Fiction
A Comic Book Hero That Isn’t ‘Woke’
‘Isom’ By Eric JulyEric July grew up a huge comic book fan and despises the current woke trajectory of the industry. His response? Create his own hero and his own comic universe. Great storytelling, high-level artistry, and characters that are a throwback to what made comics great.
Reading for Pleasure
‘Christmas Everlasting’ By Nora RobertsThis bestselling queen of romance introduces two novels to her readers. “Local Hero” features Hester Wallace, a busy single mother who gradually falls in love with her next-door neighbor, a cartoonist who offers to watch her son. “All I Want for Christmas” finds piano teacher Nell Davis in a new town, where she becomes attracted to the father of her twin students. They want a new mom, and she’s falling for their dad, but he’s not sure she’ll fit into the family. Light reading and some sweet recreation.
Memoir
Life Among Cartoonists
‘Cartoon County: My Father and His Friends in the Golden Age of Make-Believe’ By Cullen MurphyIn the mid-20th century, the cartoon was king. The Sunday comic section was as large as today’s Section 1. Cullen Murphy’s father, John Cullen Murphy, drew Big Ben Bolt and later Prince Valiant. From 1945 to 1995, many who created comic strips lived in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Murphy grew up around talents such as Mort Walker, Dik Browne, Alex Raymond, and Stan Drake. This book tells of the magic of growing up among these artists. Lavishly illustrated, this book recaptures a vanished era.
History
Building Ships in Bulk
‘Liberty Factory: The Untold Story of Henry Kaiser’s Oregon Shipyards’ By Peter J. MarshDuring World War II, Portland evolved from a run-down lumber town into a major shipbuilding center. This book details how Henry Kaiser established shipyards in Portland and neighboring Vancouver, building Liberty ships, Victory ships, escort carriers, troop transports, and tankers by the score. This fascinating industrial history is as much about people as ships. It offers an absorbing look at World War II Home Front America.
Biography
Remembering a Visionary
‘Einstein: The Man and His Mind’ By Gary S. Berger and Michael DiRuggieroTo celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Albert Einstein receiving the Nobel Prize for physics in 1921, this beautifully produced book remembers the man and his works. Contributors have assembled Einstein’s personal letters, writings, and signed photographs largely from a private collection, creating a visual feast for readers.
Classics
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Parents
‘If Aristotle’s Kid Had an Ipod: Ancient Wisdom For Modern Parents’ By Conor GallagherHere the principles of Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics” are applied to parenting today. Along the way, we meet a Dog Whisperer, receive advice on why you should tell your kid to “get lost,” and learn why posting on Twitter isn’t real conversation. Tolkien, “Star Wars,” The Beatles, and more are mixed into this Aristotelian stew, along with help from “Aristotle’s Parenting Assessment Test.” Gallagher’s graduate studies in philosophy and law—and the wisdom he’s gained as the father of eight children—shine in this helpful guide.
For Kids
Five Stars for This One
‘Jan Brett’s Little Library’
By Jan BrettThis box set of board books gives toddlers “The Mitten,” “The Hat,” and “Gingerbread Baby”— three favorites by this talented writer and illustrator. An ideal gift for children on their birthdays or for the holidays. This book is for children up to 3 years old.
The Challenge of Change
‘Nora’s Chicks’ By Patricia MaclachlanWhen Nora moves with her family from Russia to the American frontier, she finds herself struggling with the transition and wishing for a friend. Then, her father offers her a chance to take care of a dozen chicks all on her own.
