I know we’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but this time you can because the inside of “Unlikely Friendships” by Jennifer S. Holland is just as special as the outside cover. 47 amazing animal stories from all over the world, Ms. Holland, a senior writer for National Geographic magazine shares stories of such tenderness between these “unlikely” animals. Whether or not their friendship comes from pure survival instinct or simply curiosity, the stories are remarkable. One of my favorites is the golden retriever and the koi fish from Oregon. The incredible photography catches special moments that these wonderful animals have found with each other. Looking for a special book for that animal lover in your life, maybe at Christmas? You’ve just found it! :)Kathie

This is a tender story of family, first loves, and historical fiction of what sadly happened to Japanese Americans in Seattle during World War II. A beautifully written book that begins with Henry after being recently widowed and finding himself once again at the Panama Hotel looking back on his life when he was a young boy. Henry is Chinese and meets his first love of his life Keiko, who just happens to be Japanese. Their friendship abruptly ends when Keiko and her family are evacuated to an internment camp. It’s a story of strong father son relationships, with Henry not wanting to repeat mistakes made in the past with his son.The local history it gives reference to right in our own backyard makes it feel personal, like we should know this story. Loved it! ~Kathie

I’m starting to believe that books truly find their readers. After seeing this novel several times at the bookstore, and being intrigued by its title, I finally brought it home. The story starts in 1946 when London writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger who lives 30 miles off the north coast of France on the island of Guernsey, then under Nazi occupation. A book Juliet owned and sold ends up with this stranger and through letters their friendship begins. A group of unique characters follow to tell us the story of the "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society". Juliet’s letters are full of wit and charm, along with bits of history that illuminate this difficult time. Truly a lovely story. ~ Kathie