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I like non-fiction, and I'm learning to like fiction more every day.
Jacob's Room (Oxford World's Classics)
I loved how I could easily imagine being there with the boys on that island. In fact, many of the characters even reminded me of former classmates on the playground or bus stop ;) Thank God for that bell. Again, I read this in high school and I was challenged by the conflict to grapple with the proper purpose and scope of government and I also was confronted with the depraved nature of man in a compelling story, even more so perhaps than I understood from Sunday School stories such as the Garden of Eden. How could you not like this book?
In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto
I picked this up at the airport at at time when I started to become committed to eating healthier and learning more about how food production affects the environment and public health. I really hadn't thought much about food in this sens before and this book helped me to realize everyone should think a lot more about what we eat and how we get it. Since reading this book, I have since read many more books about food and while Pollan encourages self-education, I am not sure his ideas would compel many to take action beyond the status quo--this is my one concern. However, Pollan is clearly very knowledgeable and provokes important thought on the subject.
The Quality School
Dr. Glasser provides an uplifting solution to the problems of many schools. Teachers and parents can feel good about his suggestions since his optimism and belief that every child can succeed is contagious. To be fair, much has happened in the educational world since standards and high stakes testing came to rule the landscape, but many of Glasser's basic ideas are helpful nonetheless.
Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library)
Yes I read this in high school; no I did not really understand it well. However, the forbidden love, seemingly irrational sacrifice and family conflict themes really are enduring and so true. It really is a great story.
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
I liked this book and I really enjoyed "Guns Germs and Steel" so I really hoped for "Collapse" to be another new intriguing work that would challenge people to think in a new way about existing problems. This book is just so long though. Clearly it is well-researched and Diamond knows what he is talking about, but I kept waiting for the grand enlightenment. Perhaps this book is just different. Clearly, though, this is a topic well worth reading about, and Diamond has established himself as an expert.
The Street Lawyer
I don't read too many John Grisham novels, but this one was recommended to me when I was without a book one holiday. I really enjoyed the story and I can understand why he is so popular. Although much of the plot is a fairly predictable battle of good vs. evil set around the backdrop of a man's marital failure and an identity crisis, it turned out to be sort of a feel-good book. Where can I meet this kind of lawyer?
Les Misérables (Signet Classics)
This is definitely a long book--especially the unabridged version. However, this is probably one of the most satisfying stories I have ever read. Even through all the tragedy, somehow the good potential in mankind is comforting.
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Animal Farm: Centennial Edition
This book stimulated my interest in government, politics and history at an early age (11th grade maybe). Pigs, horses, birds and barns? I know, but somehow I ended up seeing the power struggles, oppression and manipulation of some people and governments more than I had before.
A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society
Although some amazing points that were well worth reading were sometimes scattered about, Peterson's authentic approach rooted in years of experience could impact anyone's life. I was especially encouraged by his commentary on the life of a pastor, the importance of balance and the time and place for prayer.
A Time to Kill
This is a tragic, gut-wrenching, yet important story. I was forced to think about race relations, the meaning of justice and the complexities of societal conflict. As usual, Grisham writes an easy to read and entertaining story.
I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the "realness" situated among the fantasy/sci-fi backdrop. I'm hoping for more in the second book because I felt invited into this world and I want more.
 - Lois McMaster Bujold)
A Real Life: Rediscovering the Roots of Our Happiness
Excellent book! I'd like to read this again next year
Concussions and Our Kids: America's Leading Expert on How to Protect Young Athletes and Keep Sports Safe
excellent information and interesting case studies. so many unanswered questions but to me that's a major contribution of this book-getting people to keep asking questions about what this all means.
