Adult

The title compelled me to read this book, as I was browsing scientific titles to diversify my summer reading. What a gem! At the beginning of the 20^th century, Henrietta Leavitt toiled as a human “computer” at Harvard’s observatory and determined a way to use star’s to determine time and distance. This would make for a perfect Paul Harvey anecdote. I love reading biographies of people who made a significant contribution to humankind and never received their due credit.

This book was made for the Lazy Readers’ Book Club, as it is short, hilarious and filled with goodies. I had never heard of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, but now I have to see them perform. Martin and Tichenor make Shakespeare enjoyable for all ages, as this book is filled with lists, essential vocabulary, movie versions of Shakespeare, just about any random information that anyone would like to know about Shakespeare, written in a wonderfully readable and lighthearted way. I wish this book was around when I used to teach Shakespeare to high school students, as it is sure to reduce students’ anxiety over Shakespeare and increase their ability to enjoy his work.

Since the economies of the world are headed for the toilet, I thought this would be a fun read. Actually, the photos are fabulous, the information is quite interesting and the premise is one of the most entertaining I have come across in some time. Who knew that bathroom architecture was such a window into the cultures of the world? Ideal “bathroom” reading.

This is one of those great “gift” books that is filled with all sorts of anecdotes about the inspiration and stories behind the making of great songs. I am fascinated by books like this. I especially love the anecdote about where Aerosmith found the inspiration for the song “Walk This Way” (I’ll give you a hint: it derives from a scene in the film Young Frankenstein).

If you have not yet read anything by Fay Weldon, treat yourself to an afternoon with this paperback. With Weldon you are always assured a fast-paced and wickedly funny story, and this one chronicles the misadventures of poor Grace Salt. Her husband leaves her for another woman whom Grace tries to run over, earning her a three-year jail sentence. A good book for putting a smile on your face, which everyone could probably use about now.

This is Conescu’s first novel, and I can hardly wait to read his next. The book reads like a cross between a Charlie Kaufman screenplay (e.g. Adaptation), Terry Gilliam film and Kurt Vonnegut’s Breakfast of Champions, all rolled into one. Can an author’s main character out-write the author himself? Read the book and find out.

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.

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.

This is one of my all-time favorites, as it hilariously follows the adventures of Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect as they hitchhike their way through the galaxy following the destruction of Earth to build an intergalactic overpass.

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.

When you talk about literature at cocktail parties, you sound pretty smart. Here’s a two-for-one: important literature by important author AND IT’S SHORT.

When I need inspiration, I turn to books or the television show CBS Sunday Morning. Every now and then, the show features a wonderful book, and that’s how I came across Vujicic’s incredibly motivating tale of how he has not let the fact that he was born without arms or legs prevent him from achieving all he has wanted to achieve; on the contrary, he credits his perceived “disability” as being the driving force that has helped him accomplish so much before the age of 30. I cannot wait to watch him speak in person and tell him how much I admire him.

Here is sci-fi at its best by a wonderful Los Angeles author. Essential reading for those of us who consider books vital to society.

I love inspirational stories, and if you can get through Sorbo’s autobiographical account of his journey from playing Hercules on television to battling a brain aneurism and multiple strokes (before the age of 40) without shedding a tear or two, you’re stronger than me. I have to admit that I’ve never seen his television show, but the strength and humor he shows in this book has made me a huge fan.

Great parable about learning leadership with some very practical reflective exercises. The principles learned by the authors as Air Force pilots provide an excellent reflective process for anyone determined to improve their leadership skills. I breezed through this book and dog-eared a bunch of pages.