Biltmore Oswald. The Diary of a Hapless Recruit

Thorne Smith

A comic diary about entering life in the Navy. Published in 1918 and written for the Naval Reservist journal The Broadside while the author Thorne Smith was in the Navy, it is a series of short vignettes poking fun at the culture of the time in general and the military in particular. Its the diary of Biltmore Oswald, a hapless naval recruit with no appreciable talents besides befriending animals and getting into trouble, and his day to day adventures during World War I. Oswald, a naive innocent young gentleman growing up in the early 1900s, finds himself in many a compromising situation: showering in the hotel room of the wife of a murderous, jealous man; observing French men greeting each other with kisses, and being pursued by beautiful women, much to the displeasure of his sweetie, Polly. Biltmore Oswald: The Diary of a Hapless Recruit is a must-read for anyone in need for a dose of entertaining, worthwhile writing.

Plain Tales from the Hills

Rudyard Kipling

A wonderful book written in beautiful language, with love for the native land and its history. Despite the fact that all sorts of wars, illnesses and deprivations often flash in the stories, in general the atmosphere is very pleasant, and the book gives a feeling of warmth and tranquility. English guys Dan and Una, brother and sister, meet Elf Pak. He tells them once brought to England, the god Wiland, who once forged a magic sword. Further stories are told already by the direct participants in the events: the knight, the centurion, and so on.

The Richest Widow

Hulbert Footner

After a minimal education in Canada, Footner emigrated to New York in 1898 and worked at a variety of jobs, including an unsuccessful stint as an actor. He turned to journalism and worked for a time as a freelancer, contributing articles to periodicals such as Field and Stream. His first works were primarily travelogues of various river trips in Canada and the U.S., although he did produce some adventure novels. He is also credited with introducing the first American female investigator in Madame Storey. So we are introduced to the fascinating Madame Rosika Storey, fearless and intelligent, who plays cat-and-mouse with killers, goes undercover to break up criminal gangs, and unravels deadly mysteries.

Das Schloss

Franz Kafka

Das Schloß, der letzte große Roman von Franz Kafka, erzählt vom Kampf des Landvermessers K. gegen die allgegenwärtige, groteske Bürokratie einer geheimnisvollen Schloßverwaltung. Je mehr der Landvermesser K. versucht, ins Schloss zu gelangen, desto weiter entfernt er sich von seinem Ziel. Doch K.s Versuche, ins Schloß zu gelangen, scheitern ebenso wie sein Bemühen, im Dorf seinen Platz zu finden; und sein Kampf gegen die allgegenwärtige, anonyme und undurchdringliche Bürokratie der Schloßverwaltung endet für ihn in einem Dickicht aus Geheimnissen und Erniedrigungen. Eine unsichtbare Macht scheint ihn davon abzuhalten, in dessen Schloss zu gelangen.

Nero

Jacob Abbott

This book takes you inside the life and times of one of the most notoriously monstrous emperors of history. This story helps to expand your knowledge of history. Easy-to-read story about an ominous leader. We all hear some of the horror stories about Nero, but this provided a better look in the situations around him at the time.

When Carruthers Laughed

H.C. McNeile

A nice collection of short stories from Sapper. Sapper is a master narrator, he has many wonderful stories. One of the fun moments is when Major Dacres shoots himself a finger. Really unusual story, with good humor, for easy reading.

The Sheriff Rides

Max Brand

Ernest Pontifex, son of a clergyman, leads a life of disarray. Ernest struggles with orthodoxy, lives in the slums, is thrown into prison, and eventually marries Ellen. Saved by the discovery that Ellen is already married, Ernest received an inheritance, and is able to devote his life to literature, finally winning self-respect and success. One of many recommended Westerns by this prolific author. Frederick Schiller Faust (May 29, 1892 - May 12, 1944) was an American author known primarily for his thoughtful and literary Westerns under the pen name Max Brand. Experience the West as only Max Brand could write it!

All Hallows Eve

Charles Williams

The novels of Charles Williams are fascinating. The novels are strange behind the plot. For example, All Hallows Eve is about a couple in love who are in danger. Strange things happen to lovers.