Fiction
A Suite Summertime Sizzler
‘The Hotel Nantucket’ By Elin HilderbrandPart mystery, part romance, and all fun, this novel follows Lizbet Keaton, who lands a job as the general manager of the lavishly restored Hotel Nantucket. She’s desperate to please the wealthy London owner and counts on her charismatic staff to help her succeed.
An Endearing Farce
‘The Patron Saint of Second Chances: A Novel’ By Christine SimonPrometto, Italy, population 212, has 60 days to come up with 70,000 euros to repair its water system or the state will close down the town. In this wild ride of a story, Signor Speranza, self-appointed mayor and vacuum repair man, hides this looming crisis while trying to solve the town’s insolvency. He falls into a plan of making a movie featuring a young and famous star and finds himself facing one disaster after another. This book is a wonderful, charming comedy and a great escape from our present troubles.
Biography
He Was About More Than Fracking
‘George P. Mitchell: Fracking, Sustainability, and an Unorthodox Quest to Save the Planet’ By Loren C. SteffyGalveston, Texas-native George P. Mitchell is the man most responsible for making the United States energy independent and a net-energy exporter by 2019. This biography shows that Mitchell did more than commercialize fracking. The oilman planned his business in terms of decades, making a fortune by balancing environmental concerns with drilling and by developing real estate while leaving existing trees in his Woodlands community. This is the story of a complex, altruistic, and exceptional American.
Archeology
A Treasure Trove of History Found
‘Ghost Galleon: The Discovery and Archaeology of the San Juanillo on the Shores of Baja California’ By Edward Von der PortenIn 1997, Edward Von der Porten, a noted marine archaeologist, learned that a wreck of a Manila galleon might be off California’s coast. This led to the hunt for and discovery of the wreck. Von der Porten describes the two-decade effort to extract the secrets of the wrecked galleon, including its identity. It’s a marvelous tale for those fascinated by old ships or by stories of modern-day explorers working to uncover history.
History
A Great Battle Restructured
‘Crécy: Battle of Five Kings’ By Michael LivingstonThe Battle of Crécy in 1346 is one of the most famous battles of the medieval era. This pivotal clash between the English and French began the Hundred Years War. Historians have written extensively on the battle, but Livingston argues that most historians have it wrong. “Crécy” will change the way you view the battle and its players.
Classics
Plato’s Four Dialogues
‘The Last Days of Socrates’ By PlatoIn “Euthyphro,” we meet Socrates considering questions of piety. In the next dialogue, “Apology,” he refutes charges of impiety and defends his life as a philosopher, contending that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” In “Crito,” Socrates explains his refusal to flee from his native city, and “Phaedo” gives us his thoughts on the meaning of death and immortality. Hugh Tredennick’s translation and Harold Tarrant’s revisions make this an important, accessible version of Plato’s account of Socrates’s trial and death.
For Kids
A Thank You to a Teacher
‘A Letter to My Teacher’ By Deborah HopkinsonA second-grader with a streak of mischief-making and poor reading skills comes to appreciate her teacher’s talents and gifts. A sweet story of learning and gratitude beautifully enriched by Nancy Carpenter’s illustrations. This book is for ages 4 to 8.
An Adorable Series for Curious Minds
‘The Case of the Buzzing Honey Makers’ By Eric Hogan and Tara HungerfordScout and Daisy discover the origin of honey as they journey from a farmers market to the nearby woods. Part of the sweet Gumboot Kids series featuring meticulously detailed illustrations and educational explorations of nature.
