Reader's Digest Condensed Books Volume 4 Autumn Selections 1956 (Good, 574 pages, HC)

The Nun's Story by Kathryn Hulme: The lead character of the book, Sister Luke (pre-convent name Gabrielle Van Der Mal), finds her faith tested in Africa where she finds herself at odds with headstrong Dr. Fortunati, operator of a remote hospital in the Belgian Congo, with whom she gradually builds respect, and again during World War II, when she is ordered not to take sides. Ultimately, Sister Luke is forced to decide whether to remain in the convent or return to the outside world. Gabrielle/Sister Luke is stretched between her desire to be faithful to the rule of her congregation and her desire to be a nurse. As a nun, she must remove all vestiges of "Gabrielle Van Der Mal" and sublimate herself into the devoted bride of Christ. As a nun, there is no room for her personal desires and aspirations.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Baxter by Edward Streeter: George Barton Baxter, the successful CEO of a New York textile house is returning to his Park Avenue apartment from work one mid-October evening. His thoughts turn to the onset of cooler weather, which will bring Christmas around once again. He considers the economic impact on his personal finances grimly, and upon arriving home, he takes a short rest before dinner, fantasizing about the type of gifts he would really like, but which he knows are impossible pipe dreams. He also reflects briefly on the gifts he will likely receive - none of which he really needs or will use. At dinner that evening, he discusses a "Christmas Budget" with his wife, who considers the idea ridiculous - but Mr. Baxter persists.

The Success by Helen Howe: Maggie is a 1920's debutante from a wealthy old family who marries into another old and wealthy (but very ODD) family. She tries to live the glamorous life filled with fun and success, while everyone around her wants her to fit the mold of a wealthy Boston matron. Although the book slants toward punishing Maggie for not wanting a domestic routine, tea with the ladies club life- she could be easily transformed to a modern girl with just a few strokes of a pen. Maggie is the epitome of be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. (Amazon review)

The Diamond Hitch by Frank O'Rourke: Based on the life of bronc rider Doughbelly Price, The Diamond Hitch tells the story of Dewey Jones, western cowman and rodeo hooligan, as he travels the circuit throughout the Southwest in search of that one big purse that will punch his ticket out of rodeo bumming and into a more normal life. O'Rourke effectively evokes the sights, sounds and smells of the cowboy way presenting an unvarnished glimpse into this vanished way of life.

The Sleeping Partner by Winston Graham: The story is narrated in the first person by Mike Granville, who starts the novel by describing what it was like to come home and find his wife not there. As you would expect he is not worried to begin with, coming up with reasons for why she might be out, but then he gets a “Dear John…” letter. His wife, Lynn says she is leaving him, and it also transpires that she has instructed her bank not to give out her address. It becomes clear that she wants no contact with her husband.