Archive for August 2010
FREAKONOMICS
Steven Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
A scholar and a journalist apply economic theory to almost everything. Thought provoking and entertaining. Levitt and Dubner have written a follow up which I haven’t read yet so I’m recommending the original.
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To Kill A Mockingbird
Lee Harper
We’ve all been reminded to re-read this American Classic with the
commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of its publication. The coming of age classic about racism is still worth taking to the beach with you. This book, as all of the recommendations this month, is designed to broaden our thinking and give us greater perspective on the world around us.
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Guns, Germs, and Steel
The Fates of Human Societies
Jared Diamond
I marvel at the comprehensiveness of Diamond’s capturing 13,000 years of human history in less than 500 pages. I wish books like this had been available when I was struggling with history, geography and sociology in school. It would have made all the difference for me. It’s not too late. A great fascinating read.
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The World is Flat
A Brief History of The Twenty-first Century
Thomas Friedman
I became a fan of Friedman’s while living in Spain and reading his insightful comments in the International Herald Tribune. He has won multiple Pulitzer Prizes for his writing. While his World is Flat was published in 2005 his macro view of shifting world economics is still valid and a valuable read.
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Urban Tribes
A Generation Redefines Friendship, Family and Commitment
Ethan Watters
In the rapidly changing moral and intellectual landscape unfolding in front of us, Watters gives us insight into his generation that is the forerunner to younger generations to follow. He provides us with insight into the shifting values of our society. Watters is a talented writer who deserves to be read and appreciated for his perception.
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The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
This American classic, with Fitzgerald’s ambivalent feelings about wealth and excess in a time of America’s explosive growth, was troubling to the author and is similar to the conditions of 2010 America. It is extremely well written and can be appreciated on many levels. It had me thinking about it for several weeks after I finished it.
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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
Walter Isaacson
I had always naively thought that Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography was the definitive work on his life. Isaacson has opened my mind to the fact that Franklin’s account of his life skewed some of the facts. I’d also warn my faithful readers to be aware that my autobiography will probably paint an even more favorably version of my life. 
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Why Do I Love These People?
Po Bronson
With great sensitivity and compassion, Po tells of his encounters with people all over the country whose stories have touched and influenced him. Michelle and I met him in Portland when he came to Powell’s to promote this book. He is a high quality human being.
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Buddhism Without Beliefs
A Contemporary Guide to Awakening
Stephen Batchelor
This book presents us with another opportunity to break away from
conventional thinking and to get an insight into one of the world’s oldest and most influential religions. I’ve read many books on Buddhism and Batchelor’s makes it more accessible than most.
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The Language Instinct
How the Mind Creates Language
Steven Pinker
Because we rely so heavily on the right words used in the right way at the right time, this classic study is deserving of our spending the time to understand our language.
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