WORTH READING

by Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz

$19.95 in hardcover

This is the sequel to “The Four Agreements,” which spent seven years on the New York Times Best Seller list. In this book, the authors set forth a way of life that can have you living “your personal dream of heaven” in no time. “The Fifth Agreement” says that you can live a life free of conflict, guilt, shame, regret and judgement toward yourself or others. The authors also suggest that you can love yourself just the way you are, love your body just the way it is and love your emotions just the way they are.

I have to say that while reading the dustcover, I had my doubts. But knowing what a huge success the authors first book was, I decided to see what they had to say. After reading the book, I still have doubts. There are some valid points about self-confidence, positive thinking, contentment and awareness of self. The book is also very Christ-centered, which can be a big plus for those of faith. The writing is good and the book is interesting. However, the utopian life they describe is, for most people, very nearly impossible to attain, especially living with the stresses of today’s world. But, who am I to disagree with a seven-year run on the New York Times Best Seller list? Those who liked “The Four Agreements” should love this book equally.

Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel

by Jeannette Walls

$26 in hardcover

From the author who gave us the critically acclaimed memoir “The Glass Castle,” comes the story of the author’s maternal grandmother. Lily Casey Smith was a plucky woman who was breaking horses by age six, left home at 15 to ride a horse 500 miles alone to a teaching job, and endured tornados, droughts, floods and the Great Depression with indomitable spirit.

I was hesitant to read this book because I am apparently one of only three people in the world who didn’t care for “The Glass Castle.” I was pleasantly surprised. This story is much more believable and genuine than “The Glass Castle.” The writing is very good, and it gives the reader insight into the tough times of the early 20th century. Reviews of this book say that “Half Broke Horses” is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults — I’d say that’s ‘pert near right.

Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman

by Jon Krakauer

$27.95 in hardcover

No one could disagree that Pat Tillman is a hero. In the aftermath of Sept. 11, the Arizona Cardinals safety gave up a $3.6 million NFL contract to enlist in the Army to protect the country he loved. On April 22, 2004, Tillman’s life ended on a hillside in Afghanistan. He was the victim of friendly fire -- a fact that was covered up by our government for weeks after his death. Drawing on Tillman’s journals and letters home, interviews with his wife, family and friends, and information from soldiers who served alongside him, Krakauer brings the journey of this remarkable young man into our hearts. Krakauer’s writing infuses the book with detail and authenticity that is rarely found with other authors. Anyone who admires this selfless young man, anyone who has ever served in the military, and indeed, any American, will find this book a heart wrenching but engrossing read. I highly recommend it.

Dog On It: A Chet and Bernie Mystery

by Spencer Quinn

$15 in paperback

Chet the Jet is a doggie detective who failed K-9 training school (it was the cats’ fault — honest!), but now works with his partner Bernie to solve mysteries. In this first of a series, Chet and Bernie solve the mystery of a missing teenage girl who may or may not have been kidnapped by her father. Dog lovers will delight in the fact that the story is told by Chet, who is easily distracted by such important things as squirrels, stray Cheerios and cats. It's a delightful read, especially since Chet doesn’t die in the end. (Why does the animal always die in the end of most of these books?) If you’re charmed by this book -- and you will be -- the second book of the series, “Thereby Hangs a Tail,” is now out in hardcover. I loved it!

Knitting 200 Q&A

by Rita Taylor

$18.99 in hardcover

This is my new go-to knitting book! It is the best knitting trouble-shooting guide I’ve seen yet. Set in a question-and-answer format, the author offers answers to every knitting question I could think of -- from the basics of casting to complicated color work and entrelac techniques -- accompanied by more than 100 full-color illustrative photographs. The chapters are color coded, so it's easy to find the topic you want, and I absolutely love the fact that it is printed on a spiral binder so it lies flat while you knit. It's the perfect size to throw in knitting bags, too. Every knitter should have one of these great little books on hand!

* Lisa Craft, owner of the Blue Heron Books and Espresso in Casper, is a voracious reader and invites you in for a cup of your favorite beverage and a chat about your favorite books. www.blueheronwyoming.com.