Holiday Book Giving Guide

CSB/SJU Bookstores 2009 Holiday Book Giving Guide - 20% Off
Now until Christmas

Nonfiction

Tears in the Darkness  by Michael & Elizabeth Norman-Recommended by Julie Sorteberg, Bookstores
This major new work about World War II exposes the myths of military heroism as shallow and inadequate.  This book that tries to illustrate what life was like for individuals involved in the Bataan Death March and its aftermath.

Satchel by Larry Tye – Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
Many readers, especially baseball fans, have heard of Leroy “Satchel” Paige, and are familiar with some of his exploits as a legendary Negro League pitcher.  Author Larry Tye thoroughly researched Satchel’s story, interviewing more than two hundred former teammates and opponents, family members, and friends of Satchel. The book details Satchel’s early life, growing up in Alabama in the early 1900’s, his barnstorming across the country as a superstar pitcher in the Negro Leagues, and his later years, when he finally gets the chance to pitch in the Major Leagues, well past his prime.  History buffs and baseball fans will find this book engaging.  It is a fascinating and enlightening portrait of a unique character, who may have been the greatest pitcher in baseball.

Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder-Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores and Kathy Parker, Libraries
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder writes of a young man who survived ethnic violence as the Rwandan genocide spilled over into the neighboring country of Burundi. Deogratius, a Tutsi medical student, escapes Burundi and Rwanda on foot, walking for six months. He eventually ends up in New York City with two hundred dollars, no English, and no contacts. In the first part of the book, Kidder tells of Deo’s remarkable survival and how help from ordinary people changed his life. In the second part, Kidder follows Deo back to Burundi as he retraces his escape and carries out his dream of building a medical clinic in Burundi. Strength in What Remains is a wonderfully written account of a special man’s journey.

The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang- Recommended by Katie Tomten, CSB Sophomore and Rhonda Sauerer, Bookstores
Yang's memoir is a powerful depiction of the Hmong experience, both pre- and post-immigration to the United States.  It opens up a culture that, in Minnesota, is very prevalent, yet often misunderstood.  Her inspiring story is wonderfully written and keeps you interested until the end.

Hard Water World by Greg Breining Recommended by Kathy Parker
A beautifully photographed book that portrays the culture of ice fishing in the upper Midwest.   It opened up this unique sport for me, and gave me a glimpse of why so many people find so much pleasure in it.

Fiction

The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton-Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
This is a beautifully written book.  It was published in the 1960s, and was re-issued due to author Jane Smiley including the book in her list of 100 great novels.  Carleton’s character development is superb, as is the story line.  One of the best books I’ve read!

I Was Told There'd be Cake by Sloane Crosley-Recommended by Katie Tomten, CSB Sophomore
This is a hilarious collection of essays. They are similar to those of David Sedaris in how they are funny and random, but they also talk about some interesting viewpoints and perceptions of the world.

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See- Recommended by  Rhonda Saurer, Bookstores
Author Lisa See, who wrote Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, has written another compelling novel set in China.  Shanghai Girls tells the story of two sisters who leave Shanghai to find new lives in Los Angeles in the 1930s. It is an absorbing tale of the unbreakable bond between sisters, set against the difficulties of being a Chinese-American in the 1940s and 1950s.

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri-Recommended by Kathy Parker, Libraries
There’s something for everyone in this collection of stories about Benghai-Americans.  Themes cover love and marriage, generational differences, loneliness and family.  Lahiri is a terrific writer who creates engaging characters, closely observed.

Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield-Recommended by Mary Kron, Bookstores
This is a lovingly written story of a prolific writer who has embellished her own life, only to face the demons of aging.  She realizes that she must tell her own story—the real story of her life.  She hires a literary young woman who must sort through the chapters of her subject’s life while sorting her own. You will be mesmerized by this lovely read!

Young Adult

The Willoughbys by Lois Lowry – Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
The cover of this book states that The Willoughbys is “nefariously written & ignominiously illustrated by the author.”  This statement should give the reader a clue as to the type of book this is. It is a cleverly written tale of a very dysfunctional family of four children who would like to be orphans and their parents, who are not very interested in being parents. Author Lois Lowry, who wrote Newbery Medal winners The Giver and Number the Stars, shows her versatility by using sarcastic humor and references to classic children’s books throughout the book. The target age group for this book is 9-12 years; older readers—including adults--will thoroughly enjoy this book as well.

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo – Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
Author Kate DiCamillo has written another delightful book!  The Magician’s Elephant is a story about trusting the unexpected.  Orphan Peter Augustus Duchene has hopes that his long-lost sister is still alive and asks a fortuneteller how he can find her.  He is given the clue “you must follow the elephant. She will lead you there.”  This magical story thus begins, with rich text and wonderful black and white illustrations.  An excellent read for ages 8-13—but also for adults!

Three Cups of Tea, Juvenile Ed. By Greg Mortenson- Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin wrote the bestselling book Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Change the World…One School at a Time, in March 2008.  This young reader’s edition simplifies Mortenson’s remarkable, true story for younger readers.  It has updated photos, new illustrations, a glossary, and ends with an interview with Greg’s 12-year-old daughter, Amira.  Mortenson has built more than 60 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, dedicating his life to changing the world, one child at a time, by promoting education and peace in Central Asia. The book is an inspiring read for ages 8 and up.

The Gold-Threaded Dress by Carolyn Marsden- Recommended by Tina Streit, Bookstores
This is a simple tale about a young girl who searches for acceptance in a complex culture, while learning to treasure all that she is. This is a great story that teaches valuable lessons about being different, teasing, bullying, and true friendship.  This book is recommended for ages 7-9 but is a great read for all.

Children's

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett- Recommended by Cindy Dirkes, Bookstores
This is a wonderful children’s book.  Children will love the story of the town of Chewandswallow where it rains food!  The illustrations are great.

Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh- Recommended by   Katie Tomten, CSB Sophomore
In this classic concept book full-color collages illustrate a simple story of heroic mice who outwits cats and snakes, and have a lot of fun introducing colors to young readers.

The Spirit of Christmas by Nancy Tillman- Recommended by Tina Streit, Bookstores
This beautiful picture book captures the essence of Christmas. With glorious verse and artwork, this book celebrates all the special moments, the heart, and the soul of the holiday season.  The recommended age group for this book is 4-8 but the message can be enjoyed by all.

Nico and Lola: Kindness Shared Between a Boy and a Dog by Meggan Hill- Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
In this picture book for ages 4-8, young Nico is asked if he would “be so kind” as to take care of his aunt’s dog Lola.  He wonders how he can be kind.  The book explores ways we can all be a little kinder.  The message is important and the photographs used to illustrate the book are adorable.

Let There be Peace: Prayers from Around the World by Jeremy Brooks-  Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
This beautifully illustrated book is a collection of prayers ranging from Christian and ancient Chinese to Native American traditions and Shinto prayers, all with one theme: peace begins with each of us, one by one.  The recommended age for this book is age 9-12, but it would be a lovely gift for all ages.

Religious/Spirituality-

Making Sense of God:  A Woman’s Perspective by Elizabeth Dreyer- Recommended by Molly Weyrens, Companions on a Journey
Discovering who we are as women in Gods sight is an amazing journey toward truth and love. We make sense of God as we reflect, walk, drive, ponder and question the meaning of our lives as Christians.

The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life by Mark Nepo- Recommended by Molly Weyrens, Companions on a Journey
In these fast-paced times, the exquisite risk facing each of us every day is to slow down and "still our own house" so that we may experience life rather than simply manage it. In "The Exquisite Risk," the author encourages readers to become quiet enough and open enough to listen to what truly matters--our own hearts, our loved ones, the wonders of nature--in order to live a life with nothing held back.

An Altar in the World:  A Geography of Faith by  Barbara Brown Taylor- Recommended by Molly Weyrens, Companions on a Journey
From simple practices such as walking, working, and getting lost to deep meditations on topics like prayer and pronouncing blessings, Taylor reveals concrete ways to discover the sacred in the small things we do and see. As we incorporate these practices into our daily lives, we begin to discover altars everywhere we go, in nearly everything we do.

Breath of the Soul: Reflections on Prayer by Joan Chittister-  Recommended by Tina Streit, Bookstores
This simple little book attends to what we are most inclined to forget: preparing for and engaging in prayer. It is an examination of what we ourselves must bring to the discipline of prayer.

Everyday Justice by Alan Talley and Scott Holzknecht-  Recommended by Ann Jonas, Bookstores
This page-a-day devotional strives to bring Catholic social teaching to teens.  It features a daily quotation from the scriptures, a church document or an advocate of justice--including Wendell Berry, Desmond Tutu and Mother Teresa-- followed by a short reflection on the day’s quote, a very brief prayer and a thoughtful call to action.  The book is designed to increase our awareness of God’s call for justice and can be appreciated by both teens and adults.