The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch

Asked to read this by my boss, I complied. It was a difficult start. This is to be read by those with a strong stomach and a forgiving heart. Painful throughout, segments of torture, gross stupidity, mass hysteria are occasionally punctuated by short elements of rare human kindness.
The story takes place in the mid 1600's in rural Germany near Bavaria. Organized torture, murder and corruption rule the populace. Ignorance and superstition are so rampant, one wonders how the human race has survived. Witch trials were a thing of the past but are creeping again to the fore in this community.
The good guys are few and rules are distinctly assinine.
Strangely, the local hangman is the good guy even though he is the one charged with torturing and slaying anyone accused of upsetting the local mindset.
Predictably, the midwife, a close friend of his family, comes to be his next victim, at the insistance of the town council. Murdered children, greed and rampant fear ignite mass stupidity into quite a tangled web of deceit.
The hangman's friend, an ostracized doctor's apprentice, and the oldest daughter set about to resolve issues before the midwife is burnt.
Redeemably, for those with interest in herbs and plants, some historical information about a number of useful herbs is intrinsic to the story line.
If you have the stomach for this, it is intricately woven and well-written. Only two or three typos, and one obscure translation difficulty were encountered as I labored through this book.
If you do not know how to effectively purge hideous images from your psyche, then do not read this book. If you believe you are strong enough to handle it and come away unharmed, then enjoy the intricacy of the plotting and the scenery of the Black Forest and the depictions of buildings and a five-hundred year old community. If you are German, as am I, you may feel some shame directed toward ancient ancestors. 
If you are of a philosophical nature, it will get you wondering again as to the source of cruelty in the human species. But that's another whole topic for one of our other Blogs...
Be forewarned, this is not just a novel, it is historical fiction based upon the author's family history and genealogical  research.
Within the tale resides the evidence that although mass thought is worse than criminal intent, there does lurk within our species an element of compassion and even empathy. The ability to think for one's self is crucial to human development and social advancement. Can we grasp these fundamental necessities? Can we reach the tipping point we need to embrace the concepts we find in the acronym WWJD or the movie Avatar?
And for all my criticism, I nominate it for classic status.

The Shack by William P. Young

This book has sold millions. Personally, in the stores I have worked, I would estimate that I have myself sold over 500 copies. The author came in and found I had not read it. He basically begged me to read it. So eventually, I did. It's always good to have talking points, afterall...
The beginning was slow and dreary. The middle held some interesting metaphysical experiences, which were, for me the significant part of the book, even though they were pretty fluffy. The end sucked.
This book appeals to those who are insecure in their faith, who are filled with fear but not willing to admit to it. Not a tome of depth or great meaning, the only reason to read it is so you can converse with others in your book club or Sunday School class if they choose it as a topic.
I have not previously reviewed books I did not like, but I think it is unfair not to do so.
Victoria

The Heart and the Fist by Eric Greitens

Published this year and still in hardcover, Eric's book informs, educates and holds one's attention from first word until last. His personal story of how he went from aid-giving humanitarian to Navy Seal is a gripping and heart-warming narrative.
Eric traces his journey from  student, whose summers are spent volunteering with assorted relief agencies in Third World countries through his realizations that 'aid' is not much help at all; through his exemplary college career; his subsequent decison to join the Navy and his motivation to become a Seal to help make the world a better place.
He takes us along on his rigorous special ops training. Personally, I had no previous concept of what Navy Seal, or Army Ranger or any other special forces training encompassed. I remain in awe.
You will come away with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the value of our armed forces and the depth of the sacrifices they make for you and me, for our country and for the world.