RECOMMENDED READING Epoch Booklist

MEMOIR

‘A Man of the World’

By Gilbert M. Grosvenor with Mark Collins Jenkins

Gilbert Grosvenor spent six decades at The National Geographic Society. His destiny to guide the Society followed four generations of his family before him. Over the years, he was privileged to know the likes of Sir Edmund Hillary, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, and Jane Goodall, among others who were honored for their contributions to the field. More than doing a job, Grosvenor sought to leave the world a better place. His story about running a media company in changing times is told with unflinching honesty.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, 2022, 320 PAGES

MEMOIR ‘Being a Ballerina’

By Gavin Larsen

Subtitled “The Power and Perfection of a Dancing Life,” Larsen’s well-written memoir takes us from her 8-year-old days as a stumbling beginner to her life as a professional ballerina. Readers learn about the intense physical demands of dance and of the constant quest to learn more, to aim at perfection, and to overcome disappointment. For those who love the ballet or wish to gain insights into its workaday world, Larsen shines a light on the joys and realities of this unique profession.

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This week, we feature a collection of Tolstoy’s most famous stories and an inspiring memoir of one man’s mission to save a friend from the Taliban.

Nature

‘Reading the Glass’

By Elliot Rappaport

‘Saving Aziz’

By Chad Robichaux

The exit from Afghanistan is one of the greatest tragedies to occur on America’s watch. In the midst of this disaster, however, there were shining moments of heroism and loyalty so inspiring that they could hardly be scripted better. One of those moments is captured by Chad Robichaux, a Force Recon Marine, in his efforts to rescue Aziz, his former interpreter, and Aziz’s family. This memoir is a reminder of American soldiers’ bravery and sacrifice and the heart behind what they do.

THOMAS NELSON, 2023, 224 PAGES

FOR KIDS

‘Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’

Edited by Frances Schoonmaker, illustrated by Chad Wallace

The Poetry for Young People series provides a wonderful introduction to poetry’s greats—bringing to life the works of the world’s most renowned poets with engaging illustrations. In this edition featuring Longfellow’s recognizable works—“Paul Revere’s Ride,” “Woods in Winter,” and more—the beautiful images enhance understanding. Collect them all.

Elliot Rappaport commands sailing ships. A lifetime at sea has led him to develop a fascination with weather, and in this book, he draws upon 30 years’ experience to share everything he has learned about it. Traveling the world through his voyages, we look at seafaring and tall sailing ships in modern times, receiving a painless education in modern meteorology: from trade winds and storms to clouds and jet streams. Thoroughly entertaining, it effortlessly blends adventure, humor, and science.

DUTTON, 2023, 336 PAGES

CLASSICS

‘The Kreutzer Sonata

and Other Short Stories’

By Leo Tolstoy

Here are three of Tolstoy’s most highly regarded stories. “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” reminds us that the possessions we own in life mean nothing in the grave. “The Death of Ivan Ilych” tells of an official who has lived an artificial rather than authentic life, though in the end, he finds a sort of redemption. “The Kreutzer Sonata” gives us as dark a portrait of love and marriage as we are likely to find. Gloomy, yes, but these stories should spark intellectual debate and self-reflection. DOVER