Booklist

My current read in progress: The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction by Jon Stewart et al A humourous explanatory look at democratic process and politics in the U.S. Books sitting on my table waiting to be next: Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman Hmmm... Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond The flip side to the same author's fabulous book "Guns, Germs and Steel." How Would You Move Mount Fuji? - Microsoft's Cult of the Puzzle by William Poundstone How the world's smartest companies select the most creative thinkers. Here are some books I've read recently (the ones I enjoyed the most have a star next to them): (most recent first) The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman Ignore the religious references and take to heart that people communicate love in 5 main different ways; very helpful to relationships. How to Make Yourself Happy and Remarkably Less Disturbable by Albert Ellis, Ph.D. Rational Emotive Bahvior Therapy. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss Escape 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new rich. How to Have a Beautiful Mind by Edward de Bono A book about creative thinking and being a good conversationalist. Holy Cow! An Indian Adventure by Sarah MacDonald Written by an Australian journalist who returned to India 11 years after hating it the first time. Are you Experienced? by William Sutcliffe A funny novel about a first time backpacker in India (written by a 26 year old Brit, though the characters are younger). Stormy Weather by Carl Hiassen A funny novel with crazy characters (somewhat reminiscent of Pulp Fiction) set in Florida after a hurricane. A General Theory of Love by Lewis, Amini and Lannon An interesting read about the science behind emotions and relationships. Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter Subtitled "What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money--That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!" this book teaches you about the rat race and how to make money work for you, not work for money. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker Subtitled "Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth" this book teaches you about mindset of the wealthy. Cashflow Quadrant by Robert T. Kyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter Subtitled "Rich Dad's Guide to Financial Freedom" (#2 in the Rich Dad, Poor Dad series) this book teaches you about mindset behind financial freedom (via passive income vs a salary). The Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela The autobiography of the great Nobel Peace Prize winning former South African president. Not a well-written book, but very interesting regarding recent history. The Naked Bachelor by Darrel Bristol-Bovey A humour book from a South African author, where "bachelor" is used generically to include women and married persons too, which pokes fun at "The Naked Chef," a young Brit with a TV cooking show. Merde, Actually by Stephen Clarke Also called "In the Merde for Love," this sequel is funny too. A Year in the Merde by Stephen Clarke A younger, hipper city version of A Year In Provence gives you the gist... the first half was quite funny (as in chuckle out loud on the subway funny). And it has a clever cover. Oh, it was originally self-published, but now is translated into 14 languages, including French. Off the Cuff: The Essential Style Guide for Men--And the Women Who Love Them by Carson Kressley From the fashion expert from Queer Eye For The Straight Guy - this was a present from Susan - who suggests timeless clothes over trends. The Vinyl Cafe Unplugged by Stuart McLean More funny stories from a great storyteller, including the infamous "Odd Jobs" story. Digital Fortress by Dan Brown Another fast-paced fiction along the lines of The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, revolving about computer encryption. A Walk In The Woods by Bill Bryson Bill Bryson walks through the Appalachians (on the east coast of the US). An entertaining read; I find it fascinating how well he balances facts and lore with his actual adventure. For example, New Hampshire's Mt Washington has hurrican force winds (75+ mph, or 120 km/h) over 100 days each year and a world record highest wind recorded of 231 mph (369 km/h). Eats, Shoots and Leaves - The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation by Lynne Truss A runaway best seller, this is a semi-humourous (though at times tedious) look at punctation rules and gaffes. Of interest is the fact that punctuation was an invention by printers (the people) in the 5th century, meaning before that time there was no punctuation and around the time the Bible was written there were no spaces between words either (in old Hebrew, amongst other languages). Notes From a Small Island by Bill Bryson Not quite so humourous look at time spent in the United Kingdom by a great and funny writer. I almost gave up on it half-way through, but managed to finish it -- there were more funny events and descriptions in the second half. A Mountain of Gems: Fairy Tales from the People's of the Soviet Land by Irina Zheleznova I borrowed this from a friend's bookshelf for a perusal -- the trends seem to be tsars' children, rich brother - poor brother, talking animals and lost of walking. Also, the translated phrase "whether he was long on the way or not nobody knows, but by and by he met..." appeared many times. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown The book before the Da Vinci Code -- same protaganist, different city: Rome and the Vatican. Similar fast-paced action, hard to put down. Home From the Vinyl Cafe by Stuart McLean A Canadian National Bestseller, these humourous stories remind me of Garrison Keiller's Prairie Home Companion on NPR. The show also includes up and coming Canadian musicians; we saw the Christmas Show live which included one impressive 15 year old Caucasian blues guitar/singer (who is up for a best new blues artist award). Tantra: The Art of Conscious Loving by Charles and Caroline Muir The title says it all... read it with your significant other. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson An interesting and entertaining look at the history of scientific knowledge regarding the Earth and the Cosmos, based on 3 years of research. Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell A light read of the book on which the popular HBO series was based. The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield An interesting book about experiencing life, energy and coincidences. A spiritual (not religious) parable in a high adventure setting. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris A collection of very funny short stories from the author's life. David Sedaris is a regular contributor to Public Radio International's "This American Life." And he's gay (I'm not making a judgment -- it comes up in his stories). The Old Patagonian Express by Paul Theroux Non-fiction: the author actually took a train all the way from Boston to Patagonia in the late 70s (minus a few very short flights). The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown A Must Read!! This book was so gripping I read it in one night... literally! From 9pm until 6:30am (then I slept for 3 hours before getting up to do consulting). It's a novel but weaves in fascinating facts, "truths" and myths from the last millenium. Coyotes I Have Known by John Duncklee An engaging look at life on a cattle ranch by the Arizona / Mexico border during the 1960s. The Art of Travel by Alain De Botton A quasi-philosopical look at why we should travel and how we can become more fulfilled by doing so. The last third was most interesting, on art and noticing things. Life of Pi by Yann Martel An allegorical story about adventure, survival and faith; a few friends really liked it but I wasn't too excited about it. Adventure without End by Richard Bangs An entertaining look at white water rafting, kayaking and hiking in remote corners of the world. I met the author once several years ago at a dinner in Seattle with Bill Gates, and recently found out a close friend knows him well. In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson Titled "Down Under" in the UK, a humourous look at Australia, weaving in bits of history. Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Copeland Find out what "jet set poverty" means. Affluenza: The All-Consuming Epidemic by John De Graaf et al. The problem of over-consumption is thoughtfully examined. Stupid White Men by Michael Moore The antics of George Bush "commander in thief" and the powers that be in the USA. The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain De Botton Easy-to-read wisdom from some of the greatest thinkers of the ages as advice for our day to day struggles. Hello My Big Big Honey! by Dave Walker and Richard S. Ehrlich Mentioned in the winter2003 Thailand text, it's a collection of love letters from men to Thai bar girls. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire A fun read that builds a story around the life of a Wizard of Oz character. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond Pulitzer Prize winning, about how geographical and environmental factors shaped the modern world. Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser A look into the evil U.S. fast food empire - not just unhealthy food, but the politics behind the low prices. If you are interested in any of these books, and buy them through the above links, I get a commission from Amazon :-) This page is dedicated to heather, who rekindled my interest in reading. Many of these books were ones she had just read or recommended.