Kirjahaku

An inspiring true story of a life devoted to helping Downs children. Alex Bell is a 53 year old woman who lives in Swinton, on the outskirts of Manchester. She is feisty, funny with a real firecracker of a personality. She has needed that strength of character for Alex is the adoptive mother of 8 children with Downs Syndrome or other disabilities, children who some parts of society would perhaps prefer to forget. Age 28 and unmarried, Alex adopted her first Downs child, Matthew – and became one of the first people in the UK to be approved for adoption as a single woman. Amazingly, she went on to take eight more children under her wing, Simon, Adrian, Nathan, Andrew, Chloe, Tom, Emily and Callum. Some had been through a frustratingly bureaucratic care system, or moved from one foster parent to another. It sometimes seemed an impossible challenge, but Alex was determined to give these children stability, love and the best life possible. With her down-to-earth charm, Alex also brings together the families often torn apart by Downs. She encourages the birth families to get together – some of whom have sadly turned their backs on their son or daughter, but others have now long been happily involved in their children's lives. The nine children each have unique, sometimes heartbreaking stories, but they are also the most joyful, compelling and fascinating children you're ever likely to meet: Happy-to-lucky Matthew, 24, who takes people on tours of Man. Utd – the only Downs child to be given such a privileged position, and testament to Alex's careAdrian, the family timekeeper and numbers wiz, as if born with a clock inside his brainChloe, the lovable, mischievous scamp known as Little Miss Dynamite Prepare to be amazed, moved and entranced by this powerful true story that will change the way we all look at disabilities. Alex believes special needs children are 'gifts', and spending any time with her it becomes obvious that she also has a very special gift of her own.

Who was Jesus of Nazareth? Man or God? Aside from the New Testament and other gnostic writings, there is scant historical evidence that he lived. The Roman historian, Flavius Josephus, is the most reliable source, and even the provenance of his writings is in question. Yet the New Testament Gospels are compelling. Could a simple man have gathered such a following, fulfilled all the ancient prophecies and performed astounding miracles? Or was he, indeed, The Messiah, The Son of God? A Christian believer will say yes. An atheist will say no. The agnostic will say it is possible and not presume to know. The Bible, confoundedly, overlooks at least eighteen years of the life of The Messiah, from his preaching to the priests in The Temple at age twelve, to the start of his ministry, around 30AD. What happened in those 'missing years'? Based on Biblical writings, apocrypha, folk lore and historical facts, The Agnostic Gospels trilogy recounts a possible course of events.The first volume, Arimathea, tells how Yeshua's (Jesus') Great Uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, is the major mentor and architect of his early life. Arimathea takes Yeshua and Mary Magdalene to Britain on one of his trading endeavors. They become closely attached to local tribes such as The Dobunni and the Silures, as well as befriending a Druidic community in what is now North Wales. Yeshua comes of age during this time and begins to formulate his own beliefs regarding sacrifice and how a loving God is more preferable than a vengeful God. He eschews sacrifices and envisages a path to be a shepherd of men. Arimathea has to relinquish his control over his young ward, who has become a man.The story also explores the importance of Mary Magdalene and her relationship with Yeshua. Why was she portrayed in the gospels as being so troubled? Why did Yeshua tell her she was the most favoured of his disciples?The second volume, Magdalene (in progress), expands upon Mary Magdalene's story and sows the seeds for historically relevant events of the first century AD.The third volume, Yeshua, explores the apocryphal stories of Jesus (Yeshua) in the East and his connection with Buddhism, before recounting the canonical gospels of the New Testament, set in the new context of his personal journey and what we have learned about his intended mission to cheat death and reveal the glory of God to all.

Description: 'In love and war, nobody wins...' This is the story of Daniel Lawrence, a rootless Englishman sent to Japan to spy for the Americans during the height of World War II. As Europe rages with violence, Daniel finds himself caught in a different kind of conflict - one of the heart. His lovely interpreter, Ayako, draws him in with her beauty and grace, but their love is threatened by the impending war. And when Pearl Harbor is attacked, everything changes. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the brutal concentration camps of Japan, this novel follows the intertwined fates of Daniel, Ayako, and the child, born of their forbidden love. As they struggle to survive in a world torn apart by war, their humanity is tested and their differences become more apparent. But as the war rages on, the crew of the American B-29, Bock's Car, prepares for a harrowing flight to drop the world's most powerful atomic bomb on the city of Nagasaki. With meticulous research and a keen eye for detail, author Bernard Clark brings to life the individuals caught up in one of the most devastating conflicts in history. From the Tokyo Firestorm to the dropping of the atomic bomb, this novel paints a vivid portrait of the human experience during World War II. And as the crew of Bock's Car grapples with the weight of their actions, readers will question the true nature of war and its consequences. For fans of historical fiction and thought-provoking narratives, Nagasaki is a must-read. With its powerful emotions, gripping plot, and well-developed characters, this novel will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. If you enjoyed The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, you will also love Nagasaki. Both novels explore the impact of war on individuals and their relationships, painting a hauntingly realistic picture of a devastating time in history. Don't miss out on this unforgettable story.