Fiction
A Navy SEAL’s Revenge
‘The Terminal List’ By Jack CarrThis novel launched the story of a more lethal type of Jack Ryan character. Navy SEAL James Reece discovers the American government had his entire team terminated. He creates his own list to terminate. Rarely has a debut novel garnered such attention and acclaim.
The Story of a Sinner-Saint
‘The Power and the Glory’ By Graham GreeneIn revolutionary, anti-clerical Mexico, a nameless “whiskey priest” is on the run from the authorities. A man given to human frailty—he once fathered a child—the priest is torn by his instinct for survival and his compassion for the suffering poor around him. His enemy, a police lieutenant who believes in an earthly paradise, finally catches the priest when he drops his guard to hear the confession of a dying murderer. This masterpiece about faith, pity, and mercy is as relevant now as when it was written.
History
The Real WWII Casablanca
‘Destination Casablanca: Exile, Espionage, and the Battle for North Africa in World War II’ By Meredith Hindley“Casablanca” was one of the 20th century’s greatest movies. The movie evokes romance, espionage, and adventure. World War II Casablanca, a city in Morocco, proved as exciting and intrigue-filled as the movie. Morocco was a French protectorate, a kingdom with its own government. France treated it as a colony, creating complications as the war impinged on the city. This book details the wartime actions and events affecting Casablanca, perfect for those who like intrigue-filled history.
Fashion
Addressing Dresses
‘Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century’ By Kimberly Chrisman-CampbellIn an age of sexual confusion, it’s pleasant to find a book devoted to celebrating clothing defining femininity, unabashedly and unapologetically. It’s a history and an appreciation of the dress, in all its forms. There’s a chapter on every major dress type of the 20th century, defining the style and presenting its history and impact. The book fits the dress into a larger context, showing its role in history and today’s society.
Food
From the Stove to the Easel
‘Art of the Chicken: A Master Chef’s Paintings, Stories, and Recipes of the Humble Bird’ By Jacques PépinKnown for his culinary expertise in the kitchen, acclaimed French chef Jacques Pépin is also a passionate painter. One of his favorite subjects is the versatile bird: the chicken. In this beautifully illustrated book, Pépin shares his philosophy of living, which includes sharing his love of food and art with family and friends.
Classics
A Play That Shaped America
‘Cato: A Tragedy, and Selected Essays’ By Joseph AddisonFirst performed in 1713, Addison’s play about virtue and liberty in the last years of the Roman Republic remained popular for decades. George Washington and other American patriots drew inspiration from the story of Cato the Younger and his attempts to resist the power-hungry Julius Caesar. Though the play is unsuited to the modern theater, readers can discover in it the passion for freedom and liberty that so aroused the Founding Fathers. Accompanying this text are 32 Addison essays related to the themes of the play.
For Kids
The Triumph of Good Over Evil
‘Redwall’ By Brian JacquesThis first volume in the 22-book “Redwall” series tells the tale of an abbey where the brother mice and a young hero, Matthias, battle to preserve their community against an evil rat. Young readers will love this story. Ages 8 and up.
Snuggly for Winter
‘Bear Snores On’ By Karma Wilson and Jane ChapmanAdorable illustrations and humorous verse depict a cave in winter in which Bear slumbers away. Meanwhile, a mouse seeks shelter in his lair, then a hare, and others, until quite a cozy gathering collects. Will Bear snore on through?
