The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski

Who knew a story about a dog breeding farm could be so powerful? Not only do we have the heart-warming relationship between Edgar, who's mute and speaks only in sign, and his loyal friend Almondine, but we also have the threat of the uncle, Claude, who creates a situation on the farm reminiscent of Hamlet. It's all up to mute Edgar and a few of his unique breed of dogs, a breed that seems to have evolved in a way that makes them able to communicate in a special way with Edgar. This author has excellent descriptive powers that makes the beautiful Wisconsin setting come to life.

I highly recommend this book.

I'm Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers, by Tim Madigan

I was not looking forward to reading this book because I'm not one for nonfiction and because I thought I knew everything there was to know about Fred Rogers. Much to my surprise, this book was a joy, not only because it taught me more about Mister Rogers, but also because it portrayed the transformational power of friendship. I cried and laughed and had a ball reading this inspirational story.

I would recommend this book.

The Next Thing on My List, by Jill Smolinksy

Even though this wasn't one of my favorites (I'm not a big chick lit fan), it was still a good read, if you're looking for something quick and uplifting. We emailed the author and scheduled a conference call with her during our book club meeting. This part was awesome, because we were able to ask her questions, such as what inspired her to write the book or to create certain characters. Jill Smolinsky is a smart and nice lady.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy chick lit.

Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett

Wow. I feel this book gave me an authentic look into the many kinds of lives lived during the Middle Ages in England. We see the rich and the starving, the religious and the irreverent, the talented and the disadvantaged. We see the role of the clergy, the merchants, the builders, the peasants, the kings and the lords, and the women and children. I feel especially educated now on the importance of cathedrals to Medieval towns because of the work the building of them created.

The ending was extremely satisfying to me, though not all in my club felt the same way.

I highly recommend this book.

The Glass Castle, by Jeannette Walls

I'm usually more of a fiction reader than one of memoirs, but the storytelling in this nonfiction work was captivating. What an intriguing look into the life a girl brought up by eccentric and probably mentally diseased parents who end up homeless and the girl's ability to triumph in spite of it all. It's nice to know that our society makes it possible for this to happen, though, more often than not, people like Jeanette fall though the cracks.

I would highly recommend this book.

The Virgin Blue, by Tracy Chevalier

Tracy Chevalier is my new favorite author, but not because of this novel, which is the one of hers that I least like. I was the one in my book club who recommended it, but it received mixed reviews from our members. Most of us enjoyed the historical point of view, but the modern story told through Ella could have been improved. I especially found the section where Ella visits her uncle Jacob lacking. But there were many things about this book I loved, including the character of the librarian, Jean-Paul, and the historical details surrounding the Protestant Reformation and its impact on the lives of everyday families.

I would recommend this novel.

The Other Boleyn Girl, by Philippa Gregory

I would put this novel up there in my top two or three picks. If you really want an interesting view of King Henry the Eighth and his wives from a new perspective, read this book. It hooks you right away and never lets up. I didn't want to do anything but read till I finished the story, and the details are still so fresh in my head even though I read the book two years ago.

The movie was surprisingly well done, though, understandably, much was left out. The character of the mother was also different.

I highly recommend this novel.