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.

This is a departure from the Chaim that I "know" as the book takes place in Korea. An elderly couple is fleeing for safety when they encounter a wounded, lone boy. The vivid portrayal of wartime, sacrifice, and love is true Potok, all the way.

You know, there isn't really anything wrong with this book, other than it's not my style. And it rambles. And it's a bit mamby-pamby. But, hey, she has a published book, so good for Carol.

John created quite a stir with this one during the Second World War, apparently, and understandably so. In true Steinbeck style, he makes the horror of war come alive, complete with cowardice, bravery, and betrayal. A keeper.

If you didn't have to read this in school, it's time you made yourself do it. It's a short little book and won't take any time at all, but will leave you contemplating forever more. For an even sharper experience, read it immediately after The Jungle.

While WWII is raging, a silent battle takes place in the Langer family, striving to cure heartache with dalliances. Aching for news of their MIA son, Rennie, Anne and James are drifting farther and farther apart. Unbeknownst to them and to his wife, Rennie is wounded but alive. Stewart captures the wartime mood expertly; there is no clean break from the hell that is war even after the soldiers come home. Another O'Nan triumph.

Dang--talk about gutsy! As the radical Islamic morality police clamped down on freedoms and stripped away women's rights, university professor Azar Nafisi fought back in her own way. She put together a group of intrepid students to continue their study of literature, with weekly sessions in her home. This bad-ass book club continued meeting while the world was falling down around them, occasionally flashing painted toenails to send a message their lips dared not utter.

Darkly written and based on true events, this book is set in speakeasy-era Long Island. A woman's body is found, and she is quickly labeled as a throwaway. Her life story reads as a series of tragedies. The obvious chasm between the haves and have-nots is evident in this book that will never be obsolete.

In this riveting story, we follow Larry, the bread truck driver and former Viet Nam soldier, as he navigates the fallout of a dissolving marriage, fragmented family relationships, and terrorizing memories of his time as a medic. There is no way I can do this book justice with any words I know. The horror of war is documented vividly, and the lack of real peace after war is "over" is made clear in this book of all books. One of my all-time favorites, I cannot recommend it highly enough.