Notgrass Company Recommended Reading

For nearly a century and a half, Hawthorne's masterpiece has mesmerized readers and critics alike. One of the greatest American novels, its themes of sin, guilt, and redemption, woven through a story of adultery in the early days of the Massachusetts Colony, are revealed with remarkable psychological penetration and understanding of the human heart. New introductory Note. Reprint of the Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, Boston, 1850 edition. Includes 24 wood engravings by master illustrator Barry Moser.

Winner of the Newbery Medal and named as an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, Lowry's unforgettable tale introduces 12-year-old Jonas, who is singled out by his community to be trained by The Giver.  The story of a futuristic "utopian" society.

"Mere Christianity" is the most popular of C. S. This book brings together Lewis's legendary radio broadcast talks in which he set out simply "to explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times". Rejecting the boundaries that divide Christianity's many denominations, "Mere Christianity" is Lewis's term for the essential Christian message--the theological core on which diverse Christian traditions can stand together.

Mark Twain's inimitable blend of humor, satire and masterly storytelling earned him a secure place in the front rank of American writers. This collection of eight stories and sketches, among them the celebrated classic "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," shows the great humorist at the top of his form

The charming adventures of the Mama of an immigrant Norwegian family living in San Francisco. This bestselling book inspired the play, motion picture, and television series I Remember Mama.  Time period: 20th century American Immigration.

 Little Town on the Prairie is the 6th book in the classic series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It continues to follow the Ingalls family as they move into town for a brief time. As usual, the book is exciting, detailed about life in that era, and very entertaining. 

A delightful story of a 9-year-old girl and her older sister and brother as they face their parent’s decision to homeschool them. At first frightened that all her friends will think she’s odd, Katy soon comes to realize that being homeschooled is one of the best things that could happen to her. Each chapter follows Katy through typical days in her life as she learns to honor her parents and her siblings. A story of faith, obedience, and fun. Perfect for the ‘tweener age group.

Deeply shaken by the apprearance of a mysterious stranger in town and his impassioned pleas for the poor and downtrodden, the minister and five influential parishoners begin a year-long experience in Christianity. Each has resolved to conduct his life according to the precepts of Christ, applying His behavior to their own lives.  As each applies the maxim, "What would Jesus do?" to his personal life or business practices, the changes are astounding.  

This classic, second only to the Bible for religious instruction and inspiration, has brought understanding and comfort to millions for centuries. Written in a candid and conversational style, the topics include liberation from worldly inclinations, preparation and consolations of prayer, and the place of eucharistic communion in a devout life. 

Dark allegory describes the narrator's journey up the Congo River and his meeting with, and fascination by, Mr. Kurtz, a mysterious personage who dominates the unruly inhabitants of the region. Masterly blend of adventure, character development, psychological penetration. Considered by many Conrad's finest, most enigmatic story.

Most people will remember Eric Liddell as the inspiration for the award-winning movie Chariots of Fire. But his life away from athletic competition was even more compelling and held an influence that reached all the way to a Japanese internment camp in China.