This series of 9 books has re-energized my love of George Lucas’ world.  The series starts about 40 “standard” years after Star Wars: A New Hope.  Although some wonderful characters from Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi have passed on during the 40 years, the main focus of the series is Luke, Leia, Han and their families.  I listened to the audio books and I loved every moment that I spent with the series.  The books are not as light as the first three movies were.  They are darker and similar to the prequel movies (Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith), but it is a wonderful series and can’t be missed by any Star Wars enthusiast.  You definitely need to have read or watched the six movies to have a good base for this series, but who hasn’t seen the six Star Wars movies?  Anyway, I strongly recommend these books on either audio or in print; they are listed below in order:

#1 Betrayal
#2 Bloodlines
#3 Tempest
#4 Exile
#5 Sacrifice
#6 Inferno
#7 Fury
#8 Revelation
#9 Invincible

Recommended by Clark

Click here to buy the audio book of Invincible.

This railway themed game was published in 2004 and won the 2004 Best Board Game of the Year in Germany. This game is beautifully designed and easy to play. This is a personal favorite of mine and I love the added bounus of helping players remember geography.

Recommended by Clark

 

 

 

This book is the fascinating story of the Mayflower voyage and the first 50 years of Plymouth Colony. The history of the Mayflower and Plymouth are often idealized, but Philbrick’s account based on extensive research, paints the early settlers and their descendents in more realistic light. Everything you ever needed to know about the Pilgrims and more.

Recommended by Clark

Also available in audio.

I love the dynamics, historical feel and setting of this game.  The game won the Spiel des Jahres (German for Game of the Year) award in 2006.  It is for two to four players, although I prefer to play it as a two-player game with my wife.  The setting of the game is 17th century Europe where players compete to build the best postal network.  The colorful board, wooden pieces, historic city names, game dynamic and European feel make the game a hit for my gaming group when my wife and I want to play with more players. 

Recommended by Clark

 

 

 

I have been reading this wonderful board book to my son since he was one year old. The illustrations are fabulous with brilliant colors of spring including lilac, columbine and ladybugs. The story is fun because it can be interactive. For example, when the bunny yawns, my son and I yawn. When the bunny stretches, we stretch. Although the publisher recommends it for ages 4-8 years old, I found it to be great starting at 1 year old.

Recommended by Clark

This is a wonderful account of the 16th century journey around the world led by Magellan. This is really worth reading for those interested in basic world history or specifically the Age of Discovery.

Recommended by Clark

Click here to buy the audio book on Compact Disc.

This is the first book of a new Star Wars series that takes off two years after the Legacy of the Force series ends (about 43 years after Star Wars a New Hope). The thrilling tale has three main plot lines that intertwine, but focuses on Luke, Leia, Han and Jaina. This is a Star Wars fan must read. The book is also available in audio.

Recommended by Clark

Click here to buy the audio book on Compact Disc.