Spotlight
History Light: 3 Bestselling Authors are Coming Out with New Books this Fall
09.01.15
Readers of well written, entertaining nonfiction have something to look forward to this fall. Three authors, often referred to as bestselling, and in one case as Pulitzer Prize winning, are coming out with new books. The library has ordered copies and you can start placing your holds on these titles now.
Lafayette in the Somewhat United States.
By Sarah Vowell
Vowell’s Assassination Vacation and Wordy Shipmates explored the history of presidential assassinations and America’s Puritan roots. Her new book continues to explore American history through the story of French Revolutionary War hero, the Marquis de Lafayette and his influence on the American Revolutionary years.
"The Vowell formula once again guarantees an entertaining, nontraditional look at American history and a fast, enjoyable read." (Nov.) --Staff (Reviewed July 27, 2015) (Publishers Weekly, vol 262, issue 30, p51-52)
Pacific: silicon chips and surfboards, coral reefs and atom bombs, brutal dictators, fading ... empires, and the coming collision of the world's superpowers.
By Simon Winchester
Trained geologist and former journalist Simon Winchester’s new book is similar to earlier titles like Krakatoa and Atlantic. He explore the intersection of humanity and Mother Nature.
“Winchester’s vigorous prose and tireless dragnetting of interesting lore make this an entertaining read.” -- Staff (Reviwed July 27, 2015) (Publishers Weekly, Vol. 262 Issue 30, p51-52. 2p.)
Witches: Salem, 1692.
By Stacy Schiff
Pulitzer Prize winner Stacy Schiff’s Cleopatra debunks the myths about this woman while constructing a biography of a smart, intelligent political leader. Once again Schiff turns her skills to the lives of women during an episode in American history where hysteria ran uncontrolled.
"Investigating one raw and awful year in the Massachusetts Bay Colony when a minister's daughter's fits led to barbed accusations of witchcraft. When it was over, 19 men and women had been hanged, which profoundly shaped the emerging republic." --Barbara Hoffert (Reviewed May 15, 2015) (Library Journal, vol 140, issue 9, p55)