Killing
Kennedy: The End of Camelot
by Bill O"Reilly and
Martin Dugard
$28
After writing his best-selling book, Killing Lincoln, Bill O"Reilly along with Martin Dugard have released the most recent work of nonfiction entitled Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot. While the book is based on facts and not conspiracy theories, it retells the events leading up to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, as well as the aftermath and repercussions that occurred subsequent to his death.
O"Reilly and Dugard guide the reader into JFK's personal and public life, and the historic details of his presidency through entertaining and informative writing. The book draws upon the historical context of a divided nation because of the Vietnam War and addresses the cultural shifts that were taking place simultaneously. It goes on to discuss the escalation of the Cold War in 1961 and the pressures that Kennedy was under at home and among enemies like the Soviet leaders.
The book unfolds as the fateful afternoon in 1963 is depicted when Kennedy was on a campaign trip in Dallas. It recounts how the former Marine Corps sharpshooter, Lee Harvey Oswald, killed Kennedy. O"Reilly, who is the anchor of The O"Reilly Factor, narrates the gunshots and the details surrounding the scene.
With pictures of the Kennedy family and maps woven throughout the book, the historical account comes to life for those who were not alive during this time and brings back previous memories for those who were alive and remember the events surrounding such a historic time.
The Casual
Vacancy
by J.K. Rowling
$35
On Sept. 27, J.K. Rowling not only released her first novel for adults, but also led her loyal fans out of the wizard world and into the town of Pagford where magic does not exist.
The story begins with the hero, Barry Fairbrother, dying. Barry's death causes the town great shock and concern for what the future will hold because with him gone there is now an open spot on the town's Parish Council. Although when viewed from afar, the town seems pleasant and peaceful, it is anything but. Underneath the façade, Pagford is at war, and Barry's death intensifies an even larger war to be waged.
There are two overarching issues that the person who fills the council position will decide. One of the issues is if the public housing where Barry grew up, called "the Fields," should be returned to a nearby city. The second issue is whether to remove an addiction center out of its home.
With this foundation laid out, Rowling depicts the self-absorbed inhabitants of the town who encounter and partake in evils such as drug abuse, poverty, rape and other adult topics. Poverty and class are prominent themes during the story, and Rowland makes a point to make the teenagers relatable characters while presenting the adults with unappealing qualities and characteristics.
In the end, resolution is not found in Rowling's new Muggle world, but this novel demonstrates her ability to entice readers with her fascinating descriptions and her range in writing.
Arsenal of
Defense: Fort Worth's Military Legacy
by J"Nell L. Pate
$39.95
Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin considered history when choosing Fort Worth. Despite the reputation as Cowtown, Fort Worth owes much of its economic success to the defense industry.
In her 10th book, retired Tarrant County College history and government professor J"Nell L. Pate explores the military history of our great city. From its founding in 1849, Fort Worth stood as a military post and national defense point.
William Jenkins Worth, a successful general who fought in the Mexican-American War, inspired the name of the city (and the name of Lake Worth, too). Worth went down in history as the hero of the Battle of Chapultepec. He personally raised the American flag on the National Palace when Mexico City fell in 1848.
As the United States showed its military muscle in the early 20th century, Fort Worth expanded to help the war effort. Pilots flocked to Fort Worth to prepare for World War I at three training fields.
As World War II picked up, the United States turned to Texas for aviation assistance yet again. The Army Air Forces Training Command moved its headquarters to Fort Worth during World War II.
Today, aviation companies employ thousands of Fort Worth residents and help sustain local charities with their giving.
J"Nell L. Pate has written nine other books, including two other on Fort Worth history. She also writes a column for The Azle News.
