Books to Read – December 2011

As we wind down 2011, the following is my must-read list for December.  These books are a combination of recently read and a classic that have a theme of great adversity and the triumph of the human soul.  Seems fitting for the end of this year.  I hope you enjoy all of them!

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

From the author of Seabiscuit comes a book that you will simply not be able to put down.  I have read a lot of books this year, and this one is at or near the top of the entire list.  The story of Louis Zamperini is one of the most compelling accounts of human drama I have ever come across.  From his early days as an Olympic runner to his harrowing experiences in the Pacific and in Japanese POW camps, it is simply amazing. It is on par with Touching the Void for courage in the face of incredible adversity.  I am about 3/4 through this book and it is keeping me up every night till the wee hours.  Buy it and read it.

The Great Bridge by David McCullough

I have talked about this book before on my reading list, but I saw it on the shelf a few days ago and thought about it again.  The story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge is simply unbelievable.  McCullough does his usual stellar job of storytelling and keeps the story interesting throughout.  This is a great selection for those days off at Christmas.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

We are reading this classic for our family reading time.  Our kids are really enjoying it, and it is a great book to raise discussion questions about intense subjects.  I first read this book in high school and have read it again at least once since then.  Lee’s classic tale of race relations in the mid-century south is a great one to put on your list and read again.  The story-telling is so good.

That’s it for this month!  I wish everyone a great December and will see you in the new year with a brand new list!