Fifty years ago today (October 1), students at the University of California at Berkeley surrounded a campus police car on the school’s main plaza and held it captive for 33 hours. This non-violent protest in the fall of 1964 launched the Free Speech Movement, the first major campus protest by white students of the sixties. […]
Tag: history
Stars for POLITICAL ORDER AND POLITICAL DECAY
For those of you who like your history and politics on the meaty side, the wait is nearly over for Francis Fukuyama’s POLITICAL ORDER AND POLITICAL DECAY: From the Industrial Revolution to the Globalization of Democracy. In this second volume (after THE ORIGINS OF POLITICAL ORDER), Fukuyama examines how societies and their political institutions have […]
Stars for MANDELA: My Prisoner, My Friend
This Friday, we’re reading Christo Brand’s riveting biography: MANDELA: My Prisoner, My Friend. Afrikaner Brand was a prison guard in the maximum security facility on remote Robben Island, given charge of the country’s most infamous inmate: Nelson Mandela. Over 12 years, Brand became Mandela’s confidant and accomplice, celebrating his prisoner’s triumphs and suffering through his […]
Belated #BookBday (7/23/14 Edition)
We’re a day late to wish these two titles a Happy #BookBday, but it’s only to keep the celebration going! MAEVE BINCHY: The Biography by Piers Dudgeon Drawing on extensive research and humorous personal anecdotes, this first biography of the prolific, much-loved Irish writer chronicles the stories, anecdotes, humor, and sheer indomitable character of Binchy. […]
Graphic Novels for the Classroom & School Libraries!
This first book in the Great American Documents series (GREAT AMERICAN DOCUMENTS, Volume 1: 1620-1830 by Ruth Ashby and illustrated by Ernie Colón) tells the history of America through twenty of the major speeches, laws, proclamations, court decisions, and essays that shaped it between 1620 and 1830.
It's already received two starred reviews!
“[Ashby and Colón] breathe accessible and cogent life into the written documents that formed U.S. policy, beginning with the Mayflower Compact (1620) and ending with the Indian Removal Act (1830)... Colón uses well-designed, full-color panel layouts to eloquently blend charts and other informative graphics with straightforward images of events, clothing, and customs as well as clear, concise metaphors, all with an eye toward promoting a solid understanding of the basic facts and their impact... School libraries would do well to include this engaging volume in their history collections.” — Booklist, starred review
“Using notable treatises, pamphlets, laws, proclamations, and other documents, [The Great American Documents]—which begins with the Mayflower Compact and ends with the Monroe Doctrine and the Indian Removal Act—weaves together nearly two dozen vignettes with clarity and synthesis. Most remarkably, it covers the culture and context of each time period with a balanced truthfulness... For those who aren’t just curious about history but who really want to understand it, this is an exemplary volume.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The cartoon approach helps refresh history and make it come alive. A good primer for students and a refresher course for their parents.” — Kirkus Reviews
[...]
Back in Time
In today’s featured titles we’ll meet the enigmatic Romanov sisters, dig deeper into the relationship between Queen Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots, and watch blow-by-blow as the Spanish Armada fails to destroy England.
THE ROMANOV SISTERS: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra by Helen Rappaport
Historian Helen Rappaport brings the four Russian Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia Romanov, to life in their own words, drawing extensively on previously unseen or unpublished letters, diaries and archival sources, to illuminate the opulence of their doomed world and their courage as they faced a terrible end. “Readers will be swept up in the author’s leisurely yet informative narrative as she sheds new light on the lives of the four daughters.” — Publishers Weekly
THE SPANISH ARMADA by Robert Hutchinson
In this dramatic account of the Spanish Armada’s attempt to destroy Elizabeth’s England, Hutchinson uses everything from contemporary eyewitness accounts to papers held by the national archives in Spain and the United Kingdom to recreate the 1588 sea battle with Spain that assured the survival of Protestant England. “Readers know how the battle turned out, but they will relish Hutchinson’s intensely detailed account... Those with fond memories of Garrett Mattingly’s classic THE ARMADA will discover an equally enthralling successor.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
TUDORS VERSUS STEWARTS: The Fatal Inheritance of Mary, Queen of Scots by Linda Porter
British historian Porter regales readers about the rivalry between cousins Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth and their respective dynasties which eventually united Scotland and England. “A wonderfully thorough history of the Scots that thankfully avoids dwelling on stories that have been explored countless times before—especially fitting now as Scotland decides whether to withdraw from the union with England.” — Kirkus Reviews
[...]
Happy #BookBday (6/3/14 Edition)
It's a sunny summer day, perfect for a #BookBday! Today we celebrate:
SAVE THE DATE by Mary Kay Andrews
Cara Kryzik is on the verge of becoming the go-to wedding florist in Savannah, even though she doesn't believe in love. But when her latest bride spirals into a crisis and the wedding is in jeopardy, Cara must come to the rescue and figure out what she believes in. “A deft mixture of romance and humor in a story featuring a likable protagonist and cute critters: It’s a date Andrews fans won’t want to miss.” — Kirkus Reviews
THAT SUMMER by Lauren Willig
New York Times bestseller Willig takes readers on a journey through a mysterious old house, a hidden love affair, and one woman's search for the truth about her past—and herself. “A well-rounded group of characters, clearly connected ties between alternating time periods, and a jaw-dropping conclusion make for one engaging story. Fans will appreciate the author's nod to her 'Pink Carnation' series, but this title can be read alone. A winning suggestion for any age, this satisfying novel could also be a strong book discussion selection.” — Library Journal, starred review
SYLVIA, QUEEN OF THE HEADHUNTERS by Philip Eade
“British journalist Eade debuts with a well-written biography of Sylvia Brett Brooke (1885-1971), a tale that doubles as a history of the last days of the Raj. Sylvia’s husband, Vyner Brooke, became the third White Rajah of Sarawak in 1917, and she dubbed herself 'queen of the headhunters' in her fanciful memoirs. Vivid portraits of some fairly crazy Brits and a way of life that deserved to be doomed.” — Kirkus Reviews
THE GIRL WHO WAS SATURDAY NIGHT by Heather O'Neill
An enchanting story of twins, fame, and heartache by the much-praised author of LULLABIES FOR LITTLE CRIMINALS. “O’Neill has written a marvelously intriguing novel of a family in dissolution, each member of which is richly and memorably characterized. The book is beautifully written, particularly rich in simile and metaphor ('The pink clouds in the sky were delicates soaking in the sink'; 'The notes from the piano were like raindrops falling on the lake'). Compulsively readable, THE GIRL WHO WAS SATURDAY NIGHT is a delight for any night.” — Booklist, starred review
[...]
For Your Consideration: June LibraryReads titles
Since the weather is getting warmer, why not take your reading al fresco? We recommend these June 2014 titles to get you in a summer state of mind. Just don't forget to nominate your favorite books by May 1!
THAT NIGHT by Chevy Stevens
A woman who was wrongly convicted of her sister's murder and served time in prison must risk everything to find out the truth and clear her name. “Stevens has crafted yet another suspenseful thriller with this tale of heartbreak, the cruelties of fate, and redemption... A compelling, exceptional read.” — Library Journal, starred review
Available on NetGalley. To be pre-approved for an e-galley, please email library@macmillanusa.com with the subject "That Night."
A DARK AND TWISTED TIDE by Sharon Bolton
In the latest Lacey Flint mystery, the detective—now part of the marine police—finds a shrouded body in the river. And that's just the first one... “Bolton, who previously published using her initials rather than her first name, turns out dependably well-plotted, well-written crime novels that have actually made me miss my subway stop. I can't wait to get my hands on this one.” — Library Journal, Spring 2014 Editors' Picks
Available on NetGalley. To be pre-approved for an e-galley, please email library@macmillanusa.com with the subject "Dark and Twisted Tide."
SAVE THE DATE by Mary Kay Andrews
Cara Kryzik is on the verge of becoming the go-to wedding florist in Savannah, even though she doesn't believe in love. But when the bride spirals into a crisis and the wedding is in jeopardy, Cara must come to the rescue and figure out what she believes in. “Bestseller Andrews is at the top of her game, delivering a smart, funny perfect-for-summer read with a hopeful heart.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review on LADIES NIGHT
Download a copy from Edelweiss
THAT SUMMER by Lauren Willig
From modern-day England to the early days of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, New York Times bestseller Willig takes readers on a journey through a mysterious old house, a hidden love affair, and one woman's search for the truth about her past—and herself.
Download a copy from Edelweiss
THE GLASS KITCHEN by Linda Francis Lee
Three sisters move from Texas to New York City to open a restaurant in this novel about food, family, and finding true love from the author of EMILY AND EINSTEIN.
Download a copy from Edelweiss
BRUTAL YOUTH by Anthony Breznican
Three freshmen must join forces to survive at a troubled, working-class Catholic high school with a student body full of bullies and zealots, and a faculty that's even worse in this coming-of-age story that's Fight Club meets The Breakfast Club.
Download a copy from Edelweiss
THE ROMANOV SISTERS: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra by Helen Rappaport
Historian Helen Rappaport brings the four Russian Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia Romanov, to life in their own words, drawing extensively on previously unseen or unpublished letters, diaries and archival sources, to illuminate the opulence of their doomed world and their courage as they faced a terrible end.
Available on NetGalley. To be pre-approved for an e-galley, please email library@macmillanusa.com with the subject "Romanov Sisters."
For more June LibraryReads title suggestions, view our collection on Edelweiss. Happy reading and happy nominating!
[...]
Friday Reads (3/28/14 Edition)
We've got some all-star picks for today's #FridayReads:
WAR! WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?: Conflict and the Progress of Civilization from Primates to Robots by Ian Morris
“War!.... / What is it good for? / Absolutely nothing,” says the famous song—but archaeology, history, and biology show that war in fact has been good for something. Surprising as it sounds, Morris argues that war has made humanity safer and richer.
“Drawing on the work of Jared Diamond and Steven Pinker and myriads of others, Morris relentlessly develops his thesis, which never decreases in discomfort, though it does become more convincing. A disturbing, transformative text that veers toward essential reading.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“...erudite yet compulsively readable... Throughout this rare mixture of scholarship, stunning insight, and wit, Morris cites the widely divergent opinions of past philosophers and scholars, and, though he makes his case convincingly, future (and, oh yes, the future is projected) students, readers, and critics of this book are likely to continue the fascinating argument Morris raises here. WAR! WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? appeals to (indeed, may broaden) the large audience that has made Jared Diamond’s GUNS, GERMS, AND STEEL, much quoted in it, a modern classic and should join it on personal and library bookshelves.” — Booklist, starred review
LIFE OF THE AUTOMOBILE by Steven Parissien
The first all-encompassing narrative history of how the car—and the flamboyant entrepreneurs, shrewd businessmen, and gifted engineers behind it—shaped the world.
“This elegant and authoritative work demonstrates the historical links among people, machines, and cultures on a global scale. For readers who enjoy investigations into social, intellectual, business, technological, or transportation history—as well as dedicated car buffs.” — Library Journal, starred review
“From the Ford Model T to the Chevrolet Volt, Parissien covers every detail, including the sketchy safety and environmental record and a nod to the future of green technology.” — Booklist, starred review
[...]
Subway Success Story: THE RACE UNDERGROUND
“The blizzard of 1888 was the trigger that cities needed to finally acknowledge that the horse-pulled carriages, the steam-powered elevated trains, the cable-pulled trolleys and even the electrified street railways all suffered from the same flaw that could no longer be ignored. They were at the mercy of the skies.”
– THE RACE UNDERGROUND
Forget Chris Christie's bridge saga–we've got an even better true life story about a rivalry between cities and brothers that resulted in an invention that changed the lives of millions: THE RACE UNDERGROUND by Doug Most.
When the great blizzard of 1888 brought New York City to a halt, citizens realized a new transportation solution had to be found. Enter two brothers–Henry Melville Whitney of Boston and William Collins Whitney of New York City. Each man shared the same dream: that their city would be the first to have a subway system. And with that, the great race was on!
This riveting story is a Junior Library Guild selection, making it a great choice for younger readers interested in transportation history. It's also a great recommendation for adult readers who enjoy Erik Larson and David McCullough.
“Mr. Most weaves together the egos, political hurdles and other daunting challenges…in a sweeping narrative of late-19th-century intrigue.” – Sam Roberts, The New York Times
"An almost flawlessly conducted tour back to a time when major American cities dreamed big." – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"...A remarkably well-told story filled with villains, heroes, and events of the Gilded Age...." – Library Journal
"[Most] delivers a fun and enjoyable read about a vital, transformative period.” – Publishers Weekly
“This book proves again that American history is a treasure trove of great stories, this one filled with drama, sacrifice, loss and unimaginable success.” — Ken Burns, filmmaker, creator of the PBS series "The Civil War"
[...]
