Ashfall by Mike Mullin (2011)
The Yellowstone volcano erupts while 15 year old Alex is home alone for the weekend. Life as he knew it has turned upside down, with ash, noise, and a lack of food and water. He decides to travel from Iowa to Illinois to find his parents and sister. Along the way he finds that society has new rules and survival is a day to day ordeal. Although this is a teen book, the story line is engaging for adults also, maybe more so because adults know more of the realities of the situation with their experience. ~ Recommended by Sue
I See You Everywhere by Julia Glass (2008)
Sisters Louisa and Clement Jardine are both struggling for their place in the world, on very different paths, looking for very different things. Clem, the younger sister, is unbridled, restless, and attractive. She throws herself into her causes but doesn’t stay there long. Louisa, four years older, is cautious, analytical, and an art critic. Sisterhood keeps them connected yet, continually trying to connect. They really don’t understand each other, which begs the question: is it possible to really know someone else? They navigate their way around each other and their parents in episodes that are heartbreaking, humorous, tragic, and very ordinary. The alternating voices of the two sisters bring them close and reveals insight into the complicated relationships that are family. The ending was unexpected, . . . or was it? You’ll be left contemplating why the author concluded the story the way she did. ~Recommended by Sheila
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand (2010)
Louis Zamperini was one of those hell-raising children. He found his calling in running and won many awards, including a trip to the Olympics. He joined the Air Force and while on a bombing raid in the Pacific his plane crashed into the sea. His ordeal on the raft and his capture by the Japanese tested his physical and mental strength. His endurance is amazing. He does so with humor and determination which is a true testament to the human condition. It is incredible that this man and many others survived such terrible experiences. I should never complain again about a broken finger nail. ~ Recommended by Sue
