Science
‘The Last Extinction: ’
By Gerta KellerWhat killed the dinosaurs? Many believe an asteroid strike caused the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction, a theory (called the Alvarez hypothesis), originally posited in 1980. Gerta Keller, who holds doctorates in geology and paleontology, asserts that volcanic eruptions were the cause. Her findings upended the field and ignited a bitter feud, the “Dinosaur Wars.” She holds that massive volcanic eruptions in India, called Deccan volcanism, triggered a long-term catastrophe and Earth’s fifth mass extinction. A fascinating book, it looks at the nature of modern science.
Biography
‘J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy’
By Don MarshallPart of the Pocket Portraits series, this well-crafted hardcover book delights the eyes while providing a wealth of information about one of the 20th century’s greatest writers. Through 100 biographical vignettes, Marshall conducts a tour of Tolkien’s life, his books, and his immense influence on English-language culture. The book provides lots of treats and astonishing details along the way. This is the perfect holiday stocking stuffer for fans of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.”
This last book of a multi-volume space opera ends the cycle, closing the Wolfhounds’ march back to the imperial capital, Cor Imperii, to overthrow the usurping Democratic People’s Republic of Solaria, a vicious dictatorship. The Wolfhounds, the personal guard of the assassinated Emperor Charles, are led by the heir, Chase Collingsworth Morgan, and plan to restore the Morgan dynasty. Those who like books where right prevails, featuring competent men and women of action, will like this series.
A novel whose first chapter is titled “I Am Born” will snag the attention of even a casual reader. Among its many pluses, this semi-autobiographical novel astonishes by its command of language as we follow the protagonist through a Victorian world whose people are both strange and familiar to us today. Clara Peggotty, Mr. Micawber, and others come alive as vividly on the page as when it was written 175 years ago, and David’s push to improve his lot should strike a chord with young people.
For Kids
‘Moose Tracks!’
By Karma Wilson and Jack E. DavisThis light-hearted, humorous, and somewhat predictable mystery will keep young readers engaged to the end, as the question is posed again and again, “Who left all these moose tracks?” They’re in the kitchen, in the den, in the bathroom—everywhere. Who could have left them? Rhyming texts and repetition help budding readers along. A fun read.
