book talk for august 20 2024

Book Talk

Book Talk for August 20, 2024

Blood and iron: the rise and fall of the German Empire, 1871-1918
by Katja Hoyer

"This vivid fifty-year history of Germany from 1871–1918—which inspired events that forever changed the European continent—is the story of the Second Reich from its violent beginnings and rise to power to its calamitous defeat in the First World War. Before 1871, Germany was not yet a nation but simply an idea. Its founder, Otto von Bismarck, had a formidable task at hand. How would he bring thirty-nine individual states under the yoke of a single Kaiser? How would he convince proud Prussians, Bavarians, and Rhinelanders to become Germans? Once united, could the young European nation wield enough power to rival the empires of Britain and France—all without destroying itself in the process? In this unique study of five decades that changed the course of modern history, Katja Hoyer tells the story of the German Empire's beginning to its defeat in World War I. This often startling narrative is a dramatic tale of national self-discovery, social upheaval, and realpolitik that ended, as it started, in blood and iron." -- Provided by publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
DB112074

Chinese menu: the history, myths, and legends behind your favorite foods
by Grace Lin

"The origin stories of each Chinese dish told using the framework of Chinese cuisine--oftentimes based in folklore, both ancient and contemporary." -- Provided by publisher. Commercial audiobook. For grades 4-7.
DB116804

A reckoning for kings: a novel of the Tet Offensive
By Chris Bunch and Allan Cole

A kaleidoscopic treatment of the Vietnam War, this novel veers back and forth between the American viewpoint and the Vietnamese. From October 1967 to January 1969 the military on both sides, as well as Vietnamese civilians, struggle to kill each other and to survive. Highlighted are Major Shannon, General Sinclair, General Duan and his aide Lau, and men of the first squad. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex.
DB26273

Dead wake: the last crossing of the Lusitania
by Erich Larson

In 1915 the Lusitania, a luxury ocean liner, left New York for Liverpool. The captain assumed that the Germans would follow gentlemanly strictures of warfare, keeping civilian ships safe from attack. Larson recounts what happened when Germany violated that code and that choice's wider repercussions. Violence. Commercial audiobook. 2015.
DB80936
The mothers and daughters of the Bible speak: lessons on faith from nine biblical families
by Shannon Bream

Nine stories from the Bible focusing on the lives of biblical women, showing how God's plans can turn our worlds upside down. Women profiled include Jochebed, the mother of Moses; Rebekah, who made terrible choices to secure her son's legacy; and Michal, the daughter of Saul. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. Bestseller. 2022.
DB107944

The Moffats
by Eleanor Estes

The humorous adventures of the Moffat children and their mother on New Dollar Street in Cranbury, Connecticut. It's strange that the Moffats should live on New Dollar Street because they don't have much money. But the four children enjoy lively adventures with their family and friends. A classic story for grades 3-6 to share with older readers.
DB22178

Shackled a tale of wronged kids, rogue judges and the town that looked away
by Candy J Cooper

"Here is the explosive story of the Kids for Cash scandal in Pennsylvania, a judicial justice miscarriage that sent more than 2,500 children and teens to a for-profit detention center while two judges lined their pockets with cash, as told by Candy J. Cooper, an award-winning journalist and Pulitzer Prize finalist"-- Provided by publisher. Some violence and some strong language. For senior high and older readers.
DB120688

The Stopover
by T L Swan

"A memorable night of passion refuses to stay just a memory in this sizzling and scandalous romance from bestselling author T L Swan. I was upgraded to first class on a flight from London to New York. The food, champagne, and service were impeccable. The blue-eyed man sitting next to me, even better. He was suave and intelligent. We talked and laughed, and something clicked. Fate took over and the plane was grounded, and we had an unexpected stopover for the night. With no plans, we made our own. We danced and laughed our way around Boston and had a night of crazy passion that no woman would ever forget. That was twelve months ago, and I haven't heard from him, until today. I started a new job and met the CEO. You can imagine my surprise to see those naughty blue eyes dance with delight when he saw me across the mahogany desk. But I'm not that carefree girl anymore. My life has changed, I have responsibilities. I just got an email. He wants to see me in his office for a private meeting at 8:00 a.m. Naughty blue eyes have no place in the workplace. What kind of private meeting does he have in mind?"-- From publisher. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
DB121000

Not Her Daughter
by Rea Frey

"Gripping, emotional, and wire-taut, Not Her Daughter raises the question of what it means to be a mother and how far someone will go to keep a child safe. Emma is lonely. Living with her cruel mother and clueless father, Emma retreats into her own world of quiet and solitude.Sarah has never seen a girl so precious as the gray-eyed child in a crowded airport terminal. When a second-chance encounter with Emma presents itself, Sarah takes her far away from home. But if it’s to rescue a little girl from her damaging mother, is kidnapping wrong?Amy’s life is a string of disappointments, but her biggest issue is her inability to connect with her daughter. And now Emma is gone without a trace. As Sarah and Emma avoid the nationwide hunt, they form an unshakeable bond. But what about Emma’s real mother, back at home?"-- Goodreads. Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
DB122465