In the Sea There are Crocodiles by Fabio Geda

“In the Sea There are Crocodiles” is based on the amazing journey of Enaiatollah Akbari, a young boy who left Afghanistan for Pakistan with his mother. While in Pakistan, Enaiatollah saw his school headmaster killed by the Taliban; Enaiatollah’s school was shutdown, then his mother left him and returned to Afghanistan (where Enaiatollah’s siblings still lived). At the age of 10, Enaiatollah had to find work and a place to live. Over the next five years, Enaiatollah traveled to Pakistan to Iran to Turkey to Greece before finally settling in Italy (where he was granted asylum). Enaiatollah story is a captivating read, told through the eyes of Enaiatollah as well as conversations between Enaiatollah and the author. While this book is called a “novel” it is based on the life and memories of a real refuge – Destined to be compared with the creative non-fiction works of Jack Kerouac. Highly recommended!  
 

A Discovery of Witches: A Novel by Deborah E. Harkness

This entertaining book has something for everyone . . . history, alchemy, intrigue, witches, and vampires. Author Deborah Harkness uses her background as a professor of history at the University of Southern California and writer of an award-winning wine blog to place well-rounded characters in vivid setting. You will find yourself waiting impatiently for volume two of this trilogy!

Pomme de Terre - A Novel of the Minnesota Uprising by Candace Simar

Pomme de Terre, is the story of a newly married young couple from Burr Oak, Iowa, who set out to homestead in Hutchinson, and then Pomme De Terre, Minnesota. During 1862, however, soldiers were sent to fight in the Civil War, leaving the Minnesota frontier largely unequipped to protect settlers from the Great Sioux Uprising. Government agents refused to distribute food stores promised by the treaty agreements. Unable to hunt the lands now “owned” by the settlers, the Sioux were starving and desperate. The story follows Gust and Serena as they use their limited resources to cope with the challenges of marriage, illness, farming, fear, and loss. Candace Simar has done extensive research to support the context of the novel, and she is unusual in that she has also represented the experience and viewpoint of the Sioux Indians. Simar is an author from Pequot Lakes, Minnesota. This is her second historical novel.

The Muslim Next Door: The Qur'an, the Media, and That Veil Thing by Sumbul Ali-Karamali

Ali-Karamali presents a down to Earth introduction to the Muslim faith. She covers the Qur’an, a brief history of Islam, Muslim reactions to 9/11, and common misconceptions about Islam. While this isn’t a complete history of Islam, Ali-Karamali’s insights are sure to create a new understand of Islam and American Muslims.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

In the conclusion to this trilogy, the Mercy Falls wolves are in danger when Tom Culpeper uses his connections to set up an aerial hunt. Cole, Sam, Grace, and their new ally Officer Koenig have a plan to relocate the wolves. The conclusion of the Mercy Falls saga is less than satisfying. The author misses opportunities to develop Grace's character when she confronts her parents after Grace had been absent for months - the tension is wrapped up too quickly and too neatly. The conclusion lacks the tension that the trilogy deserves. Despite the plot, it's impossible to stop reading to find out if Sam can lead the wolves out of the woods and into safety.

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

This is a brilliant novel that's impossible to put down! Sixteen year-old London has no memories of her past, but she knows her future. At 4:33 every morning, yesterday's memories are erased. In order to make it through her daily life, she writes herself notes every evening so she know what tests to study for and what she wore yesterday. Her future seems to be a constant struggle of hiding her absent memories, until she meets Luke. She doesn't remember a future with Luke, but slowly their relationship will start a chain reaction to recover her past and perhaps create a new future.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow

At the age of 23, Tim Tebow already has an impressive list of accomplishments: first round NFL draft pick in 2010, winner of two NCAA National Football Championships, and the first-ever sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. Through My Eyes provides a rare glimpse into what drives this extraordinary athlete – his parents, Christian missionaries, that instilled faith and family values that lead Tebow to create the Tim Tebow Foundation. An inspiring read for both Christians and football fans!

Pure: A 90-Day Devotional for the Mind, the Body & the Spirit by Rebecca St. James

Teenagers are faced with a lot of tough choices, while this 90-day devotional won't give any easy answers, Pure is sure to keep teenagers thinking about what God wants rather than what is popular. Christian singer, Rebecca St. James, provides bible verses and antidotes on topics for self esteem, loneliness, pre-marital six, and forgiveness. This wonderful read is sure to spark conversations!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Before Hannah committed suicide, she made a recording to explain how thirteen people were involved in her decision to end her life. Everyone mentioned on the recording get the tapes in the mail, including Clay who can't figure out what he did. By the end of the story, it's hard not to wish that Hannah really isn't dead. Asher did a wonderful job exploring this difficult topic - a very thought provoking read!

Passion by Lauren Kate

Do you ever imagine that passion will consume you? For Luce, this is literally true. Her passion for Daniel, kills her in every lifetime. She dies, then is resurrected, only to die again. This is the Daniel's punishment, as a fallen angel. Luce is trying to change her fate by traveling through time with her guide, Bill. But with angels and demons at hand, how does Luce know she can trust Bill? Will she and Daniel ever be released from their curse?

Twice Pioneers by Irvin M. Schmidt

Twice Pioneers is the history of twenty-six families that emigrated from Germany to Russian and finally to North Dakota. Laced with Russia, United States, and North Dakota histories, this book is not only a great read, but a well-organized reference for genealogists. Military history buffs will enjoy reading about a U.S. Marine who survived the Bataan Death March but who died in a Japanese prison in 1943 and a member of the U.S. Navy who was killed at Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Die for Me by Amy Plum

Following the death of their parents, Kate and Georgia move to Paris to live with their grandparents. At a cafe, Kate meets Vincent, an immortal. At first, Kate thinks the hardest thing about being with Vincent is his immortality, she soon learns about the real danger of being in love with an immortal. Vincent and his kind, Revenants, are in a war with the Numa, also immortal, which will put Kate and Georgia's lives in danger. For those who are hooked on supernatural romance and yet grow weary of vampires, this is welcome addition to the genre!

The Twilight Saga: The Offical Illustrated Guide

This book is for the hard-core Twilight fans - the fans who wish there could be one more book. Well, here it is! Complete with character bios, vampire history, maps, timeline (1400 B.C.- 2006), key plot points, character's cars, and my favorite - fan art. A welcome addition to the Twilight Saga!

Venomous by Christopher Krovatin

Locke has anger-management issues - he calls his issues "the venom." He has one friend, Randall. Locke's world is one of self-imposed isolation, until Randall invites him to a party where he meets goth girl, Renee. While Locke is dealing with the loss of his absent father, Renee is dealing with the death of her parents and a brother, Andrew, who has anger issues of his own. Locke finds himself at the cross roads where he can choose to change his ways. While there's no easy answers for teens dealing with serious issues, this novel offers hope that it's possible to change.

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Flinn puts a modern twist on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" story. While the storyline sticks closely to the well-known story, Beast's father is a television news anchor and Beauty's father is drug-user. The Beast is Kyle, once the prince of his school, and Beauty is Lindy. Kyle is turned into a beast by a witch and he has two years to earn Lindy's love and break the spell. A very entertaining read, even for those familiar with the tale.

Trickster Native American Tales: A Graphic Collection

More than 40 storytellers and cartoonists have brought 21 Native American folktales to life in this graphic novel. Stories include how the stars were created, how owls became guardians of the dead, and how a rabbit stole a wolf's girlfriend. Trickster coyotes, ravens, and rabbits are a wonderful introduction to Native American folklore!

Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong

Karen Armstrong uses her broad understanding of major world religions to explain the importance of compassion. The book includes practices from many traditions to become more aware of our own attitudes, treat ourselves with compassion and finally, extend that compassion to the world around us by increasing our knowledge and understanding of others’ cultures and beliefs. While it was Gandhi who said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” it is Armstrong who has written the how-to handbook.

Onward by Howard Schultz

In February 2008, for three hours every Starbucks in the country closed, so baristas could be retrained in the art of espresso making. Starbucks stores were growing at an expediential rate, but training had been limited for new baristas. While critics dismissed stores closing in 2008 as a stunt, this is just one step that Schultz took to get his company back on track. In July 2008, the economy took a turn for the worse and Starbucks closed 600 stores and 1,000 non-store positions were eliminated. While this story could be the tragic telling of a large corporation during the recession, this is the story of how a ceo (Starbucks uses lower-case letters for job titles) brought back his company stronger than ever. Schultz used this time of trial to bring the heart back into Starbucks by creating his new signature coffee, Pike Place Roast; creating MyStarbucksIdea.com where customers could make online suggestions; and rewards for frequent customers. An enjoyable read for the business managers and Starbucks fans!

Howl

"Howl" has continued to be a favorite poem among English majors since it was published in 1956, but thanks to the motion picture starring James Franco, Allen Ginsberg's poem has come to life like never before. The movie brilliantly puts the poem in it's proper historical context, illustrating why the poem was such a scandal in the 1950s. This graphic novel, which uses the poetry of Ginsberg and the images of Drooker (which were used in the movie), brings the poem to life for today's generation.

History of Hell

While most of our images of Hell may come from the Bible, The History of Hell shows readers how different cultures have interpreted the underworld, including the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and early Christians. In addition to dominent cultures, literature has played a part in developing our perceptions of Hell through the works of The Venerable Bede, Christopher Marlowe, Dante Alighieri, Edmund Spenser, John Milton, John Donne, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Also included are photographs of sculptures and paintings from notable artists such as Auguste Rodin, William Blake, and Michelangelo. A wonderful brief introduction to notable writers and artists - sure to inspire more reading on the topic!

All Just Glass

Just when I think I can't possible take another vampire novel, along comes All Just Glass. Amelia Atwater-Rhodes has brilliantly constructed a world full of vampires and the witches that hunt them. All Just Glass, is part of the Den of Shadows series. Sarah, a witch, has been turned into a vampire by her boyfriend. Now Sarah's sister, Adia, has to kill her. Under the Rights of Kin, one of the oldest witch laws, Adia has to kill the vampire that looks like her sister. This fast-paced novel, which takes place over twenty-fours, is a treat for fantasy fans! 

This Book is Overdue!

Johnson gives an excellent overview of today's library profession. Today's librarians aren't just sitting behind a desk, they are in Second Life, writing blogs, and teaching technology classes. While today's generation of students are doing research with Google, librarians are constantly being asked what they can provide that Google can't. What if you need a book on Buddhism, but you are asking Google to find books on "bootyism"? You need to consult a human to help you in your search. While Google is a wonderful tool to navigate the web, you need to know how to use it. Librarians, as they change and adapt to changes in technology, will continue to be invaluable.   

The Moneyless Man: A Year of Freeconomic Living by Mark Boyle

Sure you can go a day without making a purchase, but what about a year? While it may seem extreme, Mark Boyle makes a case for a world without purchases. While Boyle doesn't believe his year long experiment will yield a world without money, his study of such a world is an entertaining read. He also provides resources for his less extreme readers who may want to make small changes such as trading your goods (www.freecycle.org), swapping your books (www.bookhopper.com), and free lodging (www.couchsurfing.com). For more environmentally-friendly ideas, see Sleeping Naked is Green by Vanessa Farquharson.

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

After years of trying to have a baby, Max and Zoe are finally pregnant with the child of their dreams! When their child arrives stillborn, their marriage falls apart. They get a quick divorce, without lawyers, just wanting to go their separate ways. While Max escapes into alcohol, Zoe finds love with Vanessa, a school guidance counselor. Zoe is ready is start a family again and wants to use the frozen embryos that Max and Zoe created during their marriage. Picoult tackles some difficult issues, gay rights and reproductive laws, in an engaging story.