Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson
Meditations of Trond Sandor, a man nearing 70 who is dwelling in a primitive cabin in Norway when a chance encounter with a neighbor causes him to reflect back on a childhood summer and that then gets into a father/son relationship theme.
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet
Historical novel set in 12th century England depicting the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. Some members have read and raved about. Please note that it is 976 pages.
Dispatches for the Edge by Anderson Cooper
Memoir of young and upcoming journalist Anderson Cooper depicting his coverage of many major events for CNN, most recently Hurricane Katrina. Marty Payne has read and can tell us more about.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Second novel by author of The Kite Runner. Chronicles 3 decades of anti-Soviet jihad, civil war and Taliban tyranny in Afghanistan through the lives of 2 women. Some say even better than first book. Only available in hardcover now, but the hardcover is available for $14.27.
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
An historical novel which describes one village’s struggle with the 17th century plague in England through the eyes of a strong woman faced with tough circumstances. Reviewers urge readers to get by the fact that it is about the plague and swear it is a thoroughly engaging read.
Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson
A true account of the discovery and identification by 2 veteran divers of a sunken Nazi U-boat 100 miles off the coast of New Jersey. Lots of technical stuff about diving and some about the U-boats crew and how they may have met their end. Very much an adventure and likened to Jon Krakauer.
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracey Kidder
Depicts life of famous infectious disease specialist and leader in international health, Dr. Farmer and his quest to “cure the world”. He is a Harvard professor who blasts through convention to get results in bringing modern medicine to remote areas. Book is described as very inspiring.
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
Said to be one of the most readable accounts of the battle of Gettysburg. Comes highly recommended by several people. Was recommended in the book of suggested reading that we gave Marion.
Ines of My Soul: A Novel by Isabelle Allende
Historical fiction set in Spain, Peru and Chile in the 16th century as seen through the eyes of Ines Suarez, “ widow of the founder of the kingdom of Chile”. Donna read this.
**Someone tossed out the title Wild Swan. There are several books with something close to that name and I wasn’t sure which one we were speaking of.
RETRACTED:
The Knife Man: Blood, Body Snatching and the Birth of Modern Surgery by Wendy Moore
Biography of John Hunter who was a medical innovator, an eccentric and the person to whom anyone who has ever had surgery probably owes their life. Book tells of his famous patients as well as his ruthless devotion to uncovering the secrets of the human body and advancing medical knowledge.
