Fiction
A Debut to Remember
Brad Thor’s debut novel established his popular protagonist, Scott Harvath, as the source of action-packed and suspenseful reading. The ex-Navy SEAL turned Secret Service agent must uncover the truth after the murder of 30 agents and a kidnapped president.
A Sweet, Funny Look at Love
‘Vinegar Girl’ By Anne TylerPrickly Kate Battista cares for her unconventional scientist father, monitors her flirtatious 15-year-old sister, and works in a daycare. When her father asks Kate to marry his brilliant lab assistant Pyotr to prevent his deportation (due to an expired visa), the fireworks begin. Will the bitter Kate find happiness? This retelling of Shakespeare’s controversial “The Taming of the Shrew” offers a wonderful take on love, marriage, and family, with Tyler’s humor and eye for human eccentricity in full play.
Advice
How the Real World Really Works
‘50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School: Real-World Antidotes to Feel-Good Education’ By Charles J. SykesEveryone under 20 years old should read this no-nonsense, honest user manual for life. Starting with rule No. 1 (Life’s not fair. Get used to it.) and ending with No. 50 (Enjoy this while you can.), it offers 50 short essays on the way things really work once you finish school. Its advice runs counter to today’s conventional, soft wisdom. Readers are told that they aren’t entitled, that humiliation is a part of life, and that being perpetually offended is a dismal way to live. It’s worth reading.
History
The Rise of the Conquistador
‘Sword of Empire: The Spanish Conquest of the Americas from Columbus to Cortés, 1492–1529’ By Donald E. ChipmanThis book offers an accessible history of the opening of the Americas. It provides a readable story for the general public and an accurate one for scholars, with a clear account of the initial settlement of the Caribbean and the conquest of Mexico. It has an entertaining narrative without compromising accuracy. These notable events are placed in a historical context, which avoids surrendering to 21st-century political leanings.
Politics
Roadmap to a Free Country
‘Defeating Big Government Socialism: Saving America’s Future’ By Newt GingrichAmerica, as we know it, is at risk. Subtly and not so subtly, big government is taking over and infiltrating all aspects of Americans’ lives. Author, patriot, and former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich offers strategies for Americans to reject these destructive influences and reclaim a great nation.
Classics
The Bard in the New World
‘Shakespeare in America: An Anthology From the Revolution to Now’ Edited by James ShapiroSubtitled “An Anthology from the Revolution to Now,” this collection begins with an account of U.S. troops gathered in 1846 just prior to the war with Mexico. They decide to stage a production of “Othello,” with Lt. Ulysses Grant playing Desdemona. Grant “did not have much sentiment” and was replaced by a professional actress. And on it goes, with reviews, essays, and stories that demonstrate the enormous influence of Shakespeare in the making of America. An entertaining read for lovers of literature and our history.
For Kids
A Trek to Freedom
‘The Long Walk’ By Slavomir RawiczA small band of prisoners escape a Soviet gulag, cross mountains and deserts, and reach safety in India, all while facing fear, hunger, and the elements. A true story of resilience and the human spirit. Inspiring for teenagers.
Childhood Delight
‘The Snowy Day’ By Ezra Jack KeatsPeter awakens to his city neighborhood transformed into a snow-covered wonderland. This inviting classic celebrates the simple childhood excitement and delight of exploring and playing in the snow. A lovely read for wintertime.
