Anachronistic subjects revisited

Thomas Macho leads us through a fascinating philosophical discourse on the boundaries of fairness. On one hand it is said that “all humans are equal”, but on the other, “life is unfair”. Illnesses, disabilities, shortened life spans and causes of death constantly challenge the sociopolitical ideal of equality. What use are comp time, governmental child support and pensions, insurances and building loan agreements if some people die as children while others live to be one hundred years – perhaps even wealthy and full of happiness? The well-known philosopher investigates this and further questions in a world that may be familiar with the term “justice”, but faces a different reality. He questions the solidarity of humans, the base of democracy, and embarks on a search for answers and new paths.

A politician with an image, a rebel as orator: passionate, fervent, vehement

Johannes Voggenhuber is an exceptional political orator. For him, rhetoric is an instrument essential in dealing with the world’s contemporary conflicts and main concerns: democracy on all levels of governing, the social structure of modern societies, Europe’s unity. Whether as a city’s politician, in the federal government or as a member of the European parliament, he has always fought passionately for his cause. Consequently, he has achieved and changed a lot in the city he comes from, in his country and in Europe. This book shows him as a vehement proponent, an energetic opponent and as one who is never indifferent.

A fascinating journey through the history of an immortal myth.

They are stuck somewhere between this life and the hereafter, roaming through the night and biting pretty women’s necks. Fantasies and fears manifest themselves in the figure of the vampire, who became world-famous in novels and films, but also appears in TV advertisements, political campaigns and psychoanalysis. The vampirologist Rainer M. Köppl tells us about a fear-filled hysteria between superstition and enlightenment. He describes how vampires first found refuge in romantically idealized literature, were reborn in 20th century film and have become more successful than ever at the dawn of the 21st century. Using vivid examples, the author illustrates the perfection of form and function in the figure of the vampire: as a mirror for our fantasies of sex, violence, fear, blood, death, eternal love and immortality.

This book is full of miracle and wonder! A novel filled to the brink with colors, soul, love, pathos and humor.

Annuschka is a teacher living in provincial Ukraine, Piotr is a journalist and globetrotter who is always far, far away to prove that that there is no difference between steppe and mountains. Just like there is no difference between humans and animals, men and women, happiness and unhappiness, here and there. It all depends on how far you distance yourself from plain facts. That is exactly what these two do full of ardor and passion by writing each other letters. Writing letters? They rather fire them like rockets, catapulting themselves and the world into outer space, from where things actually do look different than with your feet on the ground. And so they float and flirt and intoxicate themselves with feelings, telling each other stories that are funny and sad at the same time – because what’s the difference? This truly is no book for bureaucrats or goodie-two-shoes. Hands off!

Readings at schools are like away games: defeat must be expected.

When an author holds a reading of his books in a house of literature, a bookstore, a public library, it’s a home game for literature. The audience is full of experts and connoisseurs. Schools are the opposite: the reader steps onto difficult terrain. Bringing literature to school is like playing an away game. Defeat must be expected. Then again, games won away count double. In other words, school is a place where literature can create a life-long impact. Burkhard Spinnen recounts experiences from readings at schools. In “Reading Away” he describes the events at his readings. In his observations the author also takes the time to ponder what function literature should have at school and what role it plays today. A pointedly vivid book on the reality of the pedagogical province beyond the Pisa study.

Wo ist das Wunderkind? Im Schatten Mozarts wird sogar ein Mord zum Kunstwerk.

Where is the child prodigy? In the shadow of Mozart, even murder becomes art. Birgit has disappeared: The ten year-old musical prodigy is abducted in Salzburg, right under Mozart’s eyes, so to speak. This happens just when she is supposed to compete in the finals of an international piano competition after beating her friend Anja, daughter of a respectable family, in the semi-finals. Her friend’s father, manager of the state’s largest energy corporation, political lackey and pawn declared fair game in the local political scene, is definitely keen on seeing his daughter make a quick career. His ambition catches the attention of chief inspector Laber, who, struggling to solve his first case, must find his place in an intricate web of power and music, beauty and cruelty. From one day to the next, fingers in the city start pointing in several directions – to the murderer as well? All the while, Mozart silently weeps on his pedestal: full of anger, but also full of laughter and ardor for this book.

A family saga without a family, told exhilaratingly clear and touchingly sober.

It all begins with a family reunion, which is in fact a farewell party: Clarissa’s parents are dropping out – out of their kids’ lives as well. Clarissa and the others are all in the prime of their lives, but only sort of and somehow. They are searching for their place in life in ever-changing circumstances, between one project and the next, with little results other than an unstable network of contacts and relationships. Precarious ensembles. Of course, stable family life is also an option for her – in a house that friends have just inherited. She can have a room in the basement, for now, as long as she wants to stay. But one day she leaves, drops out, as if she was never involved in her life and the life of those surrounding her. A broad panorama of a present time marked by new living and working conditions, in which everything is temporary. And this novel hits its nerve.

What are we doing in Afghanistan?

Democracy, human rights, rule of law – it is in the name of these ideals that the West is fighting a war against the Taliban and against terror. Ulrich Ladurner reports from the sites of conflict, where central values of the Western world are being damaged. His journey leads him through a land full of opposites as he follows the traces of conquests and defeats. He looks back on the lively past of an old battlefield that has been both an American and European obsession and tells us about the lives of its people. His stories help us understand why the Great Powers are failing in Afghanistan. A hi(story) book on enemy images and the power of memory, seeking an answer to the controversial question of what we are doing in Afghanistan.

A personal view on the life story of a fascinating woman - this new novel by Erika Pluhar describes desires and fears of growing older in a sensitive but nevertheless frank way.

Paulina Neblo can look back on an eventful life. As a choreographer, she founded a successful dance company, she had numerous affairs and a daughter, who she loves more than anything, and finally, as a mature woman, led a fulfilled marriage. But when she loses her husband in a fatal car accident and is hit by the next blow of fate – her daughter’s death – shortly after, Paulina retreats from an active life. At the age of 70, she decides to become a chronicler of her present, noting daily tidbits and facing the fact that old age holds no future. But her memories of the past cannot be cast aside and those surrounding Paulina do not accept her chosen isolation… Erika Pluhar has written a sensitive, yet brutally honest book about aging, desires and fears. Poetic, true-to-life and intense.

Is God the better manager? The abbot of the “singing monks” answers questions that affect us all.

The basic motto of Saint Benedict – “work and pray” – is followed in the monastery. Does that make monks happier people? Doesn’t an abbot also have to function a crisis manager? Abbot Gregor Henckel Donnersmarck, who had a successful business career before he heard the calling, tells how he and his community in the Monastary of the Holy Cross deal with the trials and tribulations of everyday life. And why the monks’ prayers on the album “Chant – Music for Paradise” were sold over a million times worldwide. Abbot Gregor bases his beliefs on the three Christian virtues faith, hope and love, which are supported by the four Cardinal virtues temperance, prudence, fortitude and justice. He shares his personal experiences to illustrate why religion, spirituality and values are such important sources of strength in times of crisis.