Nonfiction
‘The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction’
By Alan JacobsRead for pleasure, read with deep attention, or read with breezy nonchalance: These are just some of the encouragements directed to readers. Jacobs is a literature professor whose love of books shines on every page of this little volume. He addresses reading in the age of screens, the function of libraries today, reading as a solitary activity, and more, all the while cheering on both long-time and novice readers. His style is easy and personable, his selection of books and anecdotes a delight.
On April 29, 1986, a catastrophic fire swept the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) Main Library. It destroyed 400,000 books and damaged many more. This book examines the fire, the investigation into the fire’s origin, the man accused of setting it, and the library’s recovery afterward. It uses the fire as a launching point to explore the history of the LAPL’s main building, and the role libraries and books have played in society throughout history and in modern times. A delightful look at libraries.
One of the best single-volume works on the history of Ancient Rome, “SPRQ” guides readers through 1,000 years of history: Rome’s transformation from a backwater village to the world’s greatest empire. Beard, one of the foremost historians on Rome, has written a delightful work explaining the history of a time long passed in a way that anyone can understand. For those interested in a brief, yet authoritative work on Rome, and for those serious about further study, “SPQR” should have a place in their personal library.
Mannu-ki-Ashur is the chief physician to Ashurbanipal, the king of Assyria. The king’s favorite concubine, and the childhood love of Mannu, is dying of an infection. The physician must use forbidden magic to time travel, discover the cure, and return to Nineveh with it. The magic takes him to modern day London where he meets Dr. Kate Mayne, a brilliant Assyriologist. Once convinced Mannu is real, she helps him find the cure while avoiding two Assyrian assassins sent after Mannu to kill him.
Classics
‘Leaves of Gold: An Anthology of Prayers, Memorable Phrases, Inspirational Verse and Prose’
Edited by Clyde Francis LytlePublished in 1938, this collection of quotations, prayers, and poetry by famous authors from throughout human history has gone through many editions and formats, ranging from a small book to a scrapbook-style volume bound by a strand of rope. It remains a popular graduation or birthday gift for the young, and provides a hunting ground of quotations for public speakers. While Lytle selected the entries to lift and inspire the spirit for daily living, poking through it is also great fun.
A spider is too busy spinning her web to “go for a ride” on a horse or “roll in the mud” with a pig. While many animal visitors try to catch the spider’s attention, her web grows and grows. Featuring Carle’s familiar illustrations and providing a beautiful element of predictability and repetition, this book is perfect for reading aloud to young children.
