Adult

A friend asked me to include a dark and twisted thriller, and this tale of star-crossed lovers seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I’ll just warn you that this slaughterhouse romance-turned-murder may leave you with sleep difficulties.

Need to read a book quickly to feel better about yourself? Read a book of photography! I really enjoyed Joseph’s photos of bookshelves and record stores as art in his native Cleveland. 

Folks have to lighten up in America. We are so blessed, and Clayson does a magnificent job of helping us focus on all that we have rather than all that we want. This is the perfect antidote to all the negative news broadcast constantly.

Harrison may be one of the most important and gifted American writers of the past century, as his writing always contains keen observation and humor – while often finding the tragedy of the human condition. This collection of three novellas is the type of book I shunned in college and ironically yearn for today.

At the urging of a friend who loves the Netflix Longmire series, I grabbed this quick read and wound up reading it in one sitting. As I’ve always been a fan of Tony Hillerman, I am amazed I had never heard of this wonderful series by Craig Johnson. So excited to read more!

Subtitled “Living Large and Loving It,” I knew what I was getting myself into when I read this book. What I did not anticipate was how funny this book would be. I had a tough month, and Schirripa, who used to play Bobby Baccalieri on The Sopranos, made me laugh heartily during this delightful read. A great gift!

How have I managed to live so long in Los Angeles and never read a Raymond Chandler book? This guy rocks! A friend gave me this book and told me it was Chandler’s last book – not necessarily his best. No matter, as it is short and sweet and has given me an appetite for his other works.

This book cracked me up, as I’m more accustomed to the Disney version of mermaids than the terrifying sirens that prevail in this page-turning mystery.

More than a study in leadership and strengthening one’s organization, this book resonates because of Slap’s passion for incorporating and acknowledging one’s values in the workplace. I breezed through this book and highlighted dozens of passages. One of the most useful business books I’ve read in years.

My lifelong friend Adam LeVrier was the first person to introduce Kurt Vonnegut’s demented dark humor to me, and I have devoured anything Vonnegut ever wrote ever since. This quick read represents Vonnegut’s first and last works and shows off his ability to deal with touchy subjects in a way that makes us all laugh at ourselves – uncomfortably!

I can tell I am getting older when I can relate to childhood memoirs that take place in the 70s. Peppe is funny and engaging, and the book does what any good memoir does: it reminds us of simpler times and pleasures. A great gift.

I own a recording of Holocaust survivor Corrie Ten Boom, and it has inspired me for years. Many of her stories are included in this gripping inspirational book, the sequel to her best-selling The Hiding Place.

My friend Ruben Gonzalez sent me this gripping journalistic account of a matador’s season in the heart of Spain and southern France.

My annual diet has begun! Symon provides 120 dinner recipes that each includes five fresh ingredients that cook in five minutes.

Hilarious romp that reads like a Quentin Tarantino movie and somewhat resembles his early life as a video store clerk. What is true happiness? The Swedish author Karlsson explores the answers to this question in a tale of bureaucracy and self-discovery that is sure to bring a smile to your face.