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      Roya Shams

      Roya Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya Shams reflects on a life-changing day in August 1987, where she finds herself deeply affected by Leila, a woman who embodies a beauty that surpasses mere aesthetics. Their conversation in a taxi is lively and filled with various topics, ranging from astrology to punk music to mythology, all of which reveal Leila’s exuberant and free-spirited nature. As the taxi winds its way through Tehran’s busy streets, Roya is struck by the contrast between the vibrant atmosphere and the darker history of the…
    • Chapter

      Roya Shams

      Roya Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya Shams reflects on a defining day in August 1987, one that marked the start of a transformative journey for her. The day unfolds with a sense of adventure and freedom, as Roya and her friend Leila wander through the heart of Tehran, taking in the vibrant energy of the bustling Bazaar-e Tajrish. The marketplace is alive with an explosion of sensory experiences, from the vibrant colors of fresh flowers to the mouthwatering scents of kabobs sizzling over charcoal, and the intricate beauty of handwoven…
    • Chapter

      Roya Shams

      Roya Shams Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya Shams’ reflective chapter begins in August 1987, where a tender memory with Leila stands out. Their first kiss, an experience laden with emotional weight, is described in a manner that evokes feelings akin to "heaven." This tender moment sets the tone for the chapter, diving deep into the personal connection they share. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a playful phone call from Ali and Gilgamesh, who, from a campsite, amusingly check in with their wives. Their cheerful conversation stands…
    • Roya and Arash Shirazi Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Roya and Arash Shirazi’s relationship in 1973 Tehran serves as a poignant depiction of the emotional and psychological toll that familial dynamics, shame, and societal expectations can have on a young child. Roya, at just ten years old, is confronted with the humiliation of bedwetting, an issue that she desperately tries to hide. Her attempts to manage this problem—by limiting her water intake and avoiding meals—fail, as the smell clings to her, and her brother Arash ridicules her for it. This…
    • Right Before Our Eyes Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In Right Before Our Eyes, the chapter examines the familiar struggle of creative stagnation, a state that many artists experience at some point in their journey. Often labeled as "writer’s block" or "creative block," this feeling is not the absence of creativity but rather a temporary disconnection from the ever-present flow of ideas. The text suggests that instead of seeing these moments as an external force halting progress, artists should recognize that they may, consciously or unconsciously, be…
    • Revenge of the Tipping Point Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Revenge of the Tipping Point by Steven J. Bickel follows a group of unlikely heroes uncovering a global conspiracy that threatens to plunge society into chaos. The novel explores the power of small actions and the unpredictable consequences of tipping points in both personal and political realms.
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      Resilience

      Resilience Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In January 1860, despite the recent raid led by Brown and the ensuing chaos, the slave trade remained robust. Prices for enslaved individuals were surging; Hector Davis, a trader from Richmond, noted the prosperity of the market, declaring it “very brisk indeed.” He remarked that the price of young men had reached unprecedented heights. Meanwhile, in Charleston, Ryan’s Mart was bustling with activity, hosting numerous slave auctions throughout the month. A staggering total of 658 enslaved Black…
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      Relief

      Relief Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter titled "Relief" unfolds in the wake of Inauguration Day, a day previously fraught with tension and anxiety. Now that March 4 has passed without incident, a sense of relief permeates the atmosphere. Correspondence between Frances and William Seward reveals both personal and political concerns. Frances writes from freezing Auburn, New York, addressing the health of a family friend, Ethan Warden, whose illness she attributes to anxiety over the inauguration. Despite the grim circumstances, she…
    • Records of A Family of Engineers Cover
      by LovelyMay Records of a Family of Engineers by George H. B. Ward is a memoir detailing the history and accomplishments of the Ward family, focusing on their contributions to engineering and their involvement in significant projects, while also offering insights into their personal lives and values across generations.
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      Race Week

      Race Week Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the chapter titled "Race Week" from "The Demon of Unrest," we delve into a vibrant yet tumultuous period in Charleston, timed with the social spectacle of Race Week. Governor Pickens, looking to avoid conflict with Fort Sumter, embraced the occasion as ordinary life halted—schools, courts, and many businesses closed. Witnesses noted that Charleston was abuzz with discussions about horses, as breeders and spectators flocked from around the South and even as far as New York, arriving on chartered…
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