In this charming volume, a narrative history written explicitly for a young audience, expert linguist David Crystal proves why the story of language deserves retelling.From the first words of an infant to the peculiar modern dialect of text messaging, A Little Book of Language ranges widely, revealing language’s myriad intricacies and quirks. In animated fashion, Crystal sheds light on the development of unique linguistic styles, the origins of obscure accents, and the search for the first written word. He discusses the plight of endangered languages, as well as successful cases of linguistic revitalization. Much more than a history, Crystal’s work looks forward to the future of language, exploring the effect of technology on our day-to-day reading, writing, and speech. Through enlightening tables, diagrams, and quizzes, as well as Crystal’s avuncular and entertaining style, A Little Book of Language will reveal the story of language to be a captivating tale for all ages.

    This set includes:1. What the Cat KnewThe fortune teller gig started as a scam, but Reg suddenly finds herself tangled up in the case of Warren Blake, a man who she thought was dead. It turns out he may still be alive, but in mortal peril. 2. A Psychic with CatitudeReg Rawlins is back in business, asked by Detective Jessup to consult on a missing persons case. Little does she know that it’s not your average teen runaway or kidnapping. There is something strange going on, and time is running short for the missing teen.3. A Catastrophic TheftReg's relationship with Sarah, who has been her loyal friend and protector since she arrived becomes strained when Sarah’s precious emerald necklace disappears. There is no shortage of suspects, with Reg herself at the front of the line.

    The university lecturer has got her man, her dress and her hopes of a long and happy life with stockbroker Jeff. But the man of her dreams isn't all that he seems, and before long dark clouds are gathering on the horizon...Sadly, Laura has little option but to end her marriage. But leaving Jeff doesn't bring an end to the heartache. In fact, the nightmare is only beginning. Jeff seems to be everywhere, and his vindictiveness knows no bounds...A bewildered Laura finds herself cornered and vulnerable as her life spirals out of control.But the seeds of Laura's present dilemma may well be rooted in her past, a past she knows little about. And that lack of knowledge could lead to her downfall, or even her death. What can Jeff possibly know about her past? And how can Laura fight back, when she doesn't even know what she's fighting for - or why?

    But now that she's all grown up, she's her own woman, and church is the last thing on her mind. Her live-in boyfriend, Dawson, is the first. Locksie has shared a wonderful three years with Dawson without half the drama that she hears about from the clients in the salon she manages. But lately, Locksie is beginning to feel as though something is missing from her near perfect romance. When she goes to her favorite aunt, Mary, for some guidance, she doesn't like the direction her aunt is trying to steer her in. Locksie quickly realizes, though, that she can run from her problems, but she can't hide from the truth.Hannah is one of Locksie's faithful clients who tries to offer her some advice, but Hannah's got issues of her own. She's struggling to forgive her husband for cheating, all while being a stepmother to the child who was a result of his affair. The child's mother taunts Hannah every chance she gets.In Me, Myself and Him, these women are torn between holding on to the men they love, or having to let go for the one thing that's missing from their lives.