There's a (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going to Hell
by Laurie Notaro

This book has it all! A deranged former beauty queen with one eyebrow, a fanatical recycler, an arsonist, and a piano-playing dog. This book will keep you both laughing and intrigued as the mystery unfolds.

The Secret Life of Bees
by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees is about 14 year-old Lily Owens' search to find the truth surrounding her mother's life and tragic death. This moving novel, which is based in South Carolina in the summer of 1964, is a must read. I found it to be a very wonderful novel with a powerful presentation of the characters as their lives are revealed as the story line unfolded and progressed.

The Madonnas of Leningrad
by Debra Dean

Historical fiction set in the WWII Siege of Leningrad. Definitely lets us see into a horrific time in history. I still haven't figured everything out in it-and think back on the book several months later. If it is ever in, I'll read it again.

My Sister's Keeper
by Jodi Picoult

This was a very thought provoking novel. It challenges the reader to think about how one would react to a terminal illness in a family. Is it possible to love someone too much? How much are you willing to sacrifice? Picoult stories make lasting impressions.

The Glass Castle
by Jeannette Walls

A riveting memoir! It was definitely hard to put down. The Glass Castle is a fascinating look into the life of a dysfunctional family living in poverty. It was encouraging to see that in the end the author was able to overcome all of the obstacles she faced growing up.