Dombey and Son

by Charles Dickens

Proud Mr. Dombey puts all his hopes in his son, but the child (whose mother died in childbirth) dies, his daughter is ignored, his new wife leaves and at last, his business fails. Is Mr. Dombey ruined or is there still a chance for him?

I love Dickens, and I found this book, which I had never read, in a second-hand store. It's very long, but quite an interesting tale.

unPLANNED

The dramatic true story of a former planned parenthood leader's eye-opening journey across the life line 

by Abby Johnson

Abby was first a volunteer, then employee and director of an abortion clinic, who became  pro-life after helping with an ultrasound-guided abortion.

This excellent book helped me see the abortion issue from both sides of the "fence". Abby's compassionate view of everyone in her story is so helpful in understanding some of the emotions and dilemmas involved.

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

Behind the scenes in the southern U.S. in the 1960s seen through the eyes of black maids working for white families and a young white woman who is bucking the system. They get together and write a book but they know the consequences will be terrible if certain people ever find out.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it kept me spellbound. The three narrators were excellent and really made the story come alive. The novel is very well-written, but rather graphic at times.