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The woman behind the icon known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the undisputed Queen of Halloween, reveals her full story filled with intimate bombshells-told by the bombshell herself. On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles from the nearest hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water. Third-degree burns covered 35% of her body, and the prognosis wasn't good. But she survived. Burned and scarred, the impact stayed with her and became an obstacle she was determined to overcome. Feeling like a misfit led to her love of horror. While her sisters played with Barbie dolls, Cassandra built model kits of Frankenstein and Dracula, and idolized Vincent Price. Due to a complicated relationship with her mother, Cassandra left home at 14, and by age 17 she was performing at the famed Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas. Run-ins with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tom Jones helped her grow up fast. Then a chance encounter with her idol Elvis Presley, changed the course of her life forever, and led her to Europe where she worked in film and traveled Italy as lead singer of an Italian pop band. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she joined the famed comedy improv group, The Groundlings, and worked alongside Phil Hartman and Paul "Pee-wee" Reubens, honing her comedic skills. Nearing age 30, a struggling actress considered past her prime, she auditioned at local LA channel KHJ as hostess for the late night vintage horror movies. Cassandra improvised, made the role her own, and got the job on the spot. Yours Cruelly, Elvira is an unforgettably wild memoir. Cassandra doesn't shy away from revealing exactly who she is and how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Always original and sometimes outrageous, her story is loaded with twists, travails, revelry, and downright shocking experiences. It is the candid, often funny, and sometimes heart-breaking tale of a Midwest farm girl's long strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon. Instant New York Times Bestseller, Los Angeles Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, Publishers Weekly Bestseller A New York Times Best Books to Give This Season selection

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! A must-have book for all parents, this illustrated collection of tender, funny, radically honest poems about parenthood, based on a series of popular Instagram posts, is the perfect baby shower or Mother's Day gift. Modern parenthood can feel indescribable. This poignant collection of poetry and art chronicles the ups and downs of a rollercoaster ride that every parent will recognize. Capturing the joys and frustrations that come with each fleetingly precious (or interminable) stage of development, Poems of Parenting will be a balm to the soul of weary parents. From fresh baby snuggles to terrible tantrums, and everything in-between, artist Loryn Brantz has touched on something unique and universal in her debut poetry collection based on her popular Instagram series. Poems of Parenting is the perfect companion on any parent's journey through the uncertain terrain of raising cherished children in extraordinary times. Loryn Brantz is an author, artist, poet, and director. She is the creator of two bestselling board book series, Feminist Baby and It Had to Be You (Love Poems Your Baby Can See) and is also a two-time Emmy Award winner for her work on Sesame Street. She is currently a consulting creative director for the beloved children's education program Ms. Rachel. Her greatest desire is to make the world a better place through art, even if just a little-but hopefully, a lot. Loryn lives in New York City with her husband, architect Jake J. Brotter, and children, Dalia and Ronen. This beautiful collection of illustrated poetry reminds you that you aren't alone with: Relatable Parenting Poems: Find validation and a knowing laugh in verses that capture everything from the magic of baby snuggles to the madness of toddler tantrums. Illustrated Poetry Collection: Dozens of beautiful illustrations by author Loryn Brantz bring the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood to life. The Perfect New Mom Gift: A thoughtful and heartwarming present for baby showers, Mother's Day, or for any parent who needs a reminder they're doing a great job. Honest and Heartfelt: Written with the radical honesty and humor that made Loryn Brantz a beloved Instagram creator and two-time Emmy-winning artist.

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! A must-have book for all parents, this illustrated collection of tender, funny, radically honest poems about parenthood, based on a series of popular Instagram posts, is the perfect baby shower or Mother's Day gift. Modern parenthood can feel indescribable. This poignant collection of poetry and art chronicles the ups and downs of a rollercoaster ride that every parent will recognize. Capturing the joys and frustrations that come with each fleetingly precious (or interminable) stage of development, Poems of Parenting will be a balm to the soul of weary parents. From fresh baby snuggles to terrible tantrums, and everything in-between, artist Loryn Brantz has touched on something unique and universal in her debut poetry collection based on her popular Instagram series. Poems of Parenting is the perfect companion on any parent's journey through the uncertain terrain of raising cherished children in extraordinary times. Loryn Brantz is an author, artist, poet, and director. She is the creator of two bestselling board book series, Feminist Baby and It Had to Be You (Love Poems Your Baby Can See) and is also a two-time Emmy Award winner for her work on Sesame Street. She is currently a consulting creative director for the beloved children's education program Ms. Rachel. Her greatest desire is to make the world a better place through art, even if just a little-but hopefully, a lot. Loryn lives in New York City with her husband, architect Jake J. Brotter, and children, Dalia and Ronen. This beautiful collection of illustrated poetry reminds you that you aren't alone with: Relatable Parenting Poems: Find validation and a knowing laugh in verses that capture everything from the magic of baby snuggles to the madness of toddler tantrums. Illustrated Poetry Collection: Dozens of beautiful illustrations by author Loryn Brantz bring the emotional rollercoaster of parenthood to life. The Perfect New Mom Gift: A thoughtful and heartwarming present for baby showers, Mother's Day, or for any parent who needs a reminder they're doing a great job. Honest and Heartfelt: Written with the radical honesty and humor that made Loryn Brantz a beloved Instagram creator and two-time Emmy-winning artist.

Instant NEW YORK TIMES bestseller One of Barnes & Noble BEST BOOKS OF 2024 STYLIST Book of the Month: 'A gem' GUARDIAN Book of the Week: 'Wise and exquisitely written' ANN PATCHETT: 'Sandwich is joy in book form' NINA STIBBE: 'Funny, wise' RACHEL JOYCE: 'A piece of perfection' GRAZIA Book of the month For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family's yearly escape. Their rustic beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, its quirky furniture and mismatched pots and pans greeted like old friends. Now, sandwiched between her children who are adult enough to be fun but still young enough to need her, and her parents who are alive and healthy, Rocky wants to preserve this golden moment forever. This one precious week when everything is in balance; everything is in flux. But every family has its secrets and hers is no exception. With her body in open revolt and surprises invading her peaceful haven, the perfectly balanced seesaw of Rocky's life is tipping towards change... Richard and Judy Book Club selected author for We All Want Impossible Things ____________ Praise for SANDWICH: ' Sandwich is joy in book form . I laughed continuously, except for the parts that made me cry. Catherine Newman does a miraculous job reminding us of all the wonder there is to be found in life' Ann Patchett, author of Tom Lake 'I stand in awe, it's just perfect' Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Swan Song 'If you are after a book to pack on your next holiday, look no further. Here is a novel which will go down as easily as a chilled poolside drink ' i Newspaper ' I adored this novel and am forcing it on everyone I know - Jenny Colgan, author of The Summer Skies 'Newman is truly a master of taking complex and chaotic human emotion and making sense of it' Guardian 'If you want to laugh out loud , tear up and rush to pull out a book in the 35 seconds between subway stops , this sweet, savory, tenderhearted Sandwich fits the bill, and goes down like (bread and) buttah' New York Times 'A wonderful book about how families love, disagree, fail one another - and endure ' Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry ' Engaging, frank, funny and moving... in every sense the hot summer read' Daily Mail New York Times bestseller, July 2024

Instant NEW YORK TIMES bestseller One of Barnes & Noble BEST BOOKS OF 2024 STYLIST Book of the Month: 'A gem' GUARDIAN Book of the Week: 'Wise and exquisitely written' ANN PATCHETT: 'Sandwich is joy in book form' NINA STIBBE: 'Funny, wise' RACHEL JOYCE: 'A piece of perfection' GRAZIA Book of the month For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family's yearly escape. Their rustic beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, its quirky furniture and mismatched pots and pans greeted like old friends. Now, sandwiched between her children who are adult enough to be fun but still young enough to need her, and her parents who are alive and healthy, Rocky wants to preserve this golden moment forever. This one precious week when everything is in balance; everything is in flux. But every family has its secrets and hers is no exception. With her body in open revolt and surprises invading her peaceful haven, the perfectly balanced seesaw of Rocky's life is tipping towards change... Richard and Judy Book Club selected author for We All Want Impossible Things ____________ Praise for SANDWICH: ' Sandwich is joy in book form . I laughed continuously, except for the parts that made me cry. Catherine Newman does a miraculous job reminding us of all the wonder there is to be found in life' Ann Patchett, author of Tom Lake 'I stand in awe, it's just perfect' Elin Hilderbrand, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Swan Song 'If you are after a book to pack on your next holiday, look no further. Here is a novel which will go down as easily as a chilled poolside drink ' i Newspaper ' I adored this novel and am forcing it on everyone I know - Jenny Colgan, author of The Summer Skies 'Newman is truly a master of taking complex and chaotic human emotion and making sense of it' Guardian 'If you want to laugh out loud , tear up and rush to pull out a book in the 35 seconds between subway stops , this sweet, savory, tenderhearted Sandwich fits the bill, and goes down like (bread and) buttah' New York Times 'A wonderful book about how families love, disagree, fail one another - and endure ' Rachel Joyce, author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry ' Engaging, frank, funny and moving... in every sense the hot summer read' Daily Mail New York Times bestseller, July 2024

"Wonderful, touching, and terrifying writing." —Sebastian Barry "Bodrožić has a knack for noticing. Seamlessly, she taps into the perceptiveness of the child's-eye-view and casts it on the page in crystalline form. To shape these minute details into a smooth and compelling read is a testament to Bodrožić's talent, a facility mirrored by the capable hands of Elias-Bursac." —Sara Nović; author of Girl at War “When something important happens in the literary arena, when a really great book is written, it is well worth pausing for a moment to celebrate it and contemplate the arrival of a magnificent new talent.” —Miljenko Jergović; author of Sarajevo Marlboro, named one of the 25 books that inspired the world by World Literature Today, winner of the Erich Maria Remarque Peace Prize “The story of a child’s survival in inconceivable circumstances. This novel touched me to the core.” —Janne Teller, author of Nothing, a Printz and Batchelder Honor Book "Ivana Bodrožić’s Hotel Tito is powerful tale of human resilience. Dripping with authenticity. Heartbreaking, horrific, but ultimately redemptive. An instant classic. Not just an anti-war novel but a human novel. Wonderful writing and personal insight make Hotel Tito a unique kind masterpiece. A must-read testimony to the human spirit." —Eoin Colfer, bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series "Powerful and moving." —Jim Sheridan, acclaimed director of My Left Foot and In America "Drawing on personal experience, Bodrožić is remarkably adept at blending a coming-of-age story about a girl who both knows and doesn’t know what’s happening with a starkly, almost matter-of-factly delivered picture of suffering we should not forget." —Library Journal, "Ten Top Titles for Winter Reading" "A young girl is caught in the turmoil of adolescence and war.Drawing on her own family's experiences during Yugoslavia's struggle for independence in the 1990s, poet and fiction writer Bodrožić’(The Hole, 2016, etc.) creates a captivating tale that earned acclaim and literary awards when it was published in Europe. Translated by Elias-Bursa?, the story begins when the slyly observant narrator is 9 and suddenly is sent, with her older brother, from their home in Vukovar, on the Croatian-Serbian border, to the seashore. Although her parents do not explain why, she has "a sneaking feeling it has to do with politics because everybody talks about politics all the time." A few weeks later, the children's mother arrives, but their father remains in Vukovar to defend Croatia against the Serbs, a long siege that ends in the imprisonment—and; the family later learns, the murder—of 400 men, her father among them. The remaining family members become refugees, housed in one shabby room at the former Political School in Kumrovec, which they sardonically dub the Hotel Tito, after longtime Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito, a native of that city. Living on a meager displaced family's allowance, they find a community consisting only of other refugees. Repeatedly, they petition the government for an apartment. "Believe me," the mother writes, "it is much harder for the families of the missing because there are things we can never accept, and the uncertainty is crushing us." Equally crushing is widespread disdain toward refugees. Against the backdrop of political news and rumors, the narrator grows up, setting aside Barbie dolls for disco clubs, dealing with jealousy, hurt feelings, her brother's volatile anger, her mother's depression, and her own mysterious emotions. "How cool it was to be all melancholy and sighs," she reflects. Desperate to leave the Hotel Tito, she is elated when her excellent grades make her eligible for a fine secondary school in the capital city of Zagreb. In the new setting, though beset by grief and fear, she is buoyed by hope.Tragic history conveyed with honesty and candor." —Kirkus Reviews

"Wonderful, touching, and terrifying writing." —Sebastian Barry "Bodrožić has a knack for noticing. Seamlessly, she taps into the perceptiveness of the child's-eye-view and casts it on the page in crystalline form. To shape these minute details into a smooth and compelling read is a testament to Bodrožić's talent, a facility mirrored by the capable hands of Elias-Bursac." —Sara Nović; author of Girl at War “When something important happens in the literary arena, when a really great book is written, it is well worth pausing for a moment to celebrate it and contemplate the arrival of a magnificent new talent.” —Miljenko Jergović; author of Sarajevo Marlboro, named one of the 25 books that inspired the world by World Literature Today, winner of the Erich Maria Remarque Peace Prize “The story of a child’s survival in inconceivable circumstances. This novel touched me to the core.” —Janne Teller, author of Nothing, a Printz and Batchelder Honor Book "Ivana Bodrožić’s Hotel Tito is powerful tale of human resilience. Dripping with authenticity. Heartbreaking, horrific, but ultimately redemptive. An instant classic. Not just an anti-war novel but a human novel. Wonderful writing and personal insight make Hotel Tito a unique kind masterpiece. A must-read testimony to the human spirit." —Eoin Colfer, bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series "Powerful and moving." —Jim Sheridan, acclaimed director of My Left Foot and In America "Drawing on personal experience, Bodrožić is remarkably adept at blending a coming-of-age story about a girl who both knows and doesn’t know what’s happening with a starkly, almost matter-of-factly delivered picture of suffering we should not forget." —Library Journal, "Ten Top Titles for Winter Reading" "A young girl is caught in the turmoil of adolescence and war.Drawing on her own family's experiences during Yugoslavia's struggle for independence in the 1990s, poet and fiction writer Bodrožić’(The Hole, 2016, etc.) creates a captivating tale that earned acclaim and literary awards when it was published in Europe. Translated by Elias-Bursa?, the story begins when the slyly observant narrator is 9 and suddenly is sent, with her older brother, from their home in Vukovar, on the Croatian-Serbian border, to the seashore. Although her parents do not explain why, she has "a sneaking feeling it has to do with politics because everybody talks about politics all the time." A few weeks later, the children's mother arrives, but their father remains in Vukovar to defend Croatia against the Serbs, a long siege that ends in the imprisonment—and; the family later learns, the murder—of 400 men, her father among them. The remaining family members become refugees, housed in one shabby room at the former Political School in Kumrovec, which they sardonically dub the Hotel Tito, after longtime Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito, a native of that city. Living on a meager displaced family's allowance, they find a community consisting only of other refugees. Repeatedly, they petition the government for an apartment. "Believe me," the mother writes, "it is much harder for the families of the missing because there are things we can never accept, and the uncertainty is crushing us." Equally crushing is widespread disdain toward refugees. Against the backdrop of political news and rumors, the narrator grows up, setting aside Barbie dolls for disco clubs, dealing with jealousy, hurt feelings, her brother's volatile anger, her mother's depression, and her own mysterious emotions. "How cool it was to be all melancholy and sighs," she reflects. Desperate to leave the Hotel Tito, she is elated when her excellent grades make her eligible for a fine secondary school in the capital city of Zagreb. In the new setting, though beset by grief and fear, she is buoyed by hope.Tragic history conveyed with honesty and candor." —Kirkus Reviews