Julia Immonen with Craig Borlase, Row For Freedom. The story of Immonen’s turn from living in the bubble to rowing across the ocean with four other people to raise awareness bout hurting people ensured in human trafficking. Heartfelt, honest, and inspiring, this one is a must read for athletes and those wishing to live for something, pursuing a dream. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

John Jackson Miller, Star Wars: A New Dawn. I have to admit, I’ve been out of the SW game for awhile. Sure, I’m fluent in the films, and I’ve watched several seasons of Clone Wars with my kids. But reading A New Dawn, I thought back to the times when I could’ve listed off every name in the universe– even with the post-film books Timothy Zahn wrote. Miller’s story traces a time between the first three films and the originals, complete with characters you may fall for or not. I personally find myself nostalgic for the old ways– and wonder if even J.J. Abrams can bring me into a new time! 2 out of 5 stars

Timothy S. Susanin, Walt Before Mickey. While I’m a fan of Disney movies in general, I didn’t know much about Walt Disney before reading this extremely detailed book about a decade before his “Mickey Mouse” phase. With the blessings of the Disney family, Susanin tracks Walt’s progress as an ad man/cartoonist, and gives us plenty of information about the development of the man whose legacy still holds power. An insight into one of the more creative people of the last century, Susanin’s book demands 4 out of 5 stars.