A Dream About Lightning Bugs

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the genre-defying icon Ben Folds comes a memoir that is as nuanced, witty, and relatable as his cult-classic songs. “A Dream About Lightning Bugs reads like its author: intelligent, curious, unapologetically punk, and funny as hell.”—Sara Bareilles NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR AND PASTE Ben Folds is a celebrated American singer-songwriter, beloved for songs such as “Brick,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” and “The Luckiest,” and is the former frontman of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. But Folds will be the first to tell you he’s an unconventional icon, more normcore than hardcore. Now, in his first book, Folds looks back at his life so far in a charming and wise chronicle of his artistic coming of age, infused with the wry observations of a natural storyteller. In the title chapter, “A Dream About Lightning Bugs,” Folds recalls his earliest childhood dream—and realizes how much it influenced his understanding of what it means to be an artist. In “Measure Twice, Cut Once” he learns to resist the urge to skip steps during the creative process. In “Hall Pass” he recounts his 1970s North Carolina working-class childhood, and in “Cheap Lessons” he returns to the painful life lessons he learned the hard way—but that luckily didn’t kill him. In his inimitable voice, both relatable and thought-provoking, Folds digs deep into the life experiences that shaped him, imparting hard-earned wisdom about both art and life. Collectively, these stories embody the message Folds has been singing about for years: Smile like you’ve got nothing to prove, because it hurts to grow up, and life flies by in seconds. Praise for A Dream About Lightning Bugs “Besides being super talented, and an incredibly poignant and multifaceted musician, Ben Folds is a fantastic author. I couldn’t put this book down—and not just because I taped it to my hand. Ben takes us into his mind and into his process from the very beginnings of his childhood to where he is today—one of the greatest musicians and writers that has ever graced the art.”—Bob Saget

The Lightning Bug is a work of Science fiction. It is the first book in a series and introduces American teenager Matt Johnson. Matt and his friends discover a warning message hidden in the behavior of lightning bugs. The message leads to the discovery of secrets that run counter to accepted scientific and religious beliefs. Solving the mystery requires the teens overcome racial and political turmoil. The teens must find a way to save the world; but who will save them?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the genre-defying icon Ben Folds comes a memoir that is as nuanced, witty, and relatable as his cult-classic songs. “A Dream About Lightning Bugs reads like its author: intelligent, curious, unapologetically punk, and funny as hell.”—Sara Bareilles NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR AND PASTE Ben Folds is a celebrated American singer-songwriter, beloved for songs such as “Brick,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” and “The Luckiest,” and is the former frontman of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. But Folds will be the first to tell you he’s an unconventional icon, more normcore than hardcore. Now, in his first book, Folds looks back at his life so far in a charming and wise chronicle of his artistic coming of age, infused with the wry observations of a natural storyteller. In the title chapter, “A Dream About Lightning Bugs,” Folds recalls his earliest childhood dream—and realizes how much it influenced his understanding of what it means to be an artist. In “Measure Twice, Cut Once” he learns to resist the urge to skip steps during the creative process. In “Hall Pass” he recounts his 1970s North Carolina working-class childhood, and in “Cheap Lessons” he returns to the painful life lessons he learned the hard way—but that luckily didn’t kill him. In his inimitable voice, both relatable and thought-provoking, Folds digs deep into the life experiences that shaped him, imparting hard-earned wisdom about both art and life. Collectively, these stories embody the message Folds has been singing about for years: Smile like you’ve got nothing to prove, because it hurts to grow up, and life flies by in seconds. Praise for A Dream About Lightning Bugs “Besides being super talented, and an incredibly poignant and multifaceted musician, Ben Folds is a fantastic author. I couldn’t put this book down—and not just because I taped it to my hand. Ben takes us into his mind and into his process from the very beginnings of his childhood to where he is today—one of the greatest musicians and writers that has ever graced the art.”—Bob Saget

About the Author Mike Lima is a life member of free masonry, the American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. His interests are old cars and motorcycles. He started riding at age ten on a Simplex motor scooter and has had several motorcycles. His family life suffered due to manic/depression and drinking. His brother always said Mike would go ten miles out of his way to make a point. Lima has many regrets and ponders them every night before he falls asleep.

This is the first comprehensive firefly guide for eastern and central North America ever published. It is written for all those who want to know more about the amazing world of lightning bugs and learn the secrets hidden in the flash patterns of the 75+ species found in the eastern and central U.S. and Canada. As an independent researcher working with numerous university teams, naturalist Lynn Frierson Faust, “The Lightning Bug Lady,” has spent decades tracking the behavior and researching the habitats of these fascinating creatures. Based on her twenty-five years of field work, this book is intended to increase understanding and appreciation of bioluminescent insects while igniting enthusiasm in a fun and informative way. Species accounts are coupled with historical background and literary epigraphs to engage and draw readers young and old into the world of these tiny sparklers. A chart documenting the flash patterns of the various species will aid in identification. Clear photos illustrate the insects’ distinguishing physical characteristics, while habitats, seasonality, and common names are provided in clear, easy-to-understand yet scientifically accurate language. The guide will be welcomed by everyone who wants to learn more about fireflies' and glow-worms' unique traits and about their fragile niche in the ecosystem. FEATURES Over 600 color photographsDetailed accounts and anatomical diagrams of 75+ species, as well as aids in distinguishing between similar speciesA first-of-its-kind flash-pattern chart that folds out on heavy-weight paper • Extensive scientific details written in an understandable and engaging wayColorful, common names—Twilight Bush Baby, Shadow Ghosts, and Snappy Syncs, and more—for easy species identification based on flash patternsTips on ideal sites and times of year for firefly watchingConservation-oriented approach

Life was a fragile thing. Mabel learned it when her father died at a young age and her mother was strangled by a drunken suitor in search of "optimal" satisfaction. But Mabel was a quiet young woman who shared in all the typical young woman dreams of romance and home and family. So she left what she knew to search for what she wanted. She took refuge in her best friend's family and, over time, became an integral part of their life, living several years with them. But trouble and calamity came to the Temple household, and Mabel's best friend lost her life while saving her daughter and Mabel from a homicidal maniac. A short time later, Mabel found herself alone again but well-funded. So she traveled to Springfield, Missouri, and soon became wealthy and successful in her new life. Yet Mabel never forgot her friend's sacrifice, and so she returned to that little Indiana town to pay respect to her best friend's great love. And Mabel's life was forever changed: the ripple effect of that encounter would be felt for many generations to come. God's great grace and mercy triumph over all. This book will bring the reader to tears at the brokenness of mankind but will inspire worship and rejoicing at the grace and mercy of a loving heavenly Father. And it will confirm, once again, that there is no depth of corruption or degradation that God cannot turn into blessing.

Winter Poetry and Prose, Old and New, by Various Authors, Kimo Poetry, Nanni Poetry, and several Zen Poems by Jean Elizabeth Ward, Poet Laureate. Winter Poetry, Prose, Old and New, by Various Authors, Seabrook, Texas, Kemah, Texas, Galveston Bay. English Poets, Scottish Poets, American Poets, Canadian Poets, Japanese Poets, Chinese Poets, all about Winter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, including the original Peach Blossom Shangri-la by Tao Yuanming in Chinese and English, combined together to become a delight for the soul. Fourth in a series of Meditations.

A vow made on one night of unspeakable horror binds four women decades later as they become the targets of justice—or revenge. Bertie Dunnigan, a seasoned criminal defense attorney in Louisville, Kentucky, receives an anonymous email with the subject heading “Fireflies.” She knows even before opening it that the worst night of her life has come back to haunt her. It was 1975 in Estill County, Kentucky, when Bertie and three of her closest friends set out on a sweltering July night for a little excitement and spirited fun. What began as an evening of teenage laughter and adventure would end with terror, forever changing the course of their lives. Read on in The Fireflies of Estill County to learn more about the night that transformed Bertie’s life.