Heretics
by G.K. Chesterton

Considered to be one of the greatest Christian Apologists of the 20th century, G.K. Chesterton accomplishes a great triumph in this vein with his series of short essays entitled "Heretics." While published in 1905, his defenses against the criticisms of Christianity of his time are just as relevant in 2023. While it is difficult to summarize the many outstanding profundities of this book, one in particular that seems to be intertwined in all of them is the significance of the paradoxical nature of virtue itself. To attain perfect Christian virtue is as insurmountable a task as swallowing the earth whole, yet this fact is precisely the reason why men have, will, and should pursue them. "The truth is that there are no things for which men will make such herculean efforts as the things of which they know they are unworthy [...] For with the removal of all question of merit or payment, the soul is suddenly released for incredible voyages." Certainly, Chesterton's "Heretics" is a recommended read for almost anyone, although I will caution that it may require several readings to fully absorb. His language is at times challenging for the average reader, and the ideas are so densely concentrated on the pages that some familiarity with them upon a second reading may prove to be more fruitful than the first. As well, Chesterton makes many contemporary and historical references that present day readers may not be familiar with. It is helpful when reading this book to make use of an encyclopedia if one is not familiar with all of his references.
 
 

Alexander Hamilton
by Ron Chernow

Ron Chernow's "Alexander Hamilton" chronicles the life of one of America's most prolific founding fathers. From his birth and early life in the Caribbean to his ignominious death at the hands of Aaron Burr after a duel in 1804, Chernow's book spares no expense at covering every detail of Hamilton's rise and fall from public life. The book is also the inspiration for the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton!" For anyone interested in American history, this book is a MUST read, along with Chernow's others on American giants: George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, and John D. Rockafeller.
 
 

Girl, Forgotten
by Karen Slaughter

The second book in Karen Slaughter's Andrea Oliver series, "Girl, Forgotten" is gripping, intense, and unpredictable. I really enjoyed listening to the audiobook! I would highly recommend this book for fans of suspenseful, smart thrillers. This story follows Andrea after she graduates from the U.S. Marshal academy and she takes on her first assignment. She is tasked with protecting a federal judge from death threats, but soon she finds there is much more going on in Longbill Beach. Karen Slaughter seamlessly weaves together a truly spectacular book in "Girl, Forgotten." You don't want to miss this one!
 
 

The Year of Less
by Cait Flanders

Open, honest, raw. The Year of Less shares Cait Flander's year-long experiment of giving up on frivolous consumer spending. Cait gives us a fly on the wall perspective of what life-altering changes truly require. It is not pretty, but it is effective! I would recommend for young adults curious about the culture of minimalism, or more accurately "intentional living." I believe this memoir would specifically resonate with the 20's-30's age range, those who may be just starting out on their own and developing their identity in the world. I enjoyed this memoir. I found it relatable and it inspired me to remain accountable to what I consume.
 
 

The Singles Table
by Sara Desai

This adorable sequel to The Marriage Game takes us back into the Desi world of matchmaking and arranged marriage. Zara is a career focused lawyer whose free spirit gets her into trouble, but she’s also one of the most successful matchmakers in her community. She sets her sights on fixing up ex-military, CEO Jay Donovan weather he likes it or not. But what happens when she peels back his controlled façade is an enemies to lovers you can’t put down.
 
 

To Quell The Terror: The True Story of the Carmelite Martyrs of Compiegne
by William Bush

"To Quell The Terror" is an excellent account of not only the Martyrs of Compiegne, but the French Revolution itself. Although William Bush covers the former to a much greater extent than the latter, his indictment of the horrific French Revolution (which many historians tend to apologize for) is a byproduct of the story of the Martyrs themselves. The book outlines the events leading up to the French Revolution, the beheadings of thousands of innocent French citizens (including King Louis XVI and his Marie Antoinette), and ends shortly after the "red caps" took the lives of 16 Carmelite nuns...simply because they remained nuns after the Revolutionary government co-opted the Catholic church and banned all religious orders. For anyone with a keen interest in the French Revolution and/or Catholic Church history, this book is an excellent read. I will warn, however, that the book's timeline is at times confusing, as it tends to jump forward and backward within each chapter...a style the author warns of in his forward.
 
 

Horse
by Geraldine Brooks

Wow. This book was interesting, heart-wrenching, and fascinating. An important conversation about race, both past and present.
 
 

Chocolatie me!
by Taye biggs

The book is about a boy who has dark skin and he was getting bullied about his chocolatie skin his mom taught hem to love his skin I like the book and I will recommend it to others
 
 

valentine mice
by Bethany Robert's

THE MICE WERE HANDING OUT VALENTINES. ONE MOUSE GOT STUCK IN THE SNOW AND OTHERD PULLED HIM OUT. I LIKED THE BOOK BECAUSE IT IS ABOUT A HOLIDAY. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO OTHERS.
 
 

Dragon Masters Waking the Rainbow Dragon
by Tracey West

This was about finding a rainbow dragon. There was a giant spider that sang the most beautiful song in the world but it was really a spell that put the rainbow dragon to sleep. I loved it because I really like dragons and I really really really like their battles. I would recommend it.