Doerr manages to combine a couple of my passions: travel and the brain. If you have not yet read his travel memoir Four Seasons in Rome, you’re in for a treat. Memory Wall is a novella of short stories deals with faded memories in distant lands, and Doerr is one of the few authors who I wish would write books that are a little longer. He leaves you wanting more!
This book is a real kick for Cliff Clavins like me who love useless information, such as the origins of certain terms in our vocabulary. Witty, easy-to-read – perfect!
Subtitled “The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities,” this gem acts as an encyclopedia of dangerous garden items. I found the book fascinating.
I just began taping the first episodes of my local TV show People Make a Difference, which highlights the positive contributions of people in my community. In this book famous clothing designer Cole has collected 90 stories from various authors that should inspire people from all walks to get out and make the world a better place. I love books like this.
By Erik Torkells,Readers of Budget Travel Magazine
224 pages
Adult
Danny Says
As summer winds down I thought it would be fun to include a title for you to delight in others’ misery. Torkells is the editor of Budget Travel magazine, and this collection of anecdotes submitted by readers range from outrageous to improbable, sometimes dull to mostly hilarious. A good way to end one’s day.
One of my goals for my students is that they look at various points of view. I don’t ask them to agree with any points of view; I want them to think critically. This is the perfect book for asking students to re-examine 9/11 from various perspectives. Hamid has created a deeply moving story that is the perfect antidote to the mindless squawking of television politico-shock jocks.
Subtitled “Highlights from the Golden Age of Parenting Advice,” this hilarious book features wisdom from the “good ole days” that is guaranteed to draw smiles from any parents that feel like they are failing. Grab a copy of this book and read real ads that featured “delicious” baby laxatives or advice like this gem: “The nursing mother should cleanse her nipples before and after each feeding with boric acid solution.” This book is a perfect coffee table conversation piece.
Part travelogue, part beachcombers’ guide. Moody provides accounts of her run-ins with flotsam and jetsam that can be at times funny and fascinating. Where does the stuff that reaches our shores come from? This book sparked my curiosity about debris that litters our oceans. Any book that sparks a curiosity is worth the read.
Alright, so it’s a little over 250 pages. The print is big, and the reading is easy. A great airplane self-help read, as I enjoyed how Ciaramicoli, a clinical psychologist, provides clear steps for achieving greater balance in one’s life and not being obsessed with others’ approval. I think it is worth recommending to middle and high school students, too.
Two things I am interested in: language and humor. Here the authors of The 776 Stupidest Things Ever Said present their favorite misuses of English from around the world, with gems like this one on a Japanese medical form: “do you run after your own nose?” A fun book for all ages.
What is it about Afghani writers? One of the best books I have read in the last decade was Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, and now Ahmedi presents this touching autobiography of growing up as a girl in Kabul and escaping death after stepping on a landmine. This book inspired me and kept me awake at the thought of Ahmedi’s harrowing experiences.
Just because this book is a little over 250 pages does not mean it does not read quickly. On the contrary, Koterba’s moving autobiography is a collection of highly personal observations and insights, along with intriguing sketches. I grabbed a copy because I love reading political cartoons (Koterba’s day job), but Koterba treated me to a look at his battles with Tourette’s Syndrome and using his art to escape his abusive father.
Subtitled “A Guide to Understanding and Nurturing Your Child’s Friendships,” this book is essential reading for parents trying to better meet the needs of their children. I have three children who all live under the same roof, share the same genes and could not be more different from one another, and I am grateful to Hartley-Brewer for the many practical tips this book offers.
Perfect reading for those interested in an intriguing story about a small town priest who questions his faith, his vows and everything around him. Breezed through this book.
Maybe this book touched me because of my own children, as Resnick offers a refreshing perspective for parents to be advocates. It is alright to trust one’s instincts and maintain healthy skepticism when doctors prescribe this or recommend that. I think more people need to educate themselves and ask a few more questions before anyone tells them what is or is not best for “their” children. Very informative and easy to read.
