Books with author Michael Waltrip

The definitive book on the most famous road in American history-- now published in paperback to celebrate the highway's 66th anniversary.It began in the early 1920s with a vision of a paved highway that would connect Chicago to Los Angeles and the West. By the time of its completion, the road would cover over 2,400 miles, three time zones, and eight states. It would link the windy shores of Lake Michigan with the waters of the Pacific Ocean-- a two-lane road rolling together through the great American Southwest, tying together the vestiges of America's pioneer passages into one meandering and magnificent highway.Route 66. It was the road of dreamers and ramblers, drifters and writers: the road of John Steinbeck, Woody Guthrie, and Jack Kerouac. A ribbon of American highway that transported the Okies, driven from their land as storms of dust swept across their farms, to the promise of California. It was also the highway of commerce-- of automated ice-cream stands and old "no-tell" motels, salty truck stops, and a neon allure. Phillips 66, Coca-Cola, Burma Shave. It was Bobby Troup's "Get Your Kicks on Route 66." It was the lights and the breeze and the radio and the litany of towns: Joplin, Flagstaff, San Bernardino. A smilin', "Hi-how're-y'all-doin-t'night" big-boned waitress and a steamin' cup of coffee. Route 66, the passage west, the road of flight, the Mother Road.After seventeen years of research, Michael Wallis has compiled the definitive book on the most legendary road in American history. Wallis weaves together a rich tapestry of eight decades that chronicles the road from its founding to its demise with the advent of the interstate system, and to its current unprecedented revival. Route 66 is also a pictorial journey of nearly three hundred images that detail the highway's history, roadside diners, motels, forgotten towns, and most impressively, its people.Two years after its nostalgia-inspiring hardcover publication, Michael Wallis's bestselling Route 66 finally appears here in its first paperback edition. It is a book, unlike any in recent social history, that has spawned a national movement, brought new hope to those pockets of the American prairies where hope had long since vanished, and revived a dying American road.

For a third of a century, three old women, known by many names over the millennia, but most commonly referred to as the Fates, have had total power over mankind. They have been busy, fiendishly initiating conflict and misfortune. Such is the will of the all-seeing, all-knowing Fates. No simple undertaking can change the dismal state of affairs, and no ordinary people, either.At the heart of a defiant scheme to counter fate’s trespasses is a special pair of siblings and a mystical object. One of the siblings must have the ability to manipulate the Golden Quill, a supernatural feather used to literally write a better future for all. The other sibling requires the physical prowess to protect both the Writer and the age-old implement.The arduous search for such an exceptional duo ends at this story’s beginning. Cassandra and Zuzanna Merit have been identified as the best candidates for success. Gifted though they are, nothing should be taken for granted. Their quirky sense of humour and mischievous (bordering on devious!) ways are already cause for concern. Time will tell if their shared and individual traits will help or hinder the adventures upon which collective and individual free will depend.If these talented teens are to turn the tide of history, they will have to overcome extraordinary obstacles in mythical places and dream spaces. The fight for tomorrow begins today.Where there is a will, there is a way!

In the 1930's, a young boy named Tobi solves mysteries in the Magicverse. In his run-down apartment, his fireplace acts a portal to the Magical Universe. While there, he can access any world imaginable. He visits lands of talking cats, Greek gods, and even demons. Joined by Mei, a young female martial artist, they set off to solve some of the most fun and dangerous mysteries known to man.Magic Detectives is a blend of mystery, fantasy, and action/adventure. It is a series where every episode will have new cases for the young detectives to solve.The series can be most easily described as Harry Potter meets Sherlock Holmes, but it definitely has its own unique flair. Come and join Tobi and Mei on their exciting adventures!

Can a civilization teetering on the edge of destruction be saved through the strength of will of a single individual? Can a culture be rescued by the faithful few, given inspiration by a powerful leader? Can a deliberate conspiracy be defeated through decisive action—even though the conspiracy appears to have already won? Can an individual who has already given up his cause as hopeless, be persuaded to return to the fray and win? All of these questions—and more—are addressed in this masterful adaptation of the last section of Homer’s classic work, “The Odyssey”, dealing with the final return of the long-lost King of Ithaca, Odysseus, to his homeland. As all familiar with the original story will know, in Odysseus’s absence following the Trojan War, his country Ithaca falls into anarchy with all manner of evil suitors seeking the hand of his wife—presumed to be a widow—in order to seize control of the kingdom. In this adaptation of that drama, Michael Walker takes its underlying premise—a king returning to his subverted realm—and weaves a suspense-filled tale involving characters present-day readers may recognise. Posited against the scenario of betrayal, fear and self-seeking, are the faithful few who have remained loyal to the missing king, hoping against hope that he will return and cleanse the nation. Is faith enough? Have they given up in the face of seemingly overwhelming numbers? Will they find the strength and courage to fight once again should the king return? Find out in the dramatic conclusion of this work, written in play format ready for stage presentation.

Jack and Lily-ann are forced on an impossible mission – to save the world from a crazed scientist… The Orb, an unseen world created by the result of evil experiments, is a place confining the most terrifying and eerie secrets. Jack, Lily-ann and the other captives must find a way to escape before it is too late. But with the black mist, the beasts, the crazed scientist and the chilling transfer room, it is up to the two young siblings to save lives. If they are not successful, then The Orb will expand causing certain destruction to the world and its people. Can you escape The Orb?