Adult

I’m addicted to Miller’s podcast, and not only have I given away about 20 copies of this book to friends, I’ve received over half a dozen copies from other friends. Essential marketing book that accurately describes the mission of every business: to act as the “guide” and turn the customer into the hero.

In 1995, the physical and social landscape of Japan was transformed by two events: the Kobe earthquake, in January, which destroyed thousands of lives, and the poison-gas attacks in the Tokyo subways in March, during the morning rush hour. Following these twin disasters, Murakami abandoned his life abroad and returned home to confront his country’s grief. And out of the quake come these six stories, set in the months between natural catastrophe and man-made terrorism.

The thing I love about Lucado’s books is they are always short, I read through them quickly – but then I wind up pondering them for weeks. This simple but profound book is the perfect antidote to those suffering from anxiety and depression, which is just about everyone at some point. Great tips and perspective.

I have to admit I wanted to include this book for two reasons. First, Peggy and her husband are lifelong teachers, and I do whatever I can to celebrate the efforts of teachers. Second, one of Peggy’s three sons, Mike, hosts my favorite podcast, The Way I Heard It, which is basically today’s Paul Harvey for positive, inspirational stories “for the curious mind with the short attention span.” This memoir is filled with warmth and humor. The perfect antidote to the cynicism that pervades too much of our lives nowadays.

Very readable autobiography of the actor’s journey to find his calling. I read this book in one sitting.

Haven’t been this blown away by a new writer in some time. Wonderful novel about what it’s like to be a Native American in modern, urban society. Highly engaging and great for discussions.

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.