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November 2003

Hi Folks! 

Enjoy the books. I’ve read some real losers lately. Fortunately, I am wise enough to put a book down after 50 pages if it doesn’t interest me. After all, there are so many good books out there waiting to be read. Why waste time on a dud? 

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 November, and enjoy your books!

Danny ;-)

The Essential 55

The Essential 55

By Ron Clark 224 pages Adult

Danny Says

Yes, it is a long title.  Sure, even God handed down only 10 commandments.  Still, this book provides many useful tips and inspirational anecdotes.  My good friend Pat Wainwright loaned me her copy, so I saved 13 bucks.
Buy on Amazon
The Art of Possibility

The Art of Possibility

By Rosamund Stone Zander,Benjamin Zander 210 pages Adult

Danny Says

Jeff Miller loaned me this gem, which is yet another book that likes to give a title: subtitle.  There are some wonderful lessons in this book.  I guess I have been on a motivational kick because I am teaching a great group of new students this semester, and they push me to want to be a better teacher.
Buy on Amazon
Swimming to Cambodia

Swimming to Cambodia

By Spalding Gray 127 pages Adult

Danny Says

One of my favorite monologists, Gray masterfully reminisces about his experiences while shooting the film The Killing Fields.  I hope I can write this well when I reflect on my own travel catastrophes.
Buy on Amazon
Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll

Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll

By Eric Bogosian 136 pages Adult

Danny Says

Some very funny monologues from one of the best.  Bogosian is superb when it comes to writing characters all of us know but wish we did not.
Buy on Amazon
A Brief History of Time

A Brief History of Time

By Stephen W. Hawking 198 pages Adult

Danny Says

I include this book because Stephen Krashen tells me that this is one of the most purchased and least read books.  I know that I began reading it because I thought it would make me sound intelligent at cocktail parties.  Unfortunately, it bored me after 30 pages.  Tell me if you get through it. 
Buy on Amazon
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

By Roald Dahl 192 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

The delightful tale that inspired the movie Willy Wonka, this is a favorite of all ages.  Appropriate reading while you gorge yourself over the Thanksgiving holiday.  I also like to point out to students that Charlie wins the chocolate because the other four kids are brats.  Moral:  nice guys don’t always finish last.
Buy on Amazon
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

By Washington Irving 48 pages Young Adult

Danny Says

Since I am sending you this month’s list a little early, you might be able to read this just in time for Halloween.  Ichabod Crane is such a poor, innocent fellow.  I thought of this book because Ichabod’s love interest, Katrina Van Tassel, reminded me to add my friend Kathy Van Tassell to our reading list.
Buy on Amazon
In My Own Backyard

In My Own Backyard

By Judi Kurjian 32 pages Children

Danny Says

The author’s mom, Helen Tabibian, gave me a copy of this book, and I immediately recalled reading it to my students many years ago.  This is a great book for sparking students’ curiosity toward science and history.  Great illustrations, as well.  This will get kids looking out their bedroom windows and using their imaginations.
Buy on Amazon
The Rag Coat

The Rag Coat

By Lauren Mills 32 pages Children

Danny Says

The beautiful story about a poor Appalachian girl who proudly wears a coat made from the rags of her neighbors, only to find herself ridiculed by her classmates.  Touching and uplifting, and a good lesson.
Buy on Amazon
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

By Jon Scieszka 32 pages Children

Danny Says

I thought I’d throw in at least one funny kids’ book.  This hilarious retelling of the three little pigs, as explained from the wolf’s point of view, is sure to make you laugh.  Like he says, poor wolf just had a horrible case of the sneezes one day.
Buy on Amazon

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