Mennonite in a Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen

English professor Rhoda Janzen has had a supremely bad week – her husband left her for another man, and she was hospitalized after a young man crashed into her on an icy road. She decides to return home to her Mennonite family in California to recuperate from both devastating experiences. An ultimately lighthearted memoir.

Jill

A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer

Dave Pelzer chronicles his childhood experiences of enduring extreme abuse from the hands of his own mother. For those who can make it through the horrific tales of Pelzer’s physical and emotional turmoil, they will be able strengthen their empathy. His stories were heart wrenching and I definitely recommend A Child Called It for readers who can handle the topic.

Liz G.

Open by Andre Agassi

Remarkably candid book from a tennis icon who grew to hate the sport he’d been groomed for. Pressured for success from the cradle, Agassi shares his angst-filled journey to find self-identity both on and off the court. In the process, he opens himself to acceptance of his talent, love, and giving back to his hometown community in Las Vegas. Wide-ranging appeal for non-sports fans and sports fans alike.

Kyra

Why My Third Husband Will be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline

You may know Lisa Scottoline as the New York Times bestselling author of thrillers featuring strong women. In this book, based on a collection from her weekly Philadelphia Inquirer column, you’ll meet the real Scottoline and she’s hilarious. From her marital history (twice divorced from men she calls Thing One and Thing Two) to being caught braless in the emergency room to learning to build a chicken coop, she will have you giggling as she lets her hair down, roots and all.

Dedra

Out of the Canyon by Art & Allison Daily

Art Daily suffered a horrible tragedy when a boulder fell from Glenwood Canyon wall killing his wife and two sons, leaving him untouched. He faced a bleak future until a stranger, a woman struggling with her own grief, met him and reached out. This story is a riveting and powerful witness to the healing power of love and spirit over the worst, most unimaginable loss.

Mary Ellen