Blindfold

From the author of The Blazing World, “a work of dizzying intensity…eloquent and vivid” (Don DeLillo), about a young Midwestern woman who finds herself entangled in intense circumstances—physical, cerebral, and existential—when she moves to New York City. Iris Vegan, a young, impoverished graduate student from the Midwest, finds herself entangled with four powerful but threatening characters as she tries to adjust to life in New York City. Mr. Morning, an inscrutable urban recluse, employs Iris to tape-record verbal descriptions of objects that belonged to a murder victim. George, a photographer, takes an eerie portrait of Iris, which then acquires a strong life of its own, appearing and disappearing without warning around the city. After a series of blinding migraines, Iris ends up in a hospital room with Mrs. O., a woman who has lost her mind and memory to a stroke, but who nevertheless retains both the strength and energy to torment her fellow patient. And finally, there is Professor Rose, Iris’s teacher and eventually her lover. While working with him on the translation of a German novella called The Brutal Boy, she discovers in its protagonist, Klaus, a vehicle for her own transformation and ventures out into the city again—this time dressed as a man.

An award-winning journalist’s extraordinary account of being kidnapped and tortured in Syria by al Qaeda for two years—a revelatory memoir about war, human nature, and endurance that’s “the best of the genre, profound, poetic, and sorrowful” (The Atlantic). In 2012, American journalist Theo Padnos, fluent in Arabic, Russian, German, and French, traveled to a Turkish border town to write and report on the Syrian civil war. One afternoon in October, while walking through an olive grove, he met three young Syrians—who turned out to be al Qaeda operatives—and they captured him and kept him prisoner for nearly two years. On his first day, in the first of many prisons, Padnos was given a blindfold—a grime-stained scrap of fabric—that was his only possession throughout his horrific ordeal. Now, Padnos recounts his time in captivity in Syria, where he was frequently tortured at the hands of the al Qaeda affiliate, Jebhat al Nusra. We learn not only about Padnos’s harrowing experience, but we also get a firsthand account of life in a Syrian village, the nature of Islamic prisons, how captors interrogate someone suspected of being CIA, the ways that Islamic fighters shift identities and drift back and forth through the veil of Western civilization, and much more. No other journalist has lived among terrorists for as long as Theo has—and survived. As a resident of thirteen separate prisons in every part of rebel-occupied Syria, Theo witnessed a society adrift amid a steady stream of bombings, executions, torture, prayer, fasting, and exhibitions, all staged by the terrorists. Living within this tide of violence changed not only his personal identity but also profoundly altered his understanding of how to live. Offering fascinating, unprecedented insight into the state of Syria today, Blindfold is “a triumph of the human spirit” (The New York Times Book Review)—combining the emotional power of a captive’s memoir with a journalist’s account of a culture and a nation in conflict that is as urgent and important as ever.

The award-winning journalist presents a searing account of his experiences with being captured and tortured in Syria by al Qaeda for two years, detailing his related witness to Syrian village life.

For centuries, blindfold chess--the art of playing without sight of the board or pieces--has produced some of the greatest feats of human memory, progressing to the extent that the world record in 2009 was 45 [and is now 46] simultaneous blindfold games. This work describes the personalities and achievements of some of blindfold chess's greatest players--including Philidor, Morphy, Blackburne, Zukertort, Pillsbury, Reti, Alekhine, Koltanowski, Najdorf and Fine, as well as present-day grandmasters such as Anand and Kramnik. Including some never before published, 444 games scores are presented, peppered with diagrams and annotations. Hints for playing blindfold, and its practical value, are also included.

‘The only thing that matters in life is your own opinion about yourself”’.-Osho The outer world is a reflection of our inner world. We attract what we are. We all know this, but we do not make a conscious effort towards implementing it in our lives. Are you one of those people who feel they are not being valued? Do you often say ‘I am not being loved?’ Do you often get trapped in unhealthy thinking? In this engaging and thought-provoking self-help guide, we will explore the concept of the blindfold and how it impacts our perceptions, beliefs and decision-making processes. We will learn how common myths and misconceptions can blind us from seeing the truth and also discover strategies for identifying and overcoming them. The Blindfold offers practical tools and techniques for removing the blindfold and realizing our true selves. Whether we are struggling with negative self-talk, limiting beliefs or unhelpful thought patterns, this book will provide us with the tools we need to break free and live a more genuine and fulfilling life. With a casual, direct tone and engaging anecdotes and examples, this is the perfect guide for anyone looking to unlock their full potential and live their best life. Whether we are new to personal growth or a self-help enthusiast, The Blindfold is a must-read book that will inspire and empower us to take action and start living the life we deserve.

This searing memoir of an American nun who was abducted and tortured in Guatemala--and continues to search for healing and justice--shows that the human spirit is a force stronger than violence and fear.

A raucous comedy about a paranoid loser who maybe wasn't paranoid enough... In the sixties, Jeffrey Parker briefly attended an antiwar rally. He wasn't all that interested--he just listened to a few speeches, and went home...and nothing was ever the same. In this wildly comic novel, Parker's brief dalliance is the beginning of the end. He never lands a decent job. Women never stick around. He has terrible stretches of bad luck, and is the unwilling victim of just plain bizarre occurances: once, he comes home to find that the final page in every one of his books has been removed. Then Parker discovers that he's been the target of a government plot--like the FBI's real-life COINTELPRO--and the obsession of a rogue FBI agent who just won't give up. This outrageously imaginative debut is reminiscent of John Kennedy Toole's explosive, out-of-nowhere farce A Confederacy of Dunces. Part thriller, part national tragedy, and all hysterical comedy, it is devilishly entertaining even as it forces Parker and readers to uncover the truth not only about their country, but about themselves.

"Love's Witty Blindfold: The Joyful and Romantic Tale of The Blind Mother" is a delightful and heartwarming novel that seamlessly blends comedy and romance into a captivating and unforgettable story. Set in the charming town of Willowbrook, the novel follows the extraordinary journey of Evelyn, affectionately known as the Blind Mother, as she navigates life with a unique sense of humor despite her blindness. The novel opens with a prologue titled "In Darkness, Love Blooms," setting the stage for the unexpected and enchanting love story that lies ahead. From there, readers are transported into Chapter 1, "A Quirk of Fate," where the whimsical nature of the tale begins to unfold. Throughout the novel, the author masterfully weaves together comedy and romance, creating a perfect balance of laughter and heartfelt moments. Each chapter introduces new characters, hilarious situations, and unexpected twists, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to discover what amusing escapades and endearing moments await the Blind Mother and her companions. The characters in "Love's Witty Blindfold" are vibrant and lovable, each bringing their own brand of humor and quirkiness to the story. Evelyn, the Blind Mother herself, is a beacon of strength and resilience, using her unique perspective on life to find laughter in even the most challenging situations. Her comedic partner, Andrew, is the perfect counterpart, adding wit and charm to their comedic duo. As the Blind Mother's unconventional household is introduced in Chapter 2, readers are treated to a delightful cast of characters, from a mischievous pet parrot with a knack for impersonations to a quirky neighbor with an obsession for unusual hobbies. These eccentric individuals, combined with the Blind Mother's hilarious anecdotes, create a vibrant and unforgettable world. The blind dates and their ensuing disasters in Chapter 3 provide uproarious moments of comedic brilliance, leaving readers in stitches as Evelyn and Andrew stumble through awkward encounters, mistaken identities, and comical misunderstandings. The chapter is a testament to the author's ability to infuse humor into the realm of romance, highlighting the absurdity and charm of the Blind Mother's quest for love. Throughout the novel, readers are treated to a tapestry of laughter and romance as Evelyn and Andrew's relationship blossoms. From their comical misadventures to their heartfelt moments of vulnerability, their connection is a testament to the power of love and the joy that comes from embracing life's unexpected surprises. "Love's Witty Blindfold" is a novel that will leave readers smiling, chuckling, and occasionally wiping away a tear of laughter and tenderness. It captures the essence of the human spirit, reminding us that laughter can be a guiding light even in the darkest of times. With its lighthearted humor, endearing characters, and heartfelt moments, this novel is a true treasure for those seeking a comedy-filled romance that will warm their hearts and leave them yearning for more.