A Dance to the Music of Time 12 - Hearing Secret Harmonies
Hearing Secret Harmonies is the final novel in Anthony Powell's twelve-volume masterpiece, A Dance to the Music of Time. It was published in 1975 twenty-four years since the first book, A Question of Upbringing appeared in 1951. Completing his meditation upon the themes of time and will, the author recounts the narrative in the voice of a convincingly middle-aged Jenkins. (In the television adaptation of the novels an older actor was chosen to play Nick in the final part.)
Beginning in a small village under Japanese occupation on the Chinese-Russian border in the final days of World War II, this is the story of a White Russian mother and daughter, separated by war.
When Stink, Sophie, and Webster discover that pet-shop owner Mrs. Birdwhistle has rescued 101 guinea pigs from a perfume-testing lab, they offer to help her find good homes for the critters. After persuasion, salesmanship, and even a road trip, the friends accomplish their mission This beginning chapter book carries on the series’ tradition with a high-interest topic, a fast-moving story, a reader-friendly format, and pleasing illustrations (some not seen). From the cheerful illustration on the cover to the final turn of events, which takes Stink by surprise, this will appeal to small-animal lovers looking for short chapter books. Grades 2-4.
Their Last Suppers - Legends of History and Their Final Meals
Did you know that Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian and his longtime private chef was Jewish? What dish played an integral role in Marilyn Monroe's unsuccessful bid to woo back Bobby Kennedy? Part historical narrative and part grilling guide and cookbook, Andrew Caldwell's Their Last Suppers: Legends of History and Their Final Meals guides history buffs and gourmands alike through gastronomically inspired biographical accounts of more than 20 legendary personalities.
Acclaimed novelist and historian Weir continues to successfully mine the Tudor era, once again excavating literary gold. This time around, Anne Boleyn falls under her historical microscope. Though Boleyn’s life has already been dissected by a bevy of distinguished scholars, novelists, and filmmakers, Weir nevertheless manages to introduce a fresh slant on the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII. Focusing almost exclusively on Anne’s final months, she paints a portrait of an impassioned religious reformer who aroused the suspicions and the animus of a number of court insiders, including the influential Thomas Cromwell.
