Adult

What ever happened to short titles? Regardless, P.J. O'Rourke is one of the funniest political satirists today. I once bumped into him at the bar at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. He said, "Hey," and I replied, " Excuse me." That is about the extent of my brushes with celebrities.

A couple of years ago I attended a motivational workshop at the Pond in Anaheim that included some of the biggest names in sports: Magic Johnson, Pete Rose, Jerry Rice…some big-name sports figures. The last speakers were 1984 U.S. Olympic gold-medalist gymnasts Peter Vidmar and Mary Lou Retton, and they blew everyone else out of the water (I told them that afterwards, too). I had to read Mary Lou’s book, and I breezed through this inspirational, autobiographical self-help guide. Some really good stuff on motherhood, and even 18 easy recipes, as well.

A compilation of 28 short stories (part of the Travelers’ Tales series) by 20 very funny writers like Bill Bryson, Dave Barry and Calvin Trillin, I love books about travel misadventures, and this book is filled with hilarious horror stories from abroad. If you enjoy this book and have any friends in the publishing business, please e-mail me, as I am trying to get my book published (tentatively titled From Backpacking to Marriage in Eleven Complicated Steps). How’s that for a commercial?

This book surprised the heck out of me. I was looking for a book to recommend for father’s day, and a friend handed me a copy of Lindberg’s just-released, wonderful autobiographical account of life as a father (of three young daughters, bless his soul) and punk rock singer. I realize I am lame and have never listened to Lindberg’s band Pennywise, but I will definitely look them up. Lindberg is from the Los Angeles South Bay (where I live), and I could relate to so many of his views and observations that I finished the book in one sitting (laughing and nodding the entire time). I think you will love this gem, and I hope to bump into Lindberg sometime...outside of a mosh pit, that is.

Not that she needs my help, but Sue Grafton is a wonderful mystery writer that everyone needs to read. This is not my favorite of her “alphabet mystery” series, but I do appreciate her descriptions of how detectives pry through countless documents in search of clues.

This is number 13 in the Harry Bosch series, and it does not disappoint. Reading Michael Connelly’s books is like watching a great three-hour movie: it is a wonderful journey, and by the time it ends you cannot believe the time flew by. You will enjoy any of these crime books set in my beloved Los Angeles.

Since I hardly ever get out to golf anymore (I have a young baby with another due in a few weeks), I satisfy my golf fix by watching tournaments on television and reading good golf books. I bought this book because it said that the great golfer Davis Love recommended it, and I can see why. A great guide for understanding the mental components of the game and how to master them en route to playing better.

MacLeod’s doodles have become simple gems of wisdom that humor and inspire. Good to read with Dan Roam’s The Back of the Napkin. Just as applicable for teachers and parents as it is for corporate executives.

Bowden is one of my favorite true crime writers (he wrote Killing Pablo, the story of the hunt for drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar), and this one allows him to use all his writing talents. This tragic-comic tale is a roller coaster ride that is so absurd it reads like fiction.

Perception is not reality. Kennedi Mason thinks she has it all until everything breaks down. Great page-turner.

It may be a little over 250 pages, but this book is loaded with scintillating photos of chocolate to entice anyone to attempt one of the 150 recipes for using chocolate. Engoron is a cross between Willy Wonka and Indiana Jones, as his terrific book blends recipes with history in the most enticing travelogue I have read this year. See more in my interview with Ed at: http://www.dannybrassell.com/vlog-ed-engoron-pmad/.

Between this book and Jon Krakauer's "Into Thin Air," I think it is safe to say that I will not attempt to climb any high peaks anytime soon. Fascinating account of Simpson's harrowing experiences in the Andes.

You need to buy this book, as I flew threw this one. Kargman is hysterical, as I have not found myself laughing so hard reading a book of essays since my first encounters with Woody Allen (long ago) and David Sedaris (more recently). This book should improve anyone’s mood for at least a week.

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.

I have my friend, Janice Gerson, to thank for introducing me to this lovely book. A smash in 1981 in Japan, the book is an autobiographical account of Kuroyanagi, who was Japan’s equivalent of Oprah. Gorwing up in World War II, she was expelled from school in first grade and placed in what turned out to be the most engaging and beautiful “special” school that recognized her uniqueness. I had tears in my eyes reading this book – as the school, Tomoe Gakuen, and its headmaster, Mr. Kobayashi, represent all that education can be. This may be one of the most touching books I have ever read, and I have sending copies to scores of friends.