Folklore and Myth
By Nicholas J. Higham
King Arthur may be the world’s best-known fictional character. But does his story have a historical basis? Over the past millennium, from the 12th century’s Chrétien de Troyes to the 20th century’s Bernard Cornwell, writers have written about him. This book seeks the historical source of the Arthur legend. It determines King Arthur originated from a 9th-century fictional character. Meticulously researched, it takes readers through every step of the journey required to reach this conclusion.
Military History
By Ryan K. Noppen and Adam Tooby
Mers El-Kebir often evokes an emotional response, especially for those of British or French descent. In June of 1940, the Italians declared war on France, the Germans invaded, the French government fled Paris, and the new French government brokered an armistice agreement with the Nazis. The French still possessed one of the largest navies, which placed the British in an even more vulnerable position, forcing them to consider unthinkable options. This book is a great study of a complex moment.
Nonfiction
By Salena Zito
On July 13, 2024, longtime reporter and columnist Salena Zito was only a few feet away from Donald Trump when a shooter tried to kill him. Here, she unpacks the events of that day and its ramifications for American politics. She spoke with Trump several times the day after the shooting, interviewed rally attendees and local police, and then widened that lens for an in-depth look at communities like Butler, Pennsylvania. With its vivid, well-written descriptions, this book is well worth readers’ attention.
Science Fiction
By David Weber and Jane Lindskold
The treecat, a sapient species native to the planet Sphinx, was recently discovered by humans. It communicates telepathically and forms bonds with humans. In this book, set in David Weber’s Honorverse 350 years before the mainstream series books, humans are trying to determine how intelligent treecats are. Some humans set out to prove treecats do not possess sapient intelligence. The fifth book in the series, it is an excellent stand-alone story. Aimed at the young adult market, it is a book those of all ages can enjoy.
Classics
By Daniel J. Boorstin
In this volume of his Knowledge Trilogy, this eminent historian wrote a history of the arts from ancient times through the 20th century. These “heroes of the imagination,” as he calls them, include artists, composers, and writers, ranging from Homer to Wagner, from Confucius to filmmaker D.W. Griffith. Boorstin gives us dozens of mini-biographies of such men and women, shows the effects of their art on their culture, and writes always with a lively wit and a compelling narrative drive.
For Kids
By Tammi Sauer and Dave Mottram
This colorful and funny read-aloud features a bird who loves to talk—she’s extroverted, enthusiastic, and babbles on and on and on. Listening? That’s another story. As you might guess, her constant chatter, and more importantly her unwillingness to listen, tends to get her in trouble. A funny read and good reminder for young ones about listening.
