Abigail Adams by Woody Holton

David McCullough redeemed John Adams in his Pulitzer Prize winning biography and here is your chance to meet the incredible woman who loved him. Abigail Adams was not only one of the finest writers of her age, she passionately campaigned for women’s education, denounced sex discrimination, and matched wits not only with her brilliant husband, but with Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. You go, girl!

Dedra

Double Take by Kevin Michael Connolly

Kevin Connolly was born legless, but is raised as much like his siblings as possible, with tough love and humor. In high school, he became interested in skiing and went on to win second place in the X Games. Using his prize winnings, he traveled Europe and Asia on his skateboard. Connolly took thousands of photos of people as they stared at him, and created a traveling exhibit. An impressive account of his successes and struggles so far.

Jill

Boxing for Cuba by Guillermo Vincente Vidal

This poignant memoir of Guillermo Vincente Vidal tells of his early days in Cuba during Fidel Castro’s rise to power, his arrival in Colorado as part of Operation Peter Pan and the discrimination, poverty and uncertainty he faced. “Bill” Vidal grew up to be a respected public servant who has given back to the community in many ways, now as Deputy Mayor and Manager of Public Works in Denver.

Donna C.

Mistress of the Monarchy: The Life of Katherine Swynford, Duchess of Lancaster by Alison Weir

No one does royal biographies better than Alison Weir; I own them all. For those of us who have read and reread Katherine by Anya Seton this is the true story of Katherine Swynford, the commoner who became the mistress of the charismatic John of Gaunt, son of Edward III. This strong, powerful woman was the ancestress of the Tudors, Stuarts, nearly every monarch in Europe and six American presidents. Their love affair was the scandal of the fourteenth century. Wonderfully researched, but eminently readable, this is a must read for lovers of British history.

Dedra