American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Navy Seal Chris Kyle 379 pages

I do not typically read this type of book.  I have to admit I became interested after seeing the trailer for the movie.  I was surprised this book held my interest.  Admittedly, the author does go into quite a bit of detail about the weaponry, and I may have just skimmed a few pages, but all in all, in was an interesting read.  Chris Kyle loves God, Country and Family in that order, so it was also enlightening to read the inserts written by his wife.  War changes people.  Chris Kyle had a specific talent and was given a job to do.  A job he was very good at and enjoyed very much.  He killed a lot of insurgents and saved a lot of American lives in the process.  He is very proud of what he did and has a clear conscience.  Granted, it took a toll.  He lost friends to war and almost lost his marriage.  But, this is Chris's tale to tell.  You can read and decide for yourself if the warriors are good or evil, but one thing is for sure: War is evil.

World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks, 342 pages

I listened to this book after checking it out from Missouri Libraries to Go. The premise of the book is that it is 12 years after the end of a Zombie infestation that almost wiped out the human race.  The character, Max Brooks, not to be confused with the author, wrote a history of the conflict for the United Nations.  The UN didn't publish many of the personal stories that Max collected in his research, so he published those on his own and that is this book "World War Z."

I believe the audiobook is actually an abridgment of the print book, but it was great fun.  Author Max Brooks read the part of interviewer Max Brooks and each character was narrated by a different voice actor.  Actors included Alan Alda, Mark Hamill and Rob Reiner, among many others.

I'm sorry to say that in order to save the United States during the worst of the outbreak, that everything east of the Rockies was abandoned by the Army.  Ouch.  So much for St. Joe, MO!

Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart 331 pages

This book takes place in the near future. America is at war, deeply in debt to China, the National Guard is on every corner and people are rioting in Central Park. Privacy doesn’t exist. Everyone carries an äppärät, a smart phone like device that streams personal info to anyone who wants to know, rates your health, sex appeal—even your performance as a lover—credit rating and so on. All you have to do is point it at someone. Youth is worshipped, everyone is obsessed with death. Enter 39 year old Lenny, out of shape, balding and unattractive who after a semi one night stand—a lot of alcohol was involved—falls madly and instantly in love with 24 year old Eunice. Both are born of immigrant families, both have serious family issues and suffer from a lack of self-esteem. Lenny convinces her to move in with him.

This was a must read because it was a book club selection. Only one member showed up and I have no doubt it was because of the book choice (minus the four members who are out of town). And that’s too bad. Because after several starts and put downs, I eventually got to the place where I read it in one sitting. And it is sad. But more than that it’s scary. Because the scenario presented doesn’t feel impossible. Indeed it feels like we’re on our way already.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. Even though only one member attended we had a rousing hour long discussion. And like me she also picked up then put down the book several times before she eventually read it.

Don't Go By: Lisa Scottoline 607 pages (Large Print)

Mike Scanlon is an army doctor. Dr. Scanlon is called to war in Afghanistan to operate on wounded soldiers.  He leaves behind his wife Chloe and new baby daughter Emily.  While in Afghanistan, Mike learns that his wife has died in a household accident. Mike returns home to bury his wife, finding he is a complete stranger to his baby girl.  While home, he discovers some rather shocking secrets and even more secrets when he continues his tour in Afghanistan.

This book was a tear jerker for me.  However, I really enjoyed it.  It will send you through all types of emotions.  But it keeps you wanting to read until the end.