Nonfiction
By Kirk Cameron
Actor, producer, and author of children’s books, Kirk Cameron examines America’s biblical roots, the long drift away from the exercise of faith in the public square, and how a reformation of the culture begins with a reformation of the self. His well-reasoned arguments end with a call to activism and engagement, and to bring to ourselves and society the courage with which we are endowed. “Be the reformation,” the author argues, while also showing us ways to do so. A highly recommended read.
Poetry
By Jay Parini
Robert Frost is arguably America’s greatest poet. For more than a century, his poems have captured a vast audience, from youth to adults and from academics to the common man. Jay Parini, a leading scholar on Frost, as well as poetry, has selected 16 poems to not merely memorize, but to guide people through the phases of life. Parini explains the meaning behind the poems and how they relate to the reader. A beautiful work that elevates the brilliant poet while making him even more relatable.
Mystery
By Martin Walker
It is spring in St. Denis, a small village in rural France. Chief of Police Bruno Courrèges is too busy to appreciate the rural spring. Everything is happening at once. An international counterterrorism summit is scheduled in St. Denis. Animal rights extremists arrive to stop a major village industry—foie gras. A body turns up at a nearby archeological dig—not an ancient Neanderthal, but a newly dead modern human. This fast-paced adventure in an easygoing setting is highly entertaining.
History
By Barbara Radnofsky and Ed Supkis
Astronaut Alan Shepard’s first stop after release from post-Apollo 14 quarantine was a trip to the barber for a postmission haircut. Before Shepard’s friend and longtime barber Carlos Villagomez started cutting, Shepard gave Villagomez an autographed golf ball. This book tells the story of two men and their friendship. It asks if that golf ball was taken to the moon with two others Shepard left there. It shows the camaraderie between those working for and living among the space community.
Classics
By P.G. Wodehouse
The bumbling and naive Bertie Wooster finds himself caught up in a web of plots involving a world cruise, an 18th-century cow creamer, a mixed-up romance, newts, a fascist movement, and more. As the disasters pile up, his astute butler, the poker-faced Jeeves, steps up to rescue Bertie from his entanglements. The madcap antics, Jeeves’s droll remarks, and the delightful play of language in this vintage Wodehouse deliver escapism, laughter, and some bits of wisdom thrown in for good measure.
For Kids
by Philip C. Stead and Erin E. Stead
A sleepy bear is getting ready for hibernation, but first he’s got a story to tell. The other animals in the forest are also busy making their preparations for winter. Will anyone have time to listen to his story? This gentle and beautifully illustrated picture book captures the essence of late autumn and makes for the perfect bedtime read.
