Adult

I had been introduced to Hedy Lamarr’s incredible story on Mike Rowe’s wonderful The Way I Heard It podcast, and combined with Benedict’s gifted story-telling skill, I devoured this book in one evening. More satisfying than a steak dinner.

A meditating Silicon Valley entrepreneur teams up with a young, insightful, and traditionally educated Tibetan Rinpoche in this guide to using mindfulness techniques to get to know your own mind and experience how a slight shift in your perspective can create a radical shift in your life.

Enjoyed the tips in this book so much that I sought out one of the authors, Scott Stratten, and I plan on meeting him in a week at an event. Very gifted speaker, and his twisted humor translates well on the pages of this guide on how to better serve customers. Want to go viral? Do something worth talking about…in a positive way, that is!

Lively's answer to the oft-asked question, “How much of what you write comes from your own life?” What if she hadn't escaped from Egypt, her birthplace, at the outbreak of World War II? What would her life have been like if she'd married someone else? From a hillside in Italy to an archaeological dig, the author explores the stories that could have been hers, fashioning a sublime dance between reality and imagination that confirms her reputation as a singular talent.

So, Fight Club is one of my favorite books/movies, but I understand Klosterman is not everyone’s cup of tea. I find his writing hilarious, jarring, provocative and inspiring – sometimes within the same sentence. Loved this tale of his cross-country trip to the places where various rock stars have died. Darkly humorous and mischievous.

The hilarious story of Troost’s time on Vanuatu – a rugged cluster of islands where the natives gorge themselves on kava and are still known to “eat the man.” Falling into one amusing misadventure after another, Troost struggles against typhoons, earthquakes and giant centipedes and soon finds himself swept up in the laid-back, clothing-optional lifestyle of the islanders.

Inspiring memoir of former French Elle magazine editor Bauby, written after his stroke that left him completely paralyzed, save one eye. He transcribed his life by blinking letter-by-letter with one eye to his assistant. Truly remarkable. Now I want to see the movie.

From the beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Pardlo comes an extraordinary memoir and blistering meditation on fatherhood, race, addiction and ambition. A richly realized, deeply felt ode to one man's remarkable father, to fatherhood and to the frustrating yet redemptive ties of family that is also a scrupulous, searing examination of how manhood can be fashioned in our cultural landscape.

Especially appropriate for the holidays when many of us spend time with loved ones and reflect on our years. As Hooks explores the question “What is love?” her answers strike at both the mind and heart. In thirteen concise chapters, she examines her own search for emotional connection and society’s failure to provide a model for learning to love. By looking at “love” as a verb and not a noun, Hooks breaks down what it really means to practice love in a revolutionary way.

Why does the space program fascinate everyone around the world? When we look at space, we see how little we know as humans and realize how much we can accomplish together. Aldrin’s delightful, succinct collection of life lessons (presented with author Ken Abraham) reminds us of Seneca’s wisdom: “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare. It is because we do not dare that things are difficult.” Highly-inspiring.

Award-winning collection of poems that explores the darker side of divisions and developments, the interstitial spaces of boonies, backstage, bathhouse, and bar. With witty banter, emotional resolve and powerful lyricism, this collection evokes all emotions and reminds us why poetry matters.

O’Conner unties the knottiest grammar tangles and displays the same lively humor that has charmed and enlightened grateful readers for years. With chapters on spelling and punctuation and fresh insights into the rights, wrongs, and maybes of English grammar and usage, this “grammarphobe’s guide to better English” offers down-to-earth explanations and plain-English solutions to the language mysteries that bedevil all of us.

Since reading Hosseini’s brilliant The Kite Runner, I make a point of devouring anything he writes. This lovely, haunting book with incredible watercolor illustrations by Dan Williams tells the moving story of a Syrian refugee fleeing with his son, and while it makes for a quick read, it will stick in your mind for days.

Do you struggle with finding satisfaction with your career? You’re not alone! Waller’s quick, easy-to-read guide supplies readers with the map they need to navigate a more fulfilling career path.

I used to love watching Deutsch’s wonderful CNBC show The Big Idea, and I was riveted to read about how Deutsch grew up with the street smarts that would ultimately help him greatly expand his father’s ad agency and sell it for a nice chunk of change. Funny and fascinating autobiography.