The Solace of Water by Elizabeth Byler Younts (2018)

This is a novel about the friendship between an Amish and black woman and her daughter.  Story is set in Amishland Pennsylvania in 1956.  It's a tear jerker, which I"m not usually into, but it's also original and thought provoking.  Read up.

Pilgrimage: My search for the Real St. Francis by: Mark Shriver (2015)

This book is written by a member of a prominent democratic/ liberal Irish Catholic family about Pope Francis.  The story is inspiring.  He lives an austere life but is generous with those on the margins-- poor, immigrants, etc.  Yet when he becomes Pope he is a celebrity in some respects like other celebrities.  A good story, worth the read.

What the Qur'an Meant: And Why It Matters October 3, 2017 by Garry Wills

This prolific writer keeps churning out high quality books.  This one is about as the title states: the Qu'ran.  We all know something about it we heard second or third hand from biased sources, but really know it.  He gives a thorough and fair explanation.  If you want to know about the Qu'ran, this is a good book to read.

Jade Dragon Mountain by Elsa Hart (2015)

A murder mystery which is set in early 18th century Century.  It is also historical fiction.  It involves Jesuits, astronomy, the emperor, magistrate, bard and a wandering scholar.  Go for it, it's an easy but also informative read.