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August 2004

Hi Folks!

Enjoy the books.  Kathy Van Tassell loaned me Bill Shore’s Revolution of the Heart, which is particularly appropriate reading for people fed up with politicians on both sides of the aisles (premise: don’t think that private industry or government will solve our problems; action starts with each of us). I read a couple of plays by Horton Foote, and I just finished reading some entertaining scripts by William Goldman, one of our greatest screenwriters (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Princess Bride). I continue to read aloud a variety of books to my beautiful baby, Kate, and I will soon create a guide to all of my read alouds that you can view via the lazyreaders.com website.

Anyhow, enjoy this month’s book selections below. I hope you are all reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me all about them. If you're an author or a publisher and would like to send me review copies of your book(s), please send them to the address listed for authors and publishers.

I hope you are reading some wonderful books. Make sure to tell me about them by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Have a wonderful August, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
Stiff

Stiff

By Mary Roach 303 pages Adult

Danny Says

One of the best books of 2003.  Look at these opening lines, and you are bound to buy the book:  “The way I see it, being dead is not terribly far off from being on a cruise ship. Most of your time is spent lying on your back.”  An intriguing account that is as informative as it is entertaining.
Buy on Amazon
Siddhartha

Siddhartha

By Hermann Hesse 160 pages Adult

Danny Says

I thought I’d throw in some classic literature this month.  This is also appropriate for young adults, as it deals with a young man’s journey to self-discovery.  I thought it was pretty good when I read it in high school; today, I like it even better.
Buy on Amazon
The Richest Man in Babylon

The Richest Man in Babylon

By George S. Clason 144 pages Adult

Danny Says

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.
Buy on Amazon
Thirteen Problems

Thirteen Problems

By Agatha Christie Adult

Danny Says

If you are not familiar with Miss Marple’s 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).
Buy on Amazon
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali

The Greatest: Muhammad Ali

By Walter Dean Myers 172 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

One of the best ways to get me to read longer biographies is to start with a good biography written for teenagers.  After reading this book, I am now anxious to read more about this man many consider to be the most famous living human being.
Buy on Amazon
The Secret Journey

The Secret Journey

By Peg Kehret 136 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

This is sort of a cross between Treasure Island and Robinson Crusoe for girls.  A real page-turner, as we follow young Emma disguise herself as a boy, only to be tricked into boarding a ship bound for Africa.  A great chapter book for sixth graders.
Buy on Amazon
Trouble for Lucy

Trouble for Lucy

By Carla Stevens 80 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I love books that transport children to other time periods like the Old West.  This book paints a vivid picture of what the wagon trains were like, and my students enjoy how Lucy’s puppies always manage to get into mischief along the way.
Buy on Amazon
Leo the Late Bloomer

Leo the Late Bloomer

By Robert Kraus 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Perfect for frantic parents (e.g. my wife and me) who worry about the pace of their child’s development.  Like my teaching mentor used to say, “Each and every one of us is gifted; it just takes some of us a little longer to unwrap the presents.”
Buy on Amazon
Pigs Will Be Pigs

Pigs Will Be Pigs

By Amy Axelrod 40 pages Children

Danny Says

All you really need to know about this book is that a family of pigs hunts around every nook and cranny in their house to find spare change to pay for their evening meal at the Enchanted Enchilada.  I tell you – children’s authors have delightful imaginations.
Buy on Amazon
Salt in His Shoes

Salt in His Shoes

By Deloris Jordan,Roslyn M. Jordan 32 pages Children

Danny Says

Michael Jordan was once a kid who faced the same challenges that many kids face.  I love this book because it shows children that with commitment and perseverance, anyone can accomplish anything.
Buy on Amazon

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