Most Popular Books by Susan Williams

Documents the lesser-known work of the Belgian Congo secret intelligence mission to prevent uranium from being smuggled into Germany during World War II, drawing on recently released archival materials to illuminate the contributions of intelligence heroes from the founding generation of America''s covert warriors.

It has been 50 years since the UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold mysteriously died in a plane crash in Africa. Williams uncovers new evidence to demonstrate conclusively that the horrific conflict in the Congo was driven not so much by internal divisions as by the Cold War and the West''s determination to control post-colonial Africa.

Filled with “fascinating information, original research, and bold ideas” (NPR), a revelatory account of how African Independence was systematically undermined by the US In 1958 in Accra, Ghana, the Hands Off Africa conference brought together the leading figures of African independence in a public show of political strength and purpose. The charismatic Kwame Nkrumah, who had just won Ghana’s independence, led a determined appeal for Pan-Africanism. Young, idealistic leaders across the continent, as well as African Americans seeking civil rights at home, heeded his call. Yet, a moment that signified a new era of African freedom simultaneously marked a new era of foreign intervention and control. In White Malice, Susan Williams unearths the CIA’s covert operations from Ghana to the Congo to the UN, which frustrated the attempts of Africa’s new generation of nationalist leaders to establish democratic governance. These revelations dramatically upend the conventional wisdom that African nations failed to establish effective, democratic states on their own accord. As the old European powers moved out, the US moved in. Drawing on original research and recently declassified documents, Williams introduces readers to idealistic African leaders and to the secret agents, ambassadors, and even presidents who deliberately worked against them, forever altering the future of a continent.

Sir Seretse Khama, the first President of Botswana and heir apparent to the kingship of the Bangwato people, brought independence and great prosperity to his nation after colonial rule. But for six long years from 1950, Seretse had been forced into exile in England, banned from his own country. His crime? To fall in love and marry a young, white English girl, Ruth Williams. Delving into newly released records, Susan Williams tells Seretse and Ruth''s story - a shocking account of how the British Government conspired with apartheid South Africa to prevent the mixed-race royal couple returning home. But it is also an inspiring, triumphant tale of hope, courage and true love as with tenacity and great dignity Seretse and Ruth and the Bangwato people ovecome prejudice in their fight for justice.

Savory Suppers and Fashionable Feasts offers a delightfully flavorful tour of dining in America during the second half of the nineteenth century. Susan Williams investigates the manners and morals of that era by looking at its eating customs and cooking methods. As she reveals, genteel dining became an increasingly important means of achieving social stability during a period when Americans were facing significant changes on a variety of fronts--social, cultural, intellectual, technological, and demographic. Focusing on the rapidly expanding middle class, Williams not only examines mealtime rituals, but she looks at the material culture of Victorian dining: the furniture, the furnishings, and the growing array of accouterments--from asparagus tongs to sardine servers and lace doilies--that supported genteel expectations for table side behavior. She also explores changing ideas about meals--how they fit into the daily schedule and what kinds of food and drink came to characterize specific meals and menus. Complementing Williams'' analysis and descriptions is a lavish array of illustrations, as well as a rich sampling of recipes from the diaries and cookbooks of the era. The result is at once an informative look at life in Victorian America and a sumptuous celebration of a key moment in the country''s culinary experience. For this new paperback edition, Williams has updated the bibliography and included a new introduction that summarizes trends and advances in the study of dining since the book''s first publication in 1985.

The true story of a love which defied family, Apartheid, and empire - the inspiration for the major new feature film A United Kingdom, starring David Oyelowo and Rosamund Pike London, 1947. He was the heir to an African kingdom. She was a white English insurance clerk. When they met and fell in love, it would change the world. This is the inspiring true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, whose marriage sent shockwaves through the establishment, defied an empire - and, finally, triumphed over the prejudices of their age. ''Reading the book, I realised that I had never seen an African love story of this cinematic scope. It spoke to me as an African, as a man, as a romantic'' David Oyelowo ''A story of forgiveness and healing ... as relevant today as when the whole drama was being played out'' Alexander McCall Smith ''Unmissable ... A love story for the ages ... One of the best films of the year'' Daily Mail ''Irresistible storytelling'' Guardian ''Genuinely moving ... Fascinating and timely'' Time Out

Building on the success and maintaining the 99 Jumpstarts format of the two previous books, 99 Jumpstarts for Kids'' Social Studies Reports is divided into broad topical sections. Each topic is arranged in alphabetical order under its section. Topics are all new to this title and include the Ancient World, Historic World Events, State and Local History, US History, Government and Citizenship, Sociology, Culture and Economics. The book includes the following sections in each Jumpstart: A cited quote about the topic, Related Jumpstarts, New Words, You are There, Topics to Consider, Books, Internet, For the Teacher, and a relevant activity. Each Jumpstart provides a helpful pathfinder that enables students to efficiently access information and learn new information literacy skills as they research topics of personal interest or gather information for school reports. Grades 3-8.

Fern dreams of riding on a wild horse''s back, as fleet as the wind. She makes pets of small animals and watches the bison herds as they pound over the endless grasses of the steppe. Chafing at the inequality of being female, she longs for the freedom her twin brother enjoys to run free in the wilderness. One day in early spring, Fern secretly rescues a young horse mired in the bog, names her Thunder, and tames her enough to ride. But the people of her tribe are distrustful of her bond with nature. Is she a witch? Fern''s future looks bleak until a silent man in a rival tribe, known only as The Nameless One, teaches her about patience—and love. Susan Williams''s lyrical prose makes this journey to prehistoric western Asia at once inspiring and heart wrenching.

This practical, research-based guide provides a wealth of tools and strategies for implementing social skills training in school or clinical settings. Numerous case examples illustrate common social difficulties experienced by children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Asperger syndrome; the impact on peer relationships, school performance, and behavior; and how social skills training can help. Chapters delve into the nuts and bolts of teaching and reinforcing core skills in classroom, small-group, or individual contexts, emphasizing ways to tailor interventions to each individual''s needs. Reproducible forms and worksheets can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

This third entry in the Jumpstarts series focuses on Science topics for upper elementary and middle school students. Maintaining the 99 Jumpstarts format of the two previous books, 99 Jumpstarts for Kids Science Research is divided into ten broad topical sections. Each topic is arranged in alphabetical order under its section. Topics include Body Parts, Energy, Animals, Heavens, Weather, Matter, Medicine, Technology, Environment, and Geology. This pathfinder approach aides students in the research process, helping them define important terms, offer beginning questions to help narrow their topic, furnish source ideas and some fun activities to explore each topic. Grades 4-8.

In this candid and moving account Susan Williams tells the story of what really happened to King Edward, drawing on diaries, secret documents and thousands of letters sent to Edward by the public to re-create the tragic events that led to his abdication. She reveals a hugely popular, deeply loved monarch, one whose modern ideas and sympathy for the poor so unsettled the establishment that his devotion to Wallis Simpson provided the perfect excuse to force him off the throne.

The third verse of “Silent Night” describes God’s interaction with us as being like “radiant beams from Thy holy face.” He’s constantly giving us amazing little touches that make a big difference in our lives. I call those “radiant beams” and put them into story form. Hope you like! When the solution to a problem drops out of nowhere . . . when you “hear” a still, small voice speaking to your heart . . . when a coincidence leaves you laughing and shaking your head . . . that’s God. Let’s celebrate the joy of living, blessed by the sweetness and love of the Light of the World. ~ Susan Darst Williams, Mount Laundry, Nebraska

In addition to offering a detailed view of the intricate rituals of the dining table and the environment that both supported and shaped those rituals, this books provides menus and recipes for actual nineteenth-century meals.