Dive the Cayman Islands

Dive the Cayman Islands by Lawson Wood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Felt like this was probably better for divers than snorklers, but still a useful guide.

Frommer's Portable Cayman Islands

Frommer's Portable Cayman Islands by Darwin Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Best guide my library carries. Definitely did the job admirably.

Longitude

Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew a basic sketch about John Harrison from studying him with my kids, but this wowed me from start to finish.

The Island at the Center of the World

The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America by Russell Shorto
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was recommended to me by a fantastic NYC walking tour guide and for good reason. It's a time and place in history that Americans often skip over, but it actually influences our lives everyday. It's fascinating that so much of it has only come to light in the last few decades.

The Gifts of Imperfection

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I rarely read this type of book, but this came at a good time for me. She has some great suggestions for ways to tweak day-to-day life to live more wholeheartedly and authentically.

Beautiful Affliction

Beautiful Affliction by Lene Fogelberg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved the poetic and lyrical style of this memoir written by a woman born with a congenital heart defect that went undiagnosed for 30 years. Incredible story.

The Landing of the Pilgrims

The Landing of the Pilgrims by James Daugherty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A decent primer about the Pilgrims, spanning 1607-1623. Good for grades 4-8.

William Bradford: Pilgrim Boy

William Bradford: Pilgrim Boy by Bradford Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great introduction to William Bradford, the governor of Plymouth Colony. Perfect for upper elementary-aged students.

When Breath Becomes Air

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Wow. One of the most worthwhile things I've read.

We Should All Be Feminists

We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved it and made highlights all over it. Will definitely look at it from time to time. Just wished it was longer.

Bad Feminist

Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I both emphatically agreed and vehemently disagreed with things in this book. It was affirming, maddening, and eye-opening. Certainly, worth my time.

Women at Church

Women at Church: Magnifying LDS Women’s Local Impact by Neylan McBaine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yes. What she said.

Leif the Lucky

Leif the Lucky by Ingri d'Aulaire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved the beautiful illustrations and written details in this story of Leif Erickson's journeys. Appropriate for grades 3-7.

Marco Polo

Marco Polo by Demi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Visually stunning book that recounts Marco Polo's 24-year expedition to China. Appropriate for grades 4-7.

As the Waltz Was Ending

As the Waltz Was Ending by Emma Macalik Butterworth

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Incredible true story of a young ballerina in Vienna during WWII. The writing wasn't fantastic, but the story was raw and engaging. Worth tracking down a copy.

Strength in What Remains

Strength in What Remains: A Journey of Remembrance and Forgiveness by Tracy Kidder

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It wasn't an easy read, but I found it inspiring and I know it will stick with me. It is also a good book club book. There is lots to discuss.

Candy Bomber

Candy Bomber by Michael O. Tunnell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great true story of a real hero, Gail Halvorsen, who is currently featured in Meet the Mormons. Loved the pictures and letters included.

The Parenting Breakthrough

The Parenting Breakthrough: Real-Life Plan to Teach Your Kids to Work, Save Money, and Be Truly Independent by Merrilee Browne Boyack
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this author at a homeschool conference. The first 2/3 of the book has some great practical advice about teaching kids to work and manage money. I skimmed the rest. Will definitely be implementing some of her ideas.

The Boys in the Boat

The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Uplifting true account about how hard work and perseverance pay off. I enjoyed learning about rowing, and I also liked the subtle spiritual analogies.

Isaac's Storm

Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes I felt like I couldn't breathe reading this. Larson does a great job giving the reader a sense of the devastation, but bringing it to a personal level. Also, this book made me want to buy a barometer.