The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

The author, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family. Inspirational read especially when combined with watching Prof. Pausch deliver The Last Lecture at Carnegie Mellon University on YouTube.
(lsmits)

Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin

Following her grandmother's footsteps to fight for social justice, Harriet Sherwood lands herself in jail, and while she is in a cell, she sifts through the memories of the three generations of women who have preceded her. Austin offers her readers insights into the the Women's Temperance Movement and Women's rights. Although she writes for adults, teens will enjoy her books. (lsmits)

Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Schaffer

This was the first book that the HC Book Club read and discussed. In 1946, writer Juliet Ashton finds inspiration for her next book in her correspondence with a native of Guernsey, who tells her about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, a book club born as an alibi during German occupation. Historical fiction with humor and great character development. The entire book is a series of letters and notes written by the characters. (lsmits)