Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan

I really wish the people that criticize this book would read it.  It is not a theological piece, but rather tracks the historical Jesus of Nazareth through the political, religious, and social times that he lived in.  If you are not well versed in biblical history and the evolution of the synoptic gospels, much of the first part of this book will be really useful to you--as Aslan traces the gospels through "Q", a source that several of the writers probably used as their original source for information about what Jesus said.  Then Aslan proceeds into helping the reader get a deep understanding of the times and troubles that Jews faced and how Jesus was looked upon through the lens of his time.  Lastly, Aslan basically summarizes the conflict between James (brother of Jesus) and Paul and how that led to the Christology that permeates the New Testament.  A terribly wonderful and useful read!

The Man in the Window by Jon Cohen

This unusual love story centers around Louis and Iris.  Louis, a complete recluse who was burned as a teenager in a tragic accident at his father's hardware store, has not left his house in 16 years.  Iris is a hospital nurse that sees nothing physically beautiful about herself.  Through a course of fortuitous and unusual events, they meet and quickly realize that they should be together.  This story was simply beautiful and left me championing the two untouchables throughout the book.  All of the "normal" characters in the story pale in comparison to the central characters.  I highly recommend this quick and quirky read.

Silenced by Kristina Ohlsson

Frederika Bergman is the protagonist in this Swedish mystery.  She and her team attempt to solve the double murder of a professor who rallies around immigrant issues and refugees.  The first chapter of this book had the most impact-an eerie, imagery filled narrative of the murder victims' daughter's rape, committed by a refugee whom the victim was helping.  The rest of the book pales in comparison to the beginning.  I was more and more disappointed as I read on, hoping that there would be an unanticipated turn of events, but in the end the author chose a conclusion that really did not tie in with the motives or characterization in the book.  The critics compared Ohlsson to Jo Nesbo.  I can see after starting a Nesbo book that Ohlsson really tries to emulate his style, but is unsuccessful. 

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

Pure Gaiman.  This tale is reminiscent of Coraline, but with more description and less moral dilemma.  An unnamed seven year old comes face to face with ancient battles of good versus evil.  Led by the Hempstock women, a family at the end of his lane who appear to be have been around since the moon was made, the boy faces fears with the best of bravery and forthrightness.  I read this book in a few hours--beautifully written and a page turner!  I was sad when I came to the last page.

Adios Muchachos by Daniel Chevarria

I don't usually pick up a book without a recommendation from either NPR or a friend, but as I was browsing the NPL e-book options, I found the summary of this to be intriguing.  Set in Cuba, the story addresses the life of Alicia, an upscale prostitute who is also a con artist.  She gets involved with a man who, from a course of unintended events, has to cover up the death of his lover.  Part romance, part mystery, but mostly a great read on character and motivation.  Some scenes are explicit, so not for the timid.

In the Kingdom of Men by Kim Barnes

Idaho author Kim Barnes gives us the story of Ginny, an American who travels with her husband to the Arab oil fields.  Set in the late sixties, the book gives a very detailed and personal account of Ginny's struggles with loneliness, faith, sexism, and racial inequality.  Greed is also a huge theme in this book.  I really like Barnes' style and description of inner conflict that Ginny experiences.  Worth a look if you like stories about the inner life of a woman.

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I loved this book!  Danner and I read it together, and I really enjoyed the narrative and few little plot twists that happen.  I am surprised this is marketed to younger audience, as I found the premise quite disturbing.  I am glad I read it with Danner because we were able to discuss the moral implications, etc...of a game where people basically execute one another.  It was interesting to discuss those "grey" areas with a pre-teen.

Enchantments by Kathryn Harrison

Set in turn of the century Russia, this piece of historical fiction is written through the eyes of Rasputin's daughter Matryona (Maria).  The novel chronicles the last days of Tsar Nicholas and his wife Alexandra as well as the relationships of the family members with Rasputin and his daughter.  Very well written with great character development, this book captures the essence of why I love historical fiction so much--Harrison did a wonderful job of telling the story of the Romanovs--so much so that I plan to put some non-fiction about the tsar and tsarina on my reading to do list!  My only complaints are that she did not put the story into the political context I wish she would have, and she included so many flashbacks that sometimes it was difficult to understand the plot without rereading a bit.  Otherwise, a good solid read.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

How we acquire, keep, and lose our habits is the focus of this book. Especially interesting was the author's focus on "Keystone habits", those small things that we do each day that can help us turn the corner on fighting habits that we are trying to get rid of. Fun read!

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett

The Brazilian wild comes to life in this well told story about a scientist who travels to South America to uncover the reality behind the death of her co-worker. Funded by a pharmaceutical company, the protagonist's trip turns into a life changing experience full of very vivid experiences with snakes, overly handsy natives, and a fair share of quirky characters. This was an interesting read for sure.

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Set in Alaska in the 1920's, The Snow Child chronicles the journey of a couple who is trying to escape their past. Hoping to start a new life in the north, they meet a small child who steals their heart and makes them question reality and the true meaning of love and letting go. Taken after the Russian folktale of the snow child, this book is so candidly and starkly written, but beautifully composed as well. Mystery surrounds the snow child's origins and her future, and in the end, the reader is still left with a sense of intrigue and doubt. I love novels that play slightly with reality, and this is definitely one of those. Please read this book!

Visit the author's site at http://www.eowynivey.com/snowchild.shtml

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I have already recommended this book to many of my friends. I rarely run across a book this thought provoking. It challenged my ideas about stereotypes of introverts and extroverts and helped me realize so much more about myself. Even though I am outgoing, I am in my heart an introvert. Another "ah-ha" moment for me when reading this book is how we as a culture, especially in schools and the workplace, place such a high value on extroversion, when in fact introverts have so much to offer. It made me think twice about emphasizing group work, as often we do our best, most cocentrated work alone.

Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes

Reviews that I read about this book called the ending intriguing and confusing, so I thought it might be interesting to check it out. Set in England, this book chronicles the young life and mid life of Tony and his complicated relationship with his friend, Adrian and former girlfriend, Veronica. I enjoyed the book just fine and especially appreciated how it highlights how complicated some relationships can be in life. A little bit of a mystery lies at the end, and has a simple, yet surprising answer.

Gathering of Waters by Bernice L. McFadden

I heard an interview with McFadden on NPR and thought this book would be worth reading. Set in a time span of almost a century, Gathering of Waters has a unique perspective--it is first person in the perspective of the town of Money, Mississippi. The "town" chronicles the struggles of African Americans and the many complicated relationships they have with their white neighbors. The plot centers around a charismatic young man named Emmett Till who is brutally murdered by two men. A spirit named Esther inhabits several of the characters and ties their lives together by acts of violence and promiscuity. Esther really is a bad seed, and spoils all that she touches. McFadden is a talented writer whose words are rich and well chosen. This is a fast, good read.

The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

I was initially drawn to this book because I love the idea of apocalyptic satire, and I sensed that this book would take me there. It did. The idea is that "some" people were taken, disappeared with no rhyme nor reason, and the loved ones who were left over were expected to carry on and live their lives as normal. The characters in The Leftovers were well layered and not always predictable. I especially enjoyed following the intentions of a cult group called the Guilty Remnant, who were forced to watch people, wear white, and smoke. Many archetypal personalities are represented in this book. My favorite part was the last page--a one sentence surprise ending that was so sweet and pure, it pretty much sealed the deal for me.