Birthing a Greater Reality by Robert Brumet

Subtitled "A Guide for Conscious Evolution," this small book talks about how human beings are evolving in consciousness and how individuals can encourage that process in themselves. Emphasizing Oneness and personal growth, it summarizes and builds on the work of many spiritual thinkers with a conviction (like Teilhard de Chardin's) that human beings are still evolving. A challenging read that led to great discussions in metaphysics class.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

Louis Zamparini was an Olympic runner who joined the Army Air Corps at the beginning of World War II. This true life story of his capture and imprisonment by the Japanese is a gripping tale that keeps the reader thoroughly involved. Excellent book.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

My book club members enjoyed this novel because of its humor and its take on contemporary social life in England. Major Pettigrew is a widower whose affection for a local Pakistani woman points up the small mindedness of this country club peers. He struggles with this while he deals with a difficult son and an estate matter brought about by the death of his brother. Fun read leading to much discussion of changing social mores.

The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge

Our brains are much more plastic than has been believed. Dr. Doidge uses research and case studies to point this out and to raise hope that further understanding of the brain's coping mechanisms will lead to better treatment for neurological accidents and disease. The Brain That Changes Itself is well written and not too complex for the general reader.