Did you know that an "astronaut" is literally a "star sailor," that a thesaurus is, in fact, a "treasure trove" of words, and that someone who is "sinister" is actually just "left-handed"? Have you ever wondered why English isn't considered a Romance language if 60% of our words are Latin-derived? Did Shakespeare really invent 1,700 words, and if not, why the heck do we say that he did? Why is the English language stuffed with so many synonyms? Let's be real: English can seem pretty bonkers. And, well, sometimes it is. But through thorough thought and a pinch of curiosity, method can be found within the madness of our modern tongue-even within the disparate pronunciation of the words "through," "thorough," and "thought." Derived from Germanic, Romance, Hellenic, Semitic, African and Native American languages, English contains multitudes. It has been (and continues to be) transformed by war and conquest, art and literature, science and technology, love and hate, wit and whim. Useless Etymology takes readers on a time-traveling adventure to unlock the beauty, wonder, and absurdity within our everyday words, how they came to be, and the unexpected ways their origins weave a global, cross-cultural labyrinth of meaning. Filled with fun facts and delightful discoveries, this is an enlightening read for anyone who wants to know more about why the English language works the way that it does.

Sixty bizarre and beautiful marine creatures offer affirmations for self-confidence, serenity, and fulfillment—drawn from real-life facts about our fascinating natural world. If you sometimes wish you could sink back into the depths of the ocean, great news—the strange little guys who still live down there will receive you with open arms (and fins, claws, and tentacles). But if you’re not quite ready to take to the sea, these friendly denizens of the deep offer solid advice for living on dry land, such as the following: - “If you’re happy and you know it, digest your brain.”—The star tunicate, who avoids anxiety by digesting much of its own body - “Never be afraid to set—and enforce—your boundaries.”—The gloomy octopus, who protects its personal space by throwing dirt at anyone who bothers it - “It’s good to get it all out.”—The fire-breathing shrimp, who vomits bioluminescent goo when threatened - “If you love someone, absorb them into your bloodstream.”—The fanfin anglerfish, who expresses love by fusing with its mate - And more wonderfully wacky undersea weirdos who really know how to live! Beautifully illustrated with striking watercolor portraits of the ocean’s most eccentric creatures, Leaving the Ocean Was a Mistake will make you long to return to the seas—but it will also help you bring a freewheeling, relaxed, self-actualized ocean spirit to even the driest life.

An alternative cover of this ISBN can be found here. As Bingtown slides toward disaster, clan matriarch Ronica Vestrit, branded a traitor, searches for a way to bring the city's inhabitants together against a momentous threat. Meanwhile, Althea Vestrit, unaware of what has befallen Bingtown and her family, continues her perilous quest to track down and recover her liveship, the Vivacia, from the ruthless pirate Kennit. Bold though it is, Althea's scheme may be in vain. For her beloved Vivacia will face the most terrible confrontation of all as the secret of the liveships is revealed. It is a truth so shattering, it may destroy the Vivacia and all who love her, including Althea's nephew, whose life already hangs in the balance.