults alike make valiant efforts to infuse their sandy structures with such inspiration, but the results are generally disappointing. With Sandcastles Made Simple, Lucinda “sandy feet” Wierenga, a renowned sand sculptor, puts a permanent end to less-than-perfect beach creations. She provides the ultimate step-by-step guide to building impressive sandcastles, and shows that with a few simple tools and a basic understanding of sand, building dream castles can be easy. The book features instructions for each of the architectural elements—base, staircase, roof, balcony, and more—that can be combined to fashion one-of-a-kind castles. Also included are two projects designed specifically for younger children. Like a shovel and pail, Sandcastles Made Simple is an on-the-beach necessity.

A modern, summery spin on the classic The House That Jack Built, in which Lola's day at the beach leads to new friends and a giant sandcastle. Lola is building her dream sandcastle--one with a tall, tall tower and sea glass that sends signals to mermaids. But the beach is crowded, and soon enough, a boy steps on her castle. Not to worry! Lola recruits him to build a wall. When a toddler with a bulldozer starts digging too close the walls, Lola decides he can be in charge of digging the moat. As the sandcastle grows, so does Lola's friendly group of helpers. There's only one thing that Lola doesn't want near the sandcastle: a wave! Will the new friends be able to salvage the mermaids' castle when their hard work is washed away?

Paradigms and Sand Castles demonstrates the relationship between thoughtful research design and the collection of persuasive evidence in support of theory. It teaches the craft of research through interesting and carefully selected examples from the field of comparative development studies. Barbara Geddes is Professor of Political Science at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Twenty-five-year-old Madison Chase knows that her job as a tracker is to find dangerous men and turn them over to the proper authorities. She knows shes pretty good at her jobnot least because of the special powers and gifts she possesses. But theres a lot she doesnt know. She doesnt remember her early years, and she doesnt know who her parents are. These absences haunt her. Madisons special abilities attract the attention of one particular agency. After several tests of her skills, their interest in her takes a dark and sinister turn, opening the way for a journey of self-discovery and leading her to find the truth of her origin and the destiny she has yet to fulfill. Sand Castles and Seashores follows Madison as she meets both Will Matthews, a special operative, and Nicholas, an important person from her past. The trios lives become intertwined, weaving each person into the others destinies and creating an intense bond among them. In the end, what do you needand who do you lovewhen you come undone? How do you rise above the rubble of a broken spirit?

This is the definitive biography of a famous developer and fascinating entrepreneur. Born in Indiana, Carl Fisher helped build the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and headed promotion for the Indy 500. But these feats were only prologue to his grandest adventure, as primary developer and promoter of Miami Beach.

In Castles in the Sand, the follow up to the first book in The Beach House series, author Sally John explores themes of forgiveness and redemption. When Susan and Drake Starr discover that their 20-year-old daughter Kenzie is pregnant, their lives are turned upside down. The news sends Drake, a pastor of a huge San Diego church, reeling—and he sends Kenzie packing. Susan finds herself caught in the middle. Does loving Drake mean cutting ties with her only child? What will this path mean for her daughter? For herself? When Susan seeks the refuge of a beach house, a secret from her past resurfaces. This is a captivating story of how God's mercy is evident when our foundations crumble.