Adult

I decided to throw in a piece of literature to sound intelligent. Actually, More’s classic is just as applicable today as it was back in the 15th century. It reads a lot like Plato's "The Republic," only this one gets to the point. I’d recommend it to any politician in search of clarity.

Is that a typo? I thought I was supposed to only share books that are under 250 pages? Let me explain this pick: it is meant to be read as a page a day. Subtitled “365 Life-Changing Stories About Women Who Made a Difference (the extra pages are references, etc.),” this book is one of those books I turn to everyday for inspiration. The vignettes are wonderful and take less than a minute of your time. Can you spare a minute for daily inspiration? How about turning down the volume during a TV commercial and reading a page from this wonderful book. I highly encourage you to buy a copy.

There seems to be a proven rule that the shorter the business book, the better the information. That certainly proves true in the case of this gem that is great for anyone interested in developing winning strategies and attitudes (while the book is business-oriented, the principles can be applied to all sorts of areas).

I think this may be one of the best book titles I have come across in some time. Leifer’s humorous essays are a joy to read and the perfect antidote if you are having a tough week.

I've been reading all sorts of nursery rhymes and fairy tales to my newborn, and I remembered this collection of hilarious retellings of well-known stories for adults.

If you enjoy historical fiction (and I love historical fiction), this is a must-read. I did not realize Akunin is such a popular author in Russia. I grabbed the book when I heard Akunin compared to Caleb Carr, who wrote one of my favorites, The Alienist. This is the first in a series, and I confess that I am hooked.

Speaking of retellings of well-known tales, I used to love watching the Rocky and Bullwinkle Show when I was little, and this book includes all of my favorites from the Fractured Fairy Tale sketches.

I once saw a great piece on Neil Diamond on CBS Sunday Morning, and I was impressed by how down-to-Earth he seemed to be. Wild’s love letter to his idol further enhances my opinion of Diamond as a superstar who never seems to have received his due from critics (fortunately, his fans adore him, and I am now solidly in his corner). A quick “biography” that is just as entertaining in how it chronicles Wild’s musical life as much as Diamond’s.

If the title doesn’t hook you, a glimpse at some of Notaro’s vignettes about her uproarious exploits and truly unique life experiences should provide you with a well-deserved pause from your own troubles.

Sedaris is one of my favorite humorists, and this collection of short stories should make you laugh following a hectic holiday season.

Here’s an endorsement from a tiny author known as J.K. Rowling: “the most remarkable book…I do think (Doyle) is a genius.” Need I say more (by the way, Doyle wrote one of my favorite books, The Commitments)?

A wonderful collection of philosophical quizzes sure to get you to re-examine how you view the world (or, at least, how you currently think you view the world).

Why not start the summer by being able to say you read a Classic in its entirety? At only 72 pages, The Diaries of Adam and Eve highlights the writing style that truly makes Twain one of the greatest American writers of all time. It’s laugh-out-loud funny, while also capturing a moving love story. Gosh – I wish I could write as well as Twain. He provides me endless joy.

I am guessing this is more of a "guy book." While many find this book to be disturbing, I think Palahniuk does a great job of creating characters who struggle to deal with their mundane lives. Maybe I fit the profile of a serial killer for saying this, but I found the book and movie to be hilarious.

A friend insisted I read this to brighten my spirits, and it worked like a charm. Very funny and absurd, and sure to meet the fancy of fans of Cheech & Chong.