This week, we feature a fascinating history that analyzes how each side fared in the Civil War’s first battle and a clever comedy about a retired Texas farmer fighting a senior community’s power-hungry board.
History
‘The Demon of Unrest:
By Erik Larson
Many books examine Fort Sumter, the Civil War’s opening battle. But few get inside the heads of the both sides’ participants to explain what motivated their actions the way this book does. Larson explains what led both sides to behave as they did, and why this made the outcome inevitable. It shows the danger of failing to understand those with whom you disagree. Excellently written, entertaining and enlightening, its applicability to today’s political scene may be its greatest strength.
Crown, 2024, 592 pages
Non-fiction
‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’
By Jonathan Haidt
Relying on loads of data and parental anecdotes, Mr. Haidt argues that the decline of a play-based childhood and the intrusion of social media and games via phones and the internet are damaging America’s children. He convincingly demonstrates how this “great rewiring of childhood” causes sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction, leading to loneliness, depression, and fragility. He also explains in detail ways to bring back a humane childhood. Highly recommended.
Penguin Press, 2024, 400 pages
Sports
‘K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches’
By Tyler Kepner
Baseball has been explored, analyzed, and dissected by countless writers. These writers range from scientists to baseball enthusiasts to former ballplayers. As typical with writing about America’s favorite pastime, there is nostalgia intermixed. Tyler Kepner combines the science, analyses, and nostalgia of baseball into one book. He takes 10 different pitches—from the fastball to the changeup—and gives us a history of baseball that is as memorable and entertaining as the game itself.
Doubleday, 2019, 320 pages
Novel
‘Sun City:
By Matthew Minson
Cal Yarborough was a farmer. While he was hospitalized, his children sold his farm and then moved him to Sun City, a Central Texas retirement community. Then he learns he cannot grow a vegetable garden because the community board has banned them. In order to replace board members, the residents must buy the unsold properties. Cal and other disgruntled residents hatch a plot to raise money to do so. This fast-paced, rip-roaring farce pits individual freedom against central control.
TLOED Inc., 2022, 305 pages
Classics
‘The Strenuous Life: Essays and Addresses’
By Theodore Roosevelt
“Character and Success,” “The Best and the Good,” “National Duties:” These titles alone from this collection of 19 addresses and essays display the gist of the man and his interest in virtue and his country. In “The Strenuous Life,” Roosevelt argues that the person who endures hardship and squarely faces difficult tasks will be transformed into an exemplar of honor and duty. Here as well is a splendid look into the mind and temperament of one of our most fascinating presidents.
Dover Publications, 2009, 160 pages
For Kids
‘The Princess and the Goblin’
By George MacDonald
First published in 1872, this classic children’s novel depicts the tale of young Princess Irene who is sent by her father, the king, to live under the care of a nurse in a castle in the mountains. Within the caverns of the mountains live goblins who make it their business to cause trouble for people who live nearby and only come out at night.
Puffin Books reissue, 2011, 256 pages
