*One of Bloomberg's Best Books of the Year* The master geopolitical forecaster and New York Times bestselling author of The Next 100 Years focuses on the United States, predicting how the 2020s will bring dramatic upheaval and reshaping of American government, foreign policy, economics, and culture. In his riveting new book, noted forecaster and bestselling author George Friedman turns to the future of the United States. Examining the clear cycles through which the United States has developed, upheaved, matured, and solidified, Friedman breaks down the coming years and decades in thrilling detail. American history must be viewed in cycles—particularly, an eighty-year "institutional cycle" that has defined us (there are three such examples—the Revolutionary War/founding, the Civil War, and World War II), and a fifty-year "socio-economic cycle" that has seen the formation of the industrial classes, baby boomers, and the middle classes. These two major cycles are both converging on the late 2020s—a time in which many of these foundations will change. The United States will have to endure upheaval and possible conflict, but also, ultimately, increased strength, stability, and power in the world. Friedman's analysis is detailed and fascinating, and covers issues such as the size and scope of the federal government, the future of marriage and the social contract, shifts in corporate structures, and new cultural trends that will react to longer life expectancies. This new book is both provocative and entertaining.

Something happened in early 2011 that hasn't happened in decades, perhaps centuries—and we didn't even notice it. That is, we didn't see it for what it was. Massive unrest from Tunisia to Egypt to Libya rocked the Arab world and threw the globe into political crisis. Within days, an earthquake-tsunami-nuclear calamity of terrifying proportions shocked Japan and sent the world reeling once again, even as the globe's financial markets shuddered to sustain themselves while states and nations tottered on the brink of bankruptcy-where many still linger. All of this, of course, we did notice. What we may have missed was that ancient predictions for this period of time called for exactly this: simultaneous environmental, political, and financial disasters. Were we seeing the beginning of "the end of history"-and not picking up the signal? In The Storm Before The Calm, seven-time New York Times best-selling author Neale Donald Walsch offers a startling answer: yes. But Walsch also says there is nothing to fear, advancing an extraordinary explanation for what is happening even now all over the planet. Then-and more important-he provides a stunning prescription for healing our lives and our world through the answering of seven simple questions, inviting people everywhere to join in an earth-saving exchange at TheGlobalConversation.com. Compelling and perfectly timed, The Storm Before The Calm answers every question that is worth asking about December, 2012 and beyond.

At the age of thirty-three, Delanie Stephenson was enjoying life with her husband, two kids, and a teaching job she loved. Blessings abounded, and Delanie thanked God for each one. But it only took a single instant to change it all. A terrible headache struck her on June 6, 2012, and no amount of ibuprofen could take care of it. Delanie had a stroke—similar to the stroke that Delanie’s twenty-nine-year-old sister had suffered a year before. What were the odds of two sisters suffering the same ailment? Delanie’s entire family was in a state of shock, and the news became worse when the doctors were unsure whether Delanie would walk or talk again. In her memoir, Delanie describes that summer of 2012 in detail, from those first harried days in the ICU to the tedious physical therapy as she slowly began to crawl her way back to recovery. Not only did Delanie walk and talk again; she emerged from her ordeal even stronger and decided that she would never again take life for granted. Filled with intimate details and the amazing resilience of the human spirit, The Calm before the Storm shares one woman’s amazing journey from stroke victim to stroke survivor.

In this five-week study, Davis addresses life’s turbulent, trying moments by looking at some of Scripture’s most significant “storm stories.” By turning the popular phrase, “the calm before the storm” on its head, The Storm Before the Calm presents a unique take on the significance of life’s storms—grief, job loss, relationship failures, etc.—and how faith in Christ helps us weather them. Davis's message is clear and challenging: life’s storms prepare us for the calm that follows. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter are designed to help leaders of small groups. Also available when purchasing the book is access to a free video trailer and an audio recording of the author's sermons as another way to experience the weekly message.

The creator of the award-winning podcast series The History of Rome and Revolutions brings to life the bloody battles, political machinations, and human drama that set the stage for the fall of the Roman Republic. The Roman Republic was one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of civilization. Beginning as a small city-state in central Italy, Rome gradually expanded into a wider world filled with petty tyrants, barbarian chieftains, and despotic kings. Through the centuries, Rome's model of cooperative and participatory government remained remarkably durable and unmatched in the history of the ancient world. In 146 BC, Rome finally emerged as the strongest power in the Mediterranean. But the very success of the Republic proved to be its undoing. The republican system was unable to cope with the vast empire Rome now ruled: rising economic inequality disrupted traditional ways of life, endemic social and ethnic prejudice led to clashes over citizenship and voting rights, and rampant corruption and ruthless ambition sparked violent political clashes that cracked the once indestructible foundations of the Republic. Chronicling the years 146-78 BC, The Storm Before the Storm dives headlong into the first generation to face this treacherous new political environment. Abandoning the ancient principles of their forbearers, men like Marius, Sulla, and the Gracchi brothers set dangerous new precedents that would start the Republic on the road to destruction and provide a stark warning about what can happen to a civilization that has lost its way.

All is war when love isn't fair... Don't ask... Deeply closeted to protect her career, Colonel Marcel Robicheaux has limited her love life to discreet flings with no strings-until the brazen but not entirely unwelcome advances of beautiful young Lieutenant Jordan McGowen send the seasoned officer running for cover. Don't tell... Saved from disaster by a timely transfer, Marcel is looking forward to retiring from the military. Just when she thinks she can finally let down her guard and ease out of the closet, Jordan suddenly reenters her life-only now she's a general's wife. While her marital status may have changed, her intentions toward Marcel have not, leaving Marcel caught between her heart and her honor. Secret passion amidst the heartbreaking compromise of Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell leads to sizzling romance in this Peggy Herring classic.

Carter Lewis is having trouble making it through The legend of Sleepy Hollow, so his cousin Isabelle, suggests that he use his uncle's virtual reality machine to enter into the book as a character--and meet the Headless Horseman up-close and personal.