Adult

Empathy is in short supply. We struggle to understand people who aren’t like us, but find it easy to hate them. Studies show that we are less caring than we were even thirty years ago. But it doesn’t have to be this way, as Zaki shares cutting-edge research, including experiments from his own lab, showing that empathy is not a fixed trait – something we’re born with or not – but rather a skill that can be strengthened through effort.

Rich with personal stories and inspirational quotes and sprinkled with a few easy vegan recipes, Brown’s autobiographical “cookbook” is a book to share – and to return to when you want to feel seen, loved and heard. Positive reading in negative times.

The 70+ time champion of Jeopardy has written an enticing, highly-entertaining biography/history of gameshows and trivia that caused me to laugh out loud AND ponder the answers to chapter trivia questions. A wonderful book to have on your coffee table or beside your toilet. Lol!

Inspiring and terrifying read (fitting for Halloween). Inspiring in how it shows the heroics of non-political bureaucrats. It’ll make you less irritated to pay taxes. Terrifying to see how one lunatic can try his hardest to destroy American democracy. Give it a read.

After a screenwriter is murdered on a film set, a street-smart school teacher searches for the killer in this riotously funny episode in the Hildegarde Withers detective series.

A powerful, darkly glittering novel of violence, love, faith and loss, as a young woman at an elite American university is drawn into a cult's acts of terrorism. Reminded me of the current political climate.

I dare you to watch “Famous Amos” Wally Amos speak or write and not grin, as his enthusiasm and positivity is contagious (and sorely needed now more than ever). Best known for his famous cookie businesses, Amos shares the secrets behind his success in both his professional and private lives in this rapid read.

Written by National Geographic magazine writer Jennifer Holland, this book documents one heartwarming tale after another of animals who, with nothing else in common, bond in the most unexpected ways. Great book to reflect on starting the new school year with new friendships.

Three millennia ago, the Greek philosopher Zeno constructed a series of logical paradoxes to prove that motion is impossible. Today, these paradoxes remain on the cutting edge of our investigations into the fabric of space and time. Zeno's Paradox uses the motion paradox as a jumping-off point for an exploration of the 2500-year quest to uncover the true nature of the universe. From Galileo to Einstein to Stephen Hawking, some of the greatest minds in history have tackled the problem and made spectacular breakthroughs, but through it all, the paradox of motion remains.

A treasure trove of bright ideas guaranteed to give you hours of fun, this book will bring out the secret sorcerer and scientist in all of us.

The bad stuff always starts in your own head. In this quick read, Allen inspires and equips readers to transform their emotions, outlooks and circumstances by taking control of their thoughts. Perfect antidote to the (hopefully) ending global pandemic.

Read this book in three hours – grinning the entire time. Turns out Itzler attended my alma mater (American University) just before I arrived. Pity, as I would have loved to hung out with him. He’s crazy, and the “Seal” he lives with for a month is even crazier. Have to admit that this book had a profound effect on me, as it inspired me to live much healthier and focused. Fantastic read!

Alice Pendelbury believes everything in her life is pretty much in order – from her good friends to her burgeoning career. But even Alice has to admit it’s been an odd week. Not only has her belligerent neighbor, Mr. Daldry, suddenly become a surprisingly agreeable confidant, but he’s encouraging her to take seriously the fortune-teller who told her that only by traveling to Turkey can Alice meet the most important person in her life…and he’ll finance it, in this irresistible tale.

Full disclosure: Hal is a friend of mine, and I just adore him. This 80-year-old educator always has a kind word to say, and this book is just an extension of his life. We’d all be a LOT better off if everyone had a Hal Urban to turn to in this world. This book is the next-best thing.

The extraordinary story of the small Vermont town that has likely produced more Olympians per capita than any other place in the country – and whose citizens provide a model for achieving excellence while leading a well-rounded life.