Ep 684 - Thornhedge, by T. Kingfisher

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi is set in Funiculi Funicula, an underground coffee shop in Tokyo where visitors can choose to return to the past to relive specific moments in their lives. The story follows four different women who each have unique reasons for traveling back in time, such as reuniting with loved ones, retrieving lost letters, and seeking forgiveness. Despite knowing that their actions will not change the present, these characters embark on emotional journeys that explore themes of regret, love, loss, duty, family, and hope. The novel is known for its quirky and magical elements, as well as its poignant and sometimes comical portrayal of human experiences.

T. Kingfisher's "Thornhedge" offers a dark and captivating twist on the classic Sleeping Beauty tale. The story centers on Toadling, a fae creature tasked with guarding the sleeping princess, Fayette, who is revealed to be a malevolent force. Toadling's backstory, interwoven with the present narrative, explores themes of found family, identity, and the consequences of unchecked power. The novel masterfully blends elements of fantasy, horror, and romance, creating a unique and emotionally resonant experience. Kingfisher's evocative prose and well-developed characters make "Thornhedge" a compelling read for fans of dark fairy tales and unconventional fantasy.

This book is a compilation of short, inspirational stories and motivational essays gathered by motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen. The stories are drawn from their audience members and focus on themes like kindness, love, and compassion. Despite initial rejections by major publishers, the book became a huge success and spawned a series of similar titles. It has been a New York Times bestseller and has sold millions of copies worldwide. The stories range from motivational tales of people overcoming challenges to acts of kindness and poems that inspire reflection on life's possibilities. The book aims to warm the reader's heart and remind them of the good things in the world, promoting a sense of love, kindness, and compassion.

Published in 1906, 'The Jungle' follows the life of Lithuanian immigrant Jurgis Rudkus and his family as they navigate the brutal realities of working-class life in Chicago's meatpacking district, known as Packingtown. The novel highlights issues such as public health hazards, extreme poverty, and the cruel treatment of workers and animals. Despite Sinclair's intention to expose labor abuses, the public reaction primarily focused on the sanitation issues in the meatpacking industry, leading to significant legislative changes, including the passage of the U.S. Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act.