It's something most of us have sensed for years-the rise of a world defined only by “mine” and “now.” A world where business shamelessly seeks the fastest reward, regardless of the long-term social consequences; where political leaders reflexively choose short-term fixes over broad, sustainable social progress; where individuals feel increasingly exploited by a marketplace obsessed with our private cravings yet oblivious to our spiritual well-being or the larger needs of our families and communities. At the heart of The Impulse Society is an urgent, powerful story: how the pursuit of short-term self-gratification, once scorned as a sign of personal weakness, became the default principle not only for individuals, but for all sectors of our society. Drawing on the latest research in economics, psychology, political philosophy, and business management, Paul Roberts shows how a potent combination of rapidly advancing technologies, corrupted ideologies, and bottom-line business ethics has pushed us across a threshold to an unprecedented state: a virtual merging of the market and the self. The result is a socioeconomic system ruled by impulse, by the reflexive, id-like drive for the largest, quickest, most “efficient” reward, without regard for long-term costs to ourselves or to broader society. More than thirty years ago, Christopher Lasch hinted at this bleak world in his landmark book, The Culture of Narcissism. In The Impulse Society, Roberts shows how that self-destructive pattern has grown so pervasive that anxiety and emptiness are becoming embedded in our national character. Yet it is in this unease that Roberts finds clear signs of change-and broad revolt as millions of Americans try step off the self-defeating treadmill of gratification and restore a sense of balance. Fresh, vital, and free of ideological, right-wing/left-wing formulations, The Impulse Society shows the way back to a world of real and lasting good.

I need a fake date. She needs my late-night expertise. Now, if we can just keep our hands off each other... As the premier best-man-for hire in all of Manhattan, I promise discretion, so when I need a plus one for a couple of “I dos,” I turn to my gorgeous, clever, witty best friend’s sister. She's my good friend, too, and I lust after her completely. I mean, I TRUST her completely. After all, just look how she's kept her lips sealed about the hot, multi-O night we spent together. Yes, just look at those sexy lips. In any case, we only fell off the wagon once, and it was months ago. I’m sure we can make it through these weddings without banging each other in the limo. Or can we?

Good news: Lack of time is no longer an excuse for not making dessert. Pastry chef and busy mom Lauren Chattman offers 110 foolproof desserts that can be put together in less than fifteen minutes. These amazing desserts are created by someone who truly understands what it means to cook against the clock. Using quality ingredients and the best of convenience foods, Lauren shares her favorite professional tips and shortcuts, like how to turn wonton wrappers into sweet and crisp "shortcakes" and using crumb cursts instead of time-consuming pastry doughs for pies. Instant Gratification features streamlined, refined versions of beloved classics: Plum Brown Betty, Blueberry-Walnut Crisp, and warm brownies and ice cream. When a spoonful of comfort food is in order, you'll find succor with Banana-Caramel Bread Pudding, Tea-Infused Panna Cotta, and Buttery Butterscotch Pudding. Company coming? In the blink of an eye, you can whip up Champagne Sabayon with Blackberries or Flourless Chocolate-Almond Cake. Bake sale tomorrow? Throw together some almost-instant Deluxe Four-Layer Bars. And when your sweet tooth really demands immediate satisfaction, there's an entire chapter with sweets that can be made and on the table in less than a quarter of an hour. Every recipe features an equipment list so that no time will be lost fiddling in the kitchen looking for the right utensil. Instant Gratification is all about delicious desserts--and this book shows that it doesn't take long to make them.

Trailing a rare coyote through the Sierra Nevadas puts two old friends on the path to love in this “zesty romance” by the New York Times bestselling author (Publishers Weekly). To wildlife biologist Harley Stephens, landscape around Wishful, California, is exhilarating, untamed, and more than a little dangerous. The same could be said for wilderness guide T.J. Wilder, whose invited himself along on her trek to study a rare coyote. But Harley’s career is riding on this trip, and she doesn’t need a stubborn, incredibly sexy distraction tagging along. For T.J., Harley is the one woman he’s never been able to forget. But he’s a professional guide who knows when to stay back and when to provide invaluable expertise—just like he’s done since they were in high school. And Harley, as usual, is torn between throttling him and giving in to the raw attraction that’s been smoldering all these years…

While running her father's clinic in Wishful, California, for the summer, Emma Sinclair, a former ER doctor from New York City, begins an affair with one of her patients.

"This is a book that ALL modern parents need to read."—Bless Their Hearts Mom A must-read for parents and educators, Teaching Kids to Think offers insight into the social, emotional, and neurological challenges unique to this generation of instant gratification kids. By identifying the five parent traps that adults fall into to fuel their child's need for instant gratification, this parenting book provides practical tips and easy-to-implement solutions to raise children who are confident, independent, and most importantly, able to think for themselves. Today's kids can easily: Google the answer to any question at lightning speed Text mom or dad to drop off any homework they've forgotten Find immediate solutions to problems and avoid opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them! However, this must-have child development resource will give valuable insight and guidance to parents looking to raise kids who can solve problems, flourish independently, and create their own success!

Renowned psychologist Walter Mischel, designer of the famous Marshmallow Test, explains what self-control is and how to master it. A child is presented with a marshmallow and given a choice: Eat this one now, or wait and enjoy two later. What will she do? And what are the implications for her behavior later in life? The world's leading expert on self-control, Walter Mischel has proven that the ability to delay gratification is critical for a successful life, predicting higher SAT scores, better social and cognitive functioning, a healthier lifestyle and a greater sense of self-worth. But is willpower prewired, or can it be taught? In The Marshmallow Test, Mischel explains how self-control can be mastered and applied to challenges in everyday life--from weight control to quitting smoking, overcoming heartbreak, making major decisions, and planning for retirement. With profound implications for the choices we make in parenting, education, public policy and self-care, The Marshmallow Test will change the way you think about who we are and what we can be.