1776, by David McCullough

Really a military history of that turning point year, focusing on George Washington. Can you see the iconic picture of Washington crossing the Delaware River? McCullough gives us the story behind that event and shows what a very slender thread the fate of the Revolution hung on in that year. 

Also available in Large Print, CD and cassette, and a special Illustrated Edition in the Reference stacks.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: kh

Check our catalog
 

Taking Things Seriously: 75 Objects with Unexpected Significance, by Joshua Glenn and Carol Hayes

“Is meaning discovered or invented?” Take a tour in this book of “an old fashioned wonder cabinet” of things and decide on your own view of this philosophic question.  Which thing of your own would you include in a collection such as this?

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: kh

Check our catalog

The Zookeeper’s Wife: A War Story, by Diane Ackerman

Taking place during World War II in Warsaw, Poland, this is the story of Jan Zabinski, the director of the Warsaw Zoo, and his wife, Antonina.   It is a remarkable account of courage and determination to shelter people from Hitler’s tyranny.  As always, Ackerman’s writing is outstanding.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: Nancy J.

Check our catalog

Painting Chinese: A Lifelong Teacher Gains the Wisdom of Youth, by Herbert Kohl

A veteran teacher decides to take painting lessons (Chinese Landscape) and finds himself in a class with young children.   Read with wonder as the class dynamics unfold and the lessons learned about painting and life are told.  A fine book by a masterful writer.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: Nancy J.

Check our catalog

Walden: A Novel, by Michael T. Dolan

Walden is Michael T. Dolan’s first novel, and it leaves the reader anxious for his next book. Told in a candid first-person narrative, young college student Walden takes the reader on a journey through one day in his life on campus. Through this one day, however, the reader discovers Walden’s entire life, which has been a struggle to break free from his father’s imposed destiny for him. Walden does break free at the end, but in a surprising and ironic way.

Walden is wonderfully written and though an easy read, incorporates philosophical and psychological themes throughout its pages.

Holden Caulfied lovers should certainly graduate to Walden.

RATING: * * * * * One of the best books I’ve read
Reviewed by: Truman W.

Check our catalog

Ines of My Soul, by Isabel Allende

Set in Spain, Peru and Chile in the 16th century, the central character, Ines Suarez, tells the story of the conquest of Chile by Spain. Ines is an actual historic figure who is considered the founding mother of Chile. This is a story of the brutality and greed of the Conquistedors and the destruction of an indiginious people. This is a love story and a lesson in history. You will not want to put this book down untill you find out how the story ends.

RATING: * * * * Very, very good
Reviewed by: KLM

Check our catalog

I Wear the Maternity Pants in This Family, by Susan Konig

Tales of 21st century American family life from a mom’s point of view. Four kids, a husband and assorted pets provide plenty of funny and cute stories.

RATING: * * * A good read
Reviewed by: kh

Check our catalog