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Like Night and Day: A Look at Chicago Baseball 1964-69

Like Night and Day: A Look at Chicago Baseball 1964-69

By John M. O'Donnell 138 pages Adult

Danny Says

I am a sucker for baseball books, and – despite being a diehard Dodger fan – my dad’s side of the family comes from Chicago, so I have an affinity for the Cubs and White Sox, as well. O’Donnell’s book reminds us of all that is good about the game: the statistics, the personal memories of attending games as a kid and the trials and tribulations fans go through as their teams soar, then disappoint. A remarkably quick read that left me hungry for more.
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Sweet Jiminy

Sweet Jiminy

By Kristin Gore 240 pages Adult

Danny Says

Perfect beach reading! I always dig a good mystery that keeps moving, and this one does not disappoint. Anyone who is a fan of the “cold case” shows on television will enjoy this story of Jiminy Davis, who abruptly quits law school and flees Chicago for her grandmother Willa's farm in rural Mississippi, only to find herself sucked into solving a Civil Rights-era hate crime.
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The Land at the End of the World: A Novel

The Land at the End of the World: A Novel

By António Lobo Antunes 224 pages Adult

Danny Says

One of the best books I have ever read is Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude, and a friend recommended that I would love this book. He was right! Lobo Antunes is Portuguese, and translator Margaret Jull Costa has provided a huge service to Americans by translating this work. One of those rare pieces of literature that is a page-turner and will impress your friends when you boast of reading it.
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How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer

How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer

By Buster Olney 240 pages Adult

Danny Says

If you are as rabid of an Olympics fan as I am, you probably delight more in the inspirational stories of overcoming adversity as much – if not more – than the victories and losses. This books tells the magnificent true story of Northern State University’s head male basketball coach, Don Meyer, and it will leave you teary-eyed and ready to take on the world.
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Bed: A Novel

Bed: A Novel

By David Whitehouse 272 pages Adult

Danny Says

This book is hilarious and touching at the same time, and I must confess I picked it up because it won the inaugural “To Hell with Prizes Award.” While you’ll laugh at Whitehouse’s clever one liners, there are many layers to this wonderful novel about the curious life of a morbidly obese young man who earns cult status as he remains in his bed for 20 years. 
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The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk!

The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing: Violate Them at Your Own Risk!

By Al Ries,Jack Trout 143 pages Adult

Danny Says

Not only is this a quick read filled with excellent tips – it is highly readable! I am astounded how much I enjoy reading this book. Some of the best business books I have read (most, in fact) clock-in at under 250 pages.
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The Organic Family Cookbook: growing, greening, and cooking together

The Organic Family Cookbook: growing, greening, and cooking together

By Anni Daulter 176 pages Adult

Danny Says

Why not start off the new school year by creating healthier, heartier meals as a family? Daulter shares her family’s own experiences going organic, and what I appreciate most are all of the lovely photographs accompanying her recipes (don’t you hate cookbooks that don’t feature pictures?).
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Trading Manny: How a Father and Son Learned to Love Baseball Again

Trading Manny: How a Father and Son Learned to Love Baseball Again

By Jim Gullo 272 pages Adult

Danny Says

Baseball season is winding down, and the boys of summer are battling for spots in the Fall Classic. This book hit me like a brick, as it tells the remarkable story of Jim Gullo and his son as they sadly watch as their baseball heroes are exposed as cheats – only to rediscover together why baseball is such a great part of American life. What can I say? I still cry at the end of Field of Dreams, even on the 83rd viewing. 
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The Killer

The Killer

By Jack Elgos 174 pages Adult

Danny Says

If you cannot finish this book in under three hours, you never opened it. One of those annoying books that you cannot put down because you HAVE to know what happens next. I loved the story of a reluctant IRA sniper-turned Spanish freedom fighter. Great characters.
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Mr. Chartwell

Mr. Chartwell

By Rebecca. Hunt Adult

Danny Says

For some reason I found myself reading odd British novels this past month. I guess I just admire the Brits’ sense of humor and imagination. Hunt takes us on interesting parallel tales of a widow and Winston Churchhill, both battling depression. The widow rents a room to a black dog (yes, a black dog), who constantly torments the dying elder statesman. If nothing else, this is one of the more unique novels I have read in recent memory.
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Remembrance of Things I Forgot: A Novel

Remembrance of Things I Forgot: A Novel

By Bob Smith 272 pages Adult

Danny Says

What a treat to be introduced to Bob Smith’s intelligent and hilarious brand of science fiction writing. This is satire at its finest with commentaries on politics, sexuality and regret. Found myself laughing throughout the novel.
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How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character

By Paul Tough 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

I don’t usually include education books among my selections, as I try to make my picks appeal to as broad of an audience as possible (and, being an educator, I don’t want folks to think this is just an education-related site). I must commend Tough, though, on creating a book that challenges the powers-that-be to move from their obsession with testing kids to a model that emphasizes on teaching values in early childhood. This is a fascinating examination that adds a lot to our dialogue about positive education reform in America.
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The End of Money: Counterfeiters, Preachers, Techies, Dreamers--and the Coming Cashless Society

The End of Money: Counterfeiters, Preachers, Techies, Dreamers--and the Coming Cashless Society

By David Wolman 248 pages Adult

Danny Says

Books that challenge the way we think about everyday items always delight me, and Wired editor Wolman does a superb job of causing readers to pause and ponder the usefulness and wisdom of physical currency. What would a cashless society look like? Wolman manages to make this a fascinating page-turner.



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A Bad Idea I'm About to Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and Stunningly Awkward Adventure

A Bad Idea I'm About to Do: True Tales of Seriously Poor Judgment and Stunningly Awkward Adventure

By Chris Gethard 264 pages Adult

Danny Says

Tired of politics? To me, the perfect antidote is always a funny read, and Gethard will keep you laughing and cringing as he shares his personal tales of “seriously poor judgment and stunningly awkward adventure.”
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Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at War, December 1941

Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at War, December 1941

By Stanley Weintraub 227 pages Adult

Danny Says

One reviewer called this book “absorbing,” and I would concur, as it devotes a chapter to each of the final 10 days of 1941 and New Year’s Day of 1942. Weintraub does a masterful job of giving the reader a human glimpse into the minds of Allied leaders in the early days of America’s entry into World War II. Not just a book for history junkies – a very compelling read.
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