Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall

Before he knows him better, Ron has trouble believing Denver's comment that homeless life on the streets of a big city is a step up from his life growing up in Miss. This is true in part because, for Ron, childhood was a joyous time and the plush life of an affluent art dealer he now enjoys seemed to fall in his lap. The author allows each man to to tell his story in alternating chapters.

But, this book isn't just about Denver or Ron. It is about the partnership between Ron's wife,Debbie, and God. And then they all came together. Watch how Debbie uses love and unselfish caring to bring about change in both men and, in fact, everyone who knows her. When Debbie discovers that she has cancer, she charges both men to pick up the torch. Who will step up and who will be lost? What is the future for these unlikely three? What is God doing?

Have your hi-lighter handy to mark moments that you want to go back to and remember. Find out why Denver needs to know if Ron is a "catch and release" fisherman. Then there's the new interpretation of the "seed cast on the ground". Read this one as soon as you can get your hands on it. It's on order now for the CVL. Recommended by many, reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

The Blue Bottle Club and Leota's Garden by Stokes

Both of these books cross generation lines and tell stories that demonstrate how these generations are interwoven. This author always presents a very personal study of her characters that allows the reader to jump in and feel both their joy and their pain.

In the "Blue Bottle Club "we meet a group of girls who huddle together on a cold Christmas day of their senior high school year and drop a slip of paper into a cobalt blue bottle. On each slip they have written their hopes and dreams for the future. As so often happens, the years bring some totally unexpected twists and turns into each life and, as you read, you become personally involved and often surprised at what happens to each girl. Sometimes, you are almost afraid to reach the end for you know there will be both disappointment and heartache at life's end. During the demolition of an old building, the bottle is found by a reporter who realizes she has the makings of the story of a lifetime.

"Leota's Garden" covers three generations. After a violent rift with her own daughter that separates them for many years, Leota's grand daughter enters her life and tries to put things right. How can one generation understand another? Sometimes helping another with their relationships can help you sort out your own.This story involves both neighbor, relative, and love relationship that are so timely in today's world. These books are recommended by Marcia Gniadek

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Journey with Hannah on a thrilling search for the true story of a rare illuminated manuscript that dates back to the 15th Century. Hannah is an expert rare-book conservator doing a fairly routine study until she discovers a series of tiny artifacts hidden in the ancient binding - an insect wing, a wine stain, salt crystals, and a white hair. What could they mean?

In an effort to unlock these mysteries, Hannah takes us to Bosnia during WWll, Hitler's Germany, inquisition era Vienna, and then Barcelona and Seville. Her investigation at times causes her to doubt herself as well as the man she loves. This novel, inspired by a true story, will grab you and hold you tight. Skipper Smith first suggested this book to me and then Mickey Shuford agreed that it is Brooks' best yet. reviewed by Shirley Cunningham

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle was a real page burner. From one childhood memory to another, the book was hard to put aside. This is a memoir of a dysfunctional family told with humor, sadness, knidness, and pure innocence. The children of Rex and Rose Walls were moved from place to place around the country and exposed to situations that make you wonder how any of them survived, much less thrived.

From the alcoholic father who instilled a love of astrology to the mother who lamented that the maggots on the leftover ham had a right to live, the story is one of survival, love and, finally, realization of their own abnormality. Mr. Wall's succes in life is one of personal motivation that cannot go unrecognized!

It was not unusual for the four children, their college educated mother, and their highly intelligent father to sleep in their car or outside in the desert - under the stars. Their travels covered Phoenix - where their mother inherited a house - and then up to West Virginia. Often hungry, the family looked for food in left over school lunches.

You will definitely want to stick with the Walls to discover with them their own redemption. Reviewed by Sue Mayfield

Pope Joan by Donna W. Cross

This historical novel takes place in Europe during the Dark Ages. It is the story of a young girl's struggle for an education through her older brother and circumstances following his death. The plot is fast-paced, educational, and filled with adventure and difficult situations. Disguising herself as a man, this girl rises to become Pope and rule Christianity.

To this day, there is controversy as th whether this scenario is factual or mythical. Be sure to read the Author's note...Protestants and Martin Luther are mentioned in the case against the existence of such a woman. This book is an excellent read for men and women. Reviewed by Mary Ann Taylor

River of Mercy by Sheila Walsh

It isn't unusual for young brides to find immediately that their new mother-in-law is very jealous of the girl who stole her son away. What is so moving about this true story is the way this bride is compelled by God to change all that. In spite of almost unforgettable snubs and tirades, Sheila is able to draw on her strong faith anf forgive totally. The result is a friendship and a bond that is at the same time heart wrenching and full of warmth.

This book is recommended especially for anyone who is struggling with similar circumstances with close family members or with anyone who has brought unnecessary pain into your life. Sheila's attitude and compassion is a handbook for all who are caregivers for the terminally ill within their families. "River of Mercy" is recommended by Karen Kahill

Soul Searching by Christian Smith

This book, written by a Sociology Professor at UNC, Chapel Hill,who is also the principal investigator of the National Study of Youth and Religion, outlines the findings of this goup's research. It opens with contrasting case studies of two religious teenage girls. Although their backgrounds are somewhat similar, their life outcomes are strikingly different. Other chapters examine three religious types of teenagers and the influence external factors have on the religious lives of teenagers.

Although some findings are shocking and disheartening for religious communities, there are also many windows of hope for engaging youth in faith for these communities to explore. Smith explains that adolescents are not aliens but simply young people who should be related to the same way one would relate to any child of God, with dignity and respect. This book is a must read for all religious youth workers and religious communities. Reviewed by Ryan Ray