"In this groundbreaking new work, David Kessler--an expert on grief and the coauthor with Elisabeth Kübler-Ross of the iconic On Grief and Grieving--journeys beyond the classic five stages to discover a sixth stage: meaning"--

Whether it's brusque, convincing, fraught with emotion, or dripping with innuendo, language is fundamentally a tool for conveying meaning-a uniquely human magic trick in which you vibrate your vocal cords to make your innermost thoughts pop up in someone else's mind. You can use it to talk about all sorts of things-from your new labradoodle puppy to the expansive gardens at Versailles, from Roger Federer's backhand to things that don't exist at all,...

"Why would people in different places and times formulate myths and stories with similar symbols and meanings? Are groups of people with different religious or ideological beliefs doomed to eternal conflict? Are the claims of science and religion truly irreconcilable? What might be done to decrease the individual propensity for group-fostered cruelty? Maps of Meaning addresses these questions with a provocative new hypothesis that explores the connection...

"This wise, stirring book argues that the search for meaning can immeasurably deepen our lives and is far more fulfilling than the pursuit of personal happiness. There is a myth in our culture that the search for meaning is some esoteric pursuit--that you have to travel to a distant monastery or page through dusty volumes to figure out life's great secret. The truth is, there are untapped sources of meaning all around us--right here, right now. Drawing...

"The incisive and often hilarious story of one of our most interesting cultural phenomena: boredom. It's the feeling your grandma told you was only experienced by boring people. Some people say they're dying of it; others claim to have killed because of it. It's a key component of depression, creativity, and sex-toy advertisements. It's boredom, the subject of Yawn, a delightful and at times moving take on the oft-derided emotion and how we deal with...

Explores the spiritual journey from ambition to meaning through the intertwined stories of an overachieving businessman, a mother of two seeking her own expression in the world, and a director trying to make a name for himself.

From bestselling author and neuroscientist Lisa Genova-whose novel Still Alice is now an Academy Award-winning film starring Julianne Moore-comes a novel about autism, friendship, and unconditional love. Look for Lisa Genova's latest novel, Every Note Played, available now. In an insightful, deeply human story reminiscent of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Daniel Isn't Talking, and The Reason I Jump, Lisa Genova offers a unique...

"Drawing on lessons from his remarkable life, former child soldier turned activist, author, entrepreneur, and international recording artist Emmanuel Jal provides his eleven pillars for overcoming adversity and living a life of purpose. "Who owns your mind?" Beginning with this provocative question, Emmanuel Jal invites readers to claim ownership over the narratives that define their lives in order to become a force for good in the world. As a child...

Explores the spiritual journey from ambition to meaning. The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught early in life which promote an emphasis on achievement and accumulation are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back. Intertwined stories inspire and teach how to create a life of meaning and purpose.