Books with author Sam Thompson

From the bestselling author of Blood and Money: A haunting true story of three people locked in a fierce struggle against time and the sea—and each other. In July 1973, Bob Tininenko; his wife, Linda; and his brother in-law, Jim Fisher, set sail from Tacoma, Washington, on a thirty-one-foot trimaran down the West Coast to Costa Rica. The journey was expected to take a matter of weeks, but ten days into the cruise, the party encountered a freak storm off the coast of northern California. When gale-force winds and fifty-foot waves capsized their boat, the voyage became a nightmare. For seventy-two days, the trio was lost at sea. Challenged by nature and compromised by a bitter rivalry, their courage and will to live was put to the ultimate test. Jim, the owner and skipper of the boat, was a devout fundamentalist whose recognition of God’s will in every event brought him into increasing conflict with his brother-in-law. As the two men battled to take control of a dire situation, Linda kept a secret that would lead to heartrending tragedy. A “hair-raising” (Houston Chronicle) account of shipwreck and survival and a searing portrait of faith without reason, Lost! is an unforgettable true story from “a writer of tremendous power and achievement” (Detroit Free Press).

Why would a smart New York investment banker pay $12 million for the decaying, stuffed carcass of a shark? By what alchemy does Jackson Pollock's drip painting No. 5, 1948 sell for $140 million? Intriguing and entertaining, The $12 Million Stuffed Shark is a Freakonomics approach to the economics and psychology of the contemporary art world. Why were record prices achieved at auction for works by 131 contemporary artists in 2006 alone, with astonishing new heights reached in 2007? Don Thompson explores the money, lust, and self-aggrandizement of the art world in an attempt to determine what makes a particular work valuable while others are ignored.This book is the first to look at the economics and the marketing strategies that enable the modern art market to generate such astronomical prices. Drawing on interviews with past and present executives of auction houses and art dealerships, artists, and the buyers who move the market, Thompson launches the reader on a journey of discovery through the peculiar world of modern art. Surprising, passionate, gossipy, revelatory, The $12 Million Stuffed Shark reveals a great deal that even experienced auction purchasers do not know.

Growing up as an abandoned orphan on the doorstep of strangers earned Beldagar a life of servitude. He finds he has a strange talent to turn off the abusive voices of his heartless family, but all he longs for is equal footing among them. The worst part of it is working in the cold gold mines of the mountain shadowing the primitive village. It seems the deeper they dig the more dangerous it becomes and the strange manifestations haunting him grow more intense affecting his safety. His relentless life changes one day while safely observing the festival for the Gods, in which he sees Rose. For the first time his life seems to be altering, but in the twirling moment a strange sorceress shows up revealing to him a world of opportunity through her magic as well as warning of an ancient monstrous legend about to wake with in the heart of the mountain. The cursed sorceress foresees Rose’s death and offers him a deal to save her life. As Beldagars manifestations increase he is tempted to do all he can to save her, but what if the final cost is murder? Follow this epic spell binding YA fantasy adventure today for FREE!

Almost two decades after the human race fell to the might and fury of the ancient dragons, the last of humanity is gathered together in Nottinghill Castle. Barely a thousand souls have survived in that time and they face constant threats from the evil forces of the Chaos lords. But thanks to their mages, their warriors, and the indomitable human spirit, they have managed to cling to life. So far.But things are now changing on the New Earth. The dwarves, long isolated in their empire deep beneath the surface, have been attacked by the goblin hordes and this has roused the dwarven people's fury. They have finally realized that, even in their secluded cities hundreds of miles below the ground, they are not safe.And now, a new player has returned to the world. The elves have been driven from their home of Trillfarness, a planet given to them in ancient times by the lords of Light. Evil has destroyed that sanctuary and only a handful of survivors have managed to return to the world where they were first created. Shattered but not broken, the elves are weak and vulnerable and in need of allies. But who can they turn to in their darkest hour?Old suspicions linger between the elves and the dwarves. Once rivals, neither race trusts the other and many dwarves would rather stand alone. Will they be able to work out their differences in time to save the world and themselves? The human race may be the key.If they can bring both sides together and forge an alliance between all three of the mortal races, perhaps they can finally take the fight to the forces of Darkness and take back their world. If not, then the New Earth may finally fall to evil.

Why would a smart New York investment banker pay $12 million for the decaying, stuffed carcass of a shark? By what alchemy does Jackson Pollock’s drip painting No. 5, 1948 sell for $140 million? Intriguing and entertaining, The $12 Million Stuffed Shark is a Freakonomics approach to the economics and psychology of the contemporary art world. Why were record prices achieved at auction for works by 131 contemporary artists in 2006 alone, with astonishing new heights reached in 2007? Don Thompson explores the money, lust, and self-aggrandizement of the art world in an attempt to determine what makes a particular work valuable while others are ignored. This book is the first to look at the economics and the marketing strategies that enable the modern art market to generate such astronomical prices. Drawing on interviews with both past and present executives of auction houses and art dealerships, artists, and the buyers who move the market, Thompson launches the reader on a journey of discovery through the peculiar world of modern art. Surprising, passionate, gossipy, revelatory, The $12 Million Stuffed Shark reveals a great deal that even experienced auction purchasers do not know.

Have you ever wanted to live a life that is free? Have you ever wondered what it would be like waking up in a new and exciting place every day? Many people reach a point in their lives where they yearn for freedom. A house which is stuck in the same place may no longer hold the excitement it once did, and they want to experience new adventures. But how do you change what is regarded as a ‘normal’ life for one that is packed with fun and new encounters? In this book, you will be provided with detailed information about how you can transform your life from one of daily routine into one that is bursting with new-found vitality, through chapters that include: The RV lifestyleFinding the RV that is right for youTransferring to an RV lifeHow to prepare for your new lifeFinancesEarning income on the roadAnd lots more… If you are new to RV living and want to make this a permanent arrangement, then this detailed guide is the perfect place to start. Crammed with great advice that is both sensible and useful, you will be able to seamlessly transition from the old to the new and love every single minute of it. Get a copy today and start living free!

As long as one has breath, hope exists!Probation Officer Philip Bones, obviously a glutton for punishment, can't stand to see anyone hit rock bottom.Without a shadow of doubt, he knows one person has the ability to make a life-long impact on another — and he doesn't take that responsibility lightly.Too bad fourteen-year-old Billy Andrews lacks the self-discipline needed to change his wicked ways. When a young man asks to be mentored, a true servant of God can't refuse.If Billy will heed the difficult lessons he's about to receive, he'll make a complete turnaround.If you enjoyed Rebuilding Alden, you'll love Redirecting Billy!Buy your copy today to find out if Billy can change his thug-like ways!

Philip Bones — living proof that nice guys don’t finish last. Working in the juvenile justice field and striving to make the world a better place, it’s no wonder he’s in a committed relationship with a gorgeous co-worker. But things are likely to take a few unexpected turns.Driven by compassion, the young probation officer invests a VAST amount of his free time in Alden, a fiery-tempered thirteen-year-old who’s setting himself up for a life behind bars. With a bit of tough love, he’s certain he can do for Alden what the legal system cannot — rebuild the boy’s character and give him a better chance of securing a successful future.Helping Alden comes with a cost. Philip’s girlfriend doesn’t like coming in second place to a rebellious teen. His boss and co-workers disapprove of him spending his personal time with a client. But for Philip, Alden is worth fighting for — no matter the price.If you enjoy clean, inspirational, life-changing novels, get Rebuilding Alden, the first book in the Worthy Battle Series, today.

Beginner’s Ultimate Guide to Runes - New 2017 3rd Edition! The Amazon bestseller!★ ★ ★Magic Just For YOU! ★ ★ ★Are you a runes fanatic? Are you a beginner who is interested in learning about the magic of runes? If you answered yes, this book is for you! Runes are alphabetic scripts that are used for magic and divination. They carry a wide variety of purposes for someone practicing it. You can use it for protection, communication, direction and many more! The possibilities are endless! In this book, you’ll be guided on how to tackle this powerful tool. You’ll get to know where runes came from, and what it can do for your life. This book will provide valuable information to get you started. When You Download this Book, You’ll Learn About: What Runes Are?History of RunesSymbols and MeaningsUses of RunesRunes and MagicMany people are using Runes and have experienced a huge difference in their life. If you want that for your life as well, get your copy TODAY! Runes: A Beginners Guide to Runes and How They Can Be Useful 3rd Edition is FREE for Kindle Unlimited Users.Scroll up and click the “Buy” Button. Good Luck!

Why would a smart New York investment banker pay twelve million dollars for the decaying, stuffed carcass of a shark? How does Jackson Pollock's drip painting No.5 1948 sell for $140 million? And why does a leather jacket with silver chain attached, tossed in a corner and titled 'No One Ever Leaves', bring $690,000 at a 2007 Sotheby's auction? The Twelve Million Dollar Stuffed Shark is the first book to look at the economics of the modern art world and the strategies which power the market to produce such astronomical prices. Don Thompson talks to auction houses, dealers, and collectors to find out the source of Charles Saatchi's Midas touch, and how far a gallery like White Cube has contributed to Damien Hirst becoming the highest-earning artist in the world. The result is a fascinating, shrewd and highly readable insight into a world where brand is everything.Don Thompson is an economist and professor of business specialising in art. He has taught at the London School of Economics and the Harvard Business School. This is his first trade book. He lives in London and Toronto.

Earning his criminal justice degree is what Philip thinks he's going to college for.Little does the man know, the advice he's about to give a roommate will change his own life forever.Even though Philip's heart is in the right place, his counsel has the ability to destroy lives. And it does.But how marvelous it is when God takes a trial and turns it into a blessing!* * * *Philip's Plunge is a short prequel to the Worthy Battle Series, which explores how Mr. Bones got involved in working with troubled teens. If you're already hooked on the Worthy Battle Series, you'll love this back-story. If you are about to begin the series, be sure to check this book out first. It'll give you a stronger appreciation for the tough-love probation officer.