The Moonstone

The Moonstone is by Wilkie Collins. The classic historical fiction mystery novel by the author of The Woman in White. When the fabulous Moonstone gem is stolen from an English manor house, a famous detective sets out to solve the mystery, but finds the owner of the gem doesn't seem to want it found. Told in sections by the different characters involved in the story, this is a gem of a classic for mystery lovers everywhere. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10. 

The Gospel in Dickens

The Gospel in Dickens is by Charles Dickens and Gina Dalfonzo. Dalfonzo prints selections from famous works of Dickens and uses them to show various aspects of the Gospel in his writing. Topics include Sin and Its Victims, Repentance and Grace, and The Righteous Life. Fans of Dickens, and those who are not familiar with his work, should read this book. It is especially interesting if you have a knowledge of, or are of, the Christian faith. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10.  

Railsplitter

Railsplitter is by Maurice Manning. A wonderful book of poetry written, supposedly, by the deceased Abraham Lincoln. Charming and moving work. A must read for poetry lovers. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

The Trail of the Serpent

The Trail of the Serpent is by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. A historical fiction detective mystery, one of the first of its kind. When young Richard Marwood is accused of brutally killing his uncle, only a detective who can't speak believes he is innocent. The book informs readers early on who the murderer is, and then becomes a quest to prove Richard innocent and convict the guilty party. A fascinating look at the early detective novel. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Macbeth

Macbeth is by William Shakespeare. The classic historical fiction drama by the greatest author ever to write in the English language. Macbeth and his friend come across three witches after a battle who give Macbeth three prophecies. In this brilliant examination of fate vs free will and the wages of sin, Shakespeare's shortest play is one of his finest. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10. 

The Leavenworth Case

The Leavenworth Case is by Anna Katherine Green. The first in the Mr. Gryce historical fiction detective series. The story opens when a lawyer is informed that a rich client has been murdered and is summoned to the house to assist the family with the police inquiry. Mr. Leavenworth has two adopted nieces both of whom are beautiful and ultimately fall under suspicion for the crime. Mr. Raymond, the lawyer, is determined to prove that neither niece is guilty and joins with Detective Gryce to solve the murder. I challenge anyone to say they saw the ending coming. This is a wonderful story, actually published nine years before the first of the Sherlock Holmes stories. It is again proof that America, not England, is the home of the detective novel. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Fugitive Telemetry

Fugitive Telemetry is by Martha Wells. The sixth book in the science fiction Murderbot series. The events in this book take place before those in Network Effect. When a dead body is found on Preservation Station, Murderbot checks it out to make sure no one is trying to assassinate Dr. Mensah again. Then it is asked, horror or horrors, to assist the human investigators to discover the identity of the corpse and find the murderer - and to do this it will have to talk to humans! This series is a must read for everyone. Where can I get a Secunit of my own? 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

And After All

And After All is by Rina P. Espaillat. A charming book of poetry by a poet who is sure to be a classic. A must read for poetry lovers. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity). 

Anaphora

Anaphora is by Scott Cairns. A beautiful book of inspirational poetry. A must read for poetry lovers. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Idiot Psalms

Idiot Psalms is by Scott Cairns. A wonderful collection of beautiful poetry. Modern poetry that isn't intimidating. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is by Jules Verne. The classic science fiction tale of undersea adventure. When Professor Aronnax, his servant, and whaler Ned Land are "rescued" by the infamous Captain Nemo and taken aboard his submarine The Nautilus, they are in for the adventure of their lives. They are forced to travel around the world with the mysterious Captain and his crew. Will they be captives forever, or will Ned Land finally lead a successful escape attempt? A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Gaudy Night

Gaudy Night is by Dorothy L. Sayers. The tenth book in the historical fiction Lord Peter Wimsey series. Harriet Vane has returned to Oxford to attend a reunion, while there she is asked to assist in solving the mystery of some nasty and bizarre messages being left around the college. She then discovers she may need Lord Peter's help after all. A series all mystery loves need to read at least once in their lives. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10. 

An Experiment in Criticism

An Experiment in Criticism is by C.S. Lewis. The classic essay by Lewis discussing what makes a good book and a good reader and how to define a bad book and a bad reader. A must read for all avid readers. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Are Women Human?: Astute and Witty Essays on the Role of Women in Society

Are Women Human?: Astute and Witty Essays on the Role of Women in Society is by Dorothy L. Sayers. A book of classic essays on the role of women by the wonderful Dorothy Sayers. Brilliantly written and marvelously relevant and thought provoking. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 .