by Alison Kuchta

Women in Sunlight: A Novel 
by Frances Mayes

Author and American expat Kit is struggling with her grief and is also working through what it means to move into the next phase of her own life. It is during this time, she meets and befriends three senior American women who, instead of moving into a retirement community, become her neighbors by taking the unconventional decision to rent a Villa in Italy.  Sometimes amusing, sometimes bittersweet, this book is for those who appreciate a large quirky cast of characters and stunning settings.

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Brave, Not Perfect: Fear Less, Fail More, and Live Bolder
by Reshma Saujani

Reshma Saujani was successful by all outward measures. She had attained an Ivy League education, had a high-paying job as a lawyer and ran acompetitive campaign for public office. However, after coming up short in her bid for congress, while devastated, she realized this run for office was the first brave thing she had done in her life; and while it hadn’t gone as she’d planned, it had given her purpose and made her happy. This book explains what Reshma found when she sought to answer questions about why it took her until age 33 to start making choices that satisfied her. 

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The Sun is a Compass
by Caroline Van Hemert

This is the true story of biologist Caroline Van Hemert and her husband’s dream expedition from Washington to their home state of Alaska. The trip, years in the making, depicts the perils and wonders of paddling, hiking and skiing through 4,000 miles of untamed wilderness. It also lays bare Caroline’s day-to-day fears as she assesses her life choices and purpose in the world.

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The Island of Sea Women: A Novel
by Lisa See

In 2008 we meet Young-sook, one of the last of a revered group of women in Korea known as “haenyeo.” Strong, bold and resourceful, the title of haenyeo is reserved for female divers who have served as providers and leaders in their communities for generations. Through the eyes of Young-sook and her best friend Mi-ja, this sweeping tale details times of occupation, war and peace on the Korean island of Jeju and charts their adventures as friends, haenyeo, wives and mothers.

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Alison Kuchta, a Collection Development Librarian at Kent District Library, likes memoirs and talking with people about their favorite reads. As far as adventure, she enjoys road trips, hiking and spending time with her family.