#9 - The Abstinence Teacher

This book was a surprise.  Expecting a more political debate about curriculum decisions, I found myself looking at the different views of Christianity.... and not so much in regard to curriculum - particularly Sex Ed, as the title implies.  To believe or not, that was the question.

I found the ending particularly disappointing - I think the author took the easy way out.

#8 - Cutting for Stone

I purchased this book on audible.com after reading a review that compared it to The Help.  Personally, I would not have compared the two at all.  The Help is set in 60's America, told from multiple perspectives, and addresses early views of civil rights.  Cutting for Stone takes place primarily in Ethiopia, tells the life story of orphaned twins - the sons of an American missionary and an Indian nun working together at a missionary hospital.  This book was much slower to grab me - and had I been reading it from the printed page, I may have abandoned it.  It was much easier to keep listening while in my car with nothing else to do.  But once it finally hooked me (about 1/4 into it), I couldn't wait to hear more and dreaded it ending.

I find it a curious follow up to Roots and The Help.  I have certainly broadened my perspectives of Africa and African-Americans this year.

#7 - The Help

I finished this book in February and thought I had posted about it... but there is not post.  So, here goes.

Several people had mentioned this book so I gave it a try.  LOVED IT.  I listened to this one through audible.com, and with the different voices the story is told in, audio seems the perfect choice.  This was a good follow up to Roots... picking up where it left off.

This very insightful look at white and black society in the South during the  60's was eye-opening.  I found listening about the world I was born into (how can the 60's now be historical fiction?!?) particularly fascinating.  Hats off to brave people everywhere who change history!

#6 - Little Princes

Wow!  Inspiring, exciting, and a memory shaker. Little Princes by Conor Grennan is the story of a man who accidentally found himself helping orphans in Kathmandu.  His would-be three months as a volunteer turned into a life's calling. 

I loved the walk down memory lane to Kathmandu.  It was the one place that Scott & I threw out our plans to see more of the country than the tourist district.  We felt like cats that had used up 8 lives and decided not to test the 3rd world roads out in this particular place.

Conor's story reminds me of a mixture of Into Thin Air by John Krakauer, Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson,   and I am David by Anne Holm all rolled into one awesome adventure

#5 - The Gift of Imperfection

I don't know how Brene Brown ended up in my saved list on YouTube... I didn't know you could have a saved list... but after serendipitously watching her clip from TED, I listened to her book.  Her positive outlook on life while was a fantastic start to the day while I walked the dog in the morning.  Everyone should start their day with a few affirmations.

#4 - Looking for Alaska

Looking for Alaska by John Green is both a YA book and one I've read before. I am very much looking forward to discussing this book with the Seven Book Club next month.  I've read and discussed this book with two groups of HS students.  This time I opted for the audio version and a discussion with adults.

#3 - Roots

Can I count a book I started last year?  Sure, it's my blog, my rules.

I started listening to Roots by Alex Haley last year.  It is 30 hours long so it took a while.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, right up to the author's notes at the end, and I highly recommend it as a must-read.