Fiction
Brad Thor, known for setting his thrillers against the backgrounds of current or emerging security threats, brings back top-spy Scot Harvath for a 22nd book—this time set in Ukraine. Our hero is hot on the heels of a rogue unit of the Wagner Group. At stake are not only the lives of innocents, including a U.S. citizen, but also invaluable Ukrainian art. Along the way, Harvath and his team are swept into a war whose real-time developments add an uncanny aspect to this heart-pounding thriller.
Poetry
From the American Poets Project, this anthology makes a great pick-me-up when you need to smile. Several masters of this form, like Phyllis McGinley and Ogden Nash, are here, along with humorous works by lesser-known wits, like Arthur Guiterman and Samuel Hoffenstein. Robert Frost’s “The Wrights’ Biplane” and Dorothy Parker’s “Comment,” and others are sure to bring a chuckle. Urbane, well-crafted, and exuberant, these light-hearted poems represent the best of our country’s comic verse.
History
Theodore Roosevelt was a true man of adventure. The myths and legends that surround him are often quite accurate, and the expedition he co-led with Brazil’s famed explorer Cândido Rondon along the Amazon’s uncharted Rio da Dúvida (River of Doubt) confirms that the legend is real. Ms. Millard’s expertise in nature is on full display as she describes in detail the flora and fauna of the Amazon and brings the expedition to life. Full of adventure and danger, this story will leave you breathless.
Biography
Georgette “Dickey” Meyer Chappelle was a pioneering photojournalist, and a maverick World War II war correspondent in the Pacific. She covered numerous conflicts between 1946 and 1965. This is the first comprehensive biography of a remarkable woman, beginning with her birth in 1918 and ending with her death in combat in 1965 while covering U.S. Marines in Vietnam. Ms. Rinehart does a first-rate job of unpacking a complex individual, revealing the real Dickey Chappelle and stripping away the myths.
Classics
Paine’s boldly-written 1776 pamphlet in support of the American Revolution was distributed to George Washington’s troops. Paine cited the evils of monarchy and of governments in general, and his arguments for liberty converted many doubters to the American cause. His major points regarding tyranny and freedom influenced some of the ideas found in the Declaration of Independence and remain relevant even today.
For Kids
A young girl steps out into the cooling outdoors as summer begins to fade and autumn arrives. She greets the creatures and creations she finds with a cheerful “Hello,” as she observes and appreciates the wonders of nature. A lovely celebration of the season and nature in general, this peaceful picture book might encourage a nature walk or two.
