The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

A quick read that draws you in. Written in a childlike voice but a wise voice. Echoes of Roman gladiators. Are we drawn to this from some primal flaw?

The Distant Land of my Father by Bo Caldwell

Mitzi noticed that the title could have two meanings, and both apply to the book. It is set in Shanghai and California. Shanghai is distant and troubling, even when the daughter is living there; and for most of the book the father is distant, even when they are together. We see everything through the daughter's eyes and we grow up with her. She gives up on her father but can never give him up.

This is a very emotional book and very true. Fathers are important in their children's lives, even when they don't deserve to be. Redemption is hard to earn and a grace given with difficulty and sacrifice. How precious children are. How easy to be busy and selfish.

Your Medical Mind by Jerome Groupman, M.D. and Pamela Hartzband, M.D.

This is a must read for patients interested in making informed decisions, and for doctors wo want to help them decide. Very interesting and practical and helpful.

The Big Short by Michael Lewis

Unbelievable but true. Greed built a house of cards and a few people saw that it would fall and made millions. Plenty of blame to pass around. Many bought houses they couldn't afford, many helped them do it. Others bundled bad loans and bundled the bundles in other bundles and made collateral for bigger loans.

Locked On by Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney

Fun if formulaic, atom bomb, countdown clock, Glocks, Berettas, torture. None of Clancy's characters have any self-doubt.

V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton

After a wait, the next mystery is here with a wild and diverse cast of characters. One of the better of her tales. Lots of fun and excitement. Surprisingly good writing.

Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas

This was an interesting, well-written but perhaps poorly edited book. It is about spiritual courage, devotion to Christ and God's word. It is challenging and convicting. It presents a Bonhoeffer who is devout and loving and very insightful. He saw Nazi evil for what it was from the beginning. The book gave me an entirely different more positive view of Barth.