Nonfiction
A New Racism Disguised as Antiracism
“Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America” By John McWhorterProgressive Columbia linguist John McWhorter makes the convincing case that “wokeism” functions like an illogical religion and that it’s setting up black Americans for failure. The author is a brilliant thinker and writer whose every sentence is meticulously considered.
The Price of Pandemic Panic
“Pandemia: How Coronavirus Hysteria Took Over Our Government, Rights, and Lives” By Alex BerensonJournalist Alex Berenson has been obsessed with digging up the data behind the pandemic numbers since it started—often putting him at odds with public figures and mainstream journalists when the data didn’t match their narrative. It’s an in-depth look at how, all too often, fear-mongering and misinformed policies were rolled out at the costs of medical autonomy, free speech, and other freedoms.
History
Against All Odds
“History of the United States” By George BancroftWritten less than 100 years after the American Revolution, this history book from 1860 delves into a few key years of the American War for Independence.
Unlike many history books that gloss over small details, Bancroft’s book goes in-depth about life on the ground—from soldiers in freezing conditions who had no shoes to an army that relied on the goodwill of locals for supplies. The stories illustrate how the colonists fought a war that they saw no hope of winning for the hope of freedom.
Fiction
A Soldier’s Story
“Once an Eagle” By Anton MyrerYoung Sam Damon joins the U.S. Army just before the outbreak of World War I. When the war ends, he wins the Medal of Honor and decides to make the military his career. This book follows him through two decades of peace before he ships out again to fight the Japanese in the Pacific Theater. Often confronted by moral dilemmas and by the temptations of careerism, Damon shows what it means to be a “true officer and a gentleman.” This is an enthralling novel.
Food
A Sugar-Dusted Countdown to Christmas
“Advent: Festive German Bakes to Celebrate the Coming of Christmas” By Anja DunkIn Germany, Advent season is the most delicious time of year. With this book, author Anja Dunk takes readers through the parade of traditional treats, from spiced Lebkuchen to mice-shaped meringues. The warm storytelling, candlelit photography, and charming linocut illustrations will fill you with festive cheer.
Classics
Read the Book!
“A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Stories” By Charles DickensThere are more than 100 film versions of “A Christmas Carol,” but how many of us have read the book? Dickens’s story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his conversion to goodness became a best-seller on the day it was published. The writing is exuberant, the characters are finely drawn, and the story is inspiring. Watch the films if you wish—the Alastair Sim 1951 movie is wonderful—but give the book a shot as well. This book is a great read-aloud for the family or for the enjoyment of those who love the English language. It also includes “The Chimes” and “The Haunted Man.”
For Kids
Gems From the Past
“Treasury of Classic Children’s Literature” Edited by William F. Buckley Jr.This collection of stories first appeared in the famous children’s periodical “St. Nicholas Magazine.” Here, young readers can enjoy such splendid tales as Rudyard Kipling’s “Rikki-tikki-tavi” and Louisa May Alcott’s “Onawandah.”
A Carol Comes Alive
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” By Laurel LongThe classic English carol comes to life through Long’s stunning oil paintings, which become more elaborate as new gifts are added each day. Readers will revel in searching for the gifts hidden within each illustration.
