Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View by various authors

Published in celebration of the fortieth anniversary of the release of Star Wars: A New Hope, this collection of short stories is sure to delight any fan of the Star Wars saga.

Forty stories, each written by a different author, follow the action of that first movie, but from the perspective of observers. Aliens, androids, stormtroopers, and even a few beloved characters share their small role as witnesses to the greater action. Ever wonder what the Han/Greedo showdown looked like to the cantina band? Want to get the backstory on that tentacled creature in the trash compactor? Curious about the paperwork required to keep a planet destroying battle station running? This is the place to find the answers.

Written by a variety of celebrated authors, actors, and artists, these quick, enjoyable reads range from humorous to heroic to heartbreaking; perfect for dipping into and out of while awaiting the next season of The Mandalorian.

Check out our e-book and e-audiobook copies of this book through eReadIllinois (Axis360)!

Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand

Seabiscuit is not just a horse, not in the hands of the author, Laura Hillenbrand, who manages to capture the despair of the depression era, and how horse racing and Seabiscuit became one of the main diversions for the public from their troubles. Seabiscuit, frequently an underdog, became a symbol of determination and heart for the masses, a symbol embodying a never-give-up attitude.

But the book is about more than Seabiscuit. Readers also learn about the ups and downs of the men who surrounded this amazing animal. About Charles Howard and his rags to riches story from when he was simply a bicycle mechanic who eventually became an automobile magnate. About Red Pollard, separated from his family at a young age, wandering the states trying to make money to send home from his boxing and racing horses. And about Tom Smith, an old-fashioned cowboy turned trainer, whose unconventional training methods worked wonders on an unconventional horse.

Hillenbrand manages to keep a breathtaking pace throughout the book, and the amount of research she has conducted is evident in the details. The story is so engaging and exciting; it is easy to mistake this tale for fiction. This is a fantastic read for those who are new to nonfiction but will also raise the bar for veteran nonfiction readers. Additionally, there are documentaries and a feature film based on the book, all titled Seabiscuit.