Pocket Books

Paul Strathern earned a degree in philosophy at Trinity College, Dublin, and has lectured in philosophy and mathematics. A Somerset Maugham prize winner, he has written books on history, philosophy, and travel as well as five novels. His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including the Observer (London) and the Irish Times. He lives and writes in London.

The Giants of Philosophy is a series of dramatic presentations, in understandable language, of the concerns, questions,
interests, and overall world view of history’s greatest philosophers. Special emphasis on clear and relevant explanations
gives you a new arsenal of insights toward living a better life.

“”The quietly ironic style and eclectic approach will gratify many postmodern readers.an
enjoyable read with ‘a few consoling and practical things’ to say.”"Publishers Weekly

“”A fine introduction to the world of philosophy.”"Newsweek

Alain de Botton has performed a stunning feat: he has transformed arcane philosophy into something
accessible and entertaining, useful and kind. Drawing on the work of six of the world’s most brilliant
thinkers, de Botton has arranged a panoply of wisdom to guide us through our most common problems.
From the frustration of misplacing your keys to the sadness of losing a loved one, the writings of Seneca
can offer consolation. For the particular agony of not having enough money, Epicurus has a solution that
everyone can afford. And if your life is beset by difficulty after difficulty, wise advice may be found in the
words of Nietzsche, the brilliant philosopher whose own life was riddled with poverty, bad health, and
excruciating loneliness. The Consolations of Philosophy is smart, lucid, and pleasing, a rare sort
of book that wonderfully fulfills the promise of its title.

Alain de Botton is the author of six books, including On Love, How Proust Can Change Your Life, and The Art of Travel. His work has been translated into twenty languages. He lives in Washington, D.C., and London, where he is an Associate Research Fellow of the Philosophy Programme of the University of London, School of Advanced Study.

“”Witty, illuminating, and blessedly concise.”"Wall Street Journal

“”I cannot think of a better way to introduce oneself and one’s friends to Western
civilization.”"Boston Globe

Confucius knew all about life and told us how to behavebut we can’t find out
precisely what he was up to. His well-meaning platitudes, quaint maxims, and quasi-enigmatic
anecdotes combined to produce an ideal philosophy for civil servants. It would appear that his
aim was to turn his pupils into good government officials, but his teachings succeeded beyond
his wildest expectations, providing rules of conduct and spiritual fodder for more than two
thousand years.

In Confucius in 90 Minutes, Paul Strathern offers a concise, expert account of Confucius’s
life and ideas and explains their influence on man’s struggle to understand his existence in the
world. The book also includes selections from Confucius’s work, a brief list of suggested readings
for those who wish to delve deeper, and chronologies that place Confucius within his own age
and in the broader scheme of philosophy.

Paul Strathern earned a degree in philosophy at Trinity College, Dublin, and has lectured in philosophy and mathematics. A Somerset Maugham prize winner, he has written books on history, philosophy, and travel as well as five novels. His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including the Observer (London) and the Irish Times. He lives and writes in London.

“”Code Name God is an eye-opener into the rich life beyond the American Dream.”"
Indian Express

The compelling, beautiful narrative of Code Name God is one man’s rags-to-riches story and,
more profoundly, the vision of a world-class physicist seeking to integrate the findings of science,
religion, and spiritual quest.

Born in the impoverished Indian province of Bengal, Dr. Mani Bhaumik became a scientist and co-invented
the laser technology that made LASIK surgery possible. Upon realizing that fame and fortune could not
provide him with the abiding happiness that we all seek, Dr. Bhaumik began the search for a deeper
understanding of spirituality.

Code Name God chronicles the amazing life of a man who is from both the East and the West and
who finally discovers that “”happiness is an inside job.”"

This book’s prologue is read by Academy Award-winning actor Sir Ben Kingsley.

Dr. Mani Bhaumik’s contributions to science merited the rare dual election as a fellow to the American Physical Society and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Eventually he discovered that “”happiness is an inside job”" and immersed himself in study of the hidden relationship between science and spirituality and the integration of mind and matter. He has published over fifty papers in professional journals and maintains a lively correspondence with other physicists around the world. Most recently, Dr. Bhaumik, who lives in southern California, was honored with the Mahatma Gandhi Humanitarian Award for his outstanding contribution to science and humanity.

Buddha’s Teachings is a concise and nonsectarian guide to basic Buddhist teachings, including
the Fourfold Noble Truth, the Noble Eightfold Path, the Buddha Nature, the Way of Purification, and the
Ways of Practice.

They were not sure why the media picked up on Elizabeth’s story, but after their daughter was kidnapped she became the whole world’s daughter. After nine months of a strange, hard, sometimes rewarding, but mostly painful journey, Elizabeth was miraculously returned to them. Just as millions throughout the world had grieved for her loss, now they celebrated her safe return.

In Bringing Elizabeth Home, Ed and Lois share the pain of every parent’s worst fear: “”What would I do if my child was taken from me?”" They also share a story of great hope, strong faith, and trust in God. The Smart family had always been devoted to their Mormon faith, but through their terribly painful experience they gained a tremendous inner strength, which became the key to their survival. They write, “”Having our daughter back home, in our arms, is nothing short of a miracle. It is the ultimate proof that God answers prayers. Granted, sometimes the answer is not the one we pray for, but still it remains an answer. We feel truly blessed that He answered our prayers the way we had hoped for, although we realize, regretfully, that this is not always the outcome in kidnapping cases. We have met so many families with missing children and we’ve seen how deep their pain goes . . . But what we hope to convey through our journey of faith and hope is that with a strong belief in God, all things are possible. Miracles do happen.”"

In Boundaries Face to Face authors Cloud and Townsend take the principles from their best-selling book Boundaries and apply them to a variety of the most common difficult situations and relationships.

? Explains why confrontation is essential in all arenas of life

? Shows how healthy confrontation can improve relationships

? Presents the essentials of a good boundary-setting conversation

? Provides tips on how to prepare for the conversation

? Shows how to tell people what you want, how to stop bad behavior, and how to deal with counterattack

? Gives actual examples of conversations to have with your spouse, your date, your kids, your coworker, your boss, your parents, and more

From the Book

Sometimes people get confused in a confrontation because the other person gets them off track. If that happens, remember this formula.

Empathize with their feelings or position, and return to your issue.

Here?s an example.

Joe: ?I can?t believe you were offended by my comments. You joke around more than anyone here. That?s pretty hypocritical.?ǥ

In this new novel by Karen Kingsbury, three years have passed since the terrorist attacks on New York City. Jamie Bryan, widow of a firefighter who lost his life on that terrible day, has found meaning in her season of loss by volunteering at St. Paul’s, the memorial chapel across the street from where the Twin Towers once stood. Here she meets a daily stream of people touched by the tragedy, including two men with whom she feels a connection. One is a firefighter also changed by the attacks, the other a police officer from Los Angeles.

But as Jamie gets to know the police officer, she is stunned to find out that he is the brother of Eric Michaels, the man with the uncanny resemblance to Jamie’s husband, the man who lived with her for three months after September 11. Eric is the man she has vowed never to see again. Certain she could not share even a friendship with his brother, Jamie shuts out the police officer and delves deeper into her work at St. Paul’s.

Now it will take the persistence of a tenacious man, the questions from her curious young daughter, and the words from her dead husband’s journal to move Jamie beyond one Tuesday morning.

“Jamie Bryan took her position at the far end of the Staten Island Ferry, pressed her body against the railing, eyes on the place where the Twin Towers once stood. She could face it now, every day if she had to. The terrorist attacks had happened, the World Trade Center had collapsed, and the only man she’d ever loved had gone down with them.

Late fall was warmer than usual, and the breeze across the water washed over Jamie’s face. If she could do this, if she could make this journey three times a week while Sierra was in school, then she could convince herself to get through another long, dark night. She could face the empty place in the bed beside her, face the longing for the man who had been her best friend, the one she’d fallen for when she was only a girl.”