Shakespeare's Last Plays is by E.M.W. Tillyard. A nonfiction critical look at the last plays written by Shakespeare. The book covers: "Cymbeline," "The Winter's Tale," and "The Tempest." A marvelous insight into these plays, and what they can tell us about Shakespeare.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10.
Japanese Fairy Tales is by Yei Theodora Ozaki. A charming book of fairy tales from Japan. A great read for those interested in fairy tales of all types, but especially those from other cultures. They provide insight into Japanese culture.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Empress of Salt and Fortune is by Nghi Vo. The first book in the fantasy Singing Hills Cycle. Series in a land resembling ancient China, a young cleric is on the way to the capitol city and stops to see a deserted imperial house near a lake. There they meets an old woman, who unlocks for them the true history of the kingdom they live in and the empress who rules it. There are gender fluid characters in this book, but that is not the primary plot of the story.
Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
The Abolition of Man is by C.S. Lewis. The classic nonfiction lecture on the importance of universal values. Lewis is a master of reasoned thought and explication. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10.
The Elizabethan World Picture is by E.M.W. Tillyard. A classic nonfiction philosophical discussion of Elizabethan worldview and cosmology. A must read for readers of Shakespeare, Milton, Spencer, and other Elizabethan authors. The evidence provided helps readers understand the way Elizabethan's thought and makes much that was confusing about their writings clearer.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10.
Chemistry is by Weike Wang. A strange realistic fiction work. It is the story of a Chinese American woman working on a Ph.D. in chemistry and trying to keep a relationship going with her live-in boyfriend, who is also a chemist. He has received his degree and wants to teach in another state. When she finds she can't continue with her schooling, her life begins to take strange turns. This book was just not in my wheelhouse.
Ratings: 11th grade - 3 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC mature thematic content).
The Nature of Comedy and Shakespeare is by E.M.W. Tillyard. A nonfiction classic Shakespeare critique. Based on a lecture gave in 1958, it discusses Shakespeare and the nature of his comedies. A must read for Shakespeare lovers and scholars.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10.
A Midsummer Night's Dream is by William Shakespeare. The classic romantic drama by the greatest writer in the English language. Set in Athens two pairs of lovers become lost in the forest, where the King of the fairies Oberon and his bride Titania hold sway. Also in the forest a company of working men are rehearsing a play to be performed at the marriage of Theseus to Hippolyta. Craziness ensues before the hilarious happy ending. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.
