The floor of heaven

A true tale of the last frontier and the Yukon gold rush 

by Howard Blum 

The true story of three men in Alaska and the Yukon and the beginning of the gold rush. Siringo is a cowboy turned detective, Carmack lives with the natives for a while and then discovers gold in Klondike, and Soapy Smith is a con man who aims to be king -- of somewhere.

This is a pretty long book but a great combination of history and adventure. Recommended.

Nova Scotia guide to frugal living

How to save money and live well!


by Carol McDougall

Many different tips that can add up to saving a lot of money. The book includes a number of recipes and helpful website addresses.

Unbroken

A World War II story of survival, resilience, and redemption


by Laura Hillenbrand 

Louie Zamperini was an Olympic runner, member of the US air force in WWII, survivor of 47 days on a life raft after his plane was shot down, spent 2 1/2 years in a Japanese POW camp, was one of Billy Graham's converts (though this is not a Christian book and that was probably a spoiler if you're going to read it) and is still living today. Ms. Hillenbrand tells his riveting story in this book. I was hooked from the beginning and recommend it to those who like real-life adventure stories (there is a fair amount of cruelty described).

Do it gorgeously

by Sophie Uliano 

How to make and do everything yourself from beauty products, home cleaners and pet products to fitness and massage. Very neat book.

London refrain

by Bodie & Brock Thoene 

This novel is set in Poland, Germany, England, France and Israel near the beginning of World War II. I think it's a rewrite of one of their older books, but it was great. I love all their WWII stories.

All that is bitter and sweet

by Ashley Judd

A moving memoir focused on Ashley's abusive childhood and her activism of late years on behalf of poor and exploited women in developing countries. Although parts of this book may be disturbing, I recommend it to those who want to know the truth of what life is like for those who have no choices or opportunities. They desperately need someone to speak up for them, and Ashley has stepped out of her comfortable world into theirs to help make a difference.

Suddenly Frugal

by Leah Ingram

Ways to save money on many things -- from cleaning supplies to vacations to home renovations and more.