American History
‘Vengeance: The Last Stands of Custer, Crazy Horse, and Sitting Bull’
By Tom ClavinWith the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Little Bighorn this year, this book takes a fresh look at the battle. It examines its totality, including its impact on all participants, white and Native American. The book puts everything in context, providing extensive background on all the participants, without romanticizing either Custer, the Seventh Cavalry or the native tribes. It shows why Little Big Horn proved as much a defeat for the Native Americans as for the Seventh Cavalry.
Nonfiction
‘Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith’
By J.D. VanceIn his Introduction, the vice president stresses that this is not a book of Christian apologetics, but his personal account of his own faith journey. In “Chapter 1: What’s the Matter with JD Vance?” he jumps right into his story of how he, and others he knew, lost the religion taught to them as children. Though he became a Catholic, he gives much credit to his evangelical upbringing as key to his rediscovery of Christianity. An informal, approachable, and largely non-sectarian story for seekers.
Novel
‘A Most Dangerous Innocence’
By Fiorella De MariaIt is May 1940. The Germans are across the English Channel, and 16-year-old Judy Randall’s father wants her out of London for her safety. She is sent to an isolated rural girls’ boarding school. Judy is a free spirit, but the headmistress demands rigid conformity. Since the headmistress secretly sympathizes with the Nazis, Judy soon convinces herself the headmistress is a Nazi spy. Judy begins a search for proof but soon discovers the search is taking her in a dangerous and unexpected direction.
Medieval History
‘The Siege of Jerusalem: Crusade and Conquest in 1099’
By Conor KostickPitting the Christians against the Muslims, the First Crusade was one of the most pivotal moments in world history. Kostick puts together a masterful retelling of the long and deadly journey the Christians took to reach Jerusalem and the bloody and ruthless siege of the holy city that followed. Readers are introduced to the many historical figures—both Christian and Muslim—who have more or less been forgotten, and their daring exploits. An intriguing story boosted by Kostick’s authorship.
Classics
‘Henry V’
By William ShakespeareThis Folger Shakespeare Library edition contains all the perks: scene-by-scene summaries, explanatory notes opposite each page of the play, helpful essays, and more. Best of all is the play itself with its drama, humor, history, and the incomparable St. Crispin’s Day battle speech. One suggestion: Watch Kenneth Branagh’s film version, then read “Henry V,” preferably aloud, to hear and even taste the Bard of Avon’s concert of rhythm and words. An excellent edition for students or general readers.
For Kids
‘Liberty!: How the Revolutionary War Began’
By Lucille Recht Penner and David WenzelLively storytelling and detailed illustrations depict the growing tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. Young readers will gain a clear understanding of the events, ideas, and courageous individuals that sparked the fight for independence and changed the course of history. This is the perfect semiquincentennial year read-aloud.
