Elliot and the Goblin Wars by Jennifer Nielsen

I read this to Truman and Nathan. It is cute and funny, but it isn't going to change your life or anything.

The Great Silence by Juliet Nicolson

meh.

The Dry Grass of August by Anna Jean Mayhew

meh.

Physics for Future Presidents by Richard A. Muller

I read this to the boys and really liked it.

Glittering Images by Susan Howatch

An oddly compelling combination of theological treatise, psychoanalysis, and wretched soap opera. I look forward to the next volume with a most guilty pleasure.

The American Story by Jennifer Armstrong

I read this out loud to the boys (over the course of the year) and I really liked it. It's a nice collection of eclectic stories.

When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent

Semi-interesting devotional combined with fascinating memoir.

Next to Love by Ellen Feldman

Very strong start, slightly weaker finish, but overall a good read.

The publisher provided me with a digital review copy of this book.

Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell

This felt pretty basic, but would probably be a good choice for someone who had never been exposed to liberal Christianity.

The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield

Immensely satisfying. Highly recommended.

The publisher provided me with a digital review copy of this book.

The House at Sea's End by Elly Griffiths

I thoroughly enjoyed this--a great mystery, witty writing, and nice historical detail.

The publisher provided me with a digital review copy of this book.

In A Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

Funny and interesting.

NurtureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman

Fascinating; a must-read. Highly recommended.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis

I read this out loud to the boys; it didn't do anything for me.

Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell

I really enjoyed this; very thought-provoking.

A Friend of the Family by Lauren Grodstein

Decent.

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

for/about teenagers : Twilight :: for/about academics : A Discovery of Witches

(And, honestly, this was nothing special.)

The Little Book of Economics by Greg Ip

Mildly interesting.

Free-Range Kids by Lenore Skenazy

Funny and interesting.

There Is No Me Without You by Melissa Fay Greene

Engaging, sobering, and nuanced.

Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley

An excellent, excellent book.

Goddess of the Market: Ayn Rand and the American Right by Jennifer Burns

I'm certainly no fan of Rand's, but this was a very interesting book.

Mudbound by Hillary Jordan

Outstanding. Highly recommended.

A Fierce Radiance by Lauren Belfer

I enjoyed this. It was a little pulpy, but still.

Deadly Spin by Wendell Potter

If you want to become spitting mad at the health insurance industry, this is the book for you!