History
There are numerous battles in the Revolutionary War that can be considered turning points, such as Bunker Hill, Trenton and Princeton, Saratoga, and Yorktown. As consequential as those battles were, there is another that is as significant yet less understood: the Battle of Monmouth. Lender and Stone demonstrate how this battle played out militarily, and, more importantly, how it played out politically for George Washington. Full of insightful material, this book proves to be an important work.
Fiction
Edited and introduced by P.D. James, herself a writer of detective novels, this collection gives readers 15 stories about the plain, short priest with a big umbrella who, though seemingly naïve and bumbling, solves mysteries through his keen wit, his insights into human behavior, and what James calls his “profound understanding of evil.” Included are such classics as “The Blue Cross,” “The Secret Garden,” and “The Hammer of God.” The prose is a bit old-fashioned, but the plots are grand.
Politics
Changing the dynamics of Washington politics to sway in your favor can be a daunting undertaking. This memoir takes readers back to the days when former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich helped create the Contract with America in 1994. Sharing previously untold personal stories about the politicians who gave rise to modern conservatism and the Republican revolution in Congress, this work, full of important principles, shares lessons well-learned and worthwhile for today’s governing challenges.
Classics
The result of “a lifelong love affair” with literature, this book takes readers on a tour of 189 authors and their works, from ancient times through the 20th century. Van Doren’s clear, reader-friendly explorations of writers such as Aristotle, Dante, Pascal, Defoe, and others make him an ideal companion for first-time readers of their books. He is open with his critique, expressing likes and dislikes, but is also fair and honest with his evaluations. It’s excellent for both reference and pleasure.
Biography
Richard McKenna joined the U.S. Navy to find a financial shelter during the Great Depression. After 22 years in the Navy, he retired to become what he dreamed of: a writer. In 11 years, he went from being an unknown sailor to a celebrated author. He focused on his naval experiences and yielded a best-selling novel, “The Sand Pebbles.” Noble’s masterful biography shows how a boy from an impoverished family grew up to become an author who combined literary excellence with popular appeal.
For Kids
The first in a beloved series, “Mrs. Piggle Wiggle” introduces young readers to the lively title character who lives in an “upside-down house” in a colorful neighborhood where many children with questionable habits live. A widow, she was left a treasure chest of magical cures by her husband. Fun and delightful, this makes a great read-aloud for bedtime.
