Little Bee by Chris Cleave

I really enjoyed this book. You will definitely want to put this one on your hold list at the library.
To sum up this wonderful book in one sentence, I will borrow the words of one reviewer (Jessica Gribble) who wrote, ". . . you might say this, All sorts of horrible, depressing, unjust things happen in Little Bee, but it's the most hopeful book I've ever read."
I loved this book, and could not put it down. Beautiful language, intriguing characters, thought provoking plot. Excellent!

Soda Springs by Terry Marshall

Our bookclub recently read Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose. An interesting account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Worth your time. But, the real reason I'm here is to tell you about the book Soda Springs, by Terry Marshall. This author is the father of one of my dear friends, and has also written a fantastic story about civil rights. But not the usual story. This story, while taking place in the 60's, is not your run of the mill account of African-Americans protesting unfair treatment. Taking place in Soda Springs Colorado, this story focuses on the struggle of Mexican-Americans who want to be treated fairly. The main character, Rick, is a college student determined to follow MLK, but he ends up back at home in Co running the family farm, falling in love and smack in the middle of racial tensions. Love, love, love the story, the vivid descriptions and how Rick grows up a bit:) Buy it! Read it! Love it!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I can't believe I haven't recommended a book in practically a year! I certainly haven't quit reading good ones. My bookclub just read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and it was absolutely delightful.
It tells the story of the German Occupation of the Channel Islands during WWII. I usually do not enjoy books that are written in letter form, but this one was wonderful. The Guernsey community comes alive and welcomes you right into the book and the main character Juliet is like the friend you want and the friend you want to be.
I just absolutely loved this book. Do not let the odd name deter you! It is a rare and wonderfully written literary treat.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

This last month, my neighborhood's bookclub read The Five People You Meet In Heaven. We loved it! It was a touching story about the power of your personal life and how no one's life stands alone. We all have a role to play and we never can tell who we are touching with our actions or we affect. We listened to Mitch Albom (on his website) talk about some of the questions people who discuss his book are interested in hearing. I served the chocolate ginger cookies, and some other treats and we had a fun time.

The Glass Castle

This book is a memoir, written by Jeannette Walls. It is the incredibly interesting story of her family and how she grew up. They are a strange mix of dysfunctional and amazing. She tells it without any self pity or preaching, just very matter of fact. I absolutely loved it. It gave me a lot to think about.

I Heard the Owl Call My Name

This book was done by my neighborhood bookclub for August. It's about a priest and his work in a remote Indian village in British Columbia. Margaret Craven is very descriptive, bringing the scenery to life. The priest in the story is a wise humanitarian and a wonderful example of Christ-like attributes. It was a very touching a human story, about love and unselfishness. I highly recommend it as a worthwhile use of your reading time. I know how I hate to waste my scant time on poorly written crap, but this was wonderful!

Reunion at Mossy Creek

This book is so funny! Okay, so I was skeptical when I first saw this book. The Professor brought it home from the library for me and when I took a look at it, it's actually written by several authors- sort of a collaboration. So I was afraid it would be really weird but turns out I liked it a lot. The characters and stories are very entertaining and well written.