The Fountainhead ****

I decided to read this book finally because I'd heard about it from two distinct sources (a good friend and an excellent book on skepticism). A very fascinating view on human nature, and the drives in people. This book is good in the way that 1984 or Lord of the Flies is good -- well written, some good insight into human nature, but most people will probably despise it because it makes them uncomfortable, or calls into question their ideas about selflessness, egotism, social services, religion, etc. I haven't read it as an overt support of capitalism per say... though socialism (or some closely related) philosophy is thoroughly beaten down in the writing. A book I'll definitely have to put on my bookshelf.

An Hour Before Daylight (Jimmy Carter) **

Enjoyable. Exactly what the subtitle says: Memories of a Rural Boyhood. It could have been any boy growing up in Atlanta. And then you stop and think, "this little country boy grew up to be a President of the US. Huh!" Recommended (gifted) by Anna Clare.

Left to Tell (Immaculee Ilibagiza)***

This is a quick read (200 pgs) about a woman's survival through the Rwandan holocast and her experiences during that time. You'll be hooked by page 1. :)

Mistborn Trilogy (Brandon Sanderson)***

These books are so good that I'm annoyed I'm at work because I just want to go home and read more! They are set in a world of brown and black that is cursed by 'mists' that drift across the land (this is fantasy, in case the last sentence didn't make that apparent). There are people who have special gifts to influence the mists and this is the story of their effort to reclaim the world from the mists. Books one and two are out, book three due out in October.

The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) ***

A novel about a boy named Amir who grows up in Afghanistan with his best friend/servant Hassan. It follows his life, his "escape" to America, his mistakes, how those mistakes catch up with him throughout life, and how he redeems himself. Very enjoyable.

Three Cups of Tea (Greg Mortenson, David Relin)***

Deborah recommended this one to me, and our book group decided to read it. I loved it. About a guy (Greg Mortenson) who built schools in Pakistan, and the challenges and successes he experienced. Motivating.

Gift from the Sea (Anne Morrow Lindbergh) *

The author writes about lessons she learned about life from a vacation on the beach, and uses shells to draw different analogies. Insightful, but kind of fluffy.

Red Badge of Courage (Stephen Crane) *

This is told through the eyes of a young boy and his experience through one battle of the Civil War. He goes through a range of emotions from fear, shame, pride, courage, embarrassment, etc. I'm not a war buff so I had to push through it, even though it's pretty short.

Joseph Smith, Rough Stone Rolling (Richard Lyman Bushman) ***

It took me 2 years to read this book, but I'm glad I read it. I'm sure most of you have heard of it, and maybe already read it. The book is written by a Columbia history professor who is LDS and goes into lots of details on the life of Joseph Smith. Several parts are eyebrow raising, but I liked learning about Joseph Smith's strengths and weaknesses. Joseph Smith was an ordinary person with challenges like any of us, but who did some extraordinary things, all the time completely believing in the cause. Overall I'd say it strengthened my faith in his prophetic calling. I particularly liked the historic parts of the book. Sometimes the author's commentary on the doctrine could be a little long-winded -- hence the 2 years it took me to finish.

Les Miserables (Victor Hugo) ***

400 pages. Oh so good! I read the unabridged version many years ago and wanted to read it again. This was the abridged, abridged version, and I understand there is one in between that I wish I had read instead. But it got most of the storyline, which I won't review since I'm sure everyone's familiar with it. One of my definite favorites!