Heroes Among Us: Firsthand Accounts of Combat From America's Most Decorated Warriors in Iraq and Afghanistan
Edited by Major Chuck Larson
Caliber, 2009
Nonfiction
As the U.S. entered a new century, we also saw a new generation of soldiers destined to be honored on November 11, Veterans Day. Approximately 1.5 million brave women and men have served the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, and five hundred of them have earned the highest military honors our country offers - the Silver Star, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Honor. Who are these military heroes who have put their lives on the line in service of their country? In this inspiring and heart-wrenching book, you'll meet them, and hear their stories in their own words. Thirty-year-old Scott Montoya, a Marine they nicknamed "Grandpa" carried his fellow soldiers to safety in the midst of a firefight and saved civilians from a disabled car in the middle of a battle. U.S. Marine Corps Platoon Sergeant Justin Lehew rallied in the aftermath of the ambush in which Jessica Lynch was captured, helping the wounded, withstanding fire and fighting back until rescue helicopters arrived. Identical twins David and Dan Hibner went to war together in Baghad in 2003, both of them returning with the Silver Star for Bravery and the Purple Heart for their leg wounds. Although each of the individuals' stories tells us about their life and deeds in the military, their tales are interwoven with personal feelings, anecdotes and perspectives on what it means to not just believe in your country, but fight for it.
Why You Should Read This Book: While most of us read the newspapers and watch news reports about the violence in the Middle East, Heroes Among Us puts a human face, and voice, on events that for most of us are remote and non-relatable. The harrowing stories of these people who put their lives on their line, every day, all day show the pain, suffering and bravery of everyday people in extraordinary situations.
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Still Life
By Joy Fielding
Simon & Schuster, 2009
Fiction, Suspense
Casey Marshall had it all - beauty, brains, a huge inherited fortune, a successful business, and a handsome, loving husband. It seemed too good to be true, and it was. After leaving a relaxing, girls-only lunch, Casey was slammed by a hit-and-run driver and left battered, bloodied and bruised in a parking garage. Doctors were doubtful she'd make it through the night but somehow her strong survival instincts pulled her through. Now she lies in the hospital unable to move a muscle or say a word, trapped in a strange twilight world between comatose and awake, and the doctor's don't know when or if she'll ever be normal again. But what no one knows is that Casey can hear what's going on - and what she finds out about her husband, best friends and caretakers proves that they aren't the people she thought them to be. In fact, not all of her "loved" ones have her best interests at heart - one of the people closest to her might not want her to recover at all. In this harrowing suspense-filled novel, the reader experiences first-hand Casey's helplessness as a plot to kill her is revealed and she must do everything within her very limited power to outsmart the killer and try to survive.
Why You Should Read This Book: In this latest novel by the prolific and best-selling author Joy Fielding, the reader is taken on a twisting, turning road of suspense, as Fielding reveals bit by bit the horrible situation that Casey faces. In addition to being a page turner, the book also offers interesting, realistic characters and authentic female friendships, as well as a strong message that love and support can get anyone through even the toughest situations.
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Don't Say I Didn't Warn You: Kids, Carbs, and the Coming Hormonal Apocalypse
By Anita Renfroe
Hyperion, 2009
Nonfiction, Humor
"Mom-ic" Anita Renfroe became an overnight sensation with her "Mom Song," a barrage of motherly advice set to the tune of the William Tell Overture. After her big debut on YouTube and a round of talk show visits, Renfroe's now written a hilariously honest look at motherhood and middle age. With wit and a wry viewpoint, Renfroe takes on the subjects of the everyday woman's life, from the perils of natural childbirth to traveling with her family to the art of aging (gracefully or not). Renfroe is everywoman, just with a better sense of humor and a knack for finding the absurd in the everyday. With chapters such as "Playing Favorites…Or, as a Matter of Fact I Do Love Your Brother More" and "Age is Just a Number (A Really Big Number)", you know there'll be something for every woman to read and enjoy.
Why You Should Read This Book: Whether she's taking on diet and exercise, or her extreme lack of either, or the rather eccentric holiday rituals of her beloved family and husband, Anita Renfroe is a breath of fresh comic air. With the wit of a modern-day Erma Bombeck, she is adept at both shedding light and treading lightly on the role of women, mothers and wives in our modern times.
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Twenties Girl
By Sophie Kinsella
The Dial Press, 2009
Fiction
Sophie Kinsella, bestselling author of the "Shopaholic" series, has created one of her most light-hearted and touching novels, filled with love, mystery and the idea that dreams really can come true. Lara Lington is at the end of her rope. Dumped by her beloved boyfriend, duped into a failing business partnership with her "best" friend, twenty-something Lara is teetering on the edge of disaster. And in the midst of this, she's visited by the spirit of her dead great-aunt, recently deceased at the age of 105. Aunt Sadie died alone and neglected in nursing home, and her only wish is to find a special necklace she's had since she was a 1920s flapper. Sadie decides Lara's the one to help her fulfill this wish, and, for a ghost (even a benevolent one) Sadie is nothing if not persistent. Her free, adventurous spirit and desire to recover her long-lost and beloved necklace puts Lara's life into a tailspin - not only is she hot on the trail of the necklace, the discovery of which might tear her family apart - she's also falling madly in love with a handsome stranger, starting a new business and finally learning to take charge of her own life.
Why You Should Read This Book: If you're a fan of Kinsella's earlier work, you'll love Twenties Girl, a ghost-slash-love story that brings a gutsy heroine together with a denizen of the spirit world, albeit one who loves to dress up and do the Charleston. Well-crafted and entertaining from start to finish, Twenties Girl is a light, uplifting read that blends 21st century reality with a touch of other worldy magic.
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The Perfect Pie: More Than 125 All-Time Favorite Pies and Tarts
By Susan G. Purdy
Broadway Books, 2000
Nonfiction, Cooking
As important as the turkey, as vital as the stuffing and green bean casserole, the pie holds a hallowed place on the Thanksgiving Day table. As tempting as the drumstick, mashed potatoes and homemade rolls are, there's always talk around the table for saving room for dessert, and on Thanksgiving, that definitely means pie, usually pumpkin. In this comprehensive guide to all things pie- and tart-related, the author waxes eloquent on the lost art of pastry making and its place as an American art form. And if you're thinking of ditching a store-bought pastry this year for something homemade and handcrafted, this book is your perfect guide to the process of pie-making. From the history of pies and tarts to lists of necessary equipment to pastry-making troubleshooting, hints and tips, the author offers everything necessary to make the perfect pie. This book also offers a wide range of recipes, from the more conventional confections such as apple, pumpkin, pecan and blueberry as well as more exotic creations like pineapple cheesecake, chestnut mousse, quince pudding and raspberry Bavarian cream. Additionally, the author provides interesting crust ideas (buttery pastry, graham cracker, cookie and coconut, to name a few) that dress up even the simplest of fillings.
Why You Should Read This Book: Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice just starting out, this all-purpose guide to pies is great to have on hand, especially as the holidays approach. Step-by-step illustrations, clever shortcuts and simple, easy-to-follow directions make this the ultimate handbook for pie making of all types.
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