Cathryn says:  This is one of the most intriguing and enlightening biographies I have ever read. It is more than the story of one of the greatest leaders in American history it is the story of a nation in turmoil and the men who came together despite their differences to save a country they all believed in.

Goodwin’s offering is full with detail and yet never falls into the trap of reading like a text book, Team of Rivals offers up an extraordinarily researched glimpse into one of the most turbulent periods in our history. Every member of the Lincoln cabinet is worthy of his own biography and yet none of them are short changed in this comprehensive look at how the nation was held together though its greatest trial.

Caroline says: An immensely readable look into the world of the Supreme Court, especially focused on modern Justices and rulings. With the recent appointment of Sonia Sotomayor in all the headlines, we can all use some brushing up on the inner workings of one of the most inscrutable branches of government and the controversial issues they tackle, such as abortion and gay marriage. Not a dry read by any means.

Cathryn says:  This riveting tale is at its heart a story of obsession, a story of scientific innovation and one man’s personal deterioration.   It is the story of Guglielmo Marconi a genius with many loves but only one passion, transatlantic wireless communication, and of Dr. Hawley Harvey Crippen a mild mannered homeopathic doctor, who would become one of the most notorious murderers of the turn of the century.

Larson’s skill shows though as he interweaves the stories of the two men jumping between Marconi’s wireless attempts and struggles with the scientific community and Crippen’s quiet life brought screaming into the public eye by his less than sympathetic actress wife.

The lives of the two men while running parallel never intersect until; Marconi achieves his dream ending “The Great Hush” allowing anyone to be reached crossing the Atlantic just as Crippen attempts to flee to America.

Cathryn says:  When Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Gorgan wrote what was essentially an obituary for his much loved dog Marley the response from other dog lovers was overwhelming.  His response was Marley & Me an amazing story of life with an incorrigible yet endearing Lab.  With many, many laugh out load moments and a few tears this book is a must read for anyone who has ever loved a pet.

Caroline says:  Who isn’t fascinated by great white sharks? Our society fears them and is obsessed with them, but in spite of our interest they remain one of the most mysterious creatures on the planet. Journalist Susan Casey joins researchers on the Farallon Islands (just off San Francisco) who have devoted their lives to observing and understanding the powerful killers. A beautifully written piece of nature writing and local history.

Cathryn says:  Buford a forty-something magazine writer and editor has always considered himself a foodie and when the opportunity presents itself he takes on something similar to an unpaid internship at Mario Batali’s Babbo. What he learns is just how hard and fascinating a working kitchen can be. Starting at the bottom Buford spends weeks as a prep cook chopping, slicing, de-boning and any other thing that can be done before service. Then he moves on to line-cook, grill and the pasta station. On his quest to learn about food he also journeys to Italy to experience pasta and learn the fine art of butchering.

Buford is a great writer and Heat is a quick read, never dwelling to long on one subject but offering small glimpses of his own adventures as well as a partial biography of Batali and others well known in the food industry.

Cathryn says:  Full of fascinating facts and folklore, Magical Household is an interesting read, no matter your religious position.  Full of out of the ordinary history, hows and whys Cunningham has produced a volume that tells us why we might throw salt over our shoulder, what it means if a bird flies into your house or which are the best days to move. 

This wonderful compendium of folklore also offers magical ways of protecting your home, your car and your family, while reminding everyone that a good lock is still about the best protection. 

Hunter says:  This griping autobiographical novel is written by a young woman born and raised in the poorest areas of Islamic rule and tradition. She endures circumcision, beatings, and a forced marriage of her father's choosing. In spite of her strict orthodox upbringing, she manages to leave Muslim law and culture behind and build a new life for herself in Holland and abroad. She defies all probability in her quest for independence, western education, and a more loving understanding of God. What she discovers is that a blind faith in Muhammad's' Allah is archaic, dangerous and destructive, particularly in regards to the human rights of women and the future of our world's religious conflicts. A bold and daring read!

Rana says:   I first heard Jean Shinoda Bolen speak at the Cancer as a Turning Point Conference in September 2004. I had gotten lost going to Sacramento  (I had “Chemo Brain” from my Breast Cancer Treatment). By the time I arrived at the conference, I had missed the first half of Jean’s talk, and was internally beating myself up for being late. When I finally tuned in, I heard something to the effect of: As a society we punish ourselves for the past, for things that cannot be changed. I thought “Whoa, I am doing this! I better listen!” Then she talked about the subject of her book Crones Don’t Whine.
1. Crones Don’t Whine
2. Crones are Juicy
3. Crones Have Green Thumbs
4. Crones Trust What They Know in Their Bones
5. Crones Meditate in Their Fashion
6. Crones Are Fierce About What Matters to Them
7. Crones Choose the Path with Heart
8. Crones Speak the Truth with Compassion
9. Crones Listen to Their Bodies
10. Crones Improvise
11. Crones Don’t Grovel
12. Crones Laugh Together
13. Crones Savor the Good in Their Lives.

This book is easy reading. You can read the whole book in one or two sittings; or read each chapter before bed or meditating. After hearing Jean at the Conference and reading her book, I decided instead of growing up, I will be a Crone.

Rana says: This is a True Survival Story about how an 11-year old boy survived a private airplane crash, on storm bound mountains in California. Norman's father taught him how to surf and ski from the time he was 3 years-old. His story shows how his father's teachings gave him the skills, and attitude to keep moving down the mountain. The details helped me to live the situation with him, and it was difficult putting the book down until the end. This memoir is full of drama, strength, and hope against the impossible. 

Diane's comment:  I guess it was this book that inspired Rana to go to a survival camp for a few days.