Cirrus@Austlit

'What if we all woke one day to discover that every act of generosity was followed, soon after, by an unexpected windfall? If theft or betrayal led to rapid calamity? Within minutes, the effects of instant karma would be felt by each one of us. Within hours it wouldn't just be ordinary folks trying to figure out the new order-it would be everyone from the President down.

'Instant Karma is the story of that day. An extraordinary vision, by turns hilarious and poignant, early adopters are quick to capitalize on the new dynamics while karma change deniers vehemently dig in their heels. A food poisoning contagion arising from factory farming sees the world go vegetarian by lunchtime. A little-known Buddhist monk, Lama Tashi, suddenly becomes TV's go-to man, sought out for the wisdom he imparts with such oceanic benevolence.

'Amid the roller coaster of events, Instant Karma takes us to unexplored places. How much would human behavior change if we had to live with the immediate consequences of our actions? Is reality much more a product of our minds than of circumstances? And does focusing on the wellbeing of others truly hold the key to our greatest flourishing?

'Zesty, subversive, warm-hearted, Instant Karma is David Michie at his thought-provoking best.' (Publication summary)

'In this collection of short stories, David Michie offers life-enhancing insights with the same heart-warming compassion that pervades his Dalai Lama’s Cat books.' (Publication abstract)

'Rescued from unscrupulous breeders who plan to destroy him because of his floppy ear, when the Queen's littlest corgi arrives at Windsor Castle, he finds himself in a world of red carpets, gilded chambers and not a pile of dirty laundry to be seen. Charming his way into the affections of the royal household, Nelson offers a dog's-eye view of life with the Queen. He eavesdrops on her encounters with celebrities, philanthropists and advisers, catching rare insights into the secrets of a purposeful life. Through one of Her Majesty's most mysterious advisers, he discovers how the ancient ways and powerful symbols continue to exert a transformative presence. He also becomes familiar with the Queen's most surprising quality: her gentle but firm expectation that everyone she encounters is striving to be the best that they can be. The Queen's Corgi bursts with zest, humour and adventure. Romping through the litany of Nelson's misdemeanours are a warm-heartedness and deep wisdom sure to delight anyone who has known the smiling face and warm tongue of a dog. It is not by chance that you hold this book in your hands.' (Publication summary)

'“‘Oh! How adorable! I didn’t know you had a cat!’ she exclaimed. I am always surprised how many people make this observation. Why should His Holiness not have a cat? ‘If only she could speak,’ continued the actress. ‘I’m sure she’d have such wisdom to share.’ And so the seed was planted . . .

'I began to think that perhaps the time had come for me to write a book of my own—a book that would convey some of the wisdom I’ve learned sitting not at the feet of the Dalai Lama but even closer, on his lap. A book that would tell my own tale . . . how I was rescued from a fate too grisly to contemplate to become the constant companion of a man who is not only one of the world’s greatest spiritual leaders and a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate but also a dab hand with a can opener.”

'Starving and pitiful, a mud-smeared kitten is rescued from the slums of New Delhi and transported to a life she could have never imagined. In a beautiful sanctuary overlooking the snow-capped Himalayas, she begins her new life as the Dalai Lama’s cat. Warmhearted, irreverent, and wise, this cat of many names opens a window to the inner sanctum of life in Dharamsala. A tiny spy observing the constant flow of private meetings between His Holiness and everyone from Hollywood celebrities to philanthropists to self-help authors, the Dalai Lama’s cat provides us with insights on how to find happiness and meaning in a busy, materialistic world. Her story will put a smile on the face of anyone who has been blessed by the kneading paws and bountiful purring of a cat.'

Source : publisher's blurb

'No one is more surprised than Mark Watson when he is talent-spotted by a super-agent to record an album with pop icon Isis. It seems like an impossible fantasy come true but, only hours after arriving in Los Angeles, Mark learns how in the world of celebrity PR pure deception is par for the course . . .Isis and Mark have no sooner signed an endorsement deal with cosmetics firm Berkeley Square, than they find themselves under attack from the animal liberation paramilitaries, One Commando. The terrorists have already committed an act of unspeakable savagery upon the chief executive of Berkeley Square, and Mark and Isis are now targeted as their next victims. Can Mark second-guess the perverse plans of One Commando's enigmatic leaders? And what is the terrible secret that Isis seems determined to keep from him and the rest of the world?'

Source: Publisher's blurb.