This powerful book takes a close look at the relationship between the Bolshevik party and the democratic aspirations of rank-and-file workers in Moscow in the crucial early years of the Russian revolution. Simon Pirani’s prodigious utilization of local party and secret police archives allows him to show how the Bolshevik party leadership systematically destroyed democratic voices on the shop floor: the party offered a "social contract" that promised improving standards of living in exchange for the loss of a political voice.

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore-- While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping--rapping at my chamber door. 'Tis some visitor, I muttered, tapping at my chamber door-- Only this and nothing more. Ah, distinctly I remember, it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow;--vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow--sorrow for the lost Lenore-- For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore ...

Section I THE TOYS TO HAVE
The jolliest indoor games for boys and girls demand a floor, and the home that has no floor upon which games may be played falls so far short of happiness. It must be a floor covered with linoleum or cork carpet, so that toy soldiers and such-like will stand up upon it, and of a color and surface that will take and show chalk marks; the common green- colored cork carpet without a pattern is the best of all. It must be no highway to other rooms, and well lit and airy.

Killing Floor is the first book of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. "All [Jack Reacher novels] are ripping yarns, but since this is the first, it seems the logical place to start...Killing Floor wins awards for Best Corrupt Southern Town in a Summer Novel and Best Exploding Warehouse." Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly

Rising Sun
Nakamoto corporation is celebrating the grand opening of its new headquarters, the Nakamoto Tower, in Los Angeles; the office building is awash with celebrities, dignitaries and local politicians. On the 46th floor of the very same building, Cheryl Lynn Austin, 23, is murdered. Lieutenant Peter Smith, the Special Services Liaison for the LAPD , is assigned to this case. He is joined by retired Captain John Connor who has lived in Japan for a while and is thoroughly accustomed to Japanese culture .

The investigation is hampered from the start as the Japanese insist that the opening party, which takes place on the 45th floor, not be disturbed. It soon becomes apparent that evidence from the security cameras has been tampered with, and that the Japanese requested the Special Services Liaison only to delay the investigation. Throughout the book Connor uses his knowledge of Japanese customs, culture and mindset to help Smith solve the mystery.