Recent Good Reads: August 25, 2013

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Here is a look at some of the best books I've been reading lately.

1. Back to Normal: Why Ordinary Childhood Behavior is Mistaken for ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder by Enrico Gnaulati PhD- The name of this book is quite a mouthful, but it is a really interesting read. As a teacher I was always very concerned with how many children were "labeled." ADHD especially seems to be so casually suggested now in classrooms. Dr. Gnaulati does not question that some diagnosis are needed and accurate. But he does caution labeling normal childhood behaviors just because kids don't seem to fit the mold.

 

 2. Mrs. Poe by Lynn Cullen. I loved this fictional but based on real research look at Edgar Allen Poe's wife and mistress. I've always been intrigued by Poe as an author, but I haven't read too much about his life. Lynn Cullen's tale is based on her research of Poe's life along with some speculation. It is interesting and a little dark- just like Poe's tales.

 

 3. Death Be Not Proud by C.F. Dunn. I stumbled upon author C.F. Dunn last year when reviewing her first book in this series. Death Be Not Proud picks up where her first book- Mortal Fire - left off. It is a tale of the supernatural along with a compelling love story. It is Christian fiction (from Kregel publishers) but isn't overtly Christian or preachy.

 

 4. Dancing With the Enemy: My Family's Holocaust Secret by Paul Glaser. This nonfiction book is about the author's aunt and her family's experience during the Holocaust. Glaser was surprised to learn of his Jewish roots and even more surprised when he learned of his aunt Rosie's experience of being betrayed and spending time in several concentration camps. This was a hard book to read as he details some of Rosie's experiences based on her letters and journals and personal discussion with him. But as with other books and films about this difficult time period, Rosie's story is one we need to read lest we ever forget.

 5. Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden. Elizabeth Camden was a new to me Christian fiction writer. This historical fiction novel takes place in Chicago during the great Chicago fire. There are interesting facts about the fire and the time period. And the story is a sweet romance.




 These are some of the favorites I've enjoyed recently. If you enjoy reading, check out my Leah's Good Reads blog where I read and review.