The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

I'll admit it. The movie ads introduced me to this novel.  In case you haven't seen them, "The Help" tells the story of Black women who worked for white families in early 1960's Mississippi.

Spandau: The Secret Diaries

by Albert Speer

The secret diaries of Hitler's architect--later his Minister of Armaments--which were written during the 20 years Albert Speer spent in Spandau prison.

Scent of the Missing

by Susannah Charleson

This is the enthralling story of a woman who brings a bright and rambunctious puppy into her life to become a search and rescue dog.

The Robber Bride

by Margaret Atwood 

A novel that explores how darkness can slip in unnoticed, disguised as something completely different and then grow slowly in place, fully entwining itself, until it's too late.

A Fun Sideline

Not too long ago, I received a most interesting email from someone at a major publishing house:

Still Life With Chickens

by Catherine Goldhammer

A memoir of her post-divorce transition with her daughter from a "McMansion" to a cottage by the sea, Goldhammer's diminutive volume is a very quick read. 

Mindless Eating

by Brian Wansink, PhD

This title, with its subtitle "Why We Eat More Than We Think" intrigued me, along with the cover quote that his "discoveries might very well change your life." 

The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus

by Peter J. Gomes

Subtitled "What's so good about the good news?" this book takes to task the religious establishment and urges a return to teaching the good news Jesus taught His followers.  

Eat, Pray, Love

by Elizabeth Gilbert

I just finished Eat, Pray, Love last night and couldn't wait to write about it.  

His Excellency George Washington

by Joseph J. Ellis

What, another biography of George Washington?

Italian Neighbors

by Tim Parks

Another book motivated by my love of Italy--and good thing, too, or I would never have made it through.

The Solace of Leaving Early

by Haven Kimmel

Suggested by a fellow blogger who ingeniously proposed an on-line book club, this novel is the first by Kimmel I've ever read

On Writing

by Stephen King

A memoir on writing, from Stephen King to his students and fans.  

Night

by Elie Wiesel

Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel's brief but riveting account of his survival in Nazi concentration camps, first published in 1958, took my breath away.

Animals Make Us Human

by Temple Grandin

I chose this book after hearing an interview of the author

Under the Tuscan Sun

by Frances Mayes

First it must be said: There is a movie with this same name, however, the only similarity between the movie and the book is

A Walk in the Woods

by Bill Bryson

This book attracted me because it promised tales of nature and exploration and a great adventure

Dewey

by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter

Dewey is the story of a tiny kitten who is abandoned in the library book return in Spencer, Iowa on a frigid January night.