Fiction
Written by four authors, this is a collection of novellas with hopeful themes: In 1776, orphaned and sent to live with an uncle in Connecticut, youngsters Elias and Charlotte face an uncertain future. Daniel Hawkins, a disabled soldier in Virginia in the 1800s struggles to provide for his wife as she goes into labor on Christmas Eve. Delia Evans, a woman hiding in a farmhouse, is discovered by the owner who comes home after serving prison time. It’s a blue Christmas for Wyatt, who is haunted by sad memories. A great read this year, for those who follow the Christmas traditions through Epiphany.
Health and Wellness
Here, the author of the best-selling “Building a Non-Anxious Life” offers a five-step plan for dealing with stress and loneliness. The essence of his approach is to come to grips with our past, which he compares to “bricks in a backpack.” These bricks are our stories, the narratives that make us who we are, and John Delony gives us techniques to help us get past our worst stories, embrace reality, connect with others, and change our thoughts and actions.
Mythology
Norse mythology has become a big part of recent popular culture. Books, games, and movies with Norse themes abound. This book offers a gateway into Norse legend, providing both the original myths and background, and describing popular modern iterations of the mythology. A lively presentation with lots of unexpected information, it is a useful guidebook for those interested in Norse myth. Whether you seek a readable introduction to it or are seeking a quick reference guide, it’s worth reading.
History
Road trips are part of the American experience, and Wes Davis has captured it in its earliest form. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and John Burroughs pile into a vehicle―it almost sounds like the setup for a great American joke. Indeed, this book is all fun, as the author shows how these three friends set off on the road to take a break from work, relax, and (at least for Edison) try to rough it as much as possible. Rediscover the magic of the road trip, and see a rare side to these American giants.
A Modern Classic
Published in 1948 and reflecting the horrors and cultural changes wrought by World War II, this book, which the author later described not as a work of philosophy but as “an intuition of a situation,” deals with the damage done by modernity’s rejection of piety and absolute truth, the consequent decline of reason, and our wrongheaded ideas of equality. It caused an uproar when released, invites fervent debate today, and is considered a foundation stone of modern conservative thought.
For Kids
From the author of “All Creatures Great and Small,” this compilation of beloved stories by the renowned veterinarian features heartwarming tales of farm animals and their adventures. A delightful read filled with beautiful illustrations and memorable characters, this collection is sure to spark joy and instill a love for animals in young readers.
