DECODING THE PAST goes far beyond the bestseller lists to reveal the truth about Opus Dei. Founded in 1928 by Spaniard Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer, it encourages members, most of whom are lay professionals, to find God through work and daily life. The most orthodox commit to a celibate life, live in Opus Dei residences, give the majority of their income to the organization, and practice corporal mortification, the infliction of self-pain as a holy act of sacrifice. Now, Opus Dei leaders grant unprecedented access as we lift the veil surrounding their mysterious organization to reveal the truths and demystify the myths.
Examining the first half of Queen Victoria's life, biographer AN Wilson goes in search of a monarch too often misunderstood as the solid black-clad matron and reveals a woman who was passionately romantic and who spent her years as a child and young Queen fighting the control of domineering men.
An American who had some family members in Istanbul is trying to discover Istanbul. She visits the off-the-beaten places and interviews the most interesting characters with her questions about the most wondered topics. A variety of colorful and interesting people representing the Turkish culture, from one of the richest women in Turkey to a masseur at a public bath and the best belly dancer in the country were chosen. By this way, interaction with a large cultural cross-section of local people providing a much richer experience was preferred.
This 12-month undercover investigation penetrates the secret world of the women in the UK who support Isis, glorify jihadis, and preach a message of hatred, segregation and extremism.