The Outcast by Jolina Petersheim

Did you read The Scarlet Letter and think that could never happen today? First time novelist, Jolina Petersheim brilliantly brings Hawthorn’s classic novel into the present with The Outcast. Rachel, unwilling to repent and reveal the identity of the baby’s father, is forced to leave her Mennonite community. She finds refuge with a kind woman, Ida Mae, who offers her a job and a home. It seems she has left her old life behind until she discovers her child is sick and returns to the Mennonite community she left behind where she must face her family and her sin. 

Ahab's Wife: Or, The Star-Gazer by Sena Jeter Naslund

“Captain Ahab was neither my first husband nor my last.” The first sentence of Ahab’s Wife Or, The Star-Gazer sets the tone for the rest of the novel. In language reminiscent of the best of 19th-century literature, Una tells her story of growing up in a lighthouse, going to sea as a cabin boy, her marriage to Ahab, and her later experiences. As she weaves a story that brings together threads from many of the social and historical happenings of the time, she includes personalities of that era as well as characters from Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Ahab’s Wife is as fitting a companion for Moby Dick as Una was for Ahab, but you may find her story much more enjoyable.  
 

Josiah for President by Martha Bolton

When Congressman Mark Stedman bows out of the Presidential race, he thinks his life in politics is over, until he meets Josiah Stoltzfus, an Amish farmer and America's best hope for an honest President. But will Josiah risk his standing in the Amish community (which will likely result in his shunning) and enter the political arena known for negative ads, slurs, and compromise? This is a delightful, light-hearted story sure to give readers hope for the next Presidential election.


Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

Set in 2083, New York, Anya is determined to turn her life around upon her release from reform school. Anya's family runs an illegal chocolate business - a business that has filled her life with violence and betrayal. Anya has some choices a head of her: whether to follow her father in the family business, how to keep her family safe, and ultimately who to trust. This is Zevin's second book in the series. 


All-American: 45 American Men on Being Muslim

What image comes to mind when you think of American Muslim men? Do you think of attorneys, poets, gay men, transgendered men, scientists, actors, doctors, teachers, and writers? I was really surprised by the variety of American Muslims that appear in this book. I was hooked from the first sentence: "I was washing dishes in the kitchen when I stopped believing in God." Just like many occupations are represented, a variety of faith also appear. Some writers question the existence of God, some converted to Muslim, and some grew up Muslim. Appropriately titled, "All-American" will open readers eyes to American Muslims who have the variety of backgrounds, experiences, and faith that are seen in all Americans.

Concise Encyclopedia of Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites by Donald B. Kraybill

The Amish, Brethren, Hutterites, and Mennonites (collective known as Anabaptists) may bring to mind farming, straw hats, bonnets, and homemade clothing; however each of these groups has separate histories and beliefs. This encyclopedia does an excellent job of defining each of the groups by illuminating their histories, geographic regions, group rules, and biblical basis for their stance on certain topics such as abortion, baptism, communal living, and shunning. This is a wonderful starter source for readers and researchers curious about Anabaptists.


The Dad's Playbook to Labor & Birth by Theresa Halvorsen and Brad Halvorsen

The Dad's Playbook covers just enough information for the father-to-be to be prepared for labor and birth. Subjects include: taking pictures (make sure to talk with the hospital and your partner before hand), packing bags (for your partner, yourself, and the kids), setting ground rules for the birthing room, making friends with the hospital staff, protecting your partner's modesty, and helping your partner deal with the pain of childbirth. For the Dad who wants to be active in the birth, this book provides a plan for before, during, and after the birth.