Prospect Heights Public Library Staff Picks

The Last Days Of The Romanovs: Tragedy At Ekaterinburg

by Helen Rappaport
Imperial Russia came to a horrifying end on July 17, 1918 when the Tsar, the Tsarita, their five children, and several of their servants were massacred in the basement of the House Of Special Purpose in the city of Ekaterinburg, Siberia. Such a fury of hatred had been unleashed by the Revolution that the Imperial Family had no hope of rescue or reprieve by forces inside or outside the country. Indeed, their Royal relatives throughout Europe kept silent and did nothing to save them. The final hours of the Romanov Family are minutely described, and the story of their restoration as revered figures in Russian history (the Family was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church) brings their saga to a close.

Betty Shubeck, Adult Services

Siddartha

by Hermann Hesse

Siddhartha is a truth-seeker. Born as the son of a Brahmin, he leaves his father to become a wandering ascetic. But asceticism does not lead to his enlightenment. He is attracted by the Buddha's teaching, yet discoverers that truth is not to be found in teaching. The only teacher of truth is life. So, leaving the ascetics, he indulges in wealth and pleasures. Soon disgusted with this, he flees from his possessions to become a ferryman, and a sage. A truly compelling allegorical story of acceptance and peace.

Aldona Salska -- Adult Services

Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time

 by Karen Armstrong
A revealing story about what so few of us know or understand, the religion of Islam, whose followers are called Muslims. Armstrong's interesting biography about a man, who very early in life was orphaned, and was adopted by members of his clan and raised to be a business man in the true sense of the word, becomes another story when at the age of forty he is called upon to bring a "message" of a change of heart. The internal spiritual struggle or "Gihad" is to promote social justice and human rights, especially for widows, orphans and the poor. Armstrong's rendition on CD conveys a wonderful sense and respect for the prophet's message and personal struggle to follow his calling.

Mary Pace, Adult Services

The Theory of War

 by Joan Brady

A Midwestern tobacco farmer buys Jonathan, a four-year-old white boy, to work on his farm. The boy costs just $15.00 -- much less than a cow. That transaction actually took place in Kansas just after the Civil War. For the farmer Jonathan is an animal, and he is treated like a part of the farm's livestock. Jonathan finally escapes at the age of 16, puts himself through college, marries and has children. Yet the scares of his life as a slave make his adult life unbearable.    

Aldona Salska -- Adult Services

Classical Genius: The Narrated Life History of the Great Composers

by William Sargent

Listening to the great masters of classical music is a delight. Listening to great stories is a delight too. Classical Genius offers both -- a fantastic selection of music and the interesting stories behind the music. Through this wonderful series we learn a wealth of information about more than two dozen composers and their best known works.  Great to listen to while driving.

 

Aldona Salska, Adult Services