For Gerrard, growing up in the home of loving parents in the bosom of the Bible Belt seemed secure and safe, until puberty kicked in. Then he knew something was horribly "wrong" with him. Identifying as a Christian, he wrestled with who he was for years, until finally being traumatically outed when he was in college. This is the story of what happened primarily after that event. Gerrard can write. There were many times I marveled at the turn of phrase he can produce. However, sometimes less is more--the guy could pen a page about the inside of a lampshade and sometimes his descriptions feel a bit like that. That wasn't the bad part, although editing might have been helpful there. Do you know anyone who, during a conversation, starts a topical thread, midway through is distracted by some other topic, follows that for a while, then leaves that, to continue in this vein until you think your head might explode from the effort to remember all of the dangling strings? Well, I do, and reading Gerrard's book is kind of like that. Apparently all of the wandering affects him sometimes too, because (here's a non-spoiler example) when he talked about his trip to the Peabody Hotel with his mom, he cited the famous ducks that spend their time either in the lobby fountain or on the roof. He noted that they must be on the roof, because they weren't in the fountain. Yet, a few pages (and many topics) later, the ducks were mysteriously marching back to the roof, dripping water all the way. I want to be clear that I think his story is pertinent, tragic, and so important. I believe that he is a kind and classy person who takes the high road. I'm sad that this experience has given him the feeling that he's distanced from God, and that is most certainly not his doing. Shame on the "ex-gay" ranks for damaging so many people who were never broken in the first place, and good for Gerrard for putting this down on paper. However, I think this could have been split into two books, and it would have been lots less rambly. I found myself having to double back so many times to remember where we were or what stage of this process we were in. I hope Gerrard finds his peace someday. But for me, one acquaintance with a flight-of-ideas conversational style is enough.

Some singers are known for their signature songs--think of Eric Clapton's "Leila", and "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley. To me, authors are much the same. Ayn's tour de force is definitely this TOME. A treatise on capitalism, there's a lot of symbolism, but some ranting, too. I felt that although she had a message, it got bogged down with wordiness and some self-indulgence. The catchphrase, "Who is John Galt?" is the thing that stayed with me. And after 1000+ pages, I don't really care.

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.