F5: Devastation, Survival, and the Most Violent Tornado Outbreak of the Twentieth Century by Mark Levine, Hyperion, 2007

On April 3, 1974 the forces of nature combined to produce 148 tornadoes in 13 states that altered the landscapes and lives of those in their paths. Author Mark Levine attempts to parallel the deadly storms with the political and social unrest of the time, and also educates readers on the natural forces behind tornadoes and the scientific advances designed to rank and track such storms. This book is most successful when it concentrates of the lives of the victims, and provides a satisfactory look at where these major characters are today and how that one day affected the rest of their lives.

I found this book enjoyable and somewhat educational but felt the author missed the mark with his tornado vs. the 70's analogy.

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these fiction titles: Sing them Home by Stephanie Kallos, Grove, 2009. Siblings vs. nature; mom is taken by a tornado and Dad by a lightning strike 25 years later. This novel focuses on the devestating effects of natural disasters on a small town and the siblings struggles with both grief and the changes brought on by their losses. Heavy Weather by Bruce Sterling, Bantam, 1994 is a futuristic thriller about storm chasers pursuing a potential F6 with the potential to destroy the world.

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these non-fiction titles: Storm Warning: the Story of a Killer Tornado by Nancy Mathis, Simon & Schuster, 2007 which relates the killer F5 tornado that devestated parts of Oklahoma in May of 1999.
Devastation! The World's Worst Natural Disasters by Lesley Newson, Dorling Kindersley, 1998 offers dates, details, illustrations, and explanations of more than 500 historical natural disasters.

Izzy & Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me by Jon Katz, Villard, 2008

Writer, photographer, and farm owner Jon Katz has written a delightful tale that chronicles his two newest dogs, Izzy, an abandoned border collie, and Lenore, a black lab puppy. Jon and Izzy become an admired pair of hospice volunteers due to Izzy's uncanny gift to calm, soothe, and in one case, heal patients. Lenore evolves into a treasured companion who helps Jon with his own personal healing from depression. Although the book contains a disclaimer that "no dogs die in this book" even the most steadfast reader may shed a tear or two while reading about the hospice patients. Katz skillfully and subtly emphasizes the wondrous healing capabilities of dogs on the soul.

This book instantly appealed to me on a personal level as I have a dog named Izzy and used to own a border collie. I found this book extremely enjoyable and well written and look forward to reading more of Katz.

Readers who enjoyed this book may like these fiction titles: Dog: a Novella by Michelle Herman, MacAdam/Cage, 2005 which features Jill,an unhappy and lonely woman that adopts a puppy who guards its own emotions. Once they connect,mutual healing is quick to follow. The New Yorkers by Cathleen Schine, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007 reinforces the fact that dogs improve owners lives, in this case helping them to make friends and even to fall in love.

Readers who enjoyed this book may like these non-fiction titles: James Herriot's Dog Stories by James Herriot, St. Martin's Press, 1986. I have long viewed Herriott as the original and authoritative writer of animal stories and this book shares stories about 50 dogs and their relationships with their owners. A Puppy is Better than Prozac: the True Story of a Man and the Dog who Saved his Life by Bruce Goldstein, DaCapo, 2008. Goldstein shares certain traits with Jon Katz; depression, a black lab puppy with the power to heal, and a gift for writing a moving story.

The Outsider by Ann H. Gabhart, Revell, 2008

Gabrielle was happy living her life in a Shaker community and was steadfast in her faith until an accident brought an outsider, a handsome doctor, into her life. Her interaction with the doctor, as well as a series of events that occur within the Shaker community, result in Gabrielle having doubts as to which type of life she was really meant to live.

The insights into the now extinct Shaker faith and War of 1812 references may appeal to fans of historical fiction. This book may also attract the attention of readers drawn to gentle romances. I was alternately bored and shocked by this book and while unlikely to visit this genre again, I am now interested in learning more about the War of 1812.

Readers who like this book may also like these fiction titles: Walk by Faith by Roseanne Bittner, Steeple Hill, 2008 also is set in the 1800's and incorporates new beginnings, dangerous situations, historical themes, and romance. The Believers by Janice Holt Giles, Houghton, 1957 offers an insight into the Shaker religion by a young woman who follows her husband to a Shaker community in Kentucky in the 1800's but is forced to leave upon failing to become a believer.

Readers who like this book may also like these non-fiction titles: Union 1812: The Americans who Fought the Second War of Independence by A.J. Langguth, Simon & Schuster, 2007 is a comprehensive overview that serves perfectly as a brush-up for that information we may have forgotten since history class. God Among the Shakers: a Search for Stillness and Faith and Sabbathday Lake by Suzanne Skees, Hyperion, 1999. Author Skees spent a month at the last surviving Shaker community, which is located in Maine, and shares her observations here.

One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury, Zondervan, 2003

On September 11, 2001, Jake Bryan and Eric Michaels both entered the World Trade Center, but only one of them made it out alive. On the surface, both men seem to have a lot in common. Both have wives that love them, a young child, and even look eerily alike. However, Jake is a NYC firefighter following in his father's footsteps, and is as devoted to God as he is to his family. Eric is a workoholic who has left God and his family by the wayside in a misguided attempt to provide them with what he thinks they really need, wealth. In a case of mistaken identity complicated by amnesia, Eric is believed to be Jake and assumes Jake's role as father to Sierra and husband to Jamie, who lost her faith as a teenager. In reading Jake's diaries, Eric regains his faith, as does Jamie. This realization that God and religion are necessary and good comes in handy for the ultimate reality that Jake has perished and Eric has survived.

One Tuesday Morning is a quick and not an unpleasant read. However, the writing is shoddy, lackluster, and often sappy. Descriptions of the events of 9/11 seem to be quick, plagarized summaries of true accounts and in no way come off as a tribute to all that lost their lives that day. Kingsbury should be applauded for writing a novel that incorporates God and stays far away from gratuitous sex and foul language. However, if she is indeed the author of 30 bestselling books as the cover states, it seems the Christian Fiction genre is ripe for an influx of any truly talented writers.

Readers who enjoy this book may also like these fiction titles: Good Hope Road by Lisa Wingate, NAL, 2003. In this work, a tornado is the tragedy that brings strangers together to mutually search for hope. The Writing on the Wall: a Novel by Lynne Sharon Schwartz, Counterpoint, 2005 addresses the emotional trauma, survivor's guilt, and the effects 9/11 on a woman already dealing with personal tragedies.

Readers who enjoy this book may also like these non-fiction titles: The Book of Mychal: The Surprising Life and Heroic Death of Father Mychal Judge by Michael Daly, St. Martins, 2002 details the personal struggles and triumphs of a remarkable man, and beloved Chaplain, who was unfortunately the first recorded casualty of 9/11. Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope by Don & Susie VanRyn and Colleen & Whitney Cerak, Howard Books, 2008 tells of the 2006 car accident where one college friend dies and the other survives. However, when Laura VanRyn comes to, it is discovered that she is actually Whitney Cerak, formerly believed deceased. The strong faith of the two families is apparent in this work.

Life Among the Dead by Lisa Williams, Simon Spotlight Entertainment, 2008

Lisa Williams sees dead people. A medium and clairvoyant, Lisa became aware of her gift at the age of four, and believes she inherited it from her grandmother, a respected psychic of her own time. After years of unfulfilling jobs and disappointing relationships (one which resulted in her becoming a single mom), the author finds her true love and her true calling as a professional seer, thanks in part to Merv Griffin, Hollywood, and the Lifetime channel. This is an interesting read about a likeable woman. Filled with instance after instance of her eerily correct visions, after reading this book, even skeptics may find themselves believers.

Psychic abilities have always fascinated me, and I do believe that certain people have the gift of ESP, including Lisa Williams. Althought the book is not a literary giant, it was an enjoyable and informative way to spend a few hours.

Readers who like this book may also like these fiction titles: After Life by Rhian Ellis, Viking, 2000 revolves around a mother and daughter, both with psychic abilities. The mother uses her talents as showmanship and to make money, but the daughter tries to come to grips with how to best use the gift she has. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz, Bantam, 2006 introduces readers to a fry cook with the ability to communicate with dead people in this novel that alternates humor with darkness.

Readers who like this book may also like these non-fiction titles: Uri Geller: My Story by Uri Geller, Henry Holt & Co., 1975. Uri Geller was one of the earlier psychics to gain worldwide renown and did so in an age where special effects weren't truly a consideration, adding credibility to his abilities. Psychic Connections by Lois Duncan, Delacorte, 1995. Lois Duncan wrote numerous books for young adults, and this is also aimed at that level. However, it provides a nice overview of what parapsychology really is. Additionally, although Duncan often incorporated extrasensory aspects in her novels, she was a skeptic until her daughter was murdered and the case was aided by psychics.

Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, St. Martin's Press, 2002

Running with Scissors tells a tragic tale of dysfunction and child abuse on more levels than one human being should ever endure. Born to an uncaring alcoholic father and a mentally unstable mother, author Augusten Burroughs relates his life as a child and teenager. Although his mother did seek pyschological treatment, she unfortunately chooses to be seen by Dr. Finch, a certifiable lunatic in his own right. Young Augusten is left in the care of the doctor and his menagerie of quirky, and sometimes criminal, family and various patients. This memoir almost comes across as humorous at times, until one remembers that the incidents are based on fact. Illegal drug use, lack of morals and ethics, pedophilia, and homosexual incidents portrayed in this book may not appeal to some readers.

Burroughs writing style and lack of self-pity appealed to me and I would be open to reading more works by this author.

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these fiction titles: White Oleander by Janet Fitch, Little Brown, 1999. After her mother is sent to jail for murdering her lover, Astrid survives a string of less than ideal foster home situations. Dramatic rather than humorous; a powerful story. The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving, Dutton, 1981. Irving is always a masterful writer, and certain contents of this book would be even more disturbing had they been factual.

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these non-fiction titles: Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls, Scribner, 2006. Another well written and engrossing tale from a survivor of a highly-dysfunctional family. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel, Mariner, 2008. Written in a graphic novel format, Bechdel tells her own tale of dealing with the skeletons in her family's closets.

It by Stephen King, Viking, 1986

There is a monster loose in Derry, Maine in 1958 that is targeting children. A group of stereotypical loser kids (a stutterer, an obese boy, an asthmatic mama's boy, etc.) become friends, eventually defeat "It", and then drift away from each other and Derry. 27 years later "It" unwakens and begins another reign of terror, which has erupted in cycles since the beginning of time. The loser kids are grown up and are all unequaled successes in their careers (with the exception of Mike, who stayed in Derry-he's a librarian) and have no recollection of their previous encounter with the monster until they return to Derry to fight "It" again-and to fight their personal demons.

Like most of King's books, the character development is phenomenal, the storylines interweave seamlessly, and I as a reader couldn't wait to see what happened next. AND-it's really scary!

Readers who enjoy this book may also like these fiction titles: Revelation by Bentley Little, Signet, 1999 fits the bill for the reader looking for more terror, horror, and ancient evil. Summer of Nights by Dan Simmons, Putnam, 1991 won the Locus Award in 1992 for this tale that sounds extremely similar to It including a timeless monster that's devouring children, adults that don't seem to notice, and children deciding that ending the terror lies in their own hands.

Readers who enjoy this book may also like these non-fiction titles: On Writing: a Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King, Scribner, 2000 offers insight from King on how he got his often twisted ideas and follows his long road to success. Killer Clown: The John Wayne Gacy Murders by Terry Sullivan, Pinnacle Books, 1991 offers a glimpse into the life of a human monster and the horrifying facts of a real life serial murder case (spoiler alert: the monster in It sometimes appears as a clown).

Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin, Random House, 1967

Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse are thrilled when they learn an apartment is available to rent at the famed Bramford in New York City. Despite warnings of the Bramford's rumored history of witchcraft and unexplained deaths, the young couple happily moves in. Guy pursues his fledgling acting career while Rosemary plays homemaker and yearns for a child, eventually becoming pregnant. The couple befriends the seemingly harmless elderly neighbors but as time goes on, Rosemary becomes suspicious of not only them, but also of Guy, as strange things occur regarding her and her unborn child.

Despite being written more than 40 years ago, the story remains a thriller although it does date itself a bit by its many references to fads and show business as it was in the late 60's. Regardless, Rosemary's Baby is a suspensful tale with a shocking ending that begs the question "What price fame?".

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these fiction titles: Servents of Twilight by Dean Koontz, Berkley, 1990 is a thriller about a mother trying to shield her young son from murder after he is labeled the antichrist by a fanatical religious group. The Omen by David Selzer, Signet, 2006 (reissue) terrified both a nation of readers and movie-goers in 1976 with this story of a boy named Damien who's destiny is to fulfill the most horrible prophecy ever made--to become the antichrist.

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these non-fiction titles: Lucifer Rising: A Book of Sin, Devil Worship, and Rock 'n Roll by Gavin Baddeley, Plexus, 2006 draws parallels between satanism and heavy metal rock as well as including a detailed history of the practice. The Secret Life of a Satanist: The Authorized Biography of Anton LaVey by Blanche Barton, Feral House, 1992 offers a glimpse into the life of a satanist with this biographical account of the founder of the Church of Satan.

Going Postal by Terry Pratchett, Harper Collins, 2004

Moist von Lipwig, aka Alfred Spangler, is a con man condemned to hang for his crimes. While Alfred is executed, Lord Vetinari, leader of Ankh-Morpork, spares Moist's life with one condition-that he becomes the Postmaster General. A hilarious ride ensues, rife with golems, dysfunctional postal employees, gargoyles, dwarves, and a threat from the big business honchos in charge of the clackers, which view delivering the mail as a direct threat to their current monopoly on sending messages. Likeable characters, skillful writing, and an often warped yet genuinely funny sense of humor make this book a must read for the science fiction reader leaning towards the lighter side of science.

This is the book that made me realize that maybe I do like science fiction and fantasy after all. I'm grateful Pratchett is a prolific writer and look forward to reading more of his Discworld series.

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these fiction titles: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams, Harmony Books, 2004 (reissue-25th anniversary edition)rewards readers with plenty of humor, parody, and satire in this tale of Arthur Dent, who is saved from the destruction of Earth in order to travel the galaxy using clues from the travel guide "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". Practical Demonkeeping: A Comedy of Horrors by Christopher Moore, St. Martin's Press, 1992 is also a humorous story about another character who makes a questionable deal-in this case, receiving eternal youth but in return being required to care for a demon.

Readers who enjoyed this book may also like these non-fiction titles: The Turtle Moves! Discworld's Story Unauthorized by Lawrence Watt-Evans, Benbella, 2008 is a companion guidebook written in essay form to expand and expound on the 30+ volume Discworld series. Con Men: Fascinating Profiles of Swindlers and Rogues from the Files fo the Most Successful Broadcast in Television History Simon & Schuster, 2003 is presented by the staff of 60 Minutes and encompasses their investigative reports over the years featuring swindlers, crooks, and cheats.