This week, we feature an excellent novel that presents an insider’s take on a Roman statesman’s rise to power and an insightful analysis on what makes military leaders great.
Historical Fiction
‘Imperium: A Novel of Ancient Rome’
By Robert Harris
Here, we travel to Ancient Rome near the end of the Republic, as Tiro—slave, confidant, and secretary—tells of the rise of his master Cicero in the courts of Rome. Focused first on the trial of Verres, a corrupt former governor of Sicily, this masterful novel leads us into the circles of power dominating the city while showing how his prosecution of Verres thrust Cicero to fame. This is historical fiction at its best, detailed in description while holding the reader’s interest throughout.
Gallery Books, 2007, 305 pages
Time Travel
‘The Midnight Library’
By Matt Haig
If you had a chance to go back and change your life, would you? What if you had a chance to just see what your life would look like had you made different choices along the way, would you want to take a glimpse? If the answer is yes, then there is a place called the Midnight Library that holds an infinite number of books in which one can peer into countless chapters of his or her life. This story follows Nora Seed, who visits the library for a life-changing opportunity. But is the change worth it?
Penguin, 2023, 304 pages
Mystery
‘A Death In Good Society’
By Taleena Sinclair
When society’s darling “Angel of Waldfeld” is found murdered in the city’s silk-stocking district, the city sits in shock. A month later, Waldfeld’s Lord Mayor asks fellow army veteran Capt. John Recht, a retired intelligence officer, to investigate the unsolved crime. Despite having just buried his wife, Recht agrees. He soon uncovers political corruption and, possibly, treason involving powerful Waldfeld families. This mystery in a late 18th-century setting offers a gripping tale.
Mevrian House Books, 2026, 357 pages
Leadership
‘Who Wins Wars: Lessons in Leadership, Power, and Supreme Command From Washington, Grant, and Eisenhower’
By Ret. Lt. Col. ML Cavanaugh
While many generals win battles, very few of them win their wars. Even fewer, even given supreme command, can lose multiple battles, yet still achieve an ultimate victory. This book examines what leads to military success, using campaigns run by George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight D. Eisenhower, as examples of how to win wars. This book is useful for military professionals, those interested in military history, or general readers wishing to learn more about the military.
Matt Holt Books, 2026, 256 pages
Classics
‘Crime and Punishment’
By Fyodor Dostoevsky
A student, Raskolnikov, driven by the radical philosophy that history’s few extraordinary people live by laws different from those of the common herd, brutally murders a pawnbroker and her half-sister due to his need for money. This extraordinary 19th-century exploration of nihilism and faith brings riches: a window into life in Russia’s St. Petersburg; the conflicts between faith, reason, and politics; and the love of a remarkable woman, Sonya. A must-read classic of world literature.
Vintage, 1993, 565 pages
For Kids
‘Mr. Putter & Tabby Ring the Bell’
By Cynthia Rylant and Arthur Howard
Mr. Putter and his cat, Tabby, are always ready for a little adventure. In this installment of their series, the delights of fall remind Mr. Putter of his school days. He wishes he could go back to school for just one day. Gentle humor and warm storytelling pair with fun illustrations in this beginner chapter book. A perfect back-to-school read.
Clarion Books, 2012, 44 pages
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