Fiction
A Mother’s Loving Message
‘Our Missing Hearts’ By Celeste NgBird Gardner is 9 years old when his Chinese American mother leaves. His mother is a poet, and her words resonate in a world where patriotism has turned to paranoia. When he’s 12, he leaves his quiet existence and goes in search for her, finding clues in the library.
A Portrait of Michelangelo
‘The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo’ By Irving StoneThis thick novel was the most popular, and likely the most enduring, of Irving Stone’s biographical novels. To prepare, he worked in an Italian marble quarry, read the great artist’s letters, and studied his studio techniques. The result? A marvelous depiction of the man who sculpted the Pietà and the David and painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Stone also vividly recreates the tempestuous and often violent days of the Renaissance during the Medici family’s reign. A great read for long winter nights.
Transportation
A Fascination With Railroads
‘Last Train to Texas: My Railroad Odyssey’ By Fred W. FraileyFrailey was obsessed with railroads as a child and maintained that interest thereafter. He turned his obsession into a career without once working for a railroad. This book collects his magazine essays—some thoughtful, some humorous—starting in the late 1960s, when the railroads were in collapse, through its transformation and into the 21st century. This book traces modern railroading, warts and all, via a fascinating set of stories.
History
World War II at Sea
‘Victory at Sea: Naval Power and the Transformation of the Global Order in World War II’ By Paul KennedyRenowned marine artist Ian Marshall planned a new collection of his paintings, and historian Paul Kennedy agreed to write the book’s text. Then, Marshall died. Since the paintings were completed, Kennedy finished the book as a tribute to his friend. The result is magnificent. Kennedy’s fine exploration of the sea power that influenced the Allied victory complements Marshall’s paintings to offer a breathtaking view of World War II at sea.
Current Affairs
Mapping the End of Globalization
‘The End of the World Is Just the Beginning’ By Peter ZeihanA leading geopolitical strategist presents a convincing case that the modern world is about to start moving backward. Zeihan identifies numerous global problems, including dwindling populations and hyper-finance. Global trade will be impacted, leaving some countries self-sufficient and others searching for answers.
Classics
A Remarkable American’s Story
‘Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant’ By Ulysses S. GrantDying just a week after finishing his memoirs and writing in haste out of concern for his wife’s financial welfare, President Grant hoped his reminiscences would “meet the approval of the reader.” His autobiography more than met that hope, becoming a best-seller then and still being regarded as a classic of American history and literature to this day. He covers his early life through the Civil War, giving accounts of battles and tactics, but also giving a remarkable picture of 19th-century military life. A complete and annotated edition.
For Kids
An Ancient Chinese Inventor
‘Zhang Heng and the Incredible Earthquake Detector’ By Randel McGeeStoryteller, artist, and puppeteer Randel McGee gives us Zhang Heng, the Chinese inventor who long ago devised the first machine to detect earthquakes. Inspired by shadow puppets, the unusual artwork adds to the charm of this tale.
Perseverance and Self-Confidence
‘The Little Engine That Could’ By Watty PiperYou probably know this tale of the little engine struggling to get up over the mountain. A must for every child’s bookshelf, this story illustrates important traits of perseverance, fortitude, self-confidence, and tenacity.
