John Spooner writes from the heart in friendly and upbeat letters to his grandchildren, giving financial lessons and kindly advice about life. It is easy to read and hard to put down once you start. Some essential tidbits from Spooner's book include 'always have a dream', 'never spend the money until it is in your pocket', 'all life is relationships'. This is a treasure for your own grandchildren and a perfect gift for graduates. Spooner is a natural storyteller and his wisdom and love for life resound in these insightful, affectionate letters.
Megan
Even if you've never rolled a polyhedral die in your life, you're bound to enjoy Ethan Gilsdorf's journey from teenage dungeon master to geek scholar extraordinaire. Written in the form of a quest, this book chronicles the author's travels through various fantasy subcultures, while attempting to answer some big questions: What makes fantasy appealing? Is it escapism, and is that healthy? Why would a self-respecting liberal feminist pine for the Middle Ages? Whether donning a monk tunic for a live action role playing game or trying to pick up chicks at DragonCon, Gilsdorf turns out witty, insightful journalism that's a pleasure to read.
Kim
Judt, the late great author of Postwar, Past Imperfect etc. had been thinking long and deeply about history, Europe, America, and the state and weal of the world when he became ill and could not physically write. He produced this remarkable dialogue/rumination with historian Timothy Snyder via a unique long-form interview format. Thought-provoking and full of intellectual pleasures.
Gary
Talking drums, the difference engine, code breaking and computer software. As with Chaos, Gleick’s The Information is not just a story of science, but a story of how we think about ourselves and our world. Filled with fascinating people and eye-opening perspectives, Gleick guides us through the discovery, growth, and development of one of the most important ideas in the modern world.
Josh
Moose cannot wait for his turn during the Alphabet Photo-shoot to take center stage. As each letter, A, B, C, D, parades by, Moose can barely contain his excitement. But when the alphabet rolls on to M, Moose finds himself passed over for ‘Mouse’. His fury unleashed, Moose begins disrupting many other letters’ photo-shoots, in this hilarious, new alphabet book. Paul Zelinsky’s detailed illustrations ask to be pored over, only eliciting more laughs.
Jory
Three very different girls end up on a peach farm in Georgia for the summer. Initially, Birdie, Leeda, and Murphy want nothing to do with each other. But as the summer progresses, they find their lives weaving meaningfully together, as they negotiate their families, deep secrets, and boys who they may (or may not) be falling in love with. The first book in the Peaches series triumphs unlikely friendships, and is full of warmth.
Jory