Adult

Incredible entry by the Nobel Prize-winning author, Sula tells the tale of two little girls growing up in a poor, black neighborhood nestled in the barrio known as “The Bottom.” As they grow older and separately, the two friends become something worse than enemies in this brilliantly written novel.

Can’t believe I just discovered this gem about a Pakistanti Princeton grad trying to navigate subtle and blatant bigotry in a post-911 world. Provocative and heart-wrenching.

Bodell shows how to eliminate redundancies, communicate with clarity and make simplification a habit in this quick, engaging and informative read (strike that – for the point of simplification, let’s just call it an “essential” read).

Understand that I am NOT a Boston Red Sox fan (although Fenway Park is my favorite stadium in baseball). I preferred them as loveable losers, but there are a few people in the organization I just adore: Terry Francona (who now blesses the dugout of the Cleveland Indians) and Big Papi. Who the heck doesn’t like David Ortiz? The guy was always clutch and played the game the right way. Any baseball fan should like this autobiography.

So – I have this unwritten rule that I try to feature primarily new and under-appreciated authors, but I could not resist including this latest novel from the king himself. Chizmar is also well-published but not as widely known, so this is a great way to introduce yourself to fine writing that you cannot put down.

I’m starting to form a section of excellent self-help books just written by former Navy SEALs. Too many things in life are overcomplicated, and McRaven does an excellent job of helping people focus on the essential stuff. I’d actually recommend this book be placed in middle schools and high schools, and I am sure they’ll come out with an illustrated kids’ version (and I’d welcome that version).

Fascinating manifesto by the Founder of AOL (remember that?) that paints Case’s vision for the future direction and possibilities of the Internet.

Nothing thrills me more than learning from brilliant minds with the ability to take complex concepts and make them understandable to a layman like me. DeGrasse Tyson is an excellent teacher, and I am so grateful he is in the world to show people why science matters.

If you have never read any of McCullough’s books or heard him speak, here is a wonderful introduction to a historian who will make you proud to be an American and remind you why each of us needs to study the lessons of history or risk repeating the same mistakes.

Maybe it is because I spent all of April home (I did not travel for business once) or maybe it is because I am on a diet, but I seem to have done a lot of soul-searching and reflecting recently. Robinson’s lovely novel about dealing with a loved one’s death is both heartbreaking and hilarious. It made me want to dig into the dirt and plant a Southern garden.

This is a phenomenal account of Teddy’s life up until he became President.  Before reading this, I only knew that Teddy bears were named after him, and for some reason he has his mug on Mt. Rushmore.  Now I consider him one of the most fascinating Americans in history.  Morris points out that Teddy read nearly 20,000 books by the time he was 30.  I am trying to make up ground by reading lots of short books!

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and basis for the movie “Gettysburg.”  His son wrote a prequel (Gods and Generals) and sequel (The Last Full Measure), and, while not as good, they are both very appealing.  The Killer Angels is a must-read, as I have recommended it to nearly 100 people of all ages, races and genders, and all have told me that it is one of the best books they have ever read.  I never knew how interesting the Civil War could be, and I would recommend that all high school social studies teachers recommend this book to their students.  I would have been much more interested in this time in history (now I read every book on the Civil War that I can get my hands on).

This is a very warped, fun book with a great opening:  “Mother died today.  Or yesterday, maybe, I don’t know.”  Some funny characters, and mentioning this book at a cocktail party will make you sound “deep.”

Written in 1756, I laughed out loud more often while reading this book than while watching most TV sitcoms (excluding The Simpsons).  This guy has a truly demented style, the perfect anecdote to a long day of teaching.

This is one of my all-time favorites, as it hilariously follows the adventures of Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect as they hitchhike their way through the galaxy following the destruction of Earth to build an intergalactic overpass.