Sharks in the Time of Saviors

Sharks in the Time of Saviors is by Kawai Strong Washburn. A realistic fiction debut with a touch of magical realism. This is the story of a Hawaiian family and their struggles. The older brother Dean is accepted to play college basketball and is caught up with his desire for wealth and fame. The youngest, Kaui, decides on a career in engineering and is determined to achieve success though her academic abilities. The middle child, Nainoa, experienced a miraculous salvation when he was a child. He fell off a boat on a family vacation into shark infested waters and a shark carries him to the boat in its mouth. His parents consider this a sign that he is touched by the gods and consider him blessed. When he begins to exhibit some extraordinary powers, the belief seems justified. Can Nainoa, who is now working as a paramedic, live up to his parent's belief in him; will those beliefs tear the family apart? 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).

Murder on the Orient Express

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. A fine Hercule Poirot mystery by the queen of realistic crime fiction. Poirot must hurry back to London from the Middle East and finds himself on board the famous Orient Express with his friend who is a director of the line. When a man is found murdered when the train is trapped by an avalanche, Poirot is asked to solve the mystery before the Yugoslavian police arrive on the scene. But is everyone guilty...

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Gilead

Gilead is by Marilynne Robinson. The classic realistic fiction epistolary novel. It's 1956 and Reverend John Ames is 76 and has a serious heart condition. He realizes his wife, who is much younger than he is, will have to raise their seven-year-old son on her own. He decides to write his son a series of letters so that he will learn about the father he never really had the chance to know. This work is a masterpiece of Christian worldview. A must read for Christians and readers of all kinds. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Brideshead Revisited

Brideshead Revisited is by Evelyn Waugh. A classic work of historical fiction. This classic must read tells the story of the waning days of the British aristocracy as seen through the eyes of Charles Ryder and his involvement with the rich Catholic Flyte family. The book examines the devastation WWI caused in Europe and looks at the disenchantment it brought. The novel is told in flashbacks from the dark days of WWII; Charles remembers the Flyte's and the impact they had on his life. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry

When the Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry is edited by Joy Harjo. A magnificent collection of Native American poetry. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Ready Player Two

Ready Player Two is by Ernest Cline. The sequel to the science fiction hit, Ready Player One. Barley weeks have passed since Wade and his friends won Halliday's contest and became his heirs. Then Wade discovers another secret in Halliday's vaults, a piece of technology that will change the world forever. He and his friends set off on another of Halliday's tests, the search for the Seven Shards of the Siren's Soul. The consequences of this contest could cost the four friends everything they've gained, their lives, and possibly determine the fate of mankind. Fans of the first book will enjoy this one as well. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity). 

The Nightingale

The Nightingale is by Kristin Hannah. A brilliant work of historical fiction. It's 1939 in France, in the small town of Carriveau, Vianne lives with her husband and daughter. Her husband heads for the front and is taken prisoner. Vianne is left to survive with a German officer billeted in her home. Her eighteen-year-old sister Isabelle decides to join the French resistance. The story follows the heart breaking story of two sisters trying to survive WWII as best they can, yet fight the Nazis in their own way.

Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence). 

The Mothers

The Mothers is by Brit Bennett. A wonderfully written work of multi-cultural realistic fiction. Nadia Turner was looking forward to college and a chance to live her own life finally. Then towards the end of her time in high school, she finds herself pregnant; the father is the son of her church pastor. Luke pays for the abortion, even though he really wants the baby. Nadia and Luke part ways, but the secret they carry shapes the rest of their lives. The story is told by a "Greek chorus" of church ladies, and is a brilliant debut novel. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Classic Hundred Poems

The Classic Hundred Poems is edited by William Harmon. A wonderful compilation of the most published hundred poems with information about each poet and Harmon's thoughts on each poem. A must read for poetry lovers or those who would like to be.

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.