Novel
By Emily Arsenault
Billy Webb just started working at the Samuelson Company, a dictionary publisher. Then another new hire, Mona Minot, discovers unusual entries in the citation files. The citations are longer than usual and all from a nonexistent book: “The Broken Teaglass.” Other similar citations are found. Pieced together they hint at a 30-year-old murder. This tautly written novel takes readers into a fascinating world that explores the mysteries of making dictionaries, with a little murder on the side.
American History
By Tom Clavin
Cattle rustler, train robber, and bank robber are three types of iconic Old West bad guys of the 1860s through the century’s end. The Wild Bunch, also known as the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, included Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, Kid Curry, and Flat Nose Curry. They were among the Old West’s most notorious and most romanticized criminals. This book looks at outlaws and lawmen of the last two decades of the 1800s, and the places where outlaws hid. If you enjoyed Clavin’s previous Old West works, you'll definitely want this one.
Non-Fiction
By Nicole Apelian, Ph.D.
Before pharmacies became the chief outlets of drugs and medications, people depended on remedies made from local plants, often dispensed by neighbors practiced in herbology. In this practical, easy-to-use manual of 250 herb-based remedies from times past, Apelian explains how to prepare these old-time recipes in the home. Lots of photos and tips help make this an excellent guide for those wishing to try approaches other than synthetic drugs. It’s especially helpful for newcomers to natural medicine.
Naval History
Edited by Jack Sweetman
Sail through 400 years of naval history with the greatest admirals to ever command. A collection of the 20th century’s top naval historians combine to discuss those who changed the course of history through navigation and naval warfare. From Francis Drake at the end of the 16th century to William “Bull” Halsey during the mid-20th century, readers will obtain a better understanding of how a nation’s power is often predicated on its naval capabilities. A must have for maritime enthusiasts.
Classics
Translated by Richard Gummere
In the 1st century A.D., Seneca wrote a series of letters to his friend Lucilius attempting to persuade him to practice Stoicism. Seneca addressed topics like peace of mind, self-control, and the natural fear of death, while writing with such affable affection that his tone continues to appeal to modern readers. Much of his advice is just as apt today as when he wrote it. “Seneca’s Letters From a Stoic” is not only an excellent introduction to Stoic thought, but also a helpful guide to living the good life.
For Kids
By Margaret Wise Brown and Garth Williams
This gentle and adorable board book version of the classic for young ones depicts a “little fur family” of bears who live in “a warm wooden tree” in the woods as they go about their day. Little fur father heads out for the day and little fur mother gives her child a bath before he heads out to makes an exciting discovery. This simple and sweet bedtime read aloud is sure to become a favorite.
