After the Satanic Panic faded in the United States, a similar panic surged in parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa, where many metalheads were arrested and interrogated. In other corners of the region, government and market forces have made it difficult for metal bands to perform or record their music. And yet, a rich network of metal subcultures is hanging on in places like Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Iran, South Africa and Botswana. In this collection of essays and articles, find out how moral panics, political unrest and civil wars have challenged metalheads to keep going, and why they’re so loyal to the music.

With soul-baring solos, heartfelt duets, and a big, showstopping finale—this hilarious and joyous novel will make your heart sing. Quito Cruz might be a genius piano player and composer in New York City now but it doesn’t mean that he’s any closer to his Broadway dream. Although Quito knows what the problem is. Or rather who. Because ever since that night in college—with pretty-boy jock Emmett Aoki—his inspiration has been completely MIA . . . Now Quito’s dad wants him to put on a charity performance in his hometown. And there’s one hella big string attached: convince Emmett—now one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities—to perform. It’s all shaping up to be the biggest musical fiasco of Quito’s life. Especially when Emmett agrees to attend, and Quito realizes that undeniable vibe between them is stronger than ever. Because there’s nothing simple about falling for a movie star . . . even when he’s pitch-perfect.

A Berkeley progressive, an army reservist cop, their two kids, a bipartisan dog and how the Iraq War affects them all. Berkeley peace activist Sophia Raday never imagined she would fall in love with an Oakland police officer and major in the Army Reserve, much less marry one. Barrett is loving and loyal, but in his world a threat lies around every corner, and so he asks Sophia to stay in Condition Yellow always aware that her life may be in danger soon. Sophia’s heart-wrenching yet humorous narrative about coming to a new understanding of peace and partnership gives hope for healing the deep divisions in our country, from the front lines of a most unusual union.

An explanation of how gun rights proponents see the world.

Hon. Barbara Boxer, U.S. Senate (ret.) wrote about Treasure Hunt: "Protecting the environment has always been a priority for me so this wonderful story is very special. It shows how children can enjoy doing something to actually make a difference!"

The Wig Diaries is Mary Ladd’s debut irreverent cancer book. Delivered with bold gallows humor, it intimately address the gravity of cancer and invites the reader to bear witness to both the horror and the joke(s). · A uniquely fresh modern and black comedy take on cancer · Covers and pokes fun at everything from diagnosis to treatment to medical bills

In "A Crime Beyond Belief," Katia Savchuk delves into a bizarre true crime tale for The Atavist Magazine. A Harvard-trained lawyer was convicted of committing bizarre home invasions. Psychosis may have compelled him to do it. But in a case that became a public sensation, he wasn’t the only one who seemed to lose touch with reality.

Humor—dark, sharp, and often redemptive—permeates this irresistible collection of poems exploring womanhood, family and sexual relationships with the candor of a camera's eye 'blinking to capture one perfect shot.' Preeti Vangani cuts to the heart of each moment like a reporter on the beat; hers is a poetry of the unresolved present and the mercurial future tense. What an extraordinary mind is at work in these pages. —D A POWELL

A column featuring process notes by poets.

STORAGE UNIT FOR THE SPIRIT HOUSE, a full-length poetry collection published by Omnidawn

New York Times Notable Book of the Year; currently in development as a movie produced by Lars Von Trier and Patriot Pictures.

Devastated by his daughter's suicide, an Indian American entrepreneur embarks on an increasingly frantic quest to find answers. Saila Kariat wrote, directed and co-produced this narrative feature. It was in over twenty film festivals, and won best feature film in four festivals. It was invited to the Mumbai Film Festival.

Roberto Lovato's piece on the Gentrification of Consciousness dissects the class, racial and other challenges lurking just beneath of the "psychedelic renaissance" in San Francisco. The widely-hailed piece is among the most popular to appear in Alta Journal.

n this article, Sarita discusses her mother's belief in science at a time when superstition and belief in quackery reined in India. The article was published by India Currents, a magazine catering to the Indian diaspora worldwide and to mainstream Americans.

Column for India Currents, a magazine catering to the Indian diaspora worldwide as well as to mainstream Americans.

Three trafficking survivors on the journey to remove the permanent reminders of their past.

Mark Wallace writes about the Webern concerto that changed his life.