Nonfiction
Data and information are available at the click of a computer key or swipe on our smartphones. But how does this overwhelming abundance translate into what we actually know? And, where does wisdom come in? Indigenous peoples passed on learning through oral traditions. Today, do we effectively pass on the knowledge we’ve acquired? Full of fascinating historical details, the book explores the intricacies of the human mind, what we do with knowledge, and whether creative thought is threatened.
History
In the last two years of his life, Theodore Roosevelt attempted something no ex-president ever did. He wanted to command troops in battle as a division commander. Telling the story of Roosevelt’s life from April 1917 through January 1919, the book recounts the political duel between Roosevelt and then-President Woodrow Wilson and offers valuable insights into the United States of 1900 through 1920. This entertaining and well-written work demonstrates Roosevelt’s massive impact on this period.
Biography
Napoleon Bonaparte is one of history’s most intriguing figures. Roberts places the man and the myth before the reader with clarity. He slices through the mythology and incorrect assumptions, as well as false reporting, such as that of the French general-turned-emperor’s multi-volume memoir written by his secretary. This biography, in line with some of the best to appear this century, enables readers to understand the upbringing, military rise, and political dominance of a history maker.
Fiction
When her mother unexpectedly dies, Natalie Harper takes over her debt-ridden San Francisco bookshop along with the care of her beloved grandfather Andrew, who’s struggling with early dementia. Readers follow along as the grieving Harper faces one challenge after the other in business, caretaking, and romance. Here is a fine novel about the value of family and friends, courtship, and a heart opening to new possibilities, with an abundance of literary references sure to delight booklovers.
Classics
Here are 126 British and American poems from the 19th and 20th centuries that many will recall from childhood or from high school and college literature classes. “O Captain, My Captain,” “Casey at the Bat,” “Because I Could Not Stop for Death,” “Mending Wall,” and “Paul Revere’s Ride” are representative of this collection. Gardner’s choices are ideal for acquainting young people with poetry, swapping verses during family read-alouds, or simply relishing the cadence and sway of meter and rhyme.
For Kids
Young Thomas visits his grandmother’s beach house and learns to collect sea glass. His explorations and discoveries lead him to wonder about the origin and journey of his finds. His grandfather used to say, “Each piece of sea glass has a story of its own.” He dreams of stories upon the sea. Beautifully illustrated, this is the perfect summer read.
