Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, grows into something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and the future. Except the discovery of their bond would mean death for each of them. There's still a war going on, after all. And someone has to win that war.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and “writer of astonishing depth” (The Washington Times) comes a poignant comedy about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined. Viewing an apartment normally doesn’t turn into a life-or-death situation, but this particular open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes everyone in the apartment hostage. As the pressure mounts, the eight strangers begin slowly opening up to one another and reveal long-hidden truths. First is Zara, a wealthy bank director who has been too busy to care about anyone else until tragedy changed her life. Now, she’s obsessed with visiting open houses to see how ordinary people live—and, perhaps, to set an old wrong to right. Then there’s Roger and Anna-Lena, an Ikea-addicted retired couple who are on a never-ending hunt for fixer-uppers to hide the fact that they don’t know how to fix their own failing marriage. Julia and Ro are a young lesbian couple and soon-to-be parents who are nervous about their chances for a successful life together since they can’t agree on anything. And there’s Estelle, an eighty-year-old woman who has lived long enough to be unimpressed by a masked bank robber waving a gun in her face. And despite the story she tells them all, Estelle hasn’t really come to the apartment to view it for her daughter, and her husband really isn’t outside parking the car. As police surround the premises and television channels broadcast the hostage situation live, the tension mounts and even deeper secrets are slowly revealed. Before long, the robber must decide which is the more terrifying prospect: going out to face the police, or staying in the apartment with this group of impossible people. Rich with Fredrik Backman’s “pitch-perfect dialogue and an unparalleled understanding of human nature” (Shelf Awareness), Anxious People’s whimsical plot serves up unforgettable insights into the human condition and a gentle reminder to be compassionate to all the anxious people we encounter every day.

This is just one of the many warm, lovely, and helpful tips that Wajahat Ali and other children of immigrants receive on a daily basis. Go back where, exactly? Fremont, California, where he grew up, but is now an unaffordable place to live? Or Pakistan, the country his parents left behind a half-century ago? Growing up living the suburban American dream, young Wajahat devoured comic books (devoid of brown superheroes) and fielded well-intentioned advice from uncles and aunties. ("Become a doctor!") He had turmeric stains under his fingernails, was accident-prone, suffered from OCD, and wore Husky pants, but he was as American as his neighbors, with roots all over the world. Then, while Ali was studying at University of California, Berkeley, 9/11 happened. Muslims replaced communists as America's enemy #1, and he became an accidental spokesman and ambassador of all ordinary, unthreatening things Muslim-y. Now a middle-aged dad, Ali has become one of the foremost and funniest public intellectuals in America. In Go Back to Where You Came From, he tackles the dangers of Islamophobia, white supremacy, and chocolate hummus, peppering personal stories with astute insights into national security, immigration, and pop culture. In this refreshingly bold, hopeful, and uproarious memoir, Ali offers indispensable lessons for cultivating a more compassionate, inclusive, and delicious America.

Hockey is Gabe Martin's life. Dante Baltierra just wants to have some fun on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Falling for a teammate isn't in either game plan. But plans change. When Gabe gets outed, it turns his careful life upside-down. The chaos messes with his game and sends his team headlong into a losing streak. The last person he expects to pull him through it is Dante. This season isn’t going the way Dante thought it would. Gabe’s sexuality doesn’t faze him, but his own does. Dante’s always been a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy, and having to hide his attraction to Gabe sucks. But so does losing, and his teammate needs him, so he puts in the effort to snap Gabe out of his funk. He doesn’t mean to fall in love with the guy. Getting involved with a teammate is a bad idea, but Dante is shameless, funny, and brilliant at hockey. Gabe can’t resist. Unfortunately, he struggles to share part of himself that he’s hidden for years, and Dante chafes at hiding their relationship. Can they find their feet before the ice slips out from under them? Winging It  is the first book in the hot, hilarious, heartfelt Hockey Ever After series. If you like witty banter, friends to lovers, and sports romance, you’ll love Winging It.

Hockey is Gabe Martin's life. Dante Baltierra just wants to have some fun on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Falling for a teammate isn't in either game plan. But plans change. When Gabe gets outed, it turns his careful life upside-down. The chaos messes with his game and sends his team headlong into a losing streak. The last person he expects to pull him through it is Dante. This season isn’t going the way Dante thought it would. Gabe’s sexuality doesn’t faze him, but his own does. Dante’s always been a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy, and having to hide his attraction to Gabe sucks. But so does losing, and his teammate needs him, so he puts in the effort to snap Gabe out of his funk. He doesn’t mean to fall in love with the guy. Getting involved with a teammate is a bad idea, but Dante is shameless, funny, and brilliant at hockey. Gabe can’t resist. Unfortunately, he struggles to share part of himself that he’s hidden for years, and Dante chafes at hiding their relationship. Can they find their feet before the ice slips out from under them? Winging It  is the first book in the hot, hilarious, heartfelt Hockey Ever After series. If you like witty banter, friends to lovers, and sports romance, you’ll love Winging It.

Among the ashes of a dying world, an agent of the Commandant finds a letter. It reads: Burn before reading. Thus begins an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents hellbent on securing the best possible future for their warring factions. Now, what began as a taunt, a battlefield boast, grows into something more. Something epic. Something romantic. Something that could change the past and the future. Except the discovery of their bond would mean death for each of them. There's still a war going on, after all. And someone has to win that war.

This is just one of the many warm, lovely, and helpful tips that Wajahat Ali and other children of immigrants receive on a daily basis. Go back where, exactly? Fremont, California, where he grew up, but is now an unaffordable place to live? Or Pakistan, the country his parents left behind a half-century ago? Growing up living the suburban American dream, young Wajahat devoured comic books (devoid of brown superheroes) and fielded well-intentioned advice from uncles and aunties. ("Become a doctor!") He had turmeric stains under his fingernails, was accident-prone, suffered from OCD, and wore Husky pants, but he was as American as his neighbors, with roots all over the world. Then, while Ali was studying at University of California, Berkeley, 9/11 happened. Muslims replaced communists as America's enemy #1, and he became an accidental spokesman and ambassador of all ordinary, unthreatening things Muslim-y. Now a middle-aged dad, Ali has become one of the foremost and funniest public intellectuals in America. In Go Back to Where You Came From, he tackles the dangers of Islamophobia, white supremacy, and chocolate hummus, peppering personal stories with astute insights into national security, immigration, and pop culture. In this refreshingly bold, hopeful, and uproarious memoir, Ali offers indispensable lessons for cultivating a more compassionate, inclusive, and delicious America.

Ein herzerwärmender, lustiger, und gleichzeitig ernster Roman über eine junge Frau, die sich der harten Realität des selbstständigen Lebens stellen muss Margo braucht Geld. Seit sie ungewollt von ihrem Collegeprofessor, der sie jetzt mit dem Kind alleinlässt, schwanger wurde, mehr denn je. Wie Margo es auch dreht und wendet, kein Job scheint passend zu sein, oder könnte auch nur ansatzweise ihr Leben mit einem Baby finanzieren. Durch einen Zufall wird sie auf die Plattform OnlyFans aufmerksam, und Margo ist fasziniert von dieser Welt, in der Frauen mit sich und ihrem Körper experimentieren, und offenbar gut dabei verdienen. Also beginnt auch sie, Inhalte zu produzieren. Dabei erhält sie Unterstützung von ihrer Mitbewohnerin Suzie, einem großen Cosplay-Fan, und auch von ihrem Vater Jinx, einem Ex-Wrestlingprofi. Ehe sie sich versieht, ist Margo ein Online-Phänomen. Könnte dies die Antwort auf all ihre Probleme sein, oder hat der Internet-Ruhm einen zu hohen Preis?

Ein herzerwärmender, lustiger, und gleichzeitig ernster Roman über eine junge Frau, die sich der harten Realität des selbstständigen Lebens stellen muss Margo braucht Geld. Seit sie ungewollt von ihrem Collegeprofessor, der sie jetzt mit dem Kind alleinlässt, schwanger wurde, mehr denn je. Wie Margo es auch dreht und wendet, kein Job scheint passend zu sein, oder könnte auch nur ansatzweise ihr Leben mit einem Baby finanzieren. Durch einen Zufall wird sie auf die Plattform OnlyFans aufmerksam, und Margo ist fasziniert von dieser Welt, in der Frauen mit sich und ihrem Körper experimentieren, und offenbar gut dabei verdienen. Also beginnt auch sie, Inhalte zu produzieren. Dabei erhält sie Unterstützung von ihrer Mitbewohnerin Suzie, einem großen Cosplay-Fan, und auch von ihrem Vater Jinx, einem Ex-Wrestlingprofi. Ehe sie sich versieht, ist Margo ein Online-Phänomen. Könnte dies die Antwort auf all ihre Probleme sein, oder hat der Internet-Ruhm einen zu hohen Preis?

Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

A summer in Greece for three best friends ends in the unthinkable when only two return home in this new novel from Ella Berman. . . . Ten years ago, after a sun-soaked summer spent in Greece, best friends Bess and Joni were cleared of having any involvement in their friend Evangeline’s death. But that didn’t stop the media from ripping apart their teenage lives like vultures. While the girls were never convicted, Joni, ever the opportunist, capitalized on her newfound infamy to become a motivational speaker. Bess, on the other hand, resolved to make her life as small and controlled as possible so she wouldn’t risk losing everything all over again. And it almost worked. . . . Except now Joni is tangled up in a crime eerily similar to that one fateful night in Greece. And when she asks Bess to come back to LA to support her, Bess has a decision to make. Is it finally time to face up to what happened that night, exposing herself as the young woman she once was and maybe still is? And what happens if she doesn’t like what she finds?

Linus Baker is a by-the-book case worker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. He's tasked with determining whether six dangerous magical children are likely to bring about the end of the world. Arthur Parnassus is the master of the orphanage. He would do anything to keep the children safe, even if it means the world will burn. And his secrets will come to light. The House in the Cerulean Sea is an enchanting love story, masterfully told, about the profound experience of discovering an unlikely family in an unexpected place—and realizing that family is yours.

Castle Rock is a small town, where word gets around quickly. That's why Scott Carey wants to confide only in his friend Doctor Bob Ellis about his strange condition he's losing weight without getting thinner, and the scales register the same whether he is in his clothes or out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott also has new neighbors who have opened a "fine dining experience" in town, although it's an experience being shunned by the locals: Deirdre McComb and her wife Missy Donaldson don't exactly conform to a lifestyle the community approves of. And now Scott seems trapped in a feud with the couple over their dogs dropping their business on his lawn. Missy may be warm and friendly, but Deirdre is as cold as ice. As the town prepares for its annual Thanksgiving 12K run, Scott begins to understand the prejudices the women face, and tries to help. Unlikely alliances form, and the mystery of Scott's affliction brings out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others. From the master storyteller Stephen King comes this compelling tale about finding common ground despite differences, a magical story with deep resonance for our time.

Castle Rock is a small town, where word gets around quickly. That's why Scott Carey wants to confide only in his friend Doctor Bob Ellis about his strange condition he's losing weight without getting thinner, and the scales register the same whether he is in his clothes or out of them, no matter how heavy they are. Scott also has new neighbors who have opened a "fine dining experience" in town, although it's an experience being shunned by the locals: Deirdre McComb and her wife Missy Donaldson don't exactly conform to a lifestyle the community approves of. And now Scott seems trapped in a feud with the couple over their dogs dropping their business on his lawn. Missy may be warm and friendly, but Deirdre is as cold as ice. As the town prepares for its annual Thanksgiving 12K run, Scott begins to understand the prejudices the women face, and tries to help. Unlikely alliances form, and the mystery of Scott's affliction brings out the best in people who have indulged the worst in themselves and others. From the master storyteller Stephen King comes this compelling tale about finding common ground despite differences, a magical story with deep resonance for our time.

Der Kampf für Gerechtigkeit und trans* Rechte? – ein Kampf für uns alle! Eine Rose ist eine Rose ist eine Rose ist eine Rose … Sprache, Identität und vor allem: Empathie Der Name einer Sache verkörpert deren Bild, unsere Vorstellung davon und die damit verbundenen Gefühle. Oder: Eine Sache wird zur Sache durch ihre Benennung. Doch wie können wir diesen einfachen Gedanken auf unsere Umgebung übertragen? Phenix Kühnert ist sich sicher: mit Empathie. Wir leben in einer Gesellschaft, die alle ausschließt, die von der Norm abweichen. Phenix nimmt uns an die Hand, macht deutlich, wie sehr Sprache unser Denken prägt, was es heißt, die eigene Identität abgesprochen zu bekommen, wie uns Zuschreibungen und Vorgaben zu Männlichkeit und Weiblichkeit beeinflussen. Sie setzt sich für trans* Rechte und nicht binäre Menschen, die queere Community und Verständnis ein. Phenix ermutigt und sensibilisiert. Denn: Menschen sind verschieden, nichts zu 100 Prozent, wir entwickeln und verändern uns, wachsen. Und dabei wird klar: Diversität ist die wahre Normalität. Radikale Offenheit: Phenix hält ein Megafon in der Hand und spricht über … alles, und zwar so richtig! Phenix Kühnert will mehr. Mehr Rechte, mehr Stimmen, mehr Inklusivität. Gesellschaftliche Konstrukte? Einteilungen in „normal“ und „anders“? Werfen wir am besten über den Haufen. Dafür kämpft Phenix. Und das jeden Tag. Sie erzählt von ihrer Kindheit, dem Aufwachsen in einem Dorf und ihrem Leben als trans Frau – in einer Welt, die aus Stolpersteinen besteht. Mit ihr dürfen wir in Wartezimmern von Ärzt*innen Platz nehmen, öffnen einen Pass, der uns nicht entspricht, spüren einen Anflug dessen, was das auslösen kann. Wir sind dabei, wenn Phenix zum ersten Mal Hormone nimmt, wenn sich ihr Körper zu verändern beginnt, verstehen, was das Rasieren ihrer Beine mit Emanzipation zu tun hat. Wir begleiten sie bei Höhen und Tiefen, in Sportumkleidekabinen oder auf Dates in Berlin. Phenix lässt uns ganz nahe an sich heran, macht sich verletzlich, ist sanft und entschieden. Und: Sie zeigt, warum es so wichtig ist, dass wir Gleichberechtigung gemeinsam groß machen.

Der Kampf für Gerechtigkeit und trans* Rechte? – ein Kampf für uns alle! Eine Rose ist eine Rose ist eine Rose ist eine Rose … Sprache, Identität und vor allem: Empathie Der Name einer Sache verkörpert deren Bild, unsere Vorstellung davon und die damit verbundenen Gefühle. Oder: Eine Sache wird zur Sache durch ihre Benennung. Doch wie können wir diesen einfachen Gedanken auf unsere Umgebung übertragen? Phenix Kühnert ist sich sicher: mit Empathie. Wir leben in einer Gesellschaft, die alle ausschließt, die von der Norm abweichen. Phenix nimmt uns an die Hand, macht deutlich, wie sehr Sprache unser Denken prägt, was es heißt, die eigene Identität abgesprochen zu bekommen, wie uns Zuschreibungen und Vorgaben zu Männlichkeit und Weiblichkeit beeinflussen. Sie setzt sich für trans* Rechte und nicht binäre Menschen, die queere Community und Verständnis ein. Phenix ermutigt und sensibilisiert. Denn: Menschen sind verschieden, nichts zu 100 Prozent, wir entwickeln und verändern uns, wachsen. Und dabei wird klar: Diversität ist die wahre Normalität. Radikale Offenheit: Phenix hält ein Megafon in der Hand und spricht über … alles, und zwar so richtig! Phenix Kühnert will mehr. Mehr Rechte, mehr Stimmen, mehr Inklusivität. Gesellschaftliche Konstrukte? Einteilungen in „normal“ und „anders“? Werfen wir am besten über den Haufen. Dafür kämpft Phenix. Und das jeden Tag. Sie erzählt von ihrer Kindheit, dem Aufwachsen in einem Dorf und ihrem Leben als trans Frau – in einer Welt, die aus Stolpersteinen besteht. Mit ihr dürfen wir in Wartezimmern von Ärzt*innen Platz nehmen, öffnen einen Pass, der uns nicht entspricht, spüren einen Anflug dessen, was das auslösen kann. Wir sind dabei, wenn Phenix zum ersten Mal Hormone nimmt, wenn sich ihr Körper zu verändern beginnt, verstehen, was das Rasieren ihrer Beine mit Emanzipation zu tun hat. Wir begleiten sie bei Höhen und Tiefen, in Sportumkleidekabinen oder auf Dates in Berlin. Phenix lässt uns ganz nahe an sich heran, macht sich verletzlich, ist sanft und entschieden. Und: Sie zeigt, warum es so wichtig ist, dass wir Gleichberechtigung gemeinsam groß machen.