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Book of Longing

Book of Longing

By Leonard Cohen 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

A renowned songwriter, Cohen is a natural poet. Poetry is one of my favorite tools to motivate students to read and write, and Cohen expresses himself beautifully in this book that will transport you to a nicer place. Best read on a beach or in front of a fireplace.
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Its Not Over Until You Win

Its Not Over Until You Win

By Les Brown 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

Do you need a pep talk? I always try to read as many inspirational books with positive messages that I can, as too often we are subjected to all of the negatives in the world. Believe it or not, there are a lot of amazing people with amazing stories out there; they just do not make the nightly news. Les Brown is a speaker I must meet now, as this book touched me in a very personal and positive way. By the way, as an African-American male, Les Brown also serves as an excellent example to share with students seeking role models (I have shared anecdotes from his life with many of my students). 
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Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire

Teach Like Your Hair's on Fire

By Rafe Esquith 243 pages Adult

Danny Says

I constantly seek inspiration from great teachers, and I would cut off a limb if it ensured my children could attend Rafe Esquith’s class. Perhaps the Secretary of Assessment (there seems to no longer be a Department of  “Education” since “No Child Left Untested” took effect) should read this book about how create students who are lifelong learners. This book pumped me up. It should me mandatory reading for anyone interested in becoming a teacher.
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The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari

By Robin Sharma 198 pages Adult

Danny Says

A touching fable about a lawyer who, prompted by a heart attack, re-examines his priorities. He gives up the fast life in search of spiritual enlightenment in the Himalayas. If it sounds a lot like Somerset Maughm’s The Razor’s Edge, it is. By the way, I love that book (at 320 pages, however, it does not qualify as a “lazy reader” selection). Do my book selections this month adequately demonstrate to you how much I am seeking inspiration and re-examining my own life?
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Like Water for Chocolate

Like Water for Chocolate

By Laura Esquivel 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

I had not realized that I had never included this beautiful book on a previous list. Thanks for the nudge from my friend Evan. This is one of the loveliest and most gratifying books that I have read. It was one of the few books that I read for pleasure in college as an undergrad. It was also made into a wonderful movie, for the truly lazy reader.
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Staying Sane When You're Planning Your Wedding

Staying Sane When You're Planning Your Wedding

By Pam Brodowsky,Evelyn Fazio 272 pages Adult

Danny Says

This is actually part of a series of “Staying Sane” books. I have not read any of the others, but I will. This is my kind of book, filled with collections of short stories from different authors describing their wedding trials and tribulations (and the occasional triumph). Funny and easy reading.
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The Natural

The Natural

By Bernard Malamud 231 pages Adult

Danny Says

April means the start of baseball season. While most of us are still excited about our teams (as most of our teams should still be in the race for the pennant by the end of the month), I figured I would include a great baseball book. Warning: this book is not exactly like the wonderful Robert Redford movie. I found that out the hard way when I first read the book in junior high school (yes, when I was young, we did not have middle schools).
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There's a Hole in My Sidewalk

There's a Hole in My Sidewalk

By Portia Nelson 144 pages Adult

Danny Says

I have been in sort of a rut lately, questioning where I am going with my life. My pastor shared with us a passage from this book, and it instantly lifted my spirits. Nelson clearly writes about “the romance of self-discovery,” and this book reminded me to always appreciate the journey and focus on my own choices. A lovely book.
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Pictures I Had to Take

Pictures I Had to Take

152 pages Adult

Danny Says

I admit that when I think of Joel Grey, I usually think of the MC from Cabaret or Chiun from Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins (one of my guilty pleasures). After watching a wonderful piece on Grey’s photography featured on the best television program on the air, CBS Sunday Morning, I rushed to the bookstore and bought this collection of his photographs. Photography books are the perfect books for truly lazy readers, and, while I do not know a lot about photography, I am always inspired by what photographers focus on. This book touched me by how much I learned about Grey through his photographer’s eye. 
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Jack Ruby's Kitchen Sink

Jack Ruby's Kitchen Sink

By Tom Miller 250 pages Adult

Danny Says

Just finished this enjoyable travel book about the American Southwest. I really enjoyed one chapter in particular about John Nichols and The Milagro Beanfield War, as I love that book and the film (even if the film caused havoc in northern New Mexico, which is just about one of the most beautiful areas anywhere). The book also features a favorite locale of mine: Bisbee, Arizona.
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Mary Lou Retton's Gateways to Happiness

Mary Lou Retton's Gateways to Happiness

By Mary Lou Retton 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

A couple of years ago I attended a motivational workshop at the Pond in Anaheim that included some of the biggest names in sports: Magic Johnson, Pete Rose, Jerry Rice…some big-name sports figures. The last speakers were 1984 U.S. Olympic gold-medalist gymnasts Peter Vidmar and Mary Lou Retton, and they blew everyone else out of the water (I told them that afterwards, too). I had to read Mary Lou’s book, and I breezed through this inspirational, autobiographical self-help guide. Some really good stuff on motherhood, and even 18 easy recipes, as well.
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Punk Rock Dad

Punk Rock Dad

By Jim Lindberg 240 pages Adult

Danny Says

This book surprised the heck out of me. I was looking for a book to recommend for father’s day, and a friend handed me a copy of Lindberg’s just-released, wonderful autobiographical account of life as a father (of three young daughters, bless his soul) and punk rock singer. I realize I am lame and have never listened to Lindberg’s band “Pennywise,” but I will definitely look them up. Lindberg is from the Los Angeles South Bay (where I live), and I could relate to so many of his views and observations that I finished the book in one sitting (laughing and nodding the entire time). I think you will love this gem, and I hope to bump into Lindberg sometime...outside of a mosh pit, that is.
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The Overlook

The Overlook

By Michael Connelly 304 pages Adult

Danny Says

This is number 13 in the Harry Bosch series, and it does not disappoint. Reading Michael Connelly’s books is like watching a great three-hour movie: it is a wonderful journey, and by the time it ends you cannot believe the time flew by. You will enjoy any of these crime books set in my beloved Los Angeles.
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The First National Bank of Dad

The First National Bank of Dad

By David Owen 208 pages Adult

Danny Says

Besides proper nutrition, I have found that personal finance is one of the most important areas that parents and teachers need to prioritize for children nowadays. One way to educate children about money is to check out The Money Mammals, a wonderful program designed to teach kids how to save and invest their money. It was through that program that I discovered this wonderful book by David Owen, an excellent writer who offers a lot of practical advice on how to educate children about money. I have always found money to be the easiest way to attract students’ attention to math, as well. Own makes educating children about money fun and painless. 
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I Feel Bad About My Neck

I Feel Bad About My Neck

By Nora Ephron 160 pages Adult

Danny Says

Jackpot! My favorite kind of book: short and funny. Nora Ephron is one of the funniest men or women alive, and this collection of 15 essays highlights her talent for dealing with subjects that seem depressing with her wry wit. Ephron is an intelligent humorist worthy of high praise and recognition.
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