Once in a great while we receive a book that has the power to capture our attention and demands that we share the title and author’s name to everyone within reach. Recently I came across such a book. The title is, “Who Made the West: A Ranking of the 30 Most Influential Figures in Western History.” The author, Ian Alan Cheney, is a well-known and respected teacher at Waterford High School. His writing style is easy to digest and assimilate and the book is noteworthy for its content and scholarship. Simply put, it belongs in everyone’s personal library.

Cheney presents 30 historic figures in the canon of familiar inventors, scholars, and sojourners. Each has his or her own chapter. To add spice to the narrative, Cheney puts his candidates in reverse order; the most influential person appears in the last chapter. The paperback edition of, “Who Made the West” is reasonable in price and attractive in appearance. It would make a handsome gift for any occasion.

My Christmas gift buying has been made easy this year. Perhaps yours will be too!

Martha Mador

New London