Adult

This book, probably more than any other, defines modern politics. Even though it was written in the 16th century, it is amazing how much of it applies to the 21st century. Not the most interesting book to read, but people are impressed when you say you’ve read it.

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.

July represents the middle of the summer, and one of the best forms of summer relaxation is fishing. I encourage everyone to read this book, as the writing is simply beautiful. Robert Redford's brilliant movie is grand, but the book is sheer poetry.

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.

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.

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.

Written almost 2500 years ago to teach Chinese military strategy, this book is essential reading for anyone aspiring to lead. A great, quick read to begin the year in proper fashion.

I love travel books. I especially love travel books about America. What I love about this book is how an immigrant poet from New Orleans learns to drive so he can see America as a driver. Even though the book was written in the 1990s, it could now be considered a history book. When you read it, you can tell your kids about the good ole days when cars were smaller than starter homes and a tank of gas cost less than a mortgage payment.

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.”

I am just obsessed with psychology, and this book will hold a prominent and permanent place on my bookshelves besides titles by Martin Seligman, Carol Dweck, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the Bronstein and Heath brothers, Kevin Hogan and, of course, Robert Cialdini (who, incidentally, co-wrote this dynamite work). A GREAT READ!

If you have a daughter, wife, mother or niece who is graduating from anywhere, this is the perfect gift. The book of terrific photographs from Clay Blackmore of 58 women documents their aspirations as children before succeeding in other areas (e.g. former secretary of state Madeline Albright, the chess champion; Olympic gymnast Dominic Dawes, the Supreme Court Justice; etc.). I love books like this.

The perfect purchase for those of us (and I include myself in this group) who take it upon ourselves to write down New Year's resolutions. The trick is not going to the gym in January; it's continuing the visits in April! Not only are Crum's suggestions practical, they are manageable!

Every now and then I read a book that just captures my heart. Sorry if I sound like a school girl, but I was giddy reading this memoir of Montgomery’s loveable pet pig. Montgomery is such a strong writer, as she manages to make me laugh throughout the book at her pig’s celebrity status in her hometown. The book’s real strength, however, is in the lessons this charming pig teaches a community. This is one of the best-written books I have read in years.

It bothers me that people are so uptight about discussing religion in this country. I understand that my friends and I have very different faiths, and I am curious to always learn more about different points of view. Ehrman came to my attention on a piece on CBS Sunday Morning and on a National Geographic special about The Gospel of Judas. From what I know of the man, he is one of the most learned Biblical scholars alive, and I enjoyed this book for its readability. Readers can dispute the book all they want: to me, any good book should create discussion. If I lived in North Carolina, I would jump at the chance to take one of Ehrman’s classes at Chapel Hill. This is a quick and compelling read.

Before he wrote that religious book with the volcano on the cover, L. Ron Hubbard was a pretty good science fiction writer. I read this book when the cover advertised the quote “the scariest book I’ve ever read” by a guy named Stephen King.