Books published by publisher Park Street Press

Psychedelics for spiritual, therapeutic, and problem-solving use • Presents practices for safe and successful psychedelic voyages, including the benefits of having a guide and how to be a guide • Reviews the value of psychedelics for healing and self-discovery as well as how LSD has facilitated scientific and technical problem-solving • Reveals how microdosing (ultr-low doeses) improve cognitive functioning, emotional balance, and physical stamina • This year 600,000 people in the U.S. alone will try LSD for the the first time, joining the 23 million who have already experimented with this substance Called “America’s wisest and most respected authority on psychedelics and their use,” James Fadiman has been involved with psychedelic research since the 1960s. In this guide to the immediate and long-term effects of psychedelic use for spiritual (high dose), therapeutic (moderate dose), and problem-solving (low dose and microdose) purposes, Fadiman outlines best practices for safe, sacred entheogenic voyages learned through his more than 40 years of experience--from the benefits of having a sensitive guide during a session (and how to be one) to the importance of the setting and pre-session intention. Fadiman reviews the newest as well as the neglected research into the psychotherapeutic value of visionary drug use for increased personal awareness and a host of serious medical conditions, including his recent study of the reasons for and results of psychedelic use among hundreds of students and professionals. He reveals new uses for LSD and other psychedelics, including microdosing, extremely low doses, for improved cognitive functioning and emotional balance. Cautioning that psychedelics are not for everyone, he dispels the myths and misperceptions about psychedelics circulating in textbooks and clinics as well as on the internet. Exploring the life-changing experiences of Ram Dass, Timothy Leary, Aldous Huxley, and Huston Smith as well as Francis Crick and Steve Jobs, Fadiman shows how psychedelics, used wisely, can lead not only to healing but also to scientific breakthroughs and spiritual epiphanies.

The most comprehensive guide to the botany, history, distribution, and cultivation of all known psychoactive plants• Examines 414 psychoactive plants and related substances• Explores how using psychoactive plants in a culturally sanctioned context can produce important insights into the nature of reality• Contains 797 color photographs and 645 black-and-white illustrationsIn the traditions of every culture, plants have been highly valued for their nourishing, healing, and transformative properties. The most powerful plants--those known to transport the human mind into other dimensions of consciousness--have traditionally been regarded as sacred. In The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Plants Christian Rätsch details the botany, history, distribution, cultivation, and preparation and dosage of more than 400 psychoactive plants. He discusses their ritual and medicinal usage, cultural artifacts made from these plants, and works of art that either represent or have been inspired by them. The author begins with 168 of the most well-known psychoactives--such as cannabis, datura, and papaver--then presents 133 lesser known substances as well as additional plants known as “legal highs,” plants known only from mythological contexts and literature, and plant products that include substances such as ayahuasca, incense, and soma. The text is lavishly illustrated with 797 color photographs--many of which are from the author’s extensive fieldwork around the world--showing the people, ceremonies, and art related to the ritual use of the world’s sacred psychoactives.

New scientific research shows how the ADHD gene has been critical to humanity’s development for 40,000 years• Shows how artists, inventors, and innovators carry the gene necessary for the future survival of humanity|• Explains why children with the Edison gene are so often mislabeled in our public schools as having ADHD• By the creator of the “hunter/farmer hypothesis” of ADHDThomas Edison was thrown out of school for behavior that today would label him as having ADHD, but his mother understood how to salvage his self-esteem and prepare him for a lifetime of success. The quick-thinking and impulsive characteristics of what we term ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) are not signs of a disorder at all, but rather are parts of a highly adaptive and useful skill set that served our hunting and gathering ancestors very well. In The Edison Gene Thom Hartmann shows that these characteristics have also been critical to the survival and development of our modern civilization and will be vital and necessary as humanity faces new challenges in the future. Hartmann, creator of the “hunter/farmer hypothesis” of ADHD, examines the latest discoveries confirming the existence of an ADHD gene and the earth-wide catastrophe 40,000 years ago that may well have triggered its development. Citing examples of significant innovators of our modern era, he argues that the brains of the children who possess the Edison gene are wired to give them brilliant success as innovators, inventors, explorers, and entrepreneurs, but that those same qualities often cause them problems in the context of our public schools. Hartmann offers concrete strategies for helping Edison-gene children to reach their full potential and shows that rather than being “problems,” they are an important and vital gift to our society and world.

"A captivating, heart-aching, and beautifully written book. The best story I've heard this year." (J. Bengtsson, best-selling author of The Cake Series) Once, I had everything. Drummer for the biggest band in the world. Fame. Money. Happiness. All at my fingertips. Then, six years ago, my world stopped turning. My best friend. My best girl. A burning field in the pouring rain. I survived, but I left the biggest part of me with them. And now I sift through the rubble of my broken life. I didn't want a second chance. Redemption. Closure. Not for me. Until Gelsey A dancer. A dreamer. Everything I'm not. She's the dark to my light. My sun from another sky. But sunny days never last. The storm is coming. And this time when darkness falls, I might surrender. Another Sky is a stand-alone rock star romance set in Austin, Texas, with ties to the Sixth Street Bands Series.

Leading experts on the science, history, politics, medicine, and potential of America’s most popular recreational drug • With contributions by Andrew Weil, Michael Pollan, Lester Grinspoon, Allen St. Pierre (NORML), Tommy Chong, and others • Covers marijuana’s physiological and psychological effects, its medicinal uses, the complex politics of cannabis law, pot and parenting, its role in creativity, business, and spirituality, and much more Exploring the role of cannabis in medicine, politics, history, and society, The Pot Book offers a compendium of the most up-to-date information and scientific research on marijuana from leading experts, including Lester Grinspoon, M.D., Rick Doblin, Ph.D., Allen St. Pierre (NORML), and Raphael Mechoulam. Also included are interviews with Michael Pollan, Andrew Weil, M.D., and Tommy Chong as well as a pot dealer and a farmer who grows for the U.S. Government. Encompassing the broad spectrum of marijuana knowledge from stoner customs to scientific research, this book investigates the top ten myths of marijuana; its physiological and psychological effects; its risks; why joints are better than water pipes and other harm-reduction tips for users; how humanity and cannabis have co-evolved for millennia; the brain’s cannabis-based neurochemistry; the complex politics of cannabis law; its potential medicinal uses for cancer, AIDS, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and other illnesses; its role in creativity, business, and spirituality; and the complicated world of pot and parenting. As legalization becomes a reality, this book candidly offers necessary facts and authoritative opinions in a society full of marijuana myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes.

Jaden Toussaint is a five year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. This time there is an alien invasion at school. (They may look like caterpillars, but you can never be too safe.) Our hero must use all his super-powered brain power to save the people and (possible) aliens from each other! Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Jaden Toussaint is the new definition of cool.

Question: What's a five-year old genius' worst nightmare? Answer: Another five-year-old genius. Jaden Toussaint, 5 year-old scientist and all around cool dude, has finally met his match. His cousin Muffin is every bit as epic as he is--maybe more! Will Jaden Toussaint keep his cool? Will life as we know it end as a result? Will anyone ever eat his Super Sneaky Seven Fruit Fruit Salad Muffins? Find out in Episode 3: Muffin Wars. Fans of Junie B. Jones, the Magic Tree House, Dan Gutman, and Franny K. Stein will love the Jaden Toussaint series of illustrated chapter books. They are hilarious and empowering for kids and grown-ups alike. Get your copy today. #SmartistheNewCool Book Contains: Science? Check. Jokes? Check. Great hair? Check. Seriously awesome illustrations? Check.

Nadia Knox knows all about secrets, but nothing has prepared her for what the Eye of Zinnia will reveal! (Ages 8-12) For as long as she can remember, Nadia and her younger brother, Chris, have been tagging along with their parents as they travel the world searching for the untold stories of ancient societies, including the Kamju, a civilization hidden deep in the wilds of Uganda. Nadia knows how important this discovery could be to her parents, but she can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. After all, wouldn’t there be more than legends and whispers of magic if the Kamju actually wanted to be found? Young readers and parents alike will love the Eye of Zinnia’s combination of magic, action, and exploration. Get a copy today.

This spellbinding new novel—the first in a series featuring L.A. Sheriff’s Department homicide detective Jason Chance—is a scorching mystery of obsession, corruption, blackmail, and murder, with a shocking conclusion that will leave you stunned. It’s guaranteed to keep you reading late into the night. When rock and roll superstar Nora Lord is found dead from an overdose of pills and red wine in the bathtub of her West Hollywood hotel suite after a night of partying, Jason and his partner, Ben Atkins catch the case. Ben wants to call it an accident and move on. Jason isn’t so sure. He probes into Nora’s final, wild days, looking for answers and an elusive killer. With the help of Charlotte Frasier, his ex-lover (now head of security at the hotel where Nora died), Jason follows a bloody trail of clues—from the raucous Sunset Strip to the dark streets of East Hollywood, and on to the protected enclaves of Newport Beach and Pasadena, clashing with Ben and his superiors along the way. It’s a lonely town, the City of Fallen Angels, and a deadly one, too. From Josh Griffith—author of THE LOST MAN, THE FORGOTTEN PLACE, and co-author (with Michael Malone) of the NY Times bestselling novel, THE KILLING CLUB—comes the riveting first novel in what promises to be an addictive new detective series.

Giant Afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint, 5 year-old scientist and all around cool dude, can tackle any problem with his super-powered brain power. This time our hero must survive all alone with only his mother, father, and all his friends to keep him company when his sister goes to sleep-away camp. Sissy being gone is bad enough, but now that she is, who will protect him from...The Swamp Thing? Jaden Toussaint, the Greatest is a series of chapter books that kids and parents love. Kids love the awesome brain power and ninja dance moves of a superhero as real as they are. Parents appreciate the author's humor, but they love watching their kids-- even reluctant readers-- keep turning pages. Fans ofJunie B. Jones, the Magic Tree House, Dan Gutman, Ivy and Bean, and Franny K. Stein will lovethe Jaden Toussaint series of illustrated chapter books. They are hilarious andempowering for kids and grown-ups alike. Get your copy today.

Giant Afro. Even Bigger Brain. Jaden Toussaint is a five-year-old who knows it all. I mean, really knows it all. Animal Scientist. Great Debater. Master of the art of ninja dancing. There’s nothing Jaden Toussaint can’t do. This time our hero is on a quest—a star quest. JT wants to get a million likes so he can be a famous animal explorer who teaches kids stuff on tv (and possibly Broadway). Unfortunately, his parents won’t let him post a video. How can he get a million likes if he can’t even post a video? Never fear. Jaden Toussaint always has a plan, and you can read all about it in Episode 5: Mission Star-Power. Fans of Junie B. Jones, the Magic Tree House, Dan Gutman, and Franny K. Stein will love the Jaden Toussaint series of illustrated chapter books. They are hilarious and empowering for kids and grown-ups alike. Get your copy today.

Scientifically based strategies for enacting successful and enduring change on personal, societal, and global levels, no matter what your background • 2016 Nautilus Silver Award • Shares the stories of people who have changed history, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Ben Franklin, and Gandhi, detailing how they used the 8 laws of change • Based on more than 16 years of scientific and historical research as well as the author’s own experiences during the Civil Rights movement • Explores research in the fields of medicine, neuroscience, biology, and quantum physics to reveal the science of how the 8 laws of change work Inspired by his own powerful experiences during the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s and other social movements in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, Stephan Schwartz spent 16 years researching successful social transformations, uncovering the science and the patterns behind them all. He found that there are three ways to create social change. The first is the advancement of technology and science. The second--change compelled by physical power--is almost always coercive and violent and, for those reasons, not long lasting. The third avenue of change he discovered--the most successful and enduring--is one brought about by something so subtle it is often not taken seriously: small individual choices based on integrity and shared intention. Revealing how the dynamics of change are learnable, Schwartz explains the 8 laws of individual and social behavior that can enable any person or small group--even ordinary people without great wealth, official position, or physical power--to bend the arc of history and create successful lasting transformation. He shares the stories of individuals who have actually changed history, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Benjamin Franklin, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi, detailing how they implemented the strategies and tactics of the 8 laws to achieve their success. The author explores research in the fields of medicine, neuroscience, biology, and quantum physics to reveal the science of how these laws of change work. He explains why compassionate and life-affirming changes have the most enduring impact and shows how each of the 8 laws cultivates a sense of “beingness” in the individual, empowering your integrity and connecting you to something greater than yourself--the key to lasting change on the personal, societal, and global levels.