Fiction
Putnam to the Rescue, Again!
‘Captain Putnam for the Republic of Texas’ By James L. HaleyThe naval adventure series continues as Bliven Putnam joins the fight for Texas’s independence from Mexico. A master of Texas history storytelling, Haley brings to life his fictional characters and intertwines them seamlessly with historical figures and moments.
100 of Ray Bradbury’s Best
‘Bradbury Stories: 100 of His Most Celebrated Tales’ By Ray BradburyThis collection of short stories, all selected by Bradbury himself, is the perfect “dipper” book, one the reader can open at random and fall straight into the imagination of a renowned storyteller. For more than 60 years, Bradbury gave us hundreds of such tales as well as novels such as “Fahrenheit 451,” and here are some of his best. Humor, horror, nostalgia: These descriptions and others apply to the work of this American lover of the written word. Great reading not only for adults but for teens as well.
History
The Battle for Britain’s Throne
‘Princes at War: The Bitter Battle Inside Britain’s Royal Family in the Darkest Days of WWII’ By Deborah CadburyQueen Elizabeth II’s death should remind us no one expected her to become queen of England when she was born. Elizabeth became queen through her father, an accidental king. The tale is etched against the lead-up and period of World War II. Elizabeth’s father, Albert, became George VI when his brother Edward abdicated. Loyally supported by brothers Henry and George, he rallied Britain in World War II. Meanwhile, Edward tried to regain his crown through treasonous approaches to the Nazis.
Memoirs
A Socialite War Correspondent
‘Looking for Trouble: The Classic Memoir of a Trailblazing War Correspondent’ By Virginia CowlesIn 1935, socialite Virginia Cowles was a society columnist for toney magazines writing about fashion and gossip. She traveled the world writing light pieces about places she visited. Then, she met Mussolini, and she decided to take her career in a different direction: She became a war correspondent. These memoirs describe her activities from 1936 through 1941, detailing events from the Spanish Civil War to the Battle of Britain.
Diary of a Bibliophile
‘Confessions of a Bookseller’ By Shaun BythellBythell purchased The Bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland, when he was 30. This rollicking read chronicles a year in his life, charting his highs and lows as a bookseller in a rural village. The astute owner is often sarcastic but always big-hearted, and the result is hilariously charming. This book is witty, wild, and wonderful.
Classics
The Classics Are for Everyone
‘The Black Intellectual Tradition’ By Dr. Anika Prather and Dr. Angel ParhamIn this groundbreaking book, which they’ve subtitled “Reading Freedom in Classical Literature,” African American scholars Prather and Parham explore the enormous influence of such giants as Plato and Milton on earlier black intellectuals, several of whom were born into slavery. From the classics, they learned the arts of composition, oratory, and reason. Prather and Parham argue that the classics are beyond the parameters of race or sex, and that restoring them to the classroom would nurture American unity and virtue.
For Kids
Mice Teaching Manners
‘Time to Say “Please"’ By Mo WillemsHere’s a book that should “please” the 3- to 5-year-olds. Bold, bright pictures and light wit are the hallmarks of this early guide to “please,” “thank you,” “excuse me,” and “I’m sorry.” The final page should bring a chuckle even to adults.
An Enchanting Fall Read
‘Strega Nona’s Harvest’ By Tomie dePaolaThis delightful story has many heartwarming elements: from the diligent spirit of doing a good job, to respect for the seeds and the process of gardening and nature at large, to the heart of generosity in sharing one’s abundance.
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