Fiction
The Ultimate Legal Thriller
‘The Firm’ By John GrishamWhen Mitch McDeere graduates from Harvard Law School, he has the opportunity to join any law firm he likes. He prefers a small, but prominent one. His dream job becomes a nightmare as he finds himself pinned between the Mafia, the FBI, and colleague loyalty.
Humor
Bumbling Down a River
‘Three Men in a Boat’ By Jerome K. JeromeJerome intended his book (1889) as a travel guide, but it developed into a grand comedy as three young men from London who were “all feeling seedy” set off on a two-week boating excursion down the River Thames. Along with a dog, Montmorency, the bachelors battle inclement weather, fumble with meal preparations, and meet with other disasters, but it’s Jerome’s deadpan prose that provides most of the hilarity. Regarded by critics and general readers alike as one of the funniest novels in the English language.
History
Why Britain Never Recognized the Confederacy
‘Our Man in Charleston: Britain’s Secret Agent in the Civil War South’ By Christopher DickeyRobert Bunch was Great Britain’s consul (1853–1863) in Charleston, South Carolina. He detested slavery, but concealed this to protect free black British citizens. Once the Civil War started, he reported the Southern plans to export slavery. Despite Confederate denials, they hoped to create new slave states in the Caribbean and Central America and reinstitute the Atlantic slave trade. This was a major reason Britain never recognized the South. A don’t-miss book for Civil War buffs.
Science
Zoology as Seen Through Fable
‘Aesop’s Animals: The Science Behind the Fables’ By Jo WimpennyIn his fables, Aesop used anthropomorphic animals to deliver his message. How accurate were his depictions of animals? Wimpenny, a zoologist turned writer, answers this question through the lens of modern zoology. She uses nine fables as a springboard to examine the behavior of these animals and related species. Her approach is whimsical and amusing, yet fact-filled and highly readable. She’s as accurate as she is entertaining.
Classics
A World of Mysteries
When one thinks of detectives, one must think of Sherlock Holmes, the fictional detective created by the great Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He used as a premise the art of deductive reasoning for his protagonist to solve crimes. Follow the many adventures of Holmes and his assistant, Dr. Watson, as they solve all types of mysteries.
On the Road in India
‘Kim’ By Rudyard KiplingRemembered today for his poetry and children’s books, Kipling also wrote novels for older readers. In “Kim,” we meet an orphan and street urchin, the son of a British soldier, who’s drawn both to the British Secret Service and to a wise Tibetan Lama. As Kim follows his quest to discover his life’s path, Kipling also paints a vivid description of India at the time: its people, its customs, and the rough, tumultuous life on its streets, as well as “The Great Game” of Russian–British espionage. This book is recommended for ages 14 to adult.
For Kids
What’s in a Name?
‘Tikki Tikki Tembo’ By Arlene Mosel, illustrations by Blair LentWritten in 1968 and based on a Chinese folktale, “Tikki Tikki Tembo” beckons readers to recall through repetition the distinguished name of a family’s first-born son: “Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo.”
Heroism and High Adventure
‘Watership Down’ By Richard AdamsWith their warren threatened by destruction, a band of rabbits sets out on a perilous journey to seek a new home. This tale of their sometimes-brutal trek offers young readers inspiring lessons in courage, fortitude, and ingenuity.
