Epoch Booklist: Recommended Reading

Nonfiction

The CCP and Transnational Drug Crime

‘Wilful Blindness: How a Network of Narcos, Tycoons and CCP Agents Infiltrated the West’ By Sam Cooper

Cooper’s extensively researched book is essentially a very long investigative report—one that reads like an unfolding mystery. It exposes how the Chinese Communist Party works with corrupt businesses and corrupt governments to import deadly drugs to the West.

Optimum Publishing International, 2021, 472 pages

Fiction

Stories for All Ages

‘Tales From The Perilous Realm’ By J.R.R. Tolkien

This collection of short stories will enchant fans of Tolkien and Middle Earth. The light-hearted, humorous tales include, among others, the adventures of Tom Bombadil; Roverandom, a dog that is turned into a toy by a sand sorcerer and goes on a fantastic adventure; and Farmer Giles of Ham, who must reluctantly defend his village from a dragon. It also includes Tolkien’s reflections on what he calls “fairy-stories,” a good read for those interested in folklore.

William Morrow, 2021, 432 pages

Beauty, Loss, Triumph, and Death

‘Rules for Old Men Waiting’ By Peter Pouncey

Retired historian Robert MacIver is dying. He writes out a list of rules he will follow as death approaches. He spends his final days on Cape Cod in the old house where he and his beloved wife had spent so many days together. MacIver writes a strange novella about three soldiers in the trenches in World War I, reminisces about his wife and his son, a casualty of the Vietnam War, and fights to keep the house warm and himself fed. A beautifully written story about a brave man, warts and all.

Random House, 2006, 240 pages

Mission: Keep Portugal’s Ports Free

‘Room 39 and the Lisbon Connection’ By Anthony Wells

In Britain during the late 1930s and early 1940s, many top-secret gatherings were held in Room 39 of the British Admiralty near Whitehall. There, Prime Minister Winston Churchill met with his key military leaders to discuss next steps against Germany’s Adolf Hitler. A key figure in some discussions was Lt. Cmdr. Ian Fleming, whose role in British intelligence would serve as background for his later creation of James Bond.

Xlibris, 2021, 228 pages

Productivity

Do Less, Achieve More

‘Free to Focus’ By Michael Hyatt

This book is for anyone who would like to enjoy more freedom in their lives by pruning their garden (so to speak) so that the most vibrant plants can thrive. If you’re stuck on “busy” at all times or if you’re consistently overwhelmed, you might just find the insights to be what you need for a life that’s less busy and more meaningful.

Baker Books, 2019, 256 pages

Classics

A Gift From an Emperor

‘Meditations’ By Marcus Aurelius

Known as one of the “Five Good Emperors,” Marcus Aurelius left the world this guide to stoic ideas and practices. Written nearly 2,000 years ago, his notes to himself are a gold mine of advice on interacting with the world while keeping our personal honor intact, the importance of fulfilling our obligations, and dealing with both joy and sorrow. Statesmen, generals, and business executives have found value in “Meditations,” as have so many other readers from different stations in life. A great read to start the New Year.

Random House, 2003, 256 pages

For Kids

Little House in the Big City

‘The Little House’ By Virginia Lee Burton

This award-winning book tells the story of a house built in the country that over time becomes surrounded by city skyscrapers and is then moved back to the countryside. A gentle tale for the little ones about change and endurance.

Clarion Books, 2017, 44 pages

Birthday Fun

‘It’s My Birthday’ By Helen Oxenbury

This simple board book starts out with a young child’s declaration, “It’s my birthday and I’m going to make a cake.” Adorable illustrations, a singular focus, and a gathering of friends in celebration culminate in a truly sweet story.

Candlewick Press, 2010, 24 pages