Nonfiction
By Claire Hubbard-Hall
Hubbard-Hall’s appraisal of the women working in Britain’s intelligence service during the 20th century’s two world wars reveals their vital role in helping to win those conflicts. Mostly overlooked until now, they decoded messages, analyzed complex data, and foiled enemy attempts at espionage.
One of these women was Kathleen Pettigrew, widely regarded as the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Miss Moneypenny in his James Bond novels. It’s a rich blend of history, anecdote, and action.
Philosophy
By Thomas M. Ward
Boethius is considered the last Roman philosopher, and his demise is similar to one of the early Greek philosophers: execution due to false accusation. This 5th-century philosopher and Christian theologian is accused of treason and sentenced to death by the king, Theoderic the Great. This practitioner of stoicism finds himself the result of injustice, but clings to his philosophy, and, more importantly, his faith. Ward presents an insightful analysis of when philosophy fails, faith can triumph.
Biography
By Jeff Apter
Carl Perkins wrote “Blue Suede Shoes,” a 1950s rock-and-roll anthem. One of Sun Studio’s four big stars along with Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, he inspired other musicians, including the Beatles. Yet he’s largely forgotten today. This new biography of Perkins puts Perkins and his rock and roll in context, explaining why Perkins is often overlooked. It also shows Perkins was a genuinely decent man. Nice guys may not become the biggest stars, but they can still finish first.
Military Thriller
By T.R. Matson
Jack “Rattler” Owen dreamt of growing up to become a U.S. Navy fighter pilot. Now a pilot in today’s U.S. Navy, he flies the E-2C Hawkeye, not fighters. As the book opens, “Rattler” discovers flying Hawkeyes is as exciting as flying a Hornet. Over the Persian Gulf, he has to fly his broken Hawkeye to USS Nimitz. It seems the damage suffered may have been sabotage and caused by someone aboard his carrier. Now Jack needs to track the culprit down. Refreshing and original, it makes Hawkeye its star.
Classics
By Jane Austen
This book, which easily fits into a purse or a coat pocket, is an ideal gift for Austen fans, literature teachers, and readers looking for a handy and unique collection of Christian prayer. The language is lovely, redolent with the rhythms of “The Book of Common Prayer,” and the black-and-white period illustrations add to the beauty of this gem. Includes two short essays on Austen’s spiritual life by Terry Glaspey, who gathered these prayers from her letters and writings.
For Kids
By Peggy Rathmann
When a zookeeper makes his nighttime rounds, wishing “good night” to each animal in the zoo, one intrepid gorilla manages to take his keys without him noticing. Animal after animal sneaks along behind the zookeeper’s back, unbeknownst to him. This hilarious bedtime read will have young ones giggling and asking for it to be read again and again.
