History
‘Retracing the Dragoon Trail in Iowa: Environmental Transformation Along the Des Moines River’
By Kevin T. MasonIn June 1835, a First U.S. Dragoons company, led by Stephen Kearney, made an expedition across what later became Iowa. Its topographer, Lt. Albert Miller Lea, published an account of the trek, inspiring a wave of settlers to move to the area. The book’s author follows the original Dragoon Trail in this century. He writes on the expedition’s history and the changes which have occurred over the intervening years. It offers a fascinating, almost lyrical description of Iowa over nearly two centuries.
Archaeology
‘Riddles of the Sphinx’
By Paul Jordan and John RossThe Sphinx of Egypt is one of the most easily identifiable images in the world, but how much does the world really know about this massive and ancient sculpture? This book presents all Egyptology has discovered about it through the 20th century and helps dust away the proverbial cobwebs of fanciful theories and misunderstandings about how it came to be, what it represents, and why it looks the way it does—before and after erosion. An informative read with stunning photos by John Ross.
Novel
‘An Academic Affair’
By Jodi McAlisterJonah Fisher and Sadie Shaw have been academic rivals since they were undergraduates. When both apply for a tenure-track professorship, Sadie receives it. Noting the job has a partner-hire option and knowing Jonah wants the job to be near his just-divorced sister, she proposes they marry, with him as the partner hire—a marriage of convenience. However, both are attracted to the other, but believe their rivalry supersedes their chemistry. Poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, it is a delightful read. Note: Steamy scenes may detract from the overall effect.
Nonfiction
‘The Conservative Heart: How to Build a Fairer, Happier, and More Prosperous America’
By Arthur C. BrooksHarvard professor Brooks is known as “the happiness professor” for his work in that subject. He injects some of his joy into this book on building a happier and more prosperous America. He begins by explaining one of the great and often ignored stories of our time, the lifting up of huge numbers of people worldwide from poverty through capitalism. He then discusses how defenders of freedom and capitalism can best put their case, giving specific advice on changing the hearts and minds of others.
Classics
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
By Erich Maria RemarquePublished in 1928, and told from the perspective of German soldier, Paul Bäumer, this novel takes readers to the Western Front of World War I. Here are gritty descriptions of trench life, realistic accounts of the comradery and horrors of that war, and insights into the young men, including some of Bäumer’s classmates, whose pre-battle idealism disintegrates into disillusion and despair in the face of bombardments and machine guns. Many consider it one of the finest war novels ever written.
For Kids
‘The Treasure’
By Uri ShulevitzIn this timeless folktale, a poor man has a recurring dream about a treasure in a far-off city. He travels far from home in its search. His journey seems fruitless until he discovers that what he had been seeking has been close at hand all along. This simple and gentle story centers on themes of faith, perseverance, gratitude, and contentment.
