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June 2007

Hi folks!

I hope you are all doing well. My family and I have spent a wonderful month together, watching The Best of The Electric Company on DVD, walking to the beach and enjoying a couple of side trips to Palm Springs and San Diego. I love Southern California, and there is no better time spent than with my wife and kids. Thank you to all of you who write me asking about the kids. A number of you have asked why I do not post photos of the kids on their websites anymore, and the sad fact is that we had some problems with some sick people and decided to disable the sites. I guess that is the kind of world we live in, but I’d rather focus on all of the positive things. 

I have had the chance to read a lot of different things this past month. I spoke with a teenager who told me he didn’t like reading books, so I gave him a couple of magazines and recommended some cool websites for him. Please do not confine your definition of reading to just books, as there are lots of cool things out there to read. My research and experience has shown me that the more I can get people interested in reading anything, the more likely they are going to read great books. Just remember that those who read more, read better. It does not matter what you read. 

I read a lot of inspirational books this past month. My goal is to read every inspirational book on my shelves this summer (around 30 LONG books) and then dive into the library’s titles (books under “158,” for those of you devoted to the Dewey Decimal religion). Some other eclectic titles that I enjoyed include: The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn & Hal Iggulden (if this one was not 288 pages, I would definitely include it on my list, as it is filled with all kinds of cool things that boys will love); Working on the Edge by Spike Walker (yes, the Discovery Channel’s Most Dangerous Catch got me interested in the dangers of the Alaskan fishing industry, and this book illuminates the greatest danger to the fishermen: themselves); The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah (at the behest of so many of my African-American female students, I finally read this 544 pager, and I must admit that Sister Souljah’s writing captivated me…and her messages need to be heard); and John Feinstein’s wonderful Tales from Q School (I can read anything that man writes, and I devour his golf books).

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 June, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)
Mary Lou Retton's Gateways to Happiness

Mary Lou Retton's Gateways to Happiness

By Mary Lou Retton 256 pages Adult

Danny Says

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.
Buy on Amazon
Punk Rock Dad

Punk Rock Dad

By Jim Lindberg 240 pages Adult

Danny Says

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.
Buy on Amazon
The Overlook

The Overlook

By Michael Connelly 304 pages Adult

Danny Says

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.
Buy on Amazon
Adventurous Women: Eight True Stories About Women Who Made a Difference

Adventurous Women: Eight True Stories About Women Who Made a Difference

By Penny Colman 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I love this book. If you are a teacher trying to decide on books to buy for your classroom with your limited personal funds, this is the type of book I would recommend (along with anthologies). Boys and girls alike (but especially girls) will enjoy these brief biographies and hopefully be drawn to read more about these amazing women (I particularly enjoyed the essay on educator Mary McLeod Bethune).
Buy on Amazon
Me, Dead Dad, & Alcatraz

Me, Dead Dad, & Alcatraz

By Chris Lynch 240 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Attention to parents and teachers with reluctant boy readers: I have found a solution to your problems. Chris Lynch is the kind of writer that gets boys interested in reading, and once your boys zip through this book, hand them copies of its predecessors, Slot Machine and Extreme Elvin. Any teenage boy will be able to identify with Lynch’s loveable protagonist, Elvin Bishop.
Buy on Amazon
Dream Job Profiles: The Young and Successful Share Their Secrets

Dream Job Profiles: The Young and Successful Share Their Secrets

By Donna Hayden Green 180 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

I wish this book was around when I was a teenager. For those teenagers nervous about entering high school, college or, heaven forbid, the real world, this is a great “career guide.” What I mean is that it works as an inspirational guide to get kids thinking about goals and directions to take to meet those goals. Frankly, I’d recommend this book to 90 percent of the adults I know. Great for those in need of “focus.”
Buy on Amazon
Bat Boy Lives!

Bat Boy Lives!

By David Perel 198 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Students ask me about my favorite news publications: The Los Angeles Times? The International Herald-Tribune? USA Today? Those are all fine, but my preference is The Weekly World News. It is the only tabloid that I feel is harmless, as its stories are so completely out there that, as Geico would suggest, even a caveman could figure out the articles are false but funny. I am not ashamed to admit that one of my greatest joys in life is relaxing with a cup of coffee (or other potent beverage) and a copy of The Weekly World News. By the way: this is a great book for reluctant readers, as it includes hilarious photos, too.
Buy on Amazon
Treasure Island - The Graphic Novel

Treasure Island - The Graphic Novel

By Robert L. Stevenson 72 pages Children

Danny Says

Yes, this is based on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic. My father read Classic Comics when he was a kid, and it was that series of comics that attracted him to the original works. In similar fashion this graphic novel does a great job of exciting kids about the adventures of young Jim Hawkins. By the way – did I mention there are pirates (fairly popular right now because of a certain Capt. Jack Sparrow)?
Buy on Amazon
Big Brother At School

Big Brother At School

By Jillian Powell 40 pages Children

Danny Says

Fun book for kids who are just starting to read chapter books. Powell uses short chapters and lots of action to move the reader along in this fun tale about a boy who becomes suspicious that his principal may be an alien. A great introduction to the wonders of science fiction writing, and the book even includes some nice black-and-white illustrations.
Buy on Amazon
Just Me and My Dad

Just Me and My Dad

By Mercer Mayer 48 pages Children

Danny Says

Mercer Mayer is an American treasure. There is something about his Little Critter books that all children seem to love. My daughter salivates at the 10 or so my wife and I have read to her, and I wanted to include this one as another not-so-subtle reminder that Father’s Day is this month. Oh - and you get a bonus belated Mother's Day story in this package.
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