The River S Destiny

From the bestselling author of Time’s Legacy and Lady of Hay comes a thrilling new novel, River of Destiny, an epic story that spans Anglo Saxon Britain, Victorian Suffolk and the present day. Perfect for fans of Kate Mosse’s Labyrinth.

A British Columbia classic, this book celebrates the pioneer spirit of the northern BC coast and Skeena River watershed. First published in 1958, the book is a story of magnificent individuals, daring deeds, conquests and failures. The land, the people and their common destiny are captured in the author's personal spirit and words. Dr. Large bequeathed his writings to the Museum of Northern British Columbia, which prepared this edition, incorporating many photographs from the Wrathall Collection that document the Skeena River area from 1908 to 1960.

The Rio Grande: River of Destiny, is a monumental study of the Rio Grande and the people along its banks: "Near the once-fabulous, now-ghost town of Creede, Colorado, flow the springs and the trickles of melting snow which make the Rio Grande. Here at 14,000 feet, is born a river which irrigates 1,751,700 acres of farmland in the United States and Mexico. In the course of its violent, precipitous, meandering, laze descent to the Gulf of Mexico 1800 miles away, the Rio Grande is beauty and history and legend and economics and social problems - a touchstone river of American life, a river of destiny indeed." -- Excerpt from Book Jacket.

Children and younger adolescents in todays world are bombarded with information from the electronic media and, in particular, the internet. Much of what they see and read has little redeeming social value. Computer games are particularly violent and teach the lesson that, in order to have your way, it is okay to resort to strength and violence. Robert Ruiz, Jr., in writing Destinys Journey, sought to provide children and youth with an imaginative adventure story rooted in the values of family and friendship that stand the test of time: love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness, faith and patience. Inculcated in the story are the concepts of a Creator and a plan of life that is greater than any individual or group of individuals on earth. There is, indeed, a divine plan for all living things. The author, in developing the Chiles family, was particularly interested in engaging Mexican and Hispanic American children and youth, many of whom have been raised in the produce fields of Mexico and the United States. Thus, Chiles family characters serve as the vehicle to share values that make any society strong. The interdependence of the characters in this story clearly demonstrates that no man is an island, entire of it self. All of us need each other, regardless of race, age or background in order to not only survive but thrive in todays world. And above all, we must recognize that there is a higher power at work in each of our lives.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Senator John McCain tells the stories of celebrated historical figures and lesser-known heroes whose values exemplify the best of the human spirit. He illustrates these qualities with moving stories of triumph against the odds, hope in adversity, and sacrifices for a cause greater than self-interest. Among the heroes of exemplary character we meet are • Pat Tillman, whose patriotism obliged him to leave the riches and celebrity of the NFL for a soldier’s life in defense of his country • Winston Churchill, who, in a renowned eighteen-word remark, counseled schoolboys to “never give up” • the Catholic priest in Auschwitz who offered to take a condemned man’s place • a nun, formerly a comfortable Beverly Hills housewife, who works with prisoners in Mexico’s worst jails • George Washington, whose wisdom and hard-earned self-control helped him survive the chaos of war Character Is Destiny is McCain’s moving and eloquent tribute to men and women who have lived truthfully, and whose stories will stir the hearts of young and old alike and help prepare us for the hard work of choosing our own destinies. Praise for Character Is Destiny “An eclectic collection of heroes . . . [John McCain] will be remembered in a volume like this some day.”—The Washington Post Book World “Uplifting . . . inspiring . . . The lessons of these people’s lives are as relevant to adults as to children.”—Minneapolis Star Tribune “McCain can surprise you, and Character Is Destiny surprises in the diversity of its cast.”—Houston Chronicle “McCain has made a declaration of values that liberals can embrace as readily as conservatives.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)