Undaunted Courage

by Stephen Ambrose

If you relish reading about adventure, love the beauty and allure of the unsullied West, or just simply enjoy discovering the hidden lives of famous characters in U.S. History, this book is for you! Did you know that Merriwether Lewis was plagued with depression and never got his journals from the expedition published in his lifetime? Did you know that the entire expedition-- which undertook countless unforseen dangers-- suffered no fatalities? Learn about these things and so much more in this historical investigation into one of the greatest wilderness journeys of all time.

--Angela Boatright, Faculty

Children of the Mind

by Orson Scott Card

I like this book because it is about humans and their way of interacting. It has good points on racial prejudice in an easy to see and understand manner. Equality = good. :)

-- Michael L., Sophomore

Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder

by Natalie Shivack

I read this book in one, incredibly intense sitting. Told in the form of a graphic memoir, this book weaves shocking but true facts about eating disorders, Shivack's art-therapy images, and her painfully raw story in a way that leaves the reader stunned. Inside Out alters everything you thought you knew about what it means to have an eating disorder.

-- Kristin McKeown, Faculty

Blood and Chocolate

by Annette Curtis Klause

As a werewolf, Vivian is caught between the two worlds that the title suggests: the blood of her werewolf nature and the chocolate of the human world she wishes she could embrace. In this dark story, Klause provides a story rich in complexity and ripe in turmoil.

-- Julian H., Senior

The Shooters

by W. E. B. Griffin

Griffin's books are easy to read, very engrossing, and fairly accurate in terms of the history that is behind the stories. Each series develops around a small group of characters and their work (in the military or government service) and are patriotic in the sense that they support the principles of the majority of Americans. Griffin is not above criticizing the government, but is very good at making the criticism personal and not sweeping generalities.

-- Rob Griffin, Faculty

Eric Clapton: The Autobiography

by Eric Clapton

I would recommend it because the man is a living legend. He is a unbelievable guitarist who didn't have the greatest upbringing, and struggled with depression, addictions and tragedies his whole life, but came out stronger in the end. Well written, and a quick read too.

-- Phil Havlik, Faculty

House of War

by James Carroll

This substantial book is essentially a "biography" of the Pentagon and the rise of American military power from World War II to Iraq. James Carroll chronicles the influence and use of the US military's might throughout the world, the development of atomic power and the Cold War. He also explores America's modern military conflicts and critiques the Reagan, Clinton and Bush administrations.

-- Joe Geisendorfer, Faculty

The Suicide of Reason: Radical Islam's Threat to the West

by Lee Harris

The author contrasts the tribal "fanatacism" mentality of Muslim countries with the enlightened "reasoning" of the west... and why the two will not see eye to eye.

-- Erich Gott, Faculty

The Great Divorce

by C. S. Lewis

I reccommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia and enjoys Lewis' writing style. It is a short read, but it is deep in knowledge and leaves you with a lot to think about in terms of the after life (heaven vs. hell).

-- Cory Morgan, Faculty

Tom Crean: Unsung Hero of the Scott and Shackleton Antarctic Expeditions

by Michael Smith

Crean was an Irishman who accompanied Robert Scott on his two attempts to reach the South Pole. Sent back from the final attempt, he wound up discovering the bodies of Scott and his two companions. In 1914, he returned to the South Pole with Sir Ernest Shackleton and survived that epic as well. Calling Crean "tough as a night in jail" is completely understating him. Wow...

--Lynn Evenson, Faculty

Of Human Bondage

by W. Somerset Maugham

I am just starting it, but I recommend it because it is supposed to be one of the great works of early-twentieth century western literature. I do not want to go through my life without having read Maugham's masterpiece.

-- Josh Curnett, Faculty

The Shadow of the Wind

by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Set in 1950s Barcelona, Spain, a 10-year old boy discovers a novel whose author is shrouded in mystery and as the boy grows up, he attempts to unravel this mystery. I recommend this novel because I've never read anything quite like it and the story will keep you guessing.

-- Christine Avery, Faculty

The Happiest Toddler on the Block

by Harvey Karp & Paula Spencer

This book provides several ways to communicate with your little "Neanderthal" as they go through the toddler years. I found it especially helpful for narrating what my daughter, who is almost two, is feeling so she knows that I care about her. I would recommend it to any parent who has a toddler.

-- Rebecca Langer, Faculty

Extras

by Scott Westerfeld

This fourth book of the Uglies series takes us a few years beyond and a few thousand miles away from Tally's time as an "ugly," a "pretty," and then a "special." As the title suggests, now it's all about "extras" (at least not becoming one). In this story, it doesn't matter if you're pretty, ugly, or something in between. The important thing is that you're famous. Fame is fluid, though, and to stay at the top of the face list, you have to be interesting or "kick" and interesting story to the network. The question is whether being a famous face is worth it.

-- Kristin McKeown, Faculty

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Bronte

I genuinely like this novel, not only because of the plot line, but because of the way that it was written. The character of Jane Eyre is completely relateable, as a young woman who rises above the multitude of challenges that present themselves in her life. But besides that, the style is intellectual and challenging, which is always good for the growth of the reader.

-- Kirsten M., Senior

From Far Away

by Kyoko Hikawa

This graphic novel has a very interesting story involving two characters, Noriko and Izark, who find their fates intertwined. The author does a good job telling the story and the art is excellent, too.

-- Hsuan W., Junior

Buddha in your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teens

by Franz Metcalf

A concise and user-friendly guide to basic Buddhist principles. Metcalf doesn't get too bogged down in the heavy theology, but instead gives practial examples of how these principals can apply to someone's everyday life.

--Joe Geisendorfer, Faculty

The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (Series)

by Diana Wynne Jones

I've read a great deal of Mrs. Jones' work, but the imagination, high fantasy, and originality involved in this series puts The Chronicles of Chrestomanci at the top of my favorites list. I've never read a fantasy novel quite like these.

-- Aimee W., Senior

A Lesson Before Dying

by Earnest J. Gaines

This book is about a young black man who was accused of a murder he did not commit and was put on death row. Because he was black, people viewed him as a beast, dehumanizing him. He gained many friends who wished he could die as a man and not an animal. It was very sad and stirred my emotions. I liked it a lot and reading about the segregation during that time added to the novel.

-- Anna F., Senior

A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future

by Daniel Pink

This very readable nonfiction book describes how we are moving from the information age to the conceptual age, and that it is the right-brainers and their gift of creativity that will be the focus of the future. MBA's will be less valuable than MFA's, and thoughtful design will take the lead in this ever-increasingly consumer driven culture. Whether you're a right-brainer or a left-brainer, Pink provides insight into how everyone can nurture their creativity.

-- Kristin McKeown, Faculty