Hotel Silence by Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir,

An older man, despondent travels to an ex-war zone country with the intent to commit suicide and takes up residence at Hotel Silence. Caught up in the lives of the small community, he begins to see his life differently. Poignant.

The Common Good by Robert ReichA powerful plea that we re-establish the essentiality of the "common good" in our government and society. The viability of our faltering Democracy depends on a populace that is educated to think critically and tolerant enough to disagree with civility yet cooperate for the common good of all our people. Profit for individuals and corporations cannot be the dominant concern but needs to be sublimated to a concern for the well being of all. Only in raising all Americans to a reasonable standard of living can our Society rise to its full potential of freedom and justice for all. The author begins his book by reminding us of JFK's inspirational words in his 1961 Inaugural Address: "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Our country needs more than ever to embrace this advice if we are to ensure the viability of the Democracy envisioned by the Founding Fathers so many years ago. Yes, the Democracy was flawed but it also held a promise that now more than ever still needs to be realized.

A powerful plea that we re-establish the essentiality of the "common good" in our government and society. The viability of our faltering Democracy depends on a populace that is educated to think critically and tolerant enough to disagree with civility yet cooperate for the common good of all our people. Profit for individuals and corporations cannot be the dominant concern but needs to be sublimated to a concern for the well being of all. Only in raising all Americans to a reasonable standard of living can our Society rise to its full potential of freedom and justice for all. The author begins his book by reminding us of JFK's inspirational words in his 1961 Inaugural Address: "ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Our country needs more than ever to embrace this advice if we are to ensure the viability of the Democracy envisioned by the Founding Fathers so many years ago. Yes, the Democracy was flawed but it also held a promise that now more than ever still needs to be realized.

Alternate Side by Anna Quindlen

Enjoyed this story about a close-knit New York City block as the main character. The other main characters are a couple settled into married life with their two children on this block who are busy with careers and gradually grow apart even as the city block also develops a fission and residents begin to leave.

Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson

A masterful biography that reveals nuances of Leonardo da Vinci's unquestioned "genius". The author has studied Leonardo da Vinci's extensive journals to provide readers with incredible detail about this man's life, constant scientific investigations, thoughts, beliefs, and artistic accomplishments.

How Democracies Die by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt

Toleration and Forbearance. Can we restore these to our civic life? If not, our country is in deadly danger of deteriorating into an Authoritarian Nation. The authors of this eye-opening book explain clearly that although we have some powerful Ideals set forth by the Founding Fathers, essential norms of behavior and interactions that have enabled the endurance of our Democracy have slowly eroded over the past three decades, and it is imperative that these norms be restored and indeed spread throughout our increasingly diverse society if we are to preserve our foundering Democracy. Fascinating historical details support reasoned arguments. I hope many people will read this book.

Insidious Intent by Val McDermid

The murderer is known from the beginning. Parallel stories reveal the activities of the murderer and also of the police officers desperately trying to figure out who the murderer is, and how to acquire the evidence to convict the individual so the tension is ever-present.

Lies My Teacher Told Me Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James W. Loewen

An illuminating evaluation of American history textbooks that reveals the fake facts that permeate them. We feed our Youth the pablum of unquestioned heroism of individuals and our country rather than interesting facts and details that would enable our students to apply critical thinking to their absorption of our truly complex history with all its flaws and achievements.

Radio Free Vermont by Bill McKibben

Just finished reading this delightful book. In his author note, Bill Mckibben says, "...when confronted by small men doing big and stupid things, we need to resist with all the creativity and wit we can muster, and if we can do so without losing the civility that makes life enjoyable, then so much the better." Mission accomplished in this wonderful fable that entertains and provokes reflection.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

WOW! What an incredibly meaningful and even beautiful narrative that elucidates what it means to live and die with integrity and comprehension. We all die but what does it truly mean to live and die? Is this a reality we can all face with strength and vision? There is a tragedy and incredible loss when people die young. Parents should not suffer the loss of a child. A child should not lose a young parent. Why can't everyone die in old age when they have fulfilled their destiny? Life is not fair. Thank you, Paul Kalanithi for your powerful narrative.

The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson

Fascinating and informative descriptions of the oceans and seas that make up so much of the earth habitat. Explanations of the impact of tides, deep-sea canyons, icy and warmer water, force of waves etc. build an incredible picture of a vast, largely unseen world. Poignant also because the publication of this book predated the horrific consequences of over-fishing, pollution, and petroleum production. What would this clearly very intelligent author write today if she surveyed the same bodies of water?

Daughters of the Samurai: A Journey from East to West and Back by Janice P. Nimura

A fascinating chronicle of several young Japanese girls who were plucked from their Samurai families and sent to America in 1871 to be educated. The goal was that they would then return to Japan after ten years and promote education for girls. Well researched, this book details their life-long friendship. It also provides an engaging overview of Japanese society during a time of great societal change. The youngest, only six when she arrived in America, is still honored for her contribution to establishing a "college" for girls.