This week, we feature an account and guide on how conversations can help heal gaps between generations and a 1907 dystopian novel that seems written for today.
Relationships
‘Unfinished Business: Breaking Down the Great Wall Between Adult Child and Immigrant Parents’
By Amy C. Yip
In her account of how she broke down the “Great Wall” between herself and her Chinese-born parents, Amy Yip writes about growing up as the daughter of immigrants, the clashes that occurred as she tried to make her way between their expectations and the American culture in which they lived, and how their many conversations finally eased these tensions. With its excellent tips and advice, this autobiography also seeks to help all adult children better understand their parents.
Publish Your Purpose, 2023, 364 pages
History
‘Ghosts of Honolulu’
By Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr.
It’s been 82 years since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Dec. 7, 1941. The behind-the-scenes players of that fateful day are brought to life in this riveting and well-researched work. The focus is on spies and the intelligence community on both sides. Douglas Wada was the only Japanese-American agent in naval intelligence. Takeo Yoshikawa was a Japanese spy anchored in Hawaii to observe the comings and goings of the American fleet. Ordinary lives get caught in the crosshairs of a world at war.
Harper Select, 2023, 272 pages
Space
‘Safe Is Not an Option’
By Rand Simberg
Getting everyone back safely has been NASA’s primary objective for decades. But can you be too safe when it comes to space travel? This book says obsession with total crew safety has interfered with NASA’s primary mission of space exploration, resulting in less manned-space exploration, less manned-activity in space, and even less crew safety. By contrast, the U.S. Coast Guard attempts rescues at sea, even at the risk of its Coast Guardsmen. Published 10 years ago, the read is just as relevant today.
Interglobal Media, 2013, 242 pages
Military History
‘Agincourt: Battle of the Scarred King’
By Michael Livingston
There is nothing wrong with tradition, unless the tradition is wrong. Michael Livingston has, again, taken up the cause of pursuing truth over tradition. This time involving one of the most famous battles in military history: the Battle of Agincourt. This Hundred Years’ War battle between England and France became even more prominent after Shakespeare highlighted it in “Henry V.” But Mr. Livingston makes a very strong case that playwrights, enthusiasts, and historians have gotten much of the battle wrong.
Osprey Publishing, 2023, 320 pages
Classics
‘Lord of the World’
By Robert Hugh Benson
Published in 1907, this early dystopian novel tells of an advanced civilization descending into totalitarianism and its own ruin. With religious faith dead or driven underground, a mystery man rises to power, promising peace while bringing a sword. He soon becomes known as the “Lord of the World.” One of those opposing him is Father Percy Franklin, who fights to hold onto his faith while battling the atheism and cruelty of the new, chaotic regime. A prescient look into our own era.
Ave Maria Press, 2016, 352 pages
For Kids
‘The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey’
By Susan Wojciechowski and P.J. Lynch
The heartwarming tale of a local widower, a woodcarver, who lives in solitude and seeming sadness until a young boy and his widow mother commission a carving that leads to, well, a miracle. Gorgeously illustrated, this touching read-aloud encompasses the true meaning of Christmas in a way that will touch your heart. This is a must-read for any age.
Candlewick, 2015, 40 pages
