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!