In times of war, we often examine the bravery of men and the tragedy of women.  Those are powerful stories, but they aren’t the only ones deserving to be told.  What of the women who rise above tragedy and meet the challenge of supporting their families?  Journalist Gayle Tzemach Lemmon invested three years in order to share one family’s enterprise and heroism under Taliban rule in The Dressmaker of Khair Khana.  This is the true story of a determined teenager who found a way not only to provide for her own family but also to enable other women to put food on their tables.  Sarah Zimmerman narrates with an effortless skill that conveys danger, zeal, and remarkable accomplishment.

Though many of us insist on learning things the hard way, we could all benefit from those who are brave enough to share their experience.  The exceptional Maya Angelou is one of those courageous individuals, and Letter to My Daughter is her offering to daughters everywhere.  Beautifully read by the author in smooth, sage-like tones, this compact two-disc memoir urges listeners to savor life and to enrich our world.  It couldn’t have been easy to share the difficult ways she learned her lessons, but she does so with both gravity and the intentional joy of one who can see beyond the moment.  Challenge your heart with Angelou’s inspiring voice.