Our Own Worst Enemy

This book is comprised of two tales with a similar group of young adults trying to make their place in the world while dealing with relationships within the group. It is a story of young people at a crossroads in their lives and how they comically deal with situations that come up in their lives. Both can be considered satires. The author affectionately deals with the characters, however, with empathy towards their plights.

For fans of Andrew Smith and Frank Portman and the movies Election and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off comes a hilarious and satirical novel about the highs and (very low) lows of the electoral process, proving that the popular vote is the one that matters most. Stacey Wynn was the clear front-runner for Lincoln High student council president. But then French-Canadian transfer student Julia Romero entered the race…and put the moves on Stacey’s best friend/campaign adviser, Brian. Stacey also didn’t count on Tony Guo, resident stoner, whose sole focus is on removing the school’s ban of his favorite chocolate milk, becoming the voice of the little guy, thanks to a freshman political “mastermind” with a blue Mohawk. Three candidates, three platforms, and a whirlwind of social media, gaffes, high school drama, and protests make for a ridiculously hilarious political circus that just may hold some poignant truth somewhere in the mix.

Helps Women Overcome the Limitations They Place on Themselves Women often find that the biggest obstacle to being all they were created to be is themselves. Though they long to succeed, they can't silence the voice inside whispering, "Just who do you think you are?" Through stories of modern and biblical women, My Own Worst Enemy explores both the calling of women to shine and the complex dynamic of self-sabotage that often keeps them from daring to obey. Janet Davis shows women how to break the cycle of shame and self-doubt to achieve their full potential. Perfect for individuals or small groups, My Own Worst Enemy will encourage any woman who wants to stop holding herself back and begin living out her purpose in the kingdom.

Provides a practical, logical approach to personal security for all Americans and explains why the government is not prepared to help us in a time of crisis. Homeland security expert Larsen details what we must do as citizens to protect ourselves, our families and our assets. The key, Larsen argues, is finally asking the right questions about homeland security. He feels that the government should encourage citizens and businesses to be active and learn to "posse up" while looking to the private sector to provide food, water, shelter, and transportation during a natural or man-made crisis. He offers a strong combination of practical advice and wise examination of such key issues as the economy, borders and immigration, national health care, personal security, and more.--From publisher description.

From Ivan Boesky to John Belushi, from Mike Tyson to Gary Hart, the world is full of those who have had it all and have blown it. And every day, all around us, we see people sabotaging their own goals - by using alcohol or drugs, or by staying in terrible relationships. Why do they do it? Your Own Worst Enemy provides a probing look at what lies beneath our surprising inclination to seize defeat from the jaws of victory. The book reveals the intricate gamesmanship behind self-defeat - including self-handicapping, trade-offs, and Pyrrhic revenge - and shows what forces fuel self-destructive urges, how people become vulnerable to them, and how to minimize their ill effects. The authors challenge the conventional psychological wisdom that self-destructive behavior comes from unconscious death wishes or oedipal taboos. Instead they argue that the reasons for self-defeat are far more complex, ranging from miscalculation in bargaining to obsession with others' opinions. They show how, ironically, a history of success can distort a person's ability to assess a situation and thereby cause him or her to self-destruct on the way to the top. They also argue that sometimes self-defeat can have strategic value, saving a person from a "success" he or she can't manage.

The Battle Against Yourself poignantly reveals the plight of young America and explores the heartbreaking struggles and tragic brushes with death that can define one's search for a meaningful life.

Introduction: Our own worst enemy -- A hunger for Apocalypse: the perils of peace and plenty -- The nicest people you'll ever dislike: when good neighbors are bad citizens -- "Is there no virtue among us?" Democracy in an age of rage and resentment -- System failure? Human suffering and the case against liberal democracy -- Hello, I hate you: how hyper-connection is destroying democracy -- Conclusion: Is there a road back?