The Shadow of War: A Novel of the Cuban Missile Crisis

Shaara, Jeff. The Shadow of War: A Novel of the Cuban Missile Crisis. 2024. 368p. ISBN 9781250279965.

When the Soviets moved nuclear ballistic missiles to Cuba in 1962, this was for them simply another step in the Cold War. But the situation quickly unraveled into the very real possibility that nuclear war would occur between the Soviet Union and the United States. The Shadow of War connects events from the Bay of Pigs to the building of the Berlin Wall, contextualizing the crisis within the broader geopolitical tensions of the era. This wasn't the only issue Kennedy was managing, as Civil Rights confrontations were simultaneously escalating across the American South. By alternating between US and Russian perspectives, The Shadow of War gives readers a unique look at the same event from both sides, from those in positions of power down to the common man, painting a detailed and immersive picture of the high-stakes situation.

The Shadow of War excels at humanizing key figures, showing that Kennedy was still learning on the job and was willing to admit his mistakes, while Khrushchev was trying to avoid the mistakes of Stalin. This approach generates a palpable sense of tension and suspense, even for readers who know the ultimate outcome. The detailed discussions and thought processes of the characters give readers a real sense of who they were, what stances they took, and how both leaders had to be the "calm in the center of the storm" while many on both sides were ready to start World War III. The book also underscores the striking difference between the news media of that time and today, noting how news outlets were willing to withhold reporting until after a presidential address to the American people.

Fans of history will love this fast-paced historical narrative that could have led to the planet's destruction.

Naruto, Vol. 33: Secret Missions

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 33: Secret Missions. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421520018. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Now in position by the bridge after Naruto, Vol. 32, Naruto and his team await the results of the meeting between Yamato posing as Sasori and Kabuto. But Orochimaru anticipated this move, and he intervenes to capture Sasori. In the following confrontation, Naruto undergoes a terrifying transformation, his powers escalating to a point where he loses control and shockingly turns against his own teammates. This unexpected and dangerous shift throws his allies into immediate peril, forcing them to confront a vastly more powerful and unpredictable Naruto. The reasons behind this violent metamorphosis remain unclear, leaving his friends bewildered and struggling to understand the sudden betrayal by someone they trust.

Amidst this conflict and chaos, Orochimaru reveals a terrifying and far-reaching plot. His machinations, long shrouded in secrecy, are unveiled to have caused a staggering number of deaths, far exceeding what anyone had previously imagined. The revelation of Orochimaru's deadly scheme casts a dark shadow over the events, suggesting that Naruto's transformation might be intrinsically linked to this larger, more malevolent plan that threatens the entire ninja world.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 34. 

Geo's Fortune

Mucha, Amy. Geo's Fortune. 2025. 272p. ISBN 9781682636718.

At 13, Geo has lived with her goth mother her whole life. Her father died when she was very young, so ever since then it's been the two of them against the world. When her mother needs to secure employment to avoid foreclosure on the house, Geo suddenly sees that her life could change irrevocably, since her mother cannot find work locally. With a move on the horizon, Geo is in urgent need of money, so she decides to start a fortune-telling business with her best friend Lana. Using Lana's rock collection as props, Geo launches herself into interpreting what the rocks say about people who pick them, despite having no belief in psychic powers or knowledge of rocks and crystals. Geo is content to offer fake fortunes to anyone willing to pay, prioritizing quick cash over genuine mystical abilities. 

However, Geo's seemingly harmless scheme takes an unexpected turn when her fabricated predictions begin to mysteriously come true. Her friends quickly become convinced of her psychic abilities, a notion Geo desperately tries to refute. She firmly believes in logic and dismisses concepts like psychic powers, healing energies, or manifesting. Now, she's left questioning her own beliefs as her fake fortunes manifest into reality, challenging her rational worldview. Can Geo figure out what is happening to her before she goes too far?

A delightful tale, all of the characters in Geo's Fortune are realistically portrayed. Geo is insecure but knows how to get things done. Lana doesn't want to lose her best friend. Feather is spacey and out there, but she brings a passion and an explanation to the story. Fans of friendship stories will appreciate Geo's efforts to avoid moving and start a new life elsewhere.

Black Power Scorecard: Measuring the Racial Gap and What We Can Do to Close It

Perry, Andre. Black Power Scorecard: Measuring the Racial Gap and What We Can Do to Close It. 2025. 256p. ISBN 9781250869715.

Black Power Scorecard redefines the understanding of Black Americans' pursuit of power. Moving beyond the traditional focus on legal equality to emphasize its inherent connection with economic influence and ownership across various facets of life, the author utilizes extensive research and statistical data to quantify the actual power Black Americans wield in the United States, arguing that true power in the U.S. extends far beyond basic democratic freedoms.

The book comprehensively evaluates Black power across critical areas, including property, business, wealth, education, health, and social mobility, assessing communities nationwide. Perry calculates how this translates into fundamental means of power, including life itself and the longevity of Black communities. In doing so, he identifies crucial, often overlooked areas where investment could significantly narrow the racial gap, ultimately benefiting all of society and offering a fresh, data-driven approach to addressing structural inequality.

More than 150 years after the end of the Civil War, racial injustices continue to afflict the United States, preventing the nation from achieving its true potential.

Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945

Hastings Max. Inferno: The World at War, 1939-1945. 2011. 729p. ISBN 9780307273598.

World War II, a conflict of unprecedented scale, involved tens of millions of soldiers and claimed an average of twenty-seven thousand lives daily, totaling sixty million fatalities. Inferno crafts a uniquely intimate portrait of the world at war through strikingly detailed personal stories, weaving together the experiences of diverse individuals, including soldiers, sailors, airmen, British housewives, Indian peasants, SS killers, and the citizens of Leningrad who endured cannibalism during its two-year siege, as well as Japanese suicide pilots and American carrier crews. Simultaneously, Inferno traces major strategic developments—such as Hitler's refusal to retreat from the Soviet Union, Stalin's ruthless use of population to wear down the German army, Churchill's leadership in the dark days of 1940-41, and Roosevelt's steady hand—placing them firmly within their real human context.

Inferno sheds light on some of the war's darker and less-explored aspects. It delves into the conflict between the Soviet Union and Finland, highlighting the Finns' fierce and surprising resistance against Stalin's invading Red Army. It further examines the devastating Bengal famine of 1943-44, an event that claimed at least one million lives and which, in Nehru's words, served as "the final epitaph of British rule" in India. This expansive approach offers a nuanced understanding of the war's far-reaching impact, extending beyond its most commonly recounted battles.

Unlike many histories of World War II, Inferno draws extensively from journals and letters of individuals who lived through this frightening period in history. The personal touch of living the war through the eyes of participants builds a strong foundation for the history told by Max Hastings. Fans of history will find this volume one of the best history of the Second World War.

America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State

Balmer, Richard. America’s Best Idea: The Separation of Church and State. 2025. 160p. ISBN 9781586424145.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution established a fundamental principle: the government should not favor any single religion but must allow for the free exercise of all faiths and beliefs. This separation of church and state has been remarkably successful, shielding the government from religious factionalism and fostering a religious diversity that is unparalleled globally. For over two centuries, this framework has served as a cornerstone of American governance and societal harmony.

However, this long-standing principle is now facing significant challenges. Recent shifts in the Supreme Court have moved away from excluding religious practices from public institutions and laws, instead favoring the inclusion and promotion of religion in publicly funded initiatives. Concurrently, a growing movement of Christian Nationalists has become increasingly vocal and is gaining positions of power. These developments suggest that despite its historical success, the future of the separation of church and state is by no means guaranteed.

America's Best Idea explores the history behind the separation of church and state, and describes how this process is now being undermined by political partisanship. Fans of history will appreciate this deep dive into a central but threatened element of the American constitution and how it impacts our society.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 25. 2020. 282p. ISBN 9781974718467. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Rin's visions of the past, which started in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23 and continued in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 24, culminate in the devastating climax of the Blue Night, where he witnesses Satan's cloned body fail to contain the immense cosmic energies within him. This catastrophic event unleashes an unprecedented crisis upon the Knights of the True Cross, as a wave of destruction begins to sweep across the entire world, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

Despite being a mere newborn, Rin possesses immense demonic power, his demon heart unleashing scorching blue flames that ravage the Knights of the True Cross. These destructive blue flames continue to spread relentlessly, ensuring that no one will be spared from their intense heat and the widespread devastation they cause.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 26.