Innovation Diplomacy: Cyprus’ Chief Scientist work in developing alliances with U.S. research titans will create new opportunities for research excellence

Science and Health

On November 19th, the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus for Research, Innovation, and Technology, Mr. Demetris Skourides, embarked on a pivotal visit to MIT as part of Cyprus’ strategic efforts to advance its research and innovation ecosystem. The visit focused on identifying best practices for taking groundbreaking ideas from the lab to the market, underscoring Cyprus’ commitment to fostering innovation-driven economic growth.During his visit, Mr. Skourides was hosted by Professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi, Director of the MIT Mechatronics Research Laboratory and Co-Director of the Center of Complex Engineering Systems. Professor Youcef-Toumi provided an in-depth overview of his team’s cutting-edge research projects and innovations, highlighting the transformative role of artificial intelligence and machine learning. He emphasized the importance of sponsored research and shared how his team’s publications have attracted collaborations with many of the world’s leading multinational companies.The meeting between Mr. Skourides and Professor Youcef-Toumi also delved into the broader challenges and opportunities faced by research ecosystems across Europe and the United States. They explored MIT’s successful strategies for advancing research commercialization, agreeing to explore further collaboration between Cypriot research organizations and the MIT Mechatronics Research Laboratory. Such initiatives hold the potential of accelerating the conversion of Cypriot research outputs into innovative products and attracting industry-sponsored research.As part of his mission to strengthen Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem, Mr. Skourides met with Mrs. Marina Hatsopoulos, Board Chair of Levitronix Technologies, President of the Hellenic Innovation Network, and a former member of the Cyprus Research and Innovation Council. He expressed gratitude for the instrumental role the Hellenic Innovation Network and the Greek diaspora in the U.S. have played in supporting Cyprus’ innovation efforts and facilitating the launch of Cypriot companies into the US market.During their discussion, Mr. Skourides shared updates on Cyprus’ strategic initiatives, led by the Deputy Ministry of Digital Policy, Research, and Innovation, to establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with countries renowned for their advanced research ecosystems. He outlined the incentives and tools Cyprus has implemented to attract startups globally, emphasizing the coordinated efforts between the Deputy Ministry, the Research and Innovation Foundation, and Invest Cyprus.Mrs. Hatsopoulos offered valuable insights into how MIT fosters the commercialization of innovation, introducing its licensing blueprint designed to motivate researchers to bring their discoveries to market. The exchange of expertise stressed highlighted that adopting international best practices can enhance Cyprus’ capacity for research commercialization, which is one of the Chief Scientist’s top priorities.Continuing his strategic engagements, Mr. Skourides met with Mrs. Elaine Papoulias, Executive Director at Harvard University, and Dr. Albana Shehaj, Program Manager at the Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies at Harvard sharing Cyprus’ vision of becoming a regional research, technology, and innovation hub. Together, they agreed to explored avenues for future collaboration in research and innovation, emphasizing Cyprus’ aspirations for research excellence and international partnerships.Further highlighting the importance of building a globally connected innovation network, Mr. Skourides met with Mrs. Anna Protopapas, a distinguished Cypriot entrepreneur and board member of Cyprus Seeds. Mrs. Protopapas, a trailblazer in the biotech sector, shared her insights on fostering the success of research organizations and startups in Cyprus. Their discussion centred on creating the conditions and synergies necessary to catalyse and accelerate the growth of Cyprus’s biotech sector, given the importance of healthcare as a horizontal strategy priority for the country.This series of high-level meetings reflects Mr. Skourides’ strategic vision and his actions to position Cyprus as a hub of research and innovation excellence with partnerships and alliances with some of the world’s most recognized institutions. By strengthening international collaborations and adopting best practices, Cyprus aims to transform its research ecosystem into a globally competitive engine of innovation.

Meeting Minutes & More | Science proficiency among area middle schools

Science and Health

This story appeared in a special edition of ‘Meeting Minutes & More’ in the print editions of Friday’s News-Gazette reported and written by Editor Jeff D’Alessio and designed by News Editor Joel Leizer and Managing Editor Niko Dugan. Click here to subscribe to The News-Gazette.

To subscribe, click here.Want to purchase today’s print edition? Here’s a map of single-copy locations.

Among the mounds of data included in the Illinois State Board of Education’s recently released school report cards: a breakdown of middle school science proficiency, which the state says represents students’ success in achieving levels within standardized testing that indicate advanced knowledge.The state average is 52.7 percent. Here’s a look at how area schools stacked up.1. Cissna Park: 86.4%2. St. Joseph: 84.6%3. Mahomet-Seymour: 80.6%4. Heritage: 80.4%5. Prairieview-Ogden: 75.9%6. LeRoy: 65.5%

7. Unity: 65.4%8. GCMS: 65.1%9. Sullivan: 63.0%10. Villa Grove: 62.7%11. PBL: 62.4%12. Cerro Gordo: 60.0%13. Monticello: 58.6%14. Blue Ridge: 58.3%

15 (tie). Fisher: 56.5%15 (tie). Tuscola East Prairie: 56.5%17. Salt Fork: 56.1%18. Bismarck-Henning: 55.0%19. Bement: 50.0%20. Champaign Edison: 48.8%21. Chrisman-Scottland: 46.4%22. Watseka: 45.1%

23. Georgetown Mary Miller: 43.5%24. Champaign Franklin: 39.8%25. Champaign Jefferson: 39.3%26. Iroquois West: 36.1%27. Hoopeston Area: 33.3%28. Westville: 32.5%29. Rantoul Eater: 30.8%30. Urbana: 29.8%

31. Danville North Ridge: 27.4%

IISF 2024: Science Takes Center Stage in Northeast India

Science and Health

Guwahati, 29 Nov: The 10th India International Science Festival (IISF) is set to make its Northeast debut at IIT Guwahati from Nov 30 to December 3. Organized by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the aegis of the Ministry of Science & Technology and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, IISF 2024 promises to be a transformative event. The festival aims to position India as a global science-driven manufacturing hub, aligning with the themes of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”Inauguration will see the presence of Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma. More than 8,000 delegates and an additional 10,000 daily visitors are expected to engage with a wide range of programs designed to foster scientific curiosity and collaboration.
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Key Highlights:
Interactive Exhibits: Cutting-edge innovations in science, technology, defense, and space will be on display.
Panel Discussions: Leading scientists and industry experts will deliberate on India’s path to becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse.
Science Competitions: Engaging events to inspire young minds and encourage the next generation of innovators.
Themed Programs:From the Chandrayaan Museum to Sci-Tech Expo, the festival will explore diverse themes, including Science Odyssey of the North-East, Nari Shakti (Women-led Development in S&T), and Mission Startup (Innovation and Entrepreneurship). The Young Scientists Conclave aims to empower the youth, while the North-East Symphony will celebrate the region’s cultural diversity, highlighting its integral role in India’s scientific progress.

During a press briefing, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG-CSIR and Chairperson of IISF 2024, said, “Hosting IISF in Guwahati is a testament to the government’s commitment to integrating underrepresented regions into the national scientific ecosystem. This festival is not just a celebration of science but a movement that will fuel India’s journey towards becoming a science-led global leader by 2047.”
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Dr. Kalaiselvi emphasized the festival’s focus on inclusivity, stating that IISF 2024 will involve over 10,000 students, hundreds of researchers, and leading scientific institutions. “Our vision is to make science accessible and inspire curiosity at every level of society,” she added.
Since its inception, IISF has been a platform for promoting scientific temper and fostering dialogue between scientists, innovators, and the general public. This year’s event will place special emphasis on global collaborations through the Science Beyond Borders initiative, encouraging partnerships with international scientific communities.
Also Read: Jharkhand Panel to Assess Condition of Tea Tribes in Assam
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How a dissident Iranian director made a film in secret and then fled the country

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is fiction, but at times it resembles a documentary about recent political turmoil. Rasoulof incorporates actual cellphone footage of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” activism that swept the nation that year. Iman’s daughters, a watchful 20-something and a free-spirited teenager, view social media clips of demonstrators marching in the streets as well as graphic videos of the brutal police crackdown that followed.Rasoulof and his creative collaborators made the film clandestinely, with the cast and crew fearing arrest, he said. Rasoulof and his technicians used minimal equipment and only a handful of shooting locations, insistent on evading the strict censorship system. The paranoia at the heart of the “Sacred Fig” storyline sometimes mirrored the atmosphere on set, where the arrival of a stranger could spell doom for the filmmakers.“It was inescapable. It’s only natural to be afraid when you’re filming that way,” Rasoulof said.Rasoulof received the initial notice about his prison sentence four weeks after shooting began. He chose to continue filming while his lawyers filed an appeal. The court system ultimately rejected that appeal and reaffirmed his penalties around the time filming concluded, according to his lawyer. Rasoulof needed to decide on his next move. He had the phone number of a person he met in prison who had offered to help him flee Iran, if it ever came to that. He made the call.“I had to take a new path, he said. “I abandoned my electronics and equipment, packed a small bag with just a few clothes, and left.”Rasoulof cannot go into great detail. “It was a really dangerous and horrible journey,” involving “a lot of walking” through perilous undisclosed territory, he said. Twenty-eight days after he set out, Rasoulof found a safe harbor at the consulate in Germany and obtained documents that allowed him to move with relative ease in Europe. He announced the news of his escape on Instagram, sharing a video of snow-capped mountains.Two weeks after Rasoulof’s daring exit, on May 24, “Sacred Fig” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival — in the face of intense resistance from Iranian authorities. Rasoulof, walking the Cannes red carpet, displayed photos of lead actors Missagh Zareh and Soheila Golestani, who have faced pressure from the courts in Iran, according to the director.The film received a 12-minute standing ovation, won the Special Jury Prize and earned Rasoulof some of the best reviews of his already acclaimed career. “Sacred Fig” is now Germany’s entry for best international feature at the 97th Academy Awards in early March.Soheila Golestani, Mahsa Rostami and Setareh Maleki in “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”Courtesy of NEONThe film arrives in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles courtesy of Neon, the distributor behind recent art-house favorites such as “Anora,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Anatomy of a Fall” and “Parasite.” Rasoulof said he hopes American viewers who seek out his latest project come away with a more complete, less blinkered idea of contemporary Iran beyond what they might hear from Washington politicians.“I’d like them to take away the notion — the truth, the reality — that Iran and the Islamic Republic are not the same,” Rasoulof said. “In no way does the Islamic Republic represent the Iranian people or Iranian culture. It’s a minority that has not only occupied but also taken hostage a whole country and a whole people.”“Iranian people do not want this to continue. Iranian women, throughout their long struggle for freedom — which began a long time ago and which shall continue — are trying in every way they can to change the situation,” he added. “The young generation of Iran really wants peaceful and positive relations with the rest of the world. They want to be a part of the global community.”

How a dissident Iranian director made a film in secret and then fled the country

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” is fiction, but at times it resembles a documentary about recent political turmoil. Rasoulof incorporates actual cellphone footage of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” activism that swept the nation that year. Iman’s daughters, a watchful 20-something and a free-spirited teenager, view social media clips of demonstrators marching in the streets as well as graphic videos of the brutal police crackdown that followed.Rasoulof and his creative collaborators made the film clandestinely, with the cast and crew fearing arrest, he said. Rasoulof and his technicians used minimal equipment and only a handful of shooting locations, insistent on evading the strict censorship system. The paranoia at the heart of the “Sacred Fig” storyline sometimes mirrored the atmosphere on set, where the arrival of a stranger could spell doom for the filmmakers.“It was inescapable. It’s only natural to be afraid when you’re filming that way,” Rasoulof said.Rasoulof received the initial notice about his prison sentence four weeks after shooting began. He chose to continue filming while his lawyers filed an appeal. The court system ultimately rejected that appeal and reaffirmed his penalties around the time filming concluded, according to his lawyer. Rasoulof needed to decide on his next move. He had the phone number of a person he met in prison who had offered to help him flee Iran, if it ever came to that. He made the call.“I had to take a new path, he said. “I abandoned my electronics and equipment, packed a small bag with just a few clothes, and left.”Rasoulof cannot go into great detail. “It was a really dangerous and horrible journey,” involving “a lot of walking” through perilous undisclosed territory, he said. Twenty-eight days after he set out, Rasoulof found a safe harbor at the consulate in Germany and obtained documents that allowed him to move with relative ease in Europe. He announced the news of his escape on Instagram, sharing a video of snow-capped mountains.Two weeks after Rasoulof’s daring exit, on May 24, “Sacred Fig” premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival — in the face of intense resistance from Iranian authorities. Rasoulof, walking the Cannes red carpet, displayed photos of lead actors Missagh Zareh and Soheila Golestani, who have faced pressure from the courts in Iran, according to the director.The film received a 12-minute standing ovation, won the Special Jury Prize and earned Rasoulof some of the best reviews of his already acclaimed career. “Sacred Fig” is now Germany’s entry for best international feature at the 97th Academy Awards in early March.Soheila Golestani, Mahsa Rostami and Setareh Maleki in “The Seed of the Sacred Fig.”Courtesy of NEONThe film arrives in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles courtesy of Neon, the distributor behind recent art-house favorites such as “Anora,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Anatomy of a Fall” and “Parasite.” Rasoulof said he hopes American viewers who seek out his latest project come away with a more complete, less blinkered idea of contemporary Iran beyond what they might hear from Washington politicians.“I’d like them to take away the notion — the truth, the reality — that Iran and the Islamic Republic are not the same,” Rasoulof said. “In no way does the Islamic Republic represent the Iranian people or Iranian culture. It’s a minority that has not only occupied but also taken hostage a whole country and a whole people.”“Iranian people do not want this to continue. Iranian women, throughout their long struggle for freedom — which began a long time ago and which shall continue — are trying in every way they can to change the situation,” he added. “The young generation of Iran really wants peaceful and positive relations with the rest of the world. They want to be a part of the global community.”

India-ni Salgro Salaram jolo Science niksenga: IISF 2024

Science and Health

Guwahati, Nov 29: Chang 10-gipa India International Science Festival (IISF)-ko, ‘Make in India’ aro ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ katta bichong baksa apsan melie, India a•songko science-ni a•bao dilgipa ong•aniko ra•dona aro science-ko jakkale bosturangko tarigipa a•dam ong•atna miksonganio Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology aro Ministry of Earth Science-ni dakchakanichi, India-ni Salgro Salaram jolo skanggipa changna IIT Guwahati-o November jani 30 tarikoni December jani 3 tarikona ong•atanggen.Advertisement
Ia program-ko, Assam a•dokni Skotong Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, a•dokni Union Minister (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh baksana Meghalaya a•dokni Skotong Minister, Conrad Sangma-ni dongpaanio a•bachengate on•anggen. Sak 8000-na batpile watata man•giparang baksana salanti sak 10,000 re•bagiparangkoba ia program-o bak ra•aniko nikna ka•dongsoenga, jeon science-ni gimin bang•a gisiko nangatani program-rang baksana apsan nangrime kam ka•ani bidingo didianirangkoba on•anggen.
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Ia festival-o Chandrayaan museum baksana Sci-Tech Expo-rang baksana dingtang dingtang katta bichongrang jekai Salgro Salaram jolni ong•baani, science-o me•chikrangni dakgni aro chonchongipa bading chiwalaniko a•bachenggiparangni gital chanchibewalanirangko bimang ong•atanikoba nikangna gita man•gen.
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Iako a•bachengataoni, IISF, Science-na ka•saaniko ra•doan baksana scientist-rang, gital chanchibewalanirangko bimang ong•atgiparang aro jinmani gisepo agan-golpogrikanirango didianirangko on•angaha. Ia bilsio, ‘Science Beyond Borders’-ni gita a•song gipinrang baksa science-ni a•bao kam ka•giparangko apsan ku•cholsan kam ka•aniko ra•bana miksongenga.
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The Best Kids Books of 2024: Great Reads Including Books on Wicked and Taylor Swift

Arts & Culture, Books

The holidays are coming, which means it’s time to start thinking about which books you’d like to give the little readers in your lives.Whether you’re looking for books about winter and the holidays, a primer on some of this year’s buzziest musicians and characters or that “one more chapter” kind of bedtime favorite, there’s sure to be a book out there to suit their taste.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite titles, including picture books, chapter books and graphic novels. Consider one of these when filling out your gift list!

‘Kareem Between’ by Shifa Saltagi Safadi

‘Kareem Between’ by Shifa Saltagi Safadi.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

This National Book Award for Young People’s Literature winner is a novel-in-verse that follows Kareem, a Syrian-American student trying to navigate the seventh grade. From failed football tryouts to a job helping a new student who happens to be a Syrian refugee, Kareem must learn to balance the many sides of himself.

‘I Am Elphaba’ and ‘I Am Glinda’ by Mary Man-Kong, illustrated by Elsa Chang

‘I Am Elphaba’ and ‘I Am Glinda’ by Mary Man-Kong, illustrated by Elsa Chang.
Little Golden Book

Though the Wicked novels themselves may not be appropriate for kids, these early reader books about the famous witches of Oz are just for them!

Consider gifting the little ones who can’t stop singing along to “Popular” or “Defying Gravity” from the new movie soundtrack one of these little Golden books.

‘You Are Fearless: A Book for the Littlest Taylor Swift Fans’ illustrated by Laura Catrinella

‘You Are Fearless: A Book for the Littlest Taylor Swift Fans’ illustrated by Laura Catrinella.
Odd Dot

Even if you didn’t get a chance to catch the Eras tour this year, this picture book is the perfect read for the smallest Swifties in your life. Recounting Taylor Swift’s journey to becoming one of the world’s biggest pop stars, the picture book also incorporates uplifting messages from her music.

‘Piper Chen Sings’ by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran, illustrated by Qin Leng

‘Piper Chen Sings’ by Phillipa Soo and Maris Pasquale Doran.
Random House Studio

 When Piper is chosen to sing a solo at her school concert, she must find a way to overcome her stage fright. This picture book by Hamilton actress Phillipa Soo and her sister-in-law Maris Pasquale Doran is sure to fuel all of the aspiring performers out there.

‘Weirdo’ by Tony Weaver Jr., illustrated by Jes and Cin Wibowo

‘Weirdo’ by Tony Weaver Jr., illustrated by Jes and Cin Wibowo.
First Second 

This heartwarming graphic novel follows 11-year-old Tony, who is an outcast at his middle school because he loves comic books and anime. After a traumatic event, Tony comes to see the importance of self-confidence — and becoming his own hero too. Weirdo is a meaningful read for anyone who may feel like they don’t belong.

‘Alice in a Winter Wonderland’ by Jan Brett

‘Alice in a Winter Wonderland’ by Jan Brett.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers

What if Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland took place in the Alaskan tundra? This gorgeous picture book retells the Lewis Carrol classic, perfect for cozy, cold-weather reading. And don’t worry — beloved characters like the White Rabbit and the Cheshire Cat still make an appearance.

‘Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder’ by Dav Pilkey

‘Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder’ by Dav Pilkey.
Graphix

One of today’s most popular book characters, Dog Man, is back in a new adventure. When Dog Man gets sprayed by a skunk, he’s exiled from town — and must team up with an unlikely partner to stop a whole new villain. The latest in the series makes the perfect stocking stuffer or introduction to the Pilkeyverse.

‘Christmas at Hogwarts’ illustrated by Ziyi Gao

‘Christmas at Hogwarts’ illustrated by Ziyi Gao.
Scholastic Inc.

All of the littlest Potterheads are sure to find some warmth in this new adaptation of the first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Featuring favorite moments like seeing Hogwarts’ Great Hall decked out in holiday decorations, and Harry and Ron opening presents on Christmas morning, this one is a magical story to share.

‘The Snow Thief’ by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater

‘The Snow Thief’ by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater.
Sourcebooks Jabberwocky

Beloved characters Squirrel and Bird navigate winter together in this new book. Squirrel has never seen snow before, and doesn’t understand why it disappears as well. This book, which teaches young readers about the change of seasons, is as educational as it is entertaining.

‘Accidental Demons’ by Clare Edge

‘Accidental Demons’ by Clare Edge.
HarperCollins

Bernadette Crowley, also known as Ber, comes from a long line of witches. When Ber is diagnosed with diabetes, however, she learns that every time she tests her blood sugar, demons accidentally slip into the human dimension — and it’s up to Ber and her sister, Maeve, to stop them. This fantastical book is a great escape for young readers over holiday break.

12 of Amazon’s top books of 2024 you can get on sale for Black Friday

Arts & Culture, Books

Find your next favorite book with Amazon’s top picks.  (iStock )Amazon just released its top books of 2024 list, with books hand-picked by Amazon’s editors. These 12 books were some of Amazon’s most popular reads of the year, with some being featured in the Good Morning America book club.All these books are currently on sale through Monday during Amazon’s Black Friday sales. Each makes a great gift for the readers in your life. You can get hardcover, paperback or Kindle editions of each.Speaking of Kindles, users can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for $0.99 now through December 2.Original price: $17.99 A captivating, romantic and fast read.  (Amazon )The second book in the “Skyland” series, “This Could Be Us” follows Soledad Barnes, a domestic goddess who is famous for her extravagant parties and her carefully planned life. When the man she loves suddenly leaves her and her life slowly starts to fall apart, Soledad has to pull herself together for her daughter.Most of these books can be delivered to your door in 24 hours if you’re an Amazon Prime member. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your holiday shopping today.20 BOOKS BY BLACK AUTHORS YOU SHOULD READOriginal price: $21.99 This book is a magical read all about family secrets.  (Amazon )After their father mysteriously disappears, the Fall family starts to fall apart. “When the World Tips Over” is a funny, tragic story that follows Dizzy Fall, who can see spirits, Miles Fall, an athlete, brainiac and dog-whisper, and Wynton Fall who can raise the temperature of a room at will.Their mysterious abilities all come to a head when a rainbow-haired girl shows up in town, playing a vital role in all their lives. This is a story about family rivalries, love and road trips.Original price: $28 A funny, heartfelt book following an Iranian man looking for his family’s secrets.  (Amazon )”Martyr!” is a New York Times bestseller, and it was shortlisted for the National Book Award. It looks at immigration in the U.S., following an orphaned son of Iranian immigrants. With help from artists, poets and kings past, the protagonist embarks on a journey to learn about his family secret. The book is hilarious and stark, bringing light to what it really means to be a martyr.Original price: $28 A retelling of a classic tale.  (Amazon )”James” won the National Book Award in 2024 and quickly became a popular viral book on TikTok. It looks at the classic, “Huckleberry Finn” but from Jim’s perspective. The book gives Jim agency, retelling the classic story in a new, more honest way. It’s well worth the read, and a classic in its own right.Original price: $30 A captivating story about women in the military.  (Amazon )Kristin Hannah has quickly become a favorite author, largely thanks to her books “The Nightingale” and “The Four Winds”. Her newest novel, “The Women” is just as stunning a book as the rest of Hannah’s works. It’s a story about women who go to war and who serve their country, only to be forgotten by history.20 BOOKS BY FEMALE AUTHORS YOU SHOULD READ FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTHOriginal price: $29.99 A look into RuPaul’s rise to fame.  (Amazon )”The House of Hidden Meanings” is a memoir by drag superstar and reality TV star, RuPaul. The self-portrait details RuPaul’s journey to global fame and how he’s changed the way the world sees drag.Original price: $30 Learn to be more productive.  (Amazon )Burnout is as common in the U.S. work culture as the common cold. “Slow Productivity” is a blueprint for how to avoid burnout. It can help you escape the need to overwork and teaches you how to feel successful with slower success.Original price: $17 Another classic Sally Rooney novel.  (Amazon )Although Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo” has taken the internet by storm, “Conversations with Friends” is just as strong. It’s a fast-paced, fun read that looks at the pleasures and dangers of youth, and dives into the complexities of female friendship.Original price: $19.99 A fun time traveling story.  (Amazon )A fun, fascinating tale, “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” begins in a small alley in Tokyo where there’s a café that holds a secret: a chance to travel back in time. The story introduces four different visitors to the café, each one looking for the chance to change their histories.Original price: $32 An adventurous retelling of “The Illiad”. (Amazon )”The Song of Achilles” is a retelling of Homer’s classic work, “The Illiad.” You’ll encounter kings, gods, immortal fame and the spirit of the human heart in this page-turning book by Madeline Miller. It’s an action-packed book that’s an adventure story and a love story all blended together.10 FAST-PACED BOOKS TO READ ON THE BEACHOriginal price: $28 A heartwarming look at an all-deaf football team.  (Amazon )For a heartwarming story of courage and triumph, “The Boys of Riverside” follows an all-deaf high school football team and their climb from underdog to undefeated. Readers learn of their inspirational bond, what is means to be deaf in America and how the team’s head coach spearheaded the entire team.Original price: $28 An epic journey you won’t want to miss.  (Amazon )”I Cheerfully Refuse” is an adventure story at its best. It’s set in the not-too-distant future and revolves around Rainy, who narrates the story as he sets sail on Lake Superior to find his wife. He encounters everything from intense storms to an entirely illiterate culture and a billionaire ruling class.For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/category/dealsOriginal price: $29.99 A dark, mysterious fantasy novel.  (Amazon )A fantasy novel set in the Spanish Golden Age, “The Familiar” follows Luzia Cotado, a scullery maid working for a family in Madrid whose fortune is dwindling. Luzia has magical abilities that the family soon discovers and attempts to profit on, promising a rise in her social standing.