Military History
‘The Farthest Valley: Escaping the Chinese Trap at the Chosin Reservoir’
By Joseph WheelanAs we near the 75th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, Wheelan’s recent book proves timely. It is, however, far more than timely. It is engrossing to the point of disturbing. It documents in extensive detail the harsh conditions experienced by the combatants during December 1950 along the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea, as well as the brutality of the warfare. Wheelan provides a close encounter of one of the most tragic, deadly, yet inspiring moments in U.S. military history.
Space
‘Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit’
By Marc Feldman and Hugh TaylorPiracy conjures images of buried treasure and daring deeds. At its core, piracy is theft, originally theft at sea with accompanying violence. Today it includes forms of theft like software piracy and air piracy. The latter implies piracy will migrate to a higher frontier—space. The question is when? This book tackles that question. A serious study of a seemingly improbable topic, the authors outline different ways crime can affect commercial space. It will interest those in intelligence, finance, or insurance, among other occupations.
Skut Harkkson and Podge Greene are new kids at Highpoint Station on Vann’s World. Displaced persons by war, their families were brought to the resort settlement from family farms. When 11-year-old Skut breaks the law by leaving town, he rescues a small, winged, electric-blue creature: an immature storm-dragon. It can communicate with him. He sneaks it back, fearing it will die if he abandons it. The hidden animal proves the key to solving problems faced by both boys and their families.
This novel takes readers from Maine to Quebec in 1775 as Benedict Arnold and a small army of Continentals attempt to seize the city from the British. Arundel innkeeper Steven Nason joins this ragtag force and serves as narrator for this saga of the early American Revolution. A loyal patriot at this point, Arnold cuts a brave and daring figure as his men endure privations like bad weather and few provisions. An excellent read for kicking off the celebration of our nation’s 250th anniversary.
When Mary Ellen gets tired of reading and wants to go outside, Grandpa leads her to some flowers, and there they catch a few bees in a jar. When he releases the first bee, they run off to chase it, attracting many others who join them along the way as they follow the bees to the bee tree. Simple fun with a dash of silliness and a tender heart.
