A Lighter Person: From Winter...

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Books I'm Reading (Usually one fiction, one of politics/history, one nonfiction, and one bio)

Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain and America by Jonathan Gould (Great bio of the fab four. I really love how the author not only talks about the group, the individuals that played a part in the phenomenon, but takes a historical perspective of the world in Britain and America. Great read so far.)
Franklin and Winston by Jon Meacham (Book about the friendship of Churchill and Roosevelt.)
Practical Demonkeeping by Chirstopher Moore (I am very late to the Christopher Moore movement, so I thought I would start from the beginning. I've only read the first two chapters and I am hooked.)
Rousseau's Dog by David Edmonds and John Eidinow (A really interesting book about the philosophical battle between Hume and Rousseau)

Recommend Books

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (I am rereading this book off and on and it is even better than I remember. I read it as a smart ass teenager and since I am older an even more so, it resonates even more with me. If you love British style humor, you have probably already read Adams' books, if not what are you waiting for?)
Winter's Tale by Mark Helperin (Finally finished this one. It was a lot to chew on. Some of the best writing I have ever read. Helperin uses metaphors better than anyone else. A fantasy book set in New York City that traverses time and space. NYC is a character itself in the book and I wish I could be in the city as I read. This is a great read, but it is long and it is dense so buyer beware.)
Sandy Koufax by Jane Leavy (I love sport biographies. The problem is that most of them are crap. This one isn't. Sandy Koufax is one of the most admired, mysterious baseball figures of all time. This book gives just enough insight into the man as to not ruin the myth. So sad to think of his greatness considering the state of affairs in baseball today.)
Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem (One of the best books I have ever read. It is a emotional journey that will take you back to your childhood and make you realize that it meant something.)
Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac (Something that I need to reread soon. In my estimation his best book, but if you've never read him, I wouldn't start with it; do like everyone else and read On the Road.)