Historical Fiction
By Michael Ennis
At the cusp of the 16th century, notoriously corrupt Pope Alexander VI’s illegitimate son Juan was murdered. The pope wants to know who did it. Five years later, clues to the killer’s identity emerge in Imola, a Northern Italian city. Alexander VI sends Damiata, a Roman courtesan, to investigate. What follows is a tautly written mystery using events and characters that came together in Imola in 1502. It cleverly blends the actual events of that year and characters like Leonardo da Vinci and Machiavelli with a fictional plot.
Astrophysics
By Pierre Sokolsky
The Sun is our nearest star, Earth’s source of heat, light, and life. Humans have observed and even worshiped it since prehistoric times. Since at least the Middle Ages observers have seen imperfections on the Sun’s disk. These black spots are now called sunspots. This book is a history of solar astronomy and a scientific exploration of the Sun that focuses on sunspots. Fascinating to read, it brings readers up to date on the current solar model, while informing them of the rich history of solar astronomy.
Thriller
By Roderick Thorp
A New York City cop arrives at a Christmas party in downtown Los Angeles. The party is held in a skyscraper, but the festivities go terribly awry when a group of international terrorists seize take the partygoers as hostages. Now it’s up to the lone New York cop to take on the criminals. Sound familiar? This is the 1979 book that resulted in the classic action movie and, for many, a great Christmas film: “Die Hard.” Celebrate the holidays with Detective John McClane. Then follow it with some quality time with Bruce Willis.
Non-Fiction
By Art and Laraine Bennett
For decades, this husband and wife duo have studied the temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—and how they affect personality. Here they blend what they’ve learned with counseling techniques, science, and spirituality to help Mom and Dad identify their kids’ temperaments. With this information, parents can better understand their children’s moods and behavior, and they'll be able to reach them and teach them more effectively. Humor and personal anecdotes add to the pleasure of this insightful guide.
Classics
Edited by John Hollander
This two-volume boxed set contains more than 1,000 poems by nearly 150 poets and includes a biographical sketch of each. Here you’ll find century’s greatest makers of verse—Melville, Dickinson, Emerson, and more—along with those esteemed in their day, but now overlooked, like Whittier, Longfellow, and Holmes. Selected Native American poetry, folk songs, and hymns top off this literary compilation. Add in sewn bindings and acid-free paper, and you have a beautiful gift for the poet in your life.
For Kids
By Toni Buzzeo and Nancy Carpenter
Frances and her brother Peter face a lonely Christmas in their lighthouse and wonder if Santa will even know about their remote island. When a nor'easter upends a boat in the distance, their Papa manages to rescue the sailor while Frances bravely keeps the lighthouse lit. A heartwarming tale that embodies the true spirit of Christmas.
