Going home always does something to you. It assures you of who you are at the same time stripping you to your barest. Desert Dawn by Waris Dirie reminds you of this fact through the life of Waris Dirie.

The “Desert Flower” is Waris Dirie, a supermodel from Somalia. This is her autobiography detailing the travails of her life from desert Nomad to top model to UN Ambassador. I don’t know what it is with rags to riches stories but I ate this up like a hot fudge sundae on the hottest day of the year.

“A Little Piece of Ground” doesn’t offer any promises of a peaceful future that favors both parties. It just wants to be heard, so that in hearing, people can know.

I wish people would write more novels like this. So okay, this is a children’s book. But it’s nowhere juvenile. “The Bronze Bow” by Elizabeht George Speare hits a bullseye.

“Mara, Daughter of the Nile” by Eloise Jarvis McGraw is a romantic love story of my namesake. What pity…

The plot is complicated. The writing style is very easy to follow. Save for the few mathematical equations (which really stretched my intellect), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon is one big Happy Meal that I can gleefully chew on for weeks.

Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman is not just for the birds!

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief directed by Chris Columbus has great promise and material that encouraged one’s eagerness but was unable to steal my heart.

Walking is a good form of exercise. Here’s one book that made me do a lot of walking without leaving me depleted. Walking hand in hand with God, full and satisfied with Him.

Fast-paced, exciting, and unforgettable. Hunger Games leaves you hungry for more.