This Sunday Times bestseller is a miscellany of hilarious and peculiar bookshop moments:

"Can books conduct electricity?"

"My children are just climbing your bookshelves: that's ok... isn't it?"

A John Cleese Twitter question first sparked the 'Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops' blog, which grew over three years into one bookseller's collection of ridiculous conversations on the shop floor.

From "Did Beatrix Potter ever write a book about dinosaurs?" to the hunt for a paperback which could forecast the next year's weather; and from "I've forgotten my glasses, please read me the first chapter" to "Excuse me... is this book edible?"

Here is a book for heroic booksellers and booklovers everywhere. This full-length collection illustrated by the Brothers McLeod also includes top 'Weird Things' from bookshops around the world.

Weirdos From Another Planet! is a delightful Calvin and Hobbes collection by the talented Bill Watterson. This power-packed extravaganza of creative energy and imagination features the childhood fun and fantasy that is the hallmark of Watterson's work. Join Calvin, a mischievous six-year-old boy, and his sardonic stuffed tiger, Hobbes, as they embark on imaginative adventures that are truly out of this world!

From exploring alien planets to battling evil snowmen, every page is filled with humor, wit, and a touch of nostalgia. Weirdos From Another Planet! captures the essence of childhood wonder and the boundless imagination of a child, making it a timeless classic for readers of all ages.

Randall Munroe left NASA in 2005 to start up his hugely popular site XKCD, a web comic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language, which offers a witty take on the world of science and geeks. It now has 600,000 to a million page hits daily. Every now and then, Munroe would get emails asking him to arbitrate a science debate. "My friend and I were arguing about what would happen if a bullet got struck by lightning, and we agreed that you should resolve it . . . " He liked these questions so much that he started up What If. If your cells suddenly lost the power to divide, how long would you survive? How dangerous is it, really, to be in a swimming pool in a thunderstorm? If we hooked turbines to people exercising in gyms, how much power could we produce? What if everyone only had one soulmate? When (if ever) did the sun go down on the British empire? How fast can you hit a speed bump while driving and live? What would happen if the moon went away?

In pursuit of answers, Munroe runs computer simulations, pores over stacks of declassified military research memos, solves differential equations, and consults with nuclear reactor operators. His responses are masterpieces of clarity and hilarity, studded with memorable cartoons and infographics. They often predict the complete annihilation of humankind, or at least a really big explosion. Far more than a book for geeks, WHAT IF: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions explains the laws of science in operation in a way that every intelligent reader will enjoy and feel much the smarter for having read.

America has had it with Smoke Screens, Mirrors, and Fake News. We are being heard and making a difference.

One voice can change the world. One heart can lead to healing. One answer can lead to truth. One word can lead to encouragement. One time in history can lead to hope. One book can lead to strength. One movement can lead to victory.

This book is dedicated to those who seek the truth. May the Lord guide you to a higher level of enlightenment.

Lonely and out of place in the 21st century, Olivia Keller finds her escape in books, especially romances set in the distant past. When a series of unexpected happenings places her in the very time she's always dreamed of, she is struck with the old wisdom to be careful what you wish for.

Cast into a world she could not have understood if she'd read a thousand books, fantasies are abandoned and survival remains the only goal. It soon becomes apparent, however, that survival is just one of the many challenges she'll face as she experiences the ancient world through the members of the Deer Clan.

She is reviled by the sardonic clansman, Trabor, who has convinced members of the clan that the solution to their misfortune is the conquer and pillaging of neighboring clans. Befriended by Jalen, hunter of the Deer Clan, and its eldest member, Yani, her arrival is seen as the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy to unite the Clan with its deer brothers.

To others, she is an outsider, cursing the clan and dividing its members between those who choose Trabor's path of war and those who cling to reunification and a return of prosperity.

As the hailed Caller of the Deer, Olivia bears witness to Earth's mystical past, as the realization of her true mission is revealed, and she is granted the extraordinary power to change the course of Earth's history.

Lucian gears up to continue teaching his five vanilla couples the art of passion encapsulated in the D/s concept. While his students are busy breaking each other's toes while attempting to master the steps, him, Tara, Steve, and Susan must hit the town with their strange and diabolical sex toys.

Susan and Tara are pretty confident they can pass it off as artful decor, unique farming tools, household apparatuses, and even possible weapons. But Lucian and Steve are sure they're about to become the biggest adult-toy pushing sex scoundrels of the century.

Sit-down comedy? A phenom that should never be a phenomenon. Late great comedians Robin Williams, Charlie Murphy, Joan Rivers, Greg Giraldo, Don Rickles are turning over in their graves with a thorn in their side. Take my word: Share & salvage the little wit being reserved by the only true /real comedian to have ever graced the stage. Otherwise you ought'a be ashamed of yourselves!

The clock is ticking. Alex’s time is running out. Spring has hit Hazel Cove and with it, the pressure of Alex’s impending fate as Liam’s sacrifice is weighing upon her every thought. There’s so much to do and so little time. How do you stop an ancient pure blooded witch?

But Liam isn’t Alex’s only problem. She must focus on what she can fix in the little time she has left. She must confront the past and the horrible betrayal Ethan suffered at the hands of a once trusted ally. Alex will do anything necessary to save Ethan. Even brave a trip to the supernatural capital of the world - New Orleans.

Voodoo, Hoodoo, witches and spirits are nothing compared to the evil Alex will face in the backwoods of the Louisiana bayou. Will Alex’s desperation to save her family and friends pull her closer to the darkness?

Who can Alex trust? Will James’ connections as a witch hunter help or hurt her? Can she fix her relationship with Peter? Or will the deep seeds of betrayal shatter Alex’s life?

Will Work For Peace: New Political Poems is a multi-cultural, cross-generational anthology that brings together the voices of 144 living poets from every continent on Earth. This collection offers a rich tapestry of political poetry that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of its contributors.

The anthology serves as a platform for poets to express their views on contemporary political issues, providing readers with a global perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by different cultures and societies. Each poem is a testament to the power of words in advocating for peace and social change.

A Christmas with the Prince by T.M. Mendes
Prince Zach has been married to the beautiful Anna for years. Not only do they have a little prince, but they also have a little princess on the way... and just in time for Christmas, too! Find out what happened to the prince and his beautiful bride—and what crazy antics Princess Anna has found herself in this time—in this hilarious holiday tale of the prince and his girl.

Candy Caine by M.J. Thompson
It’s the countdown to Christmas and your favourite characters from Handcuffs, Kisses and Awkward Situations are preparing for the holiday season. Ryder and Nora have completed their first year of university, but is their relationship still standing strong? Baby Hamish is just over a year old now. So is his mother, Eve, still dressing him up as miniature foods? How is Mel doing with her studies? And who was that mysterious girl Caine started dating at the end of the story? Find out all about it and more in this short Christmas-themed novella!

Dragon Bloom by Angelika Meyer
After defeating the evil rider Haiden and his ruthless black dragon, Akira and Redemption are then off to their next quest—finding the legendary red and black flower that grows once every winter, when the moon is high and the stars are bright. Will they actually find the priceless blossom? Or will Redemption land them both into yet another scrape? Find out in this delightful winter-themed tale of the Dragon of Legend and his Rider!

Hope and Nate's First Christmas by Olivia Harvard
Several months after they finally got together, Hope and Nate are spending their first Christmas together with their families. Will they survive the holidays more in love than ever? Or will hyperactive children, long-standing family issues, and meddling relatives get in the way of their holiday celebration?

Almost Meeting Mr. Mogul by Mel Ryle
In this short Christmas special, find out how Andy's and William's path crossed—or almost crossed—years before the events of Meeting Mr. Mogul.

Tetangga baruku, Nishimura Kazuto, datang ke Tokyo untuk mencari suasana baru. Itulah katanya, tapi menurutku alasannya lebih dari itu. Dia orang yang baik, menyenangkan, dan bisa diandalkan. Perlahan-lahan---mungkin sejak malam Natal itu---aku mulai memandangnya dengan cara yang berbeda. Dan sejak itu pula rasanya sulit membayangkan hidup tanpa dia.

Keiko tentang Kazuto:
Sejak awal aku sudah merasa ada sesuatu yang menarik dari Ishida Keiko. Segalanya terasa menyenangkan bila dia ada. Segalanya terasa baik bila dia ada. Saat ini di dalam hatinya masih ada seseorang yang ditunggunya. Cinta pertamanya. Kuharap dia bisa berhenti memikirkan orang itu dan mulai melihatku. Karena hidup tanpa dirinya sama sekali bukan hidup.

Kazuto tentang Keiko:
Mereka pertama kali bertemu di awal musim dingin di Tokyo. Selama sebulan bersama, perasaan baru pun mulai terbentuk. Lalu segalanya berubah ketika suatu hari salah seorang dari mereka terbangun dan sama sekali tidak mengingat semua yang terjadi selama sebulan terakhir, termasuk orang yang tadinya sudah menjadi bagian penting dalam hidupnya...

One night, Callum is driven into the woods by instinct, an instinct to protect. In the form of a wolf, he meets a young human child to whom he is instantly drawn in a fierce way he doesn’t quite understand.

Sonia Arlington has lived a lonely life. She possesses certain abilities that make her strange and she suffers from a rare disease that, if untreated, could be fatal. Her father makes her vow to never let others discover her abilities, forcing Sonia to stay distant, always guarding against exposure.

Intelligence leaks that Sonia is Callum’s human mate. Now King of the Werewolves, he has war on his hands and is forced to claim his mate, integrating Sonia into a world that is both strange and frightening.

As Sonia attempts to adjust, Callum grapples with the knowledge that his mate is mortal. He will have her beauty and gentleness only for the length of a mortal life, making their union unbearably bitter even as Sonia makes it unbelievably sweet.

A Vampire Novel that Changes Everything

What is forever anyways? To anyone?

Ianthe Gold is a Vampire who will do anything to save her one true love, Charlotte Bell Aberdeen. To finally be united with a love that she has been chasing over the millennia, through time and space. Now, she has found the chance to reunite with Charlotte and keep her promise of forever that she had made to her, the soul within, so long ago. But God, as always, has other plans.

WITHOUT, is an epic journey set in the modern day. It eloquently and boldly captures both the beauty and the horror of life, this cosmic journey of the flesh, and the soul within God’s grand design. Gritty, ugly, and languishing are just a few emotions evoked as we witness the rise and fall of life and love.

Louise’s key message in this powerful work is: “If we are willing to do the mental work, almost anything can be healed.”

Louise explains how limiting beliefs and ideas are often the cause of illness, and how you can change your thinking… and improve the quality of your life.

Το κακό που κάνει η γριά Χαδούλα δεν είναι το συνηθισμένο, το καθημερινό, αλλά κακό μεγάλο, ασυγχώρητο, μοιραίο. Αλά ποιά είναι αυτή η Φραγκογιαννού, τι είδος άνθρωπου είναι αυτή η γυναίκα που κάνει ένα τέτοιο μεγάλο έγκλημα; και ποιό το κίνητρο;

زمن الخيول البيضاء هي رواية ملحمية استثنائية كتبها الشاعر والروائي إبراهيم نصرالله. تتزامن هذه الرواية مع الذكرى الستين لاحتلال فلسطين، وهي جزء من المشروع الروائي الكبير الذي يُعرف بـالملهاة الفلسطينية، والذي بدأ العمل عليه منذ عام 1985.

يتضمن المشروع ست روايات، لكل منها أجواؤها الخاصة وشخوصها وبناؤها الفني، وتستقل عن الروايات الأخرى. يستعرض نصرالله في هذا العمل 125 عامًا من تاريخ الشعب الفلسطيني بنظرة نقدية عميقة ومستويات فنية راقية.

ينطلق الكاتب من تلك الحقيقة الراسخة التي تؤكد أن إيماننا بالقضايا الكبيرة يتطلب منا إيجاد مستويات فنية عالية للتعبير عنها.

In the Presence of Absence is a remarkable work by the award-winning Palestinian poet and author, Mahmoud Darwish. This literary piece blurs the boundaries between prose and poetry and delves into profound themes such as the meaning of life, the impact of exile, and an existence spent in companionship with the spectre of death.

Darwish's narrative is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, capturing the essence of what it means to be in a perpetual state of longing and reflection.

في هذا الكتاب يبدو أن محمود درويش ما زال قادراً على الإدهاش ومنح الشعر العربي مزيداً من الأناقة والجاذبية المسيطرة في وقت يتراجع فيه ذلك الشعر ويسترسل في هذيانية بائسة وجهل مطبق.

هنا يسأل درويش الشعر ويقيم حواجز للبلاغة وينقضّ على العبارة المعلبة في تمرد أسلوبي على المعنى والصورة في سياق اختراق للمفاهيم المتعارف عليها والمكررة والمملة.

إنها أسئلة الشعر الأصلية من السرير وفاتورة الكهرباء إلى نخلة السومرية إلى نيويورك إلى وردة أريحا.. ونحن نلهث وراء الشاعر الذي يسابق الزمن ويحاول المستحيل.

أنت شخص ذكي، وإلا لما جذبك عنوان الكتاب، ولما قررت قراءة نبذة عنه!

هل تعتقد أن زملاءك في العمل لا يفهمونك؟ شريك حياتك؟ رئيسك؟ أصدقاءك؟ أهلك؟ عملاءك؟

هل تعاني من مشكلة أن الناس لا يفهمونك كما ينبغي لهم أن يفعلوا؟

في هذا الكتاب يحدثنا الكاتب والمحاضر المختص في مجال التنمية الذاتية د. شريف عرفة عن العلاقات. وهو كاتب ساخر ورسام كاريكاتير لذلك نعدك أن يكون الكتاب أخف ظلا مما تتوقع...

هذا الكتاب مختلف، لقارئ مختلف...

مدن الملح هي رواية عربية للروائي السعودي عبد الرحمن المنيف، وتعد واحدة من أشهر الروايات العربية. تتألف هذه الرواية من خمسة أجزاء، حيث تتناول بداية اكتشاف النفط والتحولات المتسارعة التي حلت بمدن وقرى الجزيرة العربية بسبب اكتشاف النفط.

أجزاء الرواية

1- التيه: يتناول الجزء الأول بوادر ظهور النفط في الجزيرة العربية من خلال سكانها وتظهر شخصية متعب الهذال الرافضة كتعبير عن الموقف العفوي لأصحاب الأرض مما أجبر السلطة على استعمال العنف. يصف هذا الجزء بالتفصيل بناء المدن الجديدة (حران كانت النموذج) والتغيرات القاسية والعاصفة على المستوى المكاني وخاصة الإنساني.

2- الأخدود: في الجزء الثاني ينتقل منيف إلى تصوير أهل السلطة والسياسة في الصحراء التي تتحول إلى حقل بترولي. الشخصية الرئيسية في هذا الجزء هو مستشار السلطان الجديد صبحي المحملجي الملقب بالحكيم.

3- تقاسيم الليل والنهار: يعود الجزء الثالث إلى جذور العائلة الحاكمة إلى سنوات التصارع القبائلي التي تتوج خربيط كأهم حاكم في المنطقة.

4- المنبت: يتناول الجزء الرابع سيرة خزعل في المنفى حتى وفاته مع رصد للتغييرات الانقلابية التي فرضها فنر.

5- بادية الظلمات: في هذا الجزء الأخير، يصبح اسم الأرض بالدولة الهديبية ويصبح فنر شخصية أسطورية لكنه ينتهي بالاغتيال من خاصته.

الرواية تمثل نقلة نوعية في السرد التاريخي والتأريخ الشخصي لحقبة مؤثرة في حياة البداوة، حيث رصد الكاتب بدقة الحياة البدوية وتحولها إلى الغنى المفاجئ والآثار الناتجة عن ذلك.

36歳未婚女性、古倉恵子。
大学卒業後も就職せず、コンビニのバイトは18年目。これまで彼氏なし。オープン当初からスマイルマート日色駅前店で働き続け、変わりゆくメンバーを見送りながら、店長は8人目だ。

日々食べるのはコンビニ食、夢の中でもコンビニのレジを打ち、清潔なコンビニの風景と「いらっしゃいませ!」の掛け声が、毎日の安らかな眠りをもたらしてくれる。

仕事も家庭もある同窓生たちからどんなに不思議がられても、完璧なマニュアルの存在するコンビニこそが、私を世界の正常な「部品」にしてくれる――。

ある日、婚活目的の新入り男性、白羽がやってきて、そんなコンビニ的生き方は「恥ずかしくないのか」とつきつけられるが……。

現代の実存を問い、正常と異常の境目がゆらぐ衝撃のリアリズム小説。

目的地・B06-32の地下で子供達を待ち構えていた謎の男──。彼の正体とは一体!? エマ達の冒険は次なる局面へと移る。「ミネルヴァ探訪編」新展開突入!! 永遠の子供達よ、絶望に立ち向かえ! 衝撃の脱獄ファンタジー!!