Adult

Ever stop and wonder why Californians order a “soda,” Ohioans get a “pop,” Bostonians request a “tonic” while Texans crave a “Coke?” Entertaining read about the differences in dialects between neighboring states. Trust me – this book is delightful, or “wicked good,” depending on where you’re from.

I am a spiritual person with a simple prayer that I recite each night, “Dear Lord – please let Oprah read one of my books, and just talk about it on her show.” Well, I may not be able to control that, but I can serve her by recommending her book to my audience. Chapters are organized by themes ranging from joy to resilience to gratitude, and the entire book illuminates the woman so many of us adore and admire: a person who has lived a life worth living, tackling life’s challenges and letting them help her serve a greater good. Sorry to gush, but I love powerful women whom little girls and boys can look up to. Oprah, thank you.

Revealing and intimate memoir of one of the 20^th (and early 21^st) century’s most enduring vocalists, written in a way that beckons you to hum one of his tunes. This book reads like a Tony Bennett song – perfect relaxation in a noisy world.

Football season has come upon us, which means it is time to watch one of my all-time sentimental favorite movies with Sonny Corleone and Lando Calrissian (er, James Caan and Billy Dee Williams): Brian’s Song. The true story of Chicago Bears Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. They came from different parts of the country and competed fiercely for the same job. One liked to talk; the other was shy. One was white; the other black. Touching story of how they came to know each other, fight each other, and help each other. Read without tissue at your own risk (this is An Affair to Remember for guys).

In an elegant, two-color format, punctuated with intriguing drawings, this book poses hundreds of questions ranging from practical to maddening, moral to hilarious – which, if read alone, inspire self-exploration; if shared, spark fascinating discussions at gatherings, dinner parties or meetings.

As one reader told me, “a very unusual book, to say the least.” Insanely imaginative suspense that will keep you guessing the entire way – and you won’t be able to put it down.

Interested in improving yourself? You better be, as complacency is a killer. Jesiolowski provides all sorts of great tips you can put into action in business and your personal life in this compelling, easy read.

No author brings a smile quicker to my face than the ever-dependable David Sedaris. A middle-age man trying to accept his place in the world myself, I cannot help but laugh through his endless spot-on observations of a person who does not take himself too seriously and sees the humor in horrible situations.

Not one to take himself too seriously, Willie Nelson delivers an autobiography that leaves you wanting a lot more. Touching, funny…truly captivating.

Beautifully-written story that shows parents and teenagers what draws them apart. Almost TOO short, as I found myself wanting to read more.

Fascinating examination of famous individuals from a variety of fields who found success by conquering their own egos. Should be mandatory reading for those seeking public office.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this hilarious love story of a writer trying to run away from his problems and correct missed opportunities.

Perfect book for a lazy May day outside. Beautifully-written story of a 20-year-old Chinese man who spends over a year in Tarumi, Japan, at the family beach house while he recovers from tuberculosis and learns a great deal about beauty, honor and loyalty. Relaxing and meditative.

Phyllis on Amazon says it better than me: “Thomas Cahill's history of Ireland during the middle ages is so well and cleverly written that you will never know you are reading nonfiction. The theme running through is as engrossing as Vikings on the History Channel. It is grounded in solid facts, many of which are not well known, making it a fascinating read. The author is a scholar, whose prose is not only lyrical and learned, but paints word pictures of western civilization after the fall of the Roman Empire. You will have a whole new regard for the contributions of the ‘Emerald Isle.’”

This book has spawned an entire movement of psychologists and authors interested in finding ways to help all of us live happier, healthier lives.