Excellent Women

An unqualifiedly great novel from the writer most likely to be compared to Jane Austen, this is a very funny, perfectly written book that can rival any other in its ability to capture the essence of its characters on the page. Mildred Lathbury, the narrator of Pym's excellent book is a never-married woman in her 30s—which in 1950s England makes her a nearly-confirmed spinster. Hers is a pretty unexciting life, centered around her small church, and part-time job. But Mildred is far more perceptive and witty than even she seems to think, and when Helena and Rockingham Napier move into the flat below her, there seems to be a chance for her life to take a new direction.

Sword of God

Tunnelling deep under one of the most holy cities in the world, an ambitious young archaeologist slowly works her way towards an unthinkable goal. Somewhere ahead is a chamber containing the collected fragments of an ancient scripture, a find of unimaginable significance. Meanwhile, halfway around the world, a covert military bunker holds a macabre secret. An elite special-forces officer seems to have been brutally murdered but how, and more disturbingly, why? Any hope of solving the mystery rests on the grisly clues that remain. As the race to uncover the truth begins, a plot unfolds that could burn all of civilization.

Shortly after the events of season4 episode, Beneath the Surface, SG-1 find themselves on a lifeless world. They discover long-dead bodies frozen in the snow and a clue to a device promising protection from the Goa'uld forever. Following the trail they go in search of the Shield of the Gods, but all is not as it seems and SG-1 find themselves entangled with a people facing annihilation on a drowning world.

This collection of essays on objectivism sets down Ayn Rand's views on individual rights and challenges listeners on all sides of the political fence to consider their views. Although published in 1961 and aimed at the Cold War world, the essays hold up well and often seem related to today's issues and headlines. Most of Rand's barbs are aimed at liberals, but conservatives also draw fire for faltering in defense of liberties and the Constitution. C.M. Herbert reads with a passion and confidence that seems to personify Rand. One especially well-read passage depicts a hypothetical conversation in which she defends her views to a critic.

Mystery of the Lost Mine

This story in the 'Boxcar Children' series has the four siblings journeying to the Arizona desert with their grandfather. When the learn the legend of the Lost Dutchman Mine, it seems only natural to dream of finding the gold-filled ruin - and for the adventure-minded Boxcar kids to join together in the search.