Although the subject matter is a serious one, Ms. Pogrebin wrote a book that is full of hope and positivity - and even humor. Her stories and tips illustrate practical ways a friend can support a friend who is sick, whether the person is physically, mentally, or emotionally sick. Ms. Pogrebin gives advice on what to say and do, as well as what not to say or do. She offers suggestions on supporting the caregivers and family members - often one and the same - of the sick person. Realizing that sometimes sick friends do not recover, Ms. Pogrebin also wisely includes guidelines on how to be a friend to a friend who is dying or to a friend who is mourning. The book is even more powerful when she writes about her personal experiences, both as a cancer patient and as a caring friend. Ms. Pogrebin ends the book with an excellent list of additional resources. I would not hesitate to strongly recommend this book to anyone who is facing this aspect of friendship.

This was a beautifully illustrated, inspirational, true story. I think children - and their parents - will find the story of the Kenyan boy who becomes a doctor in the U.S. as fascinating as I did. I will wholeheartedly recommend it to the 10 teachers who are in my book group for their students.

Harold Fry\'s pilgrimage is one man\'s search to find understanding, meaning, acceptance, and forgiveness in his life. The strangers he meets along the way both help and impede him on his quest. The story of this gentle, flawed man is touching and at times heartbreaking. It is well worth the trip to journey with Harold Fry. There is much for book groups to discuss. I will recommend this book to my 18 member book group.

I have a confession to make. I've always avoided reading noted theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, putting him on my way-too-scholarly-for-me list. I was wrong. After reading Bonhoeffer's reflections every day since Lent began, I learned he is far more relatable than I thought. In God Is on the Cross: Reflections on Lent and Easter, each day's readings contain a reflection from Bonhoeffer on that week's theme, a short scripture reading, and a second, shorter reflection. This book is a good choice for anyone looking to do a little extra spiritual reading on their Lenten journey. I will recommend it to my faith-sharing group.

Defending Jacob starts out as a typical murder-to-trial mystery. Soon the twists and turns begin. Innocent teen or born to kill? Upholder of the law or protective father? The last twist will knock your socks off!

Called to Serve: A History of Nuns in America by Margaret M. McGuinness is an in-depth study of Roman Catholic nuns in the United States. This fascinating account of dedicated women who were far ahead of their time will appeal not only to Catholics but also to anyone interested in women’s studies, American history, ministry, immigration, education, healthcare, and social services. I highly recommend Called to Serve.

As a New Yorker who rode the subway every day for 25 years, I developed a love/hate relationship with it. I was curious to learn how Londoners feel about their Tube. London Underground’s Strangest Tales did not disappoint me. Stories ranged from the history of various stations to the role of the Underground during World War II’s London Blitz to urban legends to commuter quirks. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who is interested in trains, London, and history. For added enjoyment, read it the subway, the loop, the T, the metro, or on your own town’s subway.

Mishan’s Garden is the charming tale of young Mishan a kind-hearted innkeeper’s daughter, who is determined to cultivate a garden on land that won’t allow anything to grow. Through her attempts at gardening, Mishan has a positive influence on everyone she meets in her village. Beautifully illustrated by Janet Brooke, Mishan’s Garden is a magical story for young readers.

This well-written book is the only one you need to get a solid, broad education on the various faith traditions of the majority of Americans. I was particularly interested in Chapter 20, “Religion and Women in America” written by Eleanor J. Stebner. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about religious traditions in the United States.

The Baker's Dozen is a delightful tale with beautiful illustrations and a good message or two. It would make a great gift for little children.

This wonderfully written book about the patients, families, and staff of Memorial Hospital in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina is an outstanding account of their experiences. Sheri Fink raises legal, medical, ethical, and moral issues. It investigates the responses of the government, police, and hospital administration, among other institutions, to a natural disaster. For all the deadly serious issues this book raises, it is never dry or boring, but always fascinating and thought provoking. I highly recommend this book.

Although geared to children, this introduction to chess held the attention of at least one adult who doesn’t know how to play the game. The instructions are easy enough to understand, and children will enjoy the illustrations. I recommend this book.

Su Meck was only 22 years old when a ceiling fan fell on her head and gave her a life-altering traumatic brain injury. How she learned to deal with her amnesia, while raising two children, dealing with a husband she didn’t know, moving several times, changing jobs, and all the other daily activities most of us take for granted, makes for a fascinating memoir. I recommend this book.

I loved this book! The mouth-watering recipes reminded me of my childhood and will serve as a handy reference when I cook some of my favorite dishes. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in the Gracie series.

In this second book in the delightful Dunbridge Chronicles, Neil Fisher has become a newly ordained Anglican priest. The book focuses on his relationships with his parishioners as well as on his personal relationships. There is an unexpected twist at the end of the book which sets the stage for book three, If You Follow Me, due out in October. I hope this charming series has a long life.

Those assistants who are beyond Sue France’s The Definitive Personal Assistant & Secretarial Handbook will find The Definitive Executive Assistant and Managerial Handbook a good book to read next as they advance on the corporate ladder. This book combines an introductory business management course with an introductory psychology course. Although I didn’t like it as much as The Definitive Personal Assistant & Secretarial Handbook, it is still a small, first step into thinking and acting like a manager. I recommend it.

This is a terrific, thoroughly engrossing book! It tells the mesmerizing life story of Pom, a Bengali girl who survives a tidal wave in 1930 that wipes out her family and Bengali village. Tied in with Pom’s personal experiences is a fascinating account of India’s journey toward independence. I wholeheartedly recommend The Sleeping Dictionary to individuals and book clubs alike.

Billed as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice from the below-stairs point of view, Longbourn by Jo Baker is so much more. The story of orphaned maid, Sarah, and mysterious, new footman, James, captivates the reader, while at the same time shines a light on the class differences in Regency England. Sarah, James, and the other characters are well developed, and the reader is truly interested in them. Longbourn is a story I loved reading and didn’t want to end. I highly recommend it.

Barbara Demick has written a thorough engrossing account of life in North Korea, one of the world’s most isolated countries. By following the daily lives of ordinary people, she demonstrates the seemingly limitless power of the government over its citizens. Yet, as the reader will learn, the human spirit doesn’t give up without a fight. I highly recommend this book.

The Light Between Oceans tells the post World War I story about a lighthouse keeper and his wife and the decisions they make when a dead man and living baby wash ashore. The moral questions they face and answer aren’t easy, and therein is the heart of the story. This is a great book for book clubs, and I highly recommend it.

The Namesake tells the story of the Ganguli family – parents, son, and daughter. The parents are immigrants from Calcutta to the United States. While the parents’ story is very interesting in and of itself, this is really son Gogol’s story. As a first generation Indian-American, Gogol tries to navigate his life between the old and new ways as best he can. With characters the reader cares about, The Namesake is a solid read, and I highly recommend it.

Susannah Cahalan’s memoir of the terrifying illness that affected her reads more like a horror story than a medical mystery. It’s scary to realize how an illness can change the very essence of what makes someone who they are. Brain on Fire is an interesting read, and I recommend it.

Sister Joan Chittister thoughtfully reflects on the gifts and burdens that come with growing older. Some of the topics she explores are spirituality, limitations, fear, joy, freedom, and adjustment. In a culture where youth is revered, The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully reminds us of the value of older persons. I highly recommend this book.

The Midwife of Hope River left me with mixed feelings. I was fascinated with the birthing stories, Patience’s life as a midwife during the Depression, the union theme, and the evolving interracial relationships. I didn’t care for the way Patience’s back story was told in bits and pieces. Still and all, I recommend this book.

The Butler is a brief but intriguing look at the life of Eugene Allen, who became a White House butler and served for more than three decades before, during, and after the civil rights movement. On one level, it is Allen’s personal story, and on another level, it is the story of African-Americans in the 20th century. Although the book left me wanting more – something the movie did not provide – The Butler is worth a read.

Although not for the faint of heart – nor faint of stomach – Working Stiff is a fascinating look at the world of medical examiners. Dr. Judy Melinek details both the everyday deaths that occur from illness, old age, accidents, and foul play, as well as the horrific deaths caused by terrorists in New York on September 11, 2001. I recommend this book.

Cut Me Loose, a memoir by Leah Vincent, describes her life both in and out of the ultra Orthodox world of Hasidic Judaism. While still a teenager, Leah is deemed to be too questioning and is sent away by her parents. As Leah struggles to support herself, she explores her sexuality and her beliefs. It is not an easy journey. Her experiences can be transferable to just about any fundamental religion. Cut Me Loose is an interesting book, and I recommend it.

Mercy House by Alena Dillon is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Catholic Sister Evelyn runs a safe house for women in Brooklyn along with two other sisters. Their stories and those of the women they care for, added to societal issues facing both women and the Catholic church in the 21st century, make for a terrific read. Sister Evelyn rocks! Comedian Amy Schumer and CBS are reportedly developing a movie based on the book. Highly recommended.

Incubators for preemies at a Coney Island amusement park? Straitjackets for special needs children in schools? Sounds like something out of a horror movie, but it’s a real part of history. Told by debut author Addison Armstrong, The Light of Luna Park is the story of two women who lived decades apart – nurse Althea and teacher Stella – who were fierce, if not always the most ethical, advocates for their charges. To learn the connection between these women is to go on a journey through the first half of the 20th century.

With The Magnolia Palace, Fiona Davis has once again taken her readers back to the New York City of the early 20th century. This time her setting is the glorious Frick mansion where wealthy businessman and art collector Henry Clay Frick rules the roost, and his devoted daughter Helen does all that she can to please him. Through a case of mistaken identity, Lillian Carter enters their world and becomes part of their complicated family drama. This drama continues for half a century until model Veronica Weber arrives at the now Frick Museum and sets in motion a series of events that could change the course of all their lives. Highly recommended.

With her latest novel, A Remarkable Rogue, Anna Harrington takes us back to the Armory and the men who serve the king there.

Captain Nathaniel Reed has been assigned to investigate Baroness Sydney Rowland and her involvement with Scepter, the group of revolutionaries attempting to overthrow the government. Nate is attracted to Sydney but doesn’t trust her. She is equally attracted to him but doesn’t trust him either. As things progress, they slowly uncover each other’s secrets and test the limits of their attraction.

Combining mystery and steamy romance, Anna Harrington’s fifth book in the Lords of the Armory series is a great story.

Falling by TJ Newman was the most exciting thriller I’ve ever read, and I thought nothing could possibly compare to it. I was wrong. Drowning is a heart pounding thrill a minute. What happens when a jetliner crashes, sinks to the bottom of the ocean (well, not the bottom but pretty far dow), and there are people on board who need to be rescued from an impossible position? From the people above the waterline to the people below the waterline, Newman creates a cast of characters who make you care about them and the circumstances that brought them together. A great read.

The Cottage Garden by Claus Dalby is an absolute delight. This homage to gardens, specifically the style known as cottage gardens, will bring joy to gardeners, cottage aficionados, and flower lovers. The stunning photos of the beauty of nature in all its vibrant colors will have you planning your own garden, even if you live in a city apartment.