Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple

This started off as simply one of the most hilarious books i've ever read, but as i kept going, it was also one of the most perceptive books as well. This is the story of Bee, the daughter of a brilliant, computer-genius father, and Bernadette, her artistic, architect-genius, slightly mentally-off mother. They live in a dilapidated old mansion on a hill in Seattle. Bee is quite the little genius herself. Her mother, tho, has struggled for a long time with past disappointments (you have to read to find out just how huge those disappointments were), and has given up on socializing. She hires a personal assistant from India to make appointments, book reservations, and basically take care of them. Because of Semple's writing style, you get journal entries of one person, email conversations from others, and observations from some. You get all the sides of the stories and it may sound confusing, but it is genius itself. The ending wasn't what i expected--it was so much better!

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, by Robin Sloan

A young guy who does web design is laid off and applies as the night clerk at a 24-hour bookstore. He gets the job, with lots of requirements for taking down detailed notes of every customer, what they were wearing, how their emotional state appeared, etc. Things just get stranger--and more intriguing--from there. Set in San Francisco, this is a book about computers, Google, old books and the people who love them. 

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. By, Eric Metaxas

This is not only a biography, but a history lesson, a vast overview of a dynamic time in this world. Metaxas is brilliant and really did his homework. I've read several of Bonhoeffer's own writings, and yet there was insight into his personal life and struggles i'd never known about. I kind of fell in love with him while reading this, to be honest.

Green Dolphin Street, by Elizabeth Goudge

Set in some fictional British Isles in the 1800's, this is an adventure, a character study, a coming of age story, a romance and a tragedy. It was a bit slow to start, but then i quickly became absorbed in the characters. It was a true journey and i was sad to say goodbye. This was written in 1944, but reminds me of Jane Austen's writings, just even deeper (if i may say that without being stoned).

Well Watered: Never Thirst, by Melissa Irwin

When i first started reading this book, I wasn't sure what I was in for. I only knew that the author had helped start an orphan care ministry in Africa and wanted to encourage people to live real, outreaching lives. I have been pleasantly surprised, and most definitely encouraged. Melissa's honest heart, and gentleness, and realness shine through the pages. This is a book full of stories, and admonitions, and prayers, and analogies, all pointing to Jesus and His Holy Spirit. Melissa does a wonderful job of explaining Bible verses and Christian concepts, so this is perfect for a new Christian. But, it doesn't come across as childish or too simplistic. We are encouraged to come fully to Jesus, find our life in Him, as our Living Water, so that we can then pour out blessings on those around us. I appreciate the way Melissa gets to the heart of the issue, but does it in such a gentle way, like a delicate surgeon. If you have gotten away from "the main things" in life, this is a must read to help bring you back to what truly matters.