In 1987, Dr. Benjamin Carson gained worldwide recognition for his part in the first successful separation of Siamese twins joined at the back of the head. The extremely complex and delicate operation, five months in the planning and twenty-two hours in the execution, involved a surgical plan that Carson helped initiate. Carson pioneered again in a rare procedure known as hemispherectomy, giving children without hope a second chance at life through a daring operation in which he literally removed one half of their brain. But such breakthroughs aren’t unusual for Ben Carson. He’s been beating the odds since he was a child. Raised in inner-city Detroit by a mother with a third grade education, Ben lacked motivation. He had terrible grades. And a pathological temper threatened to put him in jail. But Sonya Carson convinced her son that he could make something of his life, even though everything around him said otherwise. Trust in God, a relentless belief in his own capabilities, and sheer determination catapulted Ben from failing grades to the top of his class — and beyond to a Yale scholarship . . . the University of Michigan Medical School . . . and finally, at age 33, the directorship of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Today, Dr. Ben Carson holds twenty honorary doctorates and is the possessor of a long string of honours and awards, including the Horatio Alger Award, induction into the ‘Great Blacks in Wax’ Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, and an invitation as Keynote Speaker at the 1997 President’s National Prayer Breakfast. Gifted Hands is the riveting story of one man’s secret for success, tested against daunting odds and driven by an incredible mindset that dares to take risks. This inspiring autobiography takes you into the operating room to witness surgeries that made headlines around the world — and into the private mind of a compassionate, God-fearing physician who lives to help others. Through it all shines a humility, quick wit, and down-to-earth style that make this book one you won’t easily forget.

‘As a narrative of Africa’s political trajectory since independence, this book is hard to beat… Elegantly written as well as unerringly accurate’ Financial Times
‘Meredith has given a spectacularly clear view of the African political jungle’ Spectator
‘You cannot even begin to understand contemporary African politics if you have not read this fascinating book’ Bob Geldof

Africa is forever on our TV screens, but the bad news stories (famine, genocide, corruption) massively outweigh the good (South Africa). Ever since the process of de-colonialisation began in the mid-1950s, and arguably before, the continent has appeared to be stuck in a process of irreversible decline. Constant war, improper use of natural resources, and misappropriation of revenues and aid monies contribute to an impression of a continent beyond hope.

How did we get here? What, if anything, is to be done? Fully revised and updated and weaving together the key stories and characters of the last sixty years into a stunningly compelling and coherent narrative, Martin Meredith has produced the definitive history of how European ideas of how to organize 10,000 different ethnic groups has led to what Tony Blair described as the ‘scar on the conscience of the world’. Authoritative, provocative, and consistently fascinating, this is the seminal book on one of the most important issues facing the West today.

  Now, in this life-changing book, handcrafted by the author over a rigorous four-year period, you will discover the early-rising habit that has helped so many accomplish epic results while upgrading their happiness, helpfulness and feelings of aliveness.

Through an enchanting—and often amusing—story about two struggling strangers who meet an eccentric tycoon who becomes their secret mentor, The 5 am Club will walk you through:

How great geniuses, business titans and the world’s wisest people start their mornings to produce astonishing achievements

A little-known formula you can use instantly to wake up early feeling inspired, focused and flooded with a fiery drive to get the most out of each day

A step-by-step method to protect the quietest hours of daybreak so you have time for exercise, self-renewal and personal growth

A neuroscience-based practice proven to help make it easy to rise while most people are sleeping, giving you precious time for yourself to think, express your creativity and begin the day peacefully instead of being rushed

“Insider-only” tactics to defend your gifts, talents and dreams against digital distraction and trivial diversions so you enjoy fortune, influence and a magnificent impact on the world

Part manifesto for mastery, part playbook for genius-grade productivity and part companion for a life lived beautifully, The 5 am Club is a work that will transform your life. Forever.

Learn how to develop the influence, character, service and vision that it takes to be a leader in every aspect of your life.

First released in 1993, John C. Maxwell’s now-classic work revolutionized the way leaders are made. By examining the differences between leadership styles, Maxwell outlines principles for inspiring, motivating, and influencing others from any type of leadership position–including as a business executive, a church leader, a teacher, or even a parent.

In this thoroughly revised and updated edition, Maxwell includes two new chapters to include the leadership insights and practices he has learned in the decades since the first edition so that you’ll receive everything you need to take a significant step in your leadership journey.

In Developing the Leader Within You 2.0, you will successfully learn and understand:

Influence – using the 5 Levels of Leadership as a roadmap to influence others
Character – embracing good ethics, practicing self-leadership, and valuing people
Service – asking eight questions to develop into a leader who serves others daily
Vision – including eight components when painting a vision for your people so they can experience it
These foundational principles provides both new readers and longtime fans with the necessary wisdom to help any leader and organization succeed in fostering integrity, self-discipline, and effecting positive change.

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 will help you transform the way you think about leadership.

Vina Wira band
On the drum is a guy who writes code
The lead singer is gifted songstress redefining what society wants her to be.
The bass guitarist and vocalist hides himself under an electric personality. The moody fellow at the songwriter and a pianist, born to privilege but with the darkness that cant fit in a travelling bag.

The band is struggling. Every Thursday they play in the streets of Nairobi, outside a building that houses a recording label they will sign them, give them their big break. At night, they play in a shady bar overlooking a junkyard with dismembered vehicles.
They are hungry to make it.
But does the universe share their hunger?