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

Even After All This Time by Afschineh Latifi (2005)

A story of love, revolution, and leaving Iran.

I learned about this book from a high school friend who has actually met Afschineh, and have met the couple who almost became her in-laws. A must read. Non-fiction and I kept finding myself thinking that cannot possibly be true, but it is.

The story begins in 1979 when Afschineh was only 10 years old, and her father, a colonel under the Shah of Iran was imprisoned by Khomeini’s solders. A mother and three children were left to do all they could to free him, and begin the struggle for the survival of their own lives. This compelling true story is a page-turner from the first page. It is a story of such familial love and courage that I can hardly believe it is non-fiction. It is a real study of the life in a different culture. It is also an example of incredible obstacles overcome and persistence to survive against terrible odds. A must read. Reviewed by Mickey Shuford

The Zookeeper's Wife: A war story by Diane Ackerman (2007)

I learned about this book in the Bas Bleu (Bookseller by Post) catalog. I highly recommend this book to anyone old enough to read about World War II, and it is a true story, one that has fallen through the cracks with so many such histories out there. My Book Club discussed it last fall, and appreciated it.

This is a remarkable story about kind deeds done by a Christian family in wartime Poland. The wife of a Warsaw zookeeper, Antonina Zabrinski had an almost mystical connection with animals. During the Nazi occupation the zoo was devastated, and Antonina cared for what few animals survived, and expanded her guardianship to include people needing refuge and protection. Throughout WWII the Zabrinski’s used their home and zoo to save over 300 hundred lives….activists and Jews. The book is beautifully written, vivid and moving, and a detailed portrait of every living creature cared for by the Zookeeper’s wife. Reviewed by Mickey Shuford

The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin

This book is a factual account of "the school children's blizzard" of 1888 in the U.S. prairies where much immigration had occurred in hopes of a better life and free land. You will read about every aspect of life including history, weather, religion, science, heartbreaking stories of struggle against the elements, intense faith, and bitter disappointment. Many descendents contributed to the authenticity of the content with stories told through their families and also written accounts passed down from ancestors who had survived the blizzard.
It is a hard read, but compelling, and gives you a greater appreciation for the prairie pioneers - and for our modern weather technology and widespread communication! Highly recommended to me by Allan Latore, this is a captivating record of the devastation that resulted from a lack of knowledge of fierce weather conditions.
Mary Ann Taylor

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

I came across the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman in the Christus Victor Library in 1996. Normally I do not pick up "self-help" books to read but I did this one because the donor of the book, a HTLC member, had hand-written a dedication to her husband in it. That said to me that it must be a special book. And it is.
In The Five Love Languages, Mr. Chapman, explains that everyone is loved best in one of five primary love languages: acts of service, gifts, quality time, physical touch and words of affirmation. In order to really express love to someone, it's most effective if expressed in their primary love language. If our loved one is not seeming to "feel" our love for them, it may be that we're using the wrong love language. I gained this insight at a very critical time in my life and I am happy to say that learning about primary love languages has had a huge impact on my marriage. It's an "easy read" and may be the help you're looking for. Leslie Benfield