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From the Mountain, From the Valley

From the Mountain, From the Valley

By James Still 176 pages Adult

Danny Says

I spoke throughout Kentucky this past summer and fell in love with the Bluegrass State. My friends, the teachers of Hindman, presented me with this wonderful collection of poems about Kentucky. Still’s writing provides a lyrical Appalachian tongue with observations that leave the reader craving for more. 
The Sign for Drowning

The Sign for Drowning

By Rachel Stolzman 192 pages Adult

Danny Says

Poignant look at one woman’s efforts to overcome the personal childhood tragedy of losing her sister. I like stories about hope, and this one fits the bill. Just beware that you may shed a few tears on the way. Remarkable debut novel.
Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World

Great Peacemakers: True Stories from Around the World

By Ken Beller,Heather Chase 208 pages Adult

Danny Says

Too much found in history books focuses on wars and the people who participate in them. What I love about this uplifting book is that it exposes audiences to 20 significant examples of a better way to live. The chapters are brief enough to make ideal read alouds for teachers and parents of students of all ages. The best part of this book: its focus on the good on this planet.
The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told

The Greatest Presidential Stories Never Told

By Rick Beyer 224 pages Adult

Danny Says

This past month we lost one of my favorite authors and speakers, the incomparable Paul Harvey. Rachel Reichman recommended I try Beyer’s wonderful series of books (there are three in total) that each include 100 two-page vignettes about amazing events. I love them! Buy all three of Beyer’s books. These are perfect for teachers and parents to use to calm students down and gain their attention during transitions. 
Damage

Damage

By Josephine Hart 195 pages Adult

Danny Says

A reader complained I include too many happy books on my list and not enough fiction. Well, here is a depressing book of fiction that you can read in one evening. Stephen Fleming is a middle-aged British politician who lives the ideal life – or so we think. His obsession with his son’s girlfriend can only lead to destruction, but Hart writes a novel that makes readers turn pages to see how far this tragedy can go.
A Lion Called Christian

A Lion Called Christian

By Anthony Bourke & John Rendall 280 pages Adult

Danny Says

Need something to lift your spirits? Indulge in this true story of two Aussie wanderers in London who bought a lion cub at Harrod’s and watched their pet grow big quickly. Rather than put Christian in a zoo, they flew him to Kenya under the care of lion expert George Adamson. A stunning reunion sparked a youtube.com sensation that caused this uplifting tale’s re-release. The perfect antidote to the dreary nightly newscast.
Play

Play

By Stuart Brown 240 pages Adult

Danny Says

I have my friend Eddie Fiszer to thank for recommending that I watch Sir Ken Robinson speak on the value of play in life. I have always made play the primary method I use in delivering my presentations to various educational and business organizations, and I was delighted to see that there are others who agree with me. Brown’s wonderful book illuminates play’s value in developing the brain and keeping it fit, and I consider this a must read, after you throw around the football and sing a song with friends.
Departures

Departures

By Lorna J. Cook 242 pages Adult

Danny Says

Perfect book for a lazy day. Cozy up with this charming story of a quirky family’s eccentricities. I read this book on a cross-country trip and smiled the entire flight.
The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Or Gustavus Vassa, The African

By Olaudah Equiano 202 pages Adult

Danny Says

I saw this ultra-long title and became curious. I was treated to one of the most engaging adventures I have ever read, and if a movie studio is reading this they should snag the rights, as it would make a great film. Memoirs of a kidnapped Igbo prince who discusses his enslavement in the New World, service in the Seven Years War with General Wolfe in Canada, voyages to the Arctic, Central America and Mediterranean and numerous other adventures. Almost like a real-life Forrest Gump. Tyler Perry, buy this book!
Eating Owen

Eating Owen

By Anne E. Beidler 182 pages Adult

Danny Says

The page-turning true story of survivors of a 19th century whaling ship known as the Essex that inspired Melville’s Moby Dick. Um – let’s just say that the survivors wind up in a few flimsy lifeboats, and, once they get hungry, cabin boy Owen gets the short end of the stick. 
Who We Were: A Snapshot History of America

Who We Were: A Snapshot History of America

By Michael Williams,Richard Cahan,Nicholas Osborn 240 pages Adult

Danny Says

Subtitled “A Snapshot History of America,” this coffee table book tells the history of America through the snapshots of regular Americans. Simple idea with powerful images.
Raging Bull: My Story

Raging Bull: My Story

By Jake La Motta,Joseph Carter,Peter Savage 222 pages Adult

Danny Says

So many people remember Robert DeNiro’s stunning performance as the tragic boxer Jake LaMotta in the Martin Scorcese film version, but a lot of folks forget about the original book that leaves readers incredulous. LaMotta’s autobiography has the power to make you love him and despise him, and this book stands as one of the all-time moving sports stories.
Burnt Toast & Jam

Burnt Toast & Jam

By D. Kinza Christenson 220 pages Adult

Danny Says

Sick of all the negative news in the media? Here’s a trick for staying positive: read positive books. Christenson delivers some gems of homespun wisdom in both a light-hearted and heart-warming way. The perfect cure for the nightly news blues.
Caution:Men at (House) Work

Caution:Men at (House) Work

By T.J. McKenna 96 pages Adult

Danny Says

Here’s a great book for executives to read on a short flight. Don’t appreciate the daily trials and tribulations of a stay-at-home mother? After losing his job, McKenna got to play Mr. Mom with his three kids while his wife “brought home the bacon.” Hilarity and wisdom ensue in this quick-read that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Swine Not?

Swine Not?

By Jimmy Buffett 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

This one reads like a kid’s book, and I think parrotheads will get a kick out of it. Reading Buffett is just about as relaxing as listening to his music. And for those of you who love a little Cliff Clavin-like trivia, did you know that Jimmy Buffett is one of a select number of authors to top the New York Times bestseller list in both fiction and non-fiction? 

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