1776 by David McCullough

An indecisive leader in an unpopular war. Scores of Americans dying everyday for a cause that not everyone supports or understands. A conflict with a promised speedy resolution that quickly dissolves into a quagmire. And all of this 200 years before America invaded Iraq.

The birth of our nation was a harrowing, decisive moment in the history of the world. McCullough has sifted through hundreds of historical accounts and letters to paint a picture of America as it moved from protected colony to independent country. George Washington is alternately lionized and vilified with each success (few) or failure (many) of the rebel army. This is a picture of American perseverance, and how one man, when driven by a justified ideology, can alter history for the betterment of the world. Washington, an inexperienced military leader in 1775, takes the reigns of a movement that escalated from political upheaval to movement for independence. His first campaign in Boston is a victory, as his ragtag army surrounds the British and forces them to stand down and evacuate. Any cause for joy is quickly erased as a harsh winter sets in and Washington's army meets defeat after defeat. Setbacks are numerous, from botched maneuvers to traitors to poor communication, and ultimately the inability to act on Washington's part. But when his back is against the wall, when there is no light at the end of the tunnel, Washington comes through. The final account of Washington crossing the Delaware is a thrilling sequence to rival any Hollywood wartime epic.

McCullough is a master of beautifully presenting facts and figures. His details paint a thorough and accurate portrait of life as it was, and makes the reader realize, 200 years later, how much was at stake during this pivotal year.

Breakfast with Sharks by Michael Lent

Finally. The answers to the little questions that every aspiring screenwriter needs. This book is not about crafting a script, using formula, or figuring out how to break in to the business. This book is a kick in the pants wakeup call to every writer. What you need to know to get a meeting. What do you say once you're there? What can you expect to happen? What happens if you land the deal? What about agents? Contracts?

The murky waters of Hollywood are difficult to negotiate, and Lent is here to help. He's been through it (and is still going through it), and he's telling you what he's learned so far. He'll help you handle rejection, commiserate with your failures, and tell you not to get too crazy about your successes (at least, not until the check has cleared the bank). But, most importantly, he makes you aware that the only person responsible for your career success is you. Don't blame the agent, the reader, the director, or whoever is against you. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off,m and get back behind the keyboard.

The index at the end of the book gives multiple resources for networking opportunities, contests, agents, and festivals. An indispensable tool for any writer.

The Red Star: Prison of Souls by Christian Gossett

The journey of the Konstantinov continues. The collected edition of the first volume of The Red Star ended as the two massive SkyFurnaces Konstantinov and Taktarov were locked in battle, entering the Prison of Souls. The newest volume continues the chronicle of their struggle. Imbohl, the evil ruler/sorcerer, has discovered a way to draw energy from the souls of the recently departed. While he has promised a utopian ideal to his citizens, certain few are beginning to wake up to the grim reality of their situation. The crew of the Konstantinov is locked in a fight that will bring them freedom or death. Maya Antares, the Spellkaster, is discovering that she her powers grant her a deeper connection to the tortured souls of the spirit world. But the main focus is battle, and it comes non stop, fast, and furious. It's high noon in the skies, but instead of pistols, the battle involves weapons that can destroy cities and kill thousands in one blast. This volume closes with more questions than answers.

With the increased battle action, the story now focuses less on the personal and more on the political. The world of The Red Star closely mirrors the politics of ours. Interestingly, even the U.S. is involved in the conspiracy. Every major government draws power from the spirit world. The world's economy will collapse without this posthumous slave system. The Konstantinov has a hell of a fight before them, one that any reader hopes they will win. But we're in no rush when the story is this good.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

The end is near...

Harry Potter and his friends Ron and Hermione are up to their necks in trouble. The world is falling apart around them as the wizarding world struggles to maintain a calm front in the face of impending war. While the book may advertise itself as year 6 at Hogwarts, school is no longer the focus for Harry. He's more concerned with an imminent attack by the evil Death Eaters, and remains busy trying to convince anyone who'll listen that Draco Malfoy is plotting something awful. Dumbledore shows a great deal more confidence in Harry, and begins a series of private lessons to see if they can unravel the riddle of...well...Tom Riddle (aka you-know-who). Lessons, and even Quidditch, take a backseat to mystery and war. Harry is trying to determine what exactly has happened to Dumbledore during the summer, as his greatest teacher appears to have lost a few battles. Professor Snape is getting viler by the moment, looking for any excuse to get at Harry. To make matters worse, Snape has made an unbreakable vow to protect Draco Malfoy at all costs. But all may not be as it seems. As wizard-on-wizard crime increases and war draws near, Hogwarts seems to be falling apart at the seams. As Harry's quest with Dumbledore draws to a close, Hogwarts becomes the staging ground for the beginning of the final conflict. Harry suffers an unimaginable loss, an incredible betrayal, and through it all, manages to fall in love.

Some of Rowling's plot points feel stiff and predictable, but these shortcomings can be overlooked when a story is this good and this much fun.