1. Basic Economics, Thomas Sowell
Don't let the dry title fool you: this is very, very readable. Should be required reading for all voters, and most especially - politicians.
2. Superfreakonomics, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Excellent! And fun. I think I read it in an afternoon.
3. The Well-Adjusted Child: the social benefits of homeschooling, Rachel Gathercole
This didn't tell me anything I didn't know, and it got more than a little repetitious, but it is an excellent thing to hand those well-meaning but misinformed souls who confront homeschooling families with the incredulous "but what about SOCIALIZATION?!"
4. The Apprentice, Jaquelin Pepin
This was easily the best book of the month. From his early days in his mother's restaurants to his apprenticeship in upscale French hotel kitchens to his work with Julia Child, this memoir is masterfully told and ever so interesting, at least to the food-loving soul.
5. A Lost Leader, E. Phillips Oppenheim
I have a number of beautiful turn-of-the-century novels, most of which remain unread. This is bound in rich, though faded, navy blue, with gilt accents and a sprinkling of gorgeous illustrations. The story, alas, did not quite meet the standards of the physical appearance of the book, but remains worthy for sheer old-fashionedness alone.
6. The Coming Dark Age, Roberto Vacca
I read this more for amusement than anything else. Vacca, an Italian, wrote this in the seventies. He predicted in strong language that within a few years modern infrastructure, having been overburdened by the increasing population, would implode and force society to a return to the dark ages. Clearly, he was wrong, and most amusing of all were all the notes I found penciled in the margins, where some previous reader had detailed all the technological advances that had rendered Vacca's predictions false.
7. Shiver, Maggie Stiefvatar
First, props to whoever is responsible for printing this in beautiful navy blue ink! I always admire a book that doesn't consign itself to plain black text. Second, parts of this were romantic enough to almost make me catch my breath (and romantic in a sweet, young love way, not a here-have-a-sex-scene way.) But third ... oh my gosh Sam is such an emo-werewolf -kid. Also HELLO, could we get any more improbable with the conveniently inattentive parents who don't even notice their daughter has a werewolf living in her bedroom. So it gets points for inventive use of werewolfs and better-than-average writing, but next time please don't skimp on plot believability, okay? And we are so over the emo thing. No more having guys sitting around with "sad eyes", strumming a guitar and writing songs about loss and sorrow.
8. Round Ireland With A Fridge, Tony Hawks
One morning after a late night at the pub, Tony Hawks woke up with a hangover and a note beside his bed stating the terms of a bet he had apparently agreed to while under the influence: that he, Tony, would hitchhike around the circumference of Ireland in the space of thirty days ... with a fridge. So, like any good and decent Englishman, he promptly bought a fridge and started hitching. And then he wrong a book about it. The writing might be amateurish, but the stories of the people he encountered make it worthwhile.
9. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw, Jeff Kinney
Fun. :) There's something about the drawing style that I find irresistible.
10. The Day the World Came to Town, Jim DeFede
One of the lesser-known events of 9/11 was the grounding of many flights headed to the USA when our airspace was shut down. A number of these planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland, where the Ganderians stepped forward to help the stranded passengers in a truly spectacular way. Covering as it does such a number of individual stories, this book is a bit disjointed, but well worth reading.
11. A Few Figs from Thistles, Edna St. Vincent Millay
I like Edna St. Vincent Millay very much, although I am not sure that I understand her as well as I ought.
12. Principles of Personal Defense, Jeff Cooper
A very short book detailing some of the character traits useful in preparing oneself to be able to defend themselves. Mr Cooper comes off as slightly paranoid, but doubtless very well prepared.
13. Monsoon Diary, Shoba Narayan
A memoir of growing up in India as told primarily through food - I found her adjustment to western life most interesting.
14. The Outcasts of 19 Schayler Place, E. L. Konigsburg
Funny! Random! Quirky! Slightly implausible!
15. 1215: year of the Magna Carta, Danny Danziger
This was much better than In the year 1000, the other book I've read by Danziger. More in-depth, I think, and just better written.
Next up: Book Awards 2009!
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