Fantasy
‘The Eighth Arrow: Odysseus in the Underworld’
By J. Augustine WettaDante encased Odysseus, hero of Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey” in the Eighth Circle of Hell, inside a bubble of fire with comrade-in-arms Diomedes. This novel starts with that scene. Odysseus’s encounter with Dante and Virgil shakes Odysseus out of his lethargy. He calls on Athena to rescue him. She takes the two to Dante’s vestibule, gives them seven arrows for aid, and tells them to reach heaven by crossing Hell. A book of rare wit, it blends an entertaining story with an enlightening message.
Nonfiction
‘Beauty & Imitation: A Philosophical Reflection on the Arts’
By Daniel McInernyThis writer and philosophy professor offers readers a reflection on the arts, ranging from painting to literature to film. He focuses on the mimetic, the realistic picturing of the natural world and the humans who inhabit it. These creations tell a story in one way or another. Using scores of examples, Mr. McInerny explores the pathway of beauty that leads to truth. Readers looking for an unfashionable excursion into the arts and their meaning will find that tour in this book.
Fashion
‘Cary Grant: A Celebration of Style’
By Richard TorregrossaCary Grant was one of America’s most beloved Hollywood stars. He was the mid-century symbol of elegance, suaveness, and style. Those elements were all on display in his hit films. But it wasn’t just for the camera; they were what made Cary Grant, well, Cary Grant. This book showcases the leading man’s fashion sense on and off screen with commentary from one of the nation’s leading fashion journalists. After reading, feel free to emulate Grant’s timeless style.
Photography
‘City Unseen: New Visions of an Urban Planet’
By Karen C. Seto and Meredith RebaThis book contains city images made by Earth-observation satellites, primarily Landsat and ASTER. It displays 100 different cities on every continent taken over 40-plus years. It has many surprises and delights. Examples include the Korean peninsula at night starkly contrasting the North and South, Houston’s road system spectacularly displayed, and circular irrigation effects around Garden City, Kansas. It offers a different view of the world we live on, from pole to equator.
This prequel to the Leatherstocking series introduces readers to Natty Bumppo, the skilled frontiersman known as Deerslayer. With his friend Chingachgook, he leads readers through a series of adventures, including conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. The story addresses topics like friendship, loyalty, honor, and romance. Its 19th-century language may be a stumbling block for some readers, but the story will appeal to those desiring a sample of our early literature and history.
Young Nicky doesn’t want to spend the summer at his artsy, nature-loving Grandma’s house, complaining, “She doesn’t even have TV.” Stunning illustrations showcase the wonders of nature around Grandma’s house, the magic of summer adventures, and the beauty of life’s simplest wonders and delights. It’s a perfect read-aloud to round out the summer season.
