"The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery

Three lives seemingly separate, come together to help one another. Renee is a 54 yr. old concierge who hides her love/knowledge of culture because of her status. Paloma is a 12 yr. old girl who hides her immense intelligence because of the expectations of others. Her plan is to kill herself on her 13th birthday. These two are from two different, but not really so different, worlds. Kakuro Ozu is a Japanese gentleman in his 60's who is new to the building, but also a catalyst to help Renee and Paloma really discover themselves.

One of my favorite quotes is found on page 91. "tea is the beverage of the wealthy and of the poor; the tea ritual, therefore, has the extraordinary virtue of introducing into the absurdity of our lives an aperture of serene harmony."

It is easy to understand the way characters feel because of the stereotypes each brings to their lives or feels from others. I was caught up in the story of hiding intelligence and the love of culture. Why would people feel the need to hide these wonderful attributes? I was also caught up in the story of Paloma and her desire to kill herself on her 13th birthday. Why would she want to do this? Did she meet her goal of profound thoughts? How was Ozu helpful to each of them? I encourage you to pick up the book and discover the answers to these questions. You will find comedy, poignancy, and profound thoughts.

"Green" by Ted Dekker

"Green" is the classic good vs. evil type of book. It is advertised as a book that can either begin or end the popular "Circle" series by Ted Dekker. Time changes quickly bouncing between the present and the future, with references to the past. One man, Thomas Hunter, tries to save his future world from corruption only to find that his son, Samuel, is rebelling against Elyon, their God, and the "Great Romance." As evil grows the problems seem insurmountable. Will Thomas be able to save his world from a descent into evil? Will Samuel get his heart right?

Meanwhile, Billy is trying to find answers to his own problems in the present time. His search for the vial of Thomas Hunter's blood escalates, as he tries to find the hidden books of history. The vial of blood is essential. Was the vial destroyed?

I found it difficult to get into this book. Maybe it is because I didn't read the other three books and had no real starting point with the characters. Eventually I found myself pulled into the story, picking the people I wanted to win. I found the parallels to Bible times interesting, but also felt a little uncomfortable. I will be getting the other books so that I read Ted Dekker's complete thoughts here. I would recommend that readers pick up the "Circle" trilogy first, then read this one.

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"The Postmistress" by Sarah Blake

“The Postmistress” is set in the years 1940-41, both on Cape Cod and in Europe. The reader follows the paths of three women – Emma, Iris, and Frankie – as Europe experiences Hitler’s fury and Americans wonder if they will enter the war. Emma has just married Will, a doctor on Cape Cod. She wants to make a good impression on the people there, and make a good home for her husband. Iris is the Postmaster of the same town Emma moves to, and watches over the people of the town. Frankie is a reporter in London during the Blitzkrieg, experiencing some of the horrors of war while trying to report on them. As the story moves along, the lives of these three women intersect around letters. It is up to the reader to decide if the decisions the characters make are good and wise.

I had the wonderful privilege of reading this book as part of Barnes & Noble’s First Look Book Club, and really enjoyed it. It grabbed, and kept, my attention. Sarah Blake painted vivid pictures of bombings, train rides, ocean views, etc., putting me in each spot, letting me hear the characters as they spoke. Her research brings this period of history alive. I especially enjoyed “traveling” along with Frankie as she told the story of the war and searched for the truth about the Jewish persecution. All three of the main characters in this book have compelling stories and they are people I will not soon forget. This is a book to read again!

"The White Mary" by Kira Salak

Marika travels the world in search of war stories to bring back to her readers. Little does she know the toll it is taking on her and her life. One person stands as a shining example of success for her - Robert Lewis. He is her idol and she has studied him for years. After his unexpected suicide, Marika determines that she will write an autobiography about him. She will even stay home to write. But, there is an unexpected letter that makes her believe that Robert is still alive. Should she search? Can she get there? If so, will she survive Papua New Guinea? Is Robert Lewis really still alive? What about Seb? Will he continue to love her?

Kira Salak weaves a magnificent story about Marika and her demons. One of my favorite lines is found on pg. 337 and is spoken by Tobo. "Listen," he says to her sternly, "I will tell you a secret about your demons: they are never stronger than you." Come meet Marika, Seb, Tobo and the others. Take the journey to PNG. It is a journey that certainly captured my attention!

"Kabul 24" by Arnold and Pearson

"Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 KJV This verse from the Bible describes faith and "Kabul 24" tells the stories of people who lived their faith in modern times. Imagine this: suddenly, the semi-hostile country around you (a people you have come to help) becomes filled with fanatics and spies wishing you harm. Families you thought of as friends betray you. You are taken from your home, unable to convey to others what is happening, then transported to, and left in, filthy and unsanitary conditions. It is enough for most people to blame God and beg for mercy. But, this group of eight people from SNI relied on their faith in God to get them through. Times were frightening and no help seemed to be around, but they knew God never left them. Did they wonder why they were chosen to face this trial? How did the assassination of Ahmad Shah Massoud, the rise of the Taliban and Mullah Omar, the constant changes in Sharia Law, and the 911 bombings in America affect them and their conditions? What made it possible for this group of eight to carry on when nothing seemed possible?

Henry O. Arnold and Ben Pearson wrote a book that transported me to Kabul. I could remember praying for these hostages. I could see the community before and after the arrests, and the changes were astounding. It was enlightening and uplifting to read their story. If you have ever needed strength, ever had a time of testing or a lapse of faith, pick up this book. You will be stronger and more encouraged for doing so.

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"The Lost Symbol" by Dan Brown

Robert Langdon is back, this time in Washington D.C. Lured to the city to do a speech for a friend. Professor Langdon finds himself embroiled in yet another mystery surrounding symbols. This time he has to uncover the answers to questions surrounding the "wisdom of the ages" - something of enormous power - to try to save a friend. Throw in some espionage, murder, lies, history, and a great backdrop; and you find a work of fiction well worth reading. Dan Brown has definitely done it again!

I love a good work of fiction, something that totally draws me into the story, and something that is written in a believable style. I have read Dan Brown's other two books in this series, "Angels and Demons" and "The DaVinci Code," and enjoyed them all. Will there be a number four? I sure hope so.

"Evermore" by Alyson Noel

Would you want to live on the earth forever, watching those you love die? The first book in "The Immortals: series poses that dilemma. Ever survives an accident which takes the lives of the rest of her family. Her struggle with her guilt for living causes her problems on a daily basis. What part does her dead sister, Riley, play in her life? Her ability to read people's minds and auras seems to be a curse, one she wishes to break. But, enter a handsome stranger - Damen. What hold does he have on her? Can he help her? Will Ever make it through her run-in's with Drina? Is Ever immortal? The answers to these questions, and more, await the reader.

I found this book to be very much like the "Twilight" series. Beautiful, troubled girl meets extremely handsome immortal man. And, as the "Twilight" series did, "Evermore" drew me in and encouraged me to stay, to hear their story. I will now pick up my copy of "Blue Moon." =) While this is listed as a teen read, I think people of all ages can read and enjoy Alyson Noel's story.