The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed Their Lives by Cheryl Jarvis (2008)
We live in a society that values owning things. We own houses, cars, lots of clothes, toys and of course, as women, we own jewelry. Lots of jewelry, the more the better and the more expensive, then even better! This is a true tale of a group of women who got together to purchase a $22,000 necklace and share the ownership. Now, how can that happen? Don’t women fight over things like jewelry and clothes? There were some basic rules such as each woman got to keep the necklace for the month of her birth and there were some extra borrowing privileges. New friendships were forged and new perspectives attained. This whole premise of shared ownership is new to many people. This really made me think of what I would like to own, and how much stuff I already have. What would I be able to share ownership of? These thoughts are still with me after reading the book and have come up as a topic for discussion with friends. We all need a paradigm shift every so often and this one does quite well. ~ Recommended by Sue
The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (2012)
In the 1920s, Jack and Mabel, a childless couple in their fifties, move to the Alaskan wilderness to make a fresh start. The winter months are especially tough as they build a homestead and adjust to living off the land and animals on their property. One evening, when they’re feeling particularly lonely, they build a snow girl in their yard. When they wake up the next morning, the snow girl has disappeared and a mysterious young girl appears close to their home. Based on a Russian fairytale, this book is highly recommended reading during a cold winter snowstorm. ~ Recommended by Rebekah
The Glassblower of Murano by Marina Fiorato (2009)
History, romance, and mystery are all rolled into one delightful novel set in the fascinating city of Venice. Leonora Manin, leaves England after a broken marriage to learn more about her birthplace and ancestry, and takes employment as a glassblower. In the 17th century her ancestor, Corradino, a master glassblower was confined with all Venetian glassblowers to the island of Murano to prevent other countries from learning the glassblower’s secret techniques. Leonora makes it her task with the aid of Allesandro, a Venetian policeman, to find out why Corradino was murdered by the Council of Ten. While Leonora discovers love and a lost trust in humanity, the reader discovers the history and delights of Venice. A great read with which to curl up by the fire this winter! ~ Recommended by Regina
The Fiction Class by Susan Breen (2008)
This emotional novel examines the life of Arabella Hicks, a writing teacher who is frustrated with her own work. She is a few pages from finishing her novel but can’t find the right words to end it. She is also trying to bond with her mother, who inches ever closer to death from heart problems related to Parkinson’s disease. Add in eleven students, each with quirks of their own, and a dash of love, and you have this moving work. The writing advice injected into the narrative makes this book a great read for aspiring writers, or anyone interested in knowing what it takes to craft a good manuscript. ~ Recommended by Jennifer
Good Citizens: Creating Enlightened Society by Thich Nhat Hanh (2012)
World Peace is possible. It all starts with you. This book is a guide which gently instructs the reader to peaceful living. Using Buddhist teachings (not political nor religious ideas), it tells how to choose the right way of thinking, speaking, and acting in order to align yourself and others toward peace. It gives specific steps to distinguish what is the right course to take in any situation. The goal is world peace - one step at a time, one person at a time. The UN Manifesto 2000 is included. ~ Recommended by Connie
