Ancient History
‘Between Two Rivers’
By Moudhy Al-RashidDiscover the origin of the written word. Journey through the history of Mesopotamian civilization via artifacts found in a 1920s archaeological dig. This discovery has typically been referred to as history’s first museum due to the numerous artifacts originating from various ages, separated by millennia. From statues to weapons, yet undoubtedly the most important finds were the cuneiforms, which described people, industries, and societies. A wonderful read written by an enthusiastic scholar.
Humor
‘The Addams Family: An Evilution’
By Kevin Miserocchi and Charles AddamsSome may recall the television show and movies about “The Addams Family,” an odd group in a creepy mansion. Older readers might remember Charles Addams’s New Yorker magazine cartoons from the 1930s into the 1980s, which inspired the series. This book provides a retrospective look at Addams’s work. It contains his cartoons, many unavailable for years, and a history and examination of the cartoons, including “biographies” of the characters. A delight for “Addams Family” fans.
Nonfiction
‘Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation’
By Pete Hegseth and David GoodwinWith schools back in swing, now is the perfect time to pick up Hegseth and Goodwin’s dive into “a century of miseducation.” They first look at today’s dreary state of education, then explain how progressives over the last century shifted schools away from a classical Christian framework, and conclude by telling us of the beauties of that education and how more and more private academies and homeschools are shifting back to that tradition. At the end, you’ll find a battle plan to help your kids.
Forestry
‘Fire in the Piney Woods: Texas Lookout Towers, the Forest Service, and the Civilian Conservation Corps’
By Edward CavalleranoThe eastern quarter of Texas is woodlands, especially its famous Piney Woods, and is the heart of Texas’s timber industry. Fighting forest fires was always vital, and this history of forest conservation and firefighting in the Piney Woods examines the area’s lookout towers. It gives a history and accounting of every fire lookout tower in the state. It also offers lookout tower fans information on where they are and how to visit them. Those interested in Texas forestry and the history of fire prevention in the area will enjoy this work.
Classics
Written for his father-in-law, Seneca’s essay isn’t about extending the lifespan, but on wisely filling the time we have. Life is long if we guard our time and avoid everything from the mindless pursuit of wealth to allowing unwanted guests to steal our hours to simply dawdling around. If we want a satisfying life, live in the present, Seneca argues, and do so intentionally. In an age when some of us spend hours a day on our phones, this book is as timely as the day it was written.
For Kids
‘Our Library’
By Eve Bunting and Maggie Smith“There’s nothing you can’t learn to do when you have books,” asserts “Our Library.” A young raccoon and his friends adhere to this rule, then take it upon themselves to save their beloved library after learning it’s going to be shut down. They check out informative books and get to work. An inspirational tale about the power of knowledge.
