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.

Garden of Beasts by Jeffery Deaver (2004)

This is a good piece of historical fiction. It is a spy v spy tale set in Berlin in 1936.  It gives you a real flavor of the times and has interesting carriers.  It raises interesting issues, such as what happens to real police when a dictatorship uses political police to attack enemies.

Although it shows you the brutality of the Nazi regime, it is not a preachy book.  

Read this one.

Star of the North (2018) by D.B. John

This is a novel about three lives that intersect in the US and North Korea. It's a great read. It's fiction but really seems to paint a true picture of life in North Korea.

For Love of the Game by Michael Shaara (1991)

Story of an aging pitcher who pitches a no hitter just before he's traded/ thrown away. It's written well, good subject.  Go for it.  There is also a starring Kevin Costner which is based on this book, and is also worth seeing.