Surprising and Insightful
349513
Before reading Dave Cullen's book, I had my own ideas, as many did, about the tragedy that took place at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999.  I was under the impression both of the shooters were loners, out of touch with the world, who had a deep hatred for the more popular students.  I thought they went in the school with guns to shoot everyone that crossed their path.  Columbine was able to set the story straight, as Cullen had intended.  He too admits he reported the story incorrectly and he wrote this book to fix that.
I found Columbine very insightful, revealing many unknown truths about the massacre.  Cullen uses eyewitness accounts, police reports, and even the killers' personal journals and "Basement Tapes" to help put the true story together.  Cullen maintains a fairly unbiased throughout the book while placing some blame on the media, "Jeffco," and other individuals who ignored some possible warning signs.  The boys' journals provided some insight into their minds, but Cullen is only able to lead our imaginations (and our hearts) to try to make sense of it all.  I enjoyed the arrangement of the story, starting a couple days before the massacre and ending in 2007, 8 years after the massacre.  Dave Cullen tells the tale of Eric and Kyle's destruction, but he also tells tales of bravery, hope and even forgiveness.
I urge anyone who is not familiar with what really happened at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 or has only heard the word "Columbine" to read this book.  Cullen will surprise you and, more importantly, get you thinking.
281833
It's not often I come across a book that generally surprises me. Looking at the cover and the outline of the book, I was not sure what I was going to expect except maybe a rather matter-of-fact account of a person's stay in a new country.

It turned out to be much more. The author Nichols not only gives a candid and at times too frank of his early experiences there but provides an illuminatingangle into business dealings there and how they are conducted. If the intention of the book was to promote Myanmar, then it succeeds very well from both a business opportunity point of view, but also from simply making the country and its people looking interesting too.
4256565
This book really surprised me. It was really amazing to read the perspective of someone who has experienced and overcome many of the same issues that I've dealt with over the years. She never talks down to the reader but by exposing her own frailties and growth, she gives the audience the permission work through the issues that try to own us. The hurt, disappointment and depression that can stem from tragedy, loss or our own failings do not have to be an unsightly mark on our lives, but something that can be made beautiful. An easy read with short chapters, easy language and simple but profound ideas.
173690
This books starts with pre-history and goes into the realm of the not-too-distant future, and at every turn there are unexpected insights. Couldn't put it down.
2186986
I read this book on a plane recently and surprisingly, it gave me some new insight into how different types of people respond to changing circumstances. This book is worth reading if you struggle with change or deal with people who get stuck when they are faced with change.
76702
"Surprising."  If I had to describe A Change of Heart with one word, it would be "surprising."  It is surprising who the author chose as his main character.  It is surprising, in this day and age, that the language the author chose to use reflects the dignity of the story.  It is surprising that the author deals with such a negative issue and yet still leaves you feeling uplifted.  And mostly, it is surprising that at a time when the world is in such turmoil, when it seems like the rich and powerful will do just about anything to remain rich and powerful and when the downtrodden seem to have given up hope and have lost sight of a better life, the author can give us hope that racism (and all the other evils of man) can be defeated on a one-to-one basis, one person at a time through . . . A Change of Heart.

This is a book that needs to be promoted.  This is a book that should be taught in school.  Not only does it tell a tale that needs to be told - one that uplifts rather than depresses, it also proves the importance of the clarity of language.  This is a book that can be understood by all people, it is a story about all people.  It is not a book about racism, it is a book about the hope that racism can be defeated.
978481
There are many twists and turns in this book that were unexpected but appreciated; The Gay-Len Memoir introduced me to many previously unknown metaphorical comparisons, involving a can of Febreze, among other things. A must read for everyone
4622212
"Jesus on Death Row" is a wonderfully rewarding surprise. Elegantly written, with a host of fascinating stories and allusions, Prof. Osler delicately stitches together a narrative of the trial and execution of Jesus with modern American Christian views on the death penalty. This is NOT a dogmatic screed. Instead, "Jesus on Death Row" is a thoughtful, sometimes surprising essay on what we believe -- and why. I loved every page.
2174080
I really liked this book - I don't think I've ever read another quite like it. I was surprised by the content (read it in 2 sittings because I couldn't put it down) and it caused me to ponder on my own choices and things/people that influence me for days. Even now, weeks later, I still catch myself thinking about some of the concepts presented in this book. I highly recommend!
4599584
Walk The Blue Ridge was better than Id expected... and I had high expectations.
Alex, a teenager who had alienated himself from his family and his peers at school, befriends a very intuitive and pious schoolmate. Their subsequent trip hiking the Appalachian Trail was not just a physical journey, but a deeply spiritual one.
The insight and depth of knowledge the author has shined through on the pages. It made me think about things in my own life that I need to attend to.
The author leads the reader to walk along his or her own path toward enlightenment. For that, I am grateful.
3473250
I had no idea what to expect when I purchased this book. I bought it because I needed to read it for a class, but it caught me off-guard by how well it was written and how deep it was. I was so surprised by the introspective thought and overall analysis of America's depictions of race. This book is definitely worth reading.
1245800
I was pretty amazed at how well written and insightful this book was.  I didn't expect it.  I think the Mayte haters should read this book with a clear eye and realize that Prince was a flawed genius -- and that he did do a good job of re-evaluating his past later in life (evidence: the song "Breakdown" where he wept onstage regretting his past).  And Mayte showed strength in many different ways -- I found it especially poignant that she attempted to get Prince and his Dad to reunite.  That is something a loving spouse would do.  I believe that she loved him and that she wasn't just trying to take advantage of the situation (as so many suggest).  Completely believable, told from her perspective.
4148115
A sleeper book that is definately NOT just about horsies!  Recommended to my by a woman, I reluctantly began reading this big surprisingly insightful volume!  It's heart and soul seeps out from every page, I was stunned.  Learned a few things.
2133531
"The Mothers" is unlike anything I could have expected. A young teenage girl whose mother committed suicide becomes pregnant. Her decision - enabled by the decision of the father's parents - effect everyone involved for years to come. Looking back across this story are the Mothers, the elderly women of an African American church called The Upper Room. With wisdom and insight, they empathize, shake their heads, sigh, and show compassion to the young couple, and the others who come into contact with their hidden heartache and regret. Written with depth of feeling for the characters, who continue to make hurtful mistakes while still caring deeply for others, it's a story of how one decision - seemingly fair and sound - can change the trajectory of several lives.
3039063
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind was the June book club read for our group.  Reactions to the book ranged from "it's a dark book that takes an ominous view of the human race" to "one of the most poignant and illuminating reviews of the development of the human race".  The book was originally published in Hebrew.  Personally I might have put different words to some of the core concepts, but I think Harari's review of the history of human development is remarkably insightful.  I particularly enjoyed his insights on the concepts of money, stocks, and business lending.  I recommend Sapiens as a provocative and worthwhile read, and predict we will hear more from this brilliant young author.
3694782
I didn't think I was going to like this book when I started it, but it surprised me. It made me think about my own life a great deal! I loved the way she got the perspective of the daughter and the husband. It was not predictable....I was surprised at the end. It was a quick, worthwhile read!
3718743
An insightful book from beginning to end. This memoir not only gives a young man's perspective about the war, but interweaves the issues of race and spirituality with a dose of humor now and then.  It actually turned out to be a page turner for me. I highly recommend it to those who can appreciate a very unusual real life story.