Adult

Now this is an old classic. Based on the “Babylonian principles,” this may be one of the first popular guides to containing one’s finances and planning for financial security. I’m a big believer in letting anecdotes guide my thinking rather than statistics, and even if this book was first published in the 1920s, the stories hold true today.

Sticking to Classics, I sped read this alternate version of Homer’s The Iliad. I think this book would make a great supplement for high school students reading Homer’s original. Baricco is one of the most talented writers I have read for the past ten years, and I highly encourage you to pick up any of his works, beginning with his debut Silk. Trust me: if you read Baricco, you will be more intelligent because of it.

If you are not familiar with Miss Marples Mysteries you need to start reading this delightful series (most of the books are around 256 pages). Miss Marple is best-known for solving crimes with the same methodical approach she devotes to her knitting. I believe Agatha Christie is the bestselling author of all time (outside religious disciples).

When I see high praise from Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner) on a book jacket, chances are I am going to have to buy that book. In this stunning debut of short stories about Russian immigrant experiences in America, Krasikov manages to write downer stories that have hope. I love this book and look forward to a lot more from this gifted author (how does the Iowa Writers’ Workshop produce such consistently great talent?).

I am not the world’s most veracious reader, but I like to think I have a firm grasp of what is on the market. So how is it I missed this poignant collection of short stories? Bloom is such a gifted writer that it makes me sick with envy. This book is a MUST.

I love quirky facts that nobody knows about, so this book fulfilled my inner-Cliff Clavin. Loaded with all sorts of gems, like it is illegal to sell stuffed articles depicting female breasts within a thousand feet of any county highway in California. Now you know.

Nikki Turner’s books are easy reads for doctors’ appointments and plane rides. I like them because they are short and read like intense soap operas (and make me seem hip to my African-American teenage girls; by the way, just by using the word “hip” makes me “un-hip”).

I’m just going to put this out there: if you know Ben Carson, would you please introduce me to him? He is one of my heroes. Ever since I first read his autobiography Gifted Hands I have been inspired by this neurosurgeon who represents the American dream, as I see it. In a world fascinated by grief and darkness, Carson offers a vision of hope and prosperity.

Let me preface by saying that I was not excited to read a book dealing with idealistic environmental arguments. Now that I have admitted that, let me say that I think everyone should read this book, especially CEOs and politicians. The authors, an architect and chemist, respectively, respond to environmental crises with refreshingly original thinking. The book reads like a science fiction novel, but by the end I found myself believing that the authors’ ideas could really work. I sound like a character from a B movie, but this book really got me excited about ways to solve various environmental problems.

“LARP” is an acronym for “live action role playing,” which, you might presume, is something of a hobby for “wannabes.” You would be right, and that is what makes the underdog heroes so appealing in this fast-paced adventure that has its share of laughs along the way.

Probably the most annoying thing about reading John Maxwell’s books is the number of pages I wind up dog-earring. He is such a wonderful teacher. I love his anecdotes, and his teaching points will have a tremendous impact on anyone committed to becoming a better leader.

I have a confession to make: I love reading short mysteries. I’ve read just about every Agatha Christie, and I treasure reading a book from cover to cover in one sitting. Bishop writes in a very reader-friendly style, and I plan on reading more of her work. This book is a breeze.

Ever since reading The Alchemist I have found myself devouring Coelho’s books, as he is truly insightful in dispersing gem’s about how to live a meaningful life.

As summer approaches, I always like to create an excuse to read anything Peter Mayle has to offer. After breezing through this crime novel, I have a feeling you’ll yearn to travel to the South of France as much as me.

I have my friend in Tuscaloosa, Annie McClendon, to thank for introducing me to this gem collection of writings by the immensely talented Bragg. From Southern cuisine to football, there’s something for everyone in this easy-to-read book.