Nonfiction
By Ryan Holiday
History
By Simon Mayall
Thriller
By Alex Gerlis
It’s the 1930s. The world seems headed for a new war. The Soviets are expanding their spy networks in anticipation. This book follows two reluctant British recruits, code-named Archie and Bertie, who were trapped into spying. Upper-class Archie is sympathetic to Communism. He gains entry to British intelligence by becoming a double agent. Solidly middle class, Bertie is a reporter who resents being tricked into spying. The resulting adventure is reminiscent of Graham Greene’s or Alan Furst’s works.
Gardening
By Roy Vu
Odds are that Vietnamese immigrants to America, especially Vietnam War refugees, are into gardening. This book explains why, by an author well placed to explain. The son of Vietnamese refugees, he arrived in the United States as an infant. After fleeing Vietnam, the first thing many did in refugee camps was plant gardens. They were a source of food, while demonstrating autonomy and empowerment. Once settled in America, they continued gardening. A worthwhile book that sheds light on today’s Vietnamese Americans.
Classics
By Richard Harding Davis
A bestseller in 1895, this short novel tells the tale of Morton Carlton, a successful young American artist who sees the portrait of a princess, falls in love, and sets off for Europe to meet her. During his journey, he encounters several strangers, including an older woman and her niece, who help him in his quest. If you’re looking for a trip back in time, this may be just the vehicle. Though little known today, Davis was renowned for his fiction, journalism, and war reporting.
For Kids
By Doreen Cronin and Harry Bliss
This lighthearted picture book gives readers a glimpse into life from a worm’s perspective via one particular worm’s diary entries. He goes to school and does the Hokey Pokey. He can’t have a dog, and he doesn’t need to bathe. Chock full of fun illustrations and humor, young ones may never look at the earthworms in the yard the same way again.
