This is Part II of James' series, named for the lyrics penned by Cecil Frances Alexander. If you like animals, humor, have any interest in medicine, human nature or the British Isles, you just might love these books. You'll feel yourself bouncing along on country roads on your way to see an ailing animal, and never want to leave. As many of you know, our son's name came from these stories. :)

John tells the sad story of his son's bravery and dignity in the face of terminal cancer. Moving and so, so inspiring.

Not my favorite of Stewart's works.

Akin to Winesburg, Ohio, in this book you are ushered into the heart of Grouse County and the lives of its residents. Move on in.

Paul was such a unique commentator, delivering not only news, but his iconic "The Rest of the Story" segment each day in the years of bobby socks, bell bottoms, and big afros. Although you'll have to imagine his signature clipped speaking style, the stories all resonate just as they did when you were dialing him in on your car radio. Took me back, and I loved every minute. Good day!

A straight-arrow finds himself on the slippery slope. A story as old as time.

Stewie ventures into a bit of the horror genre in this book about a car crash and how the survivors (and responding police officer) do their surviving. Not my favorite of his books, but maybe you're a ghost lover and this is what you've been waiting for.

I love me some irony, and our boy William serves it up every time.

Most books about a character who was subjected to a lifetime of abuse would be dark, sad, angry or bitter in tone. Somehow, Lydia manages to infuse some actual lightheartedness and lots of hope into a story that could break anyone. Our heroine observes keenly and in her innocence, unknowingly condemns those who think they are above her.

Glance through this book and you might think that writing is easy. The chapters are short, the language is regional and not flowery, and the author seems to get right to the point. But that's the thing--only the most ingenious writer could do what Alice does, and make it seem so simple. Despite the short chapters, you're drawn in, and you become one of them, watching from the sidelines. The language becomes yours, without it sounding at all forced or fake. And somehow, she is able to transport us with fewer (but better?) words than anyone else would need. Stellar.

Ayn wrote this dystopian novel about 80 years ago; quite the torch-bearer for many books to come. It is thought-provoking, and a much more manageable length than some of her other works.

I'm not a poet And boy, do I know it.