Matt

“Methamphetamine was a huge part of this case . . . It was a horrible murder driven by drugs.” — Prosecutor Cal Rerucha, who convicted Matthew Shepard's killers On the night of October 6, 1998, twenty-one-year-old Matthew Shepard left a bar with two alleged “strangers,” Aaron McKin­ney and Russell Henderson. Eighteen hours later, Matthew was found tied to a log fence on the outskirts of town, unconscious and barely alive. Overnight, a politically expedient myth took the place of important facts. By the time Matthew died a few days later, his name was synonymous with anti-gay hate. The Book of Matt, first published in 2013, demonstrated that the truth was in fact far more complicated – and daunting. Stephen Jimenez’s account revealed primary documents that had been under seal, and gave voice to many with firsthand knowledge of the case who had not been heard from, including members of law enforcement. In his Introduction to this updated edition, journalist Andrew Sullivan writes: “No one wanted Steve Jimenez to report this story, let alone go back and back to Laramie, Wyoming, asking awkward questions, puzzling over strange discrepancies, re-interviewing sources, seeking a deeper, more complex truth about the ghastly killing than America, it turned out, was prepared to hear. It was worse than that, actually. Not only did no one want to hear more about it, but many were incensed that the case was being re-examined at all.” As a gay man Jimenez felt an added moral imperative to tell the story of Matthew’s murder honestly, and his reporting has been thoroughly corroborated. “I urge you to read [The Book of Matt] carefully and skeptically,” Sullivan writes, “and to see better how life rarely fits into the neat boxes we want it to inhabit. That Matthew Shepard was a meth dealer and meth user says nothing that bad about him, and in no way mitigates the hideous brutality of the crime that killed him; instead it shows how vulnerable so many are to the drug’s escapist lure and its astonishing capacity to heighten sexual pleasure so that it’s the only thing you want to live for. Shepard was a victim twice over: of meth and of a fellow meth user.”

After a catastrophic event known as the Star-Pix Crisis, thousands of creatures from up above now roam the planet in search for safety, or revenge. Their arrival has caused humans to develop various uncanny abilities. Ever since, the police became the AIA: Alien Investigative Agency. This nationwide alliance has discovered a new threat. It's called Pixaliemain: a space rock with the capabilities of producing wavelengths that alter alien minds. The result would be unleashing a wretched abomination—a plaguing curse that many of the creatures feared on their world. Eight years has passed and with five pieces of Pixaliemain on the planet, a legion of rogues wishes to find them and free the beast. Commander Cyfreid of the east sector knows only one way to stop them. With the help of his stunning companion, they recruit fifteen extraordinary fighters. In the epic fight for Pixaliemain, Master Defenders is a story that reminds us that, “As individuals we are nothing, but together we are powerful.” Copyright © 2013 MB Realms Entertainment All Rights Reserved.

"Motor Matt's Submarine; or, The Strange Cruise of the Grampus" by Stanley R. Matthews continues the thrilling adventures of Motor Matt as he embarks on a mysterious cruise aboard the Grampus. Matthews' storytelling keeps readers engaged with the suspenseful journey and unexpected twists. This installment in the Motor Matt series is an ideal choice for young readers and fans of action-packed stories, emphasizing the excitement of exploration and discovery.

Dante Galand is young. Penniless. Alone. But devoted to learning the dark magic of his world. His quest will take him from the city gutters to a foreign land of sorcerers. To a war for independence. And finally, to another war—this time, for his people's very survival. A USA Today bestselling series, THE CYCLE OF ARAWN is a complete trilogy of 1600 pages—more than half a million words of strife, civil war, friendships made and broken, and one man's obsession to become the greatest sorcerer since the days of the gods.

The Understanding the Bible Commentary Series helps readers navigate the strange and sometimes intimidating literary terrain of the Bible. These accessible volumes break down the barriers between the ancient and modern worlds so that the power and meaning of the biblical texts become transparent to contemporary readers. The contributors tackle the task of interpretation using the full range of critical methodologies and practices, yet they do so as people of faith who hold the text in the highest regard. Pastors, teachers, and lay people alike will cherish the truth found in this commentary series.

Macca the alpaca's days were happy and carefree until -- drama! -- a llama. In this adorable, quirky picture book, Macca the alpaca loves splashing in puddles and gives the best cuddles. But when he bumps into a big bullying llama named Harmer (who's no charmer), Macca must prove the value of smarts and kindness.