The Gateway we Call Death by Russell M. Nelson

I picked up this book because I love Russell M. Nelson and because he is a heart surgeon who I believe knows a lot about death.   He recalls a lot of personal stories about meeting people who have passed through the veil and come back.  That was so very interesting to me.  In the end I realized that this life is short and we need to do our best. 

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

This was the first book club book I read here in Clarkston.  I am always a little nervous to read novels and youth novels combined.  If I didn't like running so much I probably wouldn't have liked this story at all.  But I did, and really only because I could relate.  Jessica was an active lady on the high school track team, who lost her leg and had a prostatic. The book is a journey through her recovery and her attitude about living.  What I realize mostly is I love to run.  I sometimes take it for granted.  I love the feeling running gives me.  And that is what Jessica loved too.

The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstin

I started reading this book a year ago and just restarted it when it was recommended again.   Well, I am glad I read it through.  It is the true story of Harry who lived through the after math of WW11 as a Jew.  He lived on a street that was half Jew half Christen.   And it was very interesting to see how these 2 religions treated each other.  I really enjoyed this book.  Expressly from a child's point of view.

Dad is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

Very Funny!!! Leif and I read this book together.  We laughed a lot and talked about our kids a lot.  So Jim is a truly funny comedian who lives in New York City with 5 kids.  This whole book is just about that... raising 5 kids in NYC.  I really do appreciate Jim's humor and really enjoyed this book.

The Power of Everyday Missionaries by Clayton M. Christensen

There isn't much to say about this book.... it was an inspiration to be a better member of the Church.  It helped me realize that you don't have to change your lifestyle.. you just talk about the church.  It's easy right?  Well.. this book should be read by every member.

Wonder by R.J Palacio

I rented this book because my new book club read it last year.  I normally don't like reading youth books, but this one really impacted me.  It was written from the point of view from a number of people who all befriended Jonny.  Jonny was a child born with a face deformity.  His disability created lots of trials in his life.  But I found it most interesting to see how others reacted to him.  In the end he does make a difference and changes his image about himself.  A very compelling book .

Before the Dawn by Dean Hughes

My dad let me borrow this novel and said I would really like it.  It was about a R.S president in the 1930's who didn't have faith in herself and didn't think the Lord really was calling her to be President.  But to accepted the calling and her life changed.  She saw the woman in the ward different and realized that her problems were miner to others. 
This was an inspiriting book about trials, faith and how to not judge.  I really did enjoy it.