Martha

Yes. This is a powerful book, beautifully written. Using one battle and its aftermath, the author gives voice to numerous U.S. and Afghan perspectives on the war, honoring each. She uses dreams and conversations in honoring the diverse reasons warriors on both sides are where they are as well as how their perspectives change, or don’t change, over time. At the same time the reader feels the simultaneous emotional challenges of Dear John letters, home foreclosures and the hopes and fears about every getting to go home. This book certainly isn’t a beach read, but I highly recommend it.

How many perspectives were offered, and how each one was given as much credibility as the next.

I feel like most citizens are very disconnected from those who are serving in the military overseas - so I am drawn to books that help me be more aware. This is my favorite book so far of the year. I love what this man has to teach about life, values, compassion, courage and vision. The audio version is read exceptionally well by the author.

I saw this book recommended in several places, but I didn’t think a snow-girl that comes to life would keep my attention. I’m glad I gave it a try! Beautiful writing and imagery, and a very good character study. This book did such a respectful job of creating a story from an old Russian fairy tale. I loved the friendship between the two Alaskan couples. Highly recommend.

This retelling of MLK’s last days and months immediately following his assassination, juxtaposed with the detailed accounting of what was happening with his assailant, is excellent. The writing reminds me quite a bit of Eric Larson’s writing - weaving two stories together, though MLK and Ray are tied in a much more concrete way. Sides manages to get this history lesson to read like a good mystery. And the details he puts in create a sense of connection. The book is also read very well.

Heartbreaking story of a father’s devotion to his very ill son, and how a medical team’s complete and arrogant implosion has devastating consequences; a very bittersweet tribute to an amazing young man and the family that loved him

In 1924 a preacher - probably the country’s first megachurch leader - shoots an unarmed man in the office of his 10,000 member church. Heartbreaking story of the power of a paranoid narcissist with excellent oratory skills.

His style is sarcastic and crude, and many won’t like it because of that - but he has a unique perspective on why small town Americans constantly vote, think and “church” the way they do.