A priest, a president, and a penguin walk into a bookstore…
The Book of Mychal: The Surprising Life and Heroic Death of Father Mychal Judge
By Michael Daly
"My God is a God of surprises." In a biography of a man who understood that marvels spring from even the most horrific of times -- that good always arises from the bad in the most unexpected ways — Michael Daly, a Daily News columnist, recounts the inspiring story of Father Mychal Judge. The FDNY chaplain lost his life on September 11 and was so beloved by firefighters and their families that his death certificate bears the number 1. In this affecting look at a selfless humanitarian, Daly retraces the footsteps of “Father Mike” as his calling takes us inside the firehouse, inside his friary and his Church, and inside the New York state of mind. Using letters, journal entries and commentary from friends and family, the author instills his adept, far-reaching tribute with empathy and grace.
The Great Comeback: How Abraham Lincoln Beat the Odds to Win the 1860 Republican Nomination
By Gary Ecelbarger
Civil War historian and Lincoln scholar Gary Ecelbarger traces the journey of Abraham Lincoln from the last weeks of 1858 until the end of May in 1860, as he details the campaign trail of the 16th president in his unlikely Republication nomination. As we explore the progress of Lincoln’s campaign from city to city, from one public appearance to the next, we see the future president mold his public persona and character. Although he had conducted himself well in the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates, this dark horse from Springfield, Illinois, nevertheless faced an uphill battle for the highest office in the land. Ecelbarger offers a humane portrait — with appeal to both scholars and amateur historians — of this striking yet sensitive figure who spoke about the demoralizing influence of slavery in clear, heartfelt terms. At the Republican convention in Chicago in May 1860, the committed but underfinanced Lincoln team carried the day against the Seward juggernaut. An incisive history lesson, befitting an election year.
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