False
Impression by Jeffrey Archer. I admit I haven't much enjoyed Archer's last
few books but the guy has been having a odd few years on many counts. False
Impression reminded me why he used to be one of my favorite authors. After all,
both
Prodigal Daughter and
Kane
and Abel are amongst my favorite fiction books ever. Even if you've given up
on Archer, this book is well worth visiting.

Fresh Disasters by Stuart Woods.
More adventures of Stone Barrington.
Hard
Laughter by Anne Lamott. Although I've read most of Anne Lamott's
autobiographical books, this very personal [supposedly] work of fiction gave me
more insight and appreciation for her than anything else I've read. It's the
account of her father's brain surgery (something she only touches on in other
books) and the way she and her brothers hold one another together in moments
when it matters most.

Crooked Little Heart:
A Novel by Anne Lamott. Rosie returns, as does Lamott's to-the-bone honesty
and story-telling skills.

Traveling Mercies:
Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott. I can't believe I set this
book aside several years ago and just got around to reading it.
Phenomenal.

Pitching My Tent: On Marriage, Motherhood, Friendship, and Other
Leaps of Faith by Anita Diamont. This was the
perfect book to read prior to (or along with) Traveling Mercies. It's
sort of the Jewish gal's version of Lamott's best-seller. I loved this
book as much as Traveling Mercies although I realize that some of my
perspective comes from the community where I was raised and my ability
to get some of her inside humor.

Beyond the Learning Organization: Creating a Culture of Continuous
Growth and Development Through State-Of-The-Art Human Resource Practices
by
Jerry W. Gilley, Ann Maycunich. If you haven't read much on learning
organizations or organization development, this book will provide you a
quick catch-up, and even leapfrog you ahead.

Piece of Work by Laura Zigman. I don't think you need to be a
working mom to appreciate this book. Clever, funny, endearing.

14 Hours 'Til Bedtime: A Stay-At-Home Mom's
Life In 27 Funny Little Stories by Jen Singer. The author is a funny woman. No doubt about it.
Some of the lists in
the book are hilarious. I just couldn't relate to many of the stories
and my heart went out to the author more than I found myself laughing
along or finding helpful perspective.

Chasing Daylight by Gene O'Kelly. Simply the most awe-inspiring,
perspective-offering, reset-your-attitude book I've EVER read.

The
Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter by Katherine Ellison. Very well
done and compelling!

Presence by Peter Senge, Otto Scharmer, Joseph
Jaworski, Betty Sue Flowers. So very well written, so utterly compelling, so
practical and useful! Surprised me very much!!

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your
Dream by Paulo Coelho
(Harper, Reissue 2006).
Over the years people recommend this to me with the
words, "It's the sort of thing you always say." Having now read it, I understand
what they mean and I agree. The saga is a bit schmaltzy for my taste, but it's a
terrific message and a beautifully crafted book sure to stick with readers long
enough to help them clarify their personal legend.

By Bread Alone by Sarah-Kate Lynch
(Warner, Reprint 2005). I am surprised Lynch is not more popular. Her
books are fabulous. The stories are tasty, truly unique, and
imaginative! I fell in love with the characters and the settings and I
can't wait to read the rest of her books. Before you get this book,
however, I encourage you to buy (or make) yourself a loaf of very good
sourdough bread. I'm not a big bread eater however this book made my
mouth water.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
by Mark Haddon (Vintage, reprint 2004). Another book several people
recommended to me, probably because of my interest in learning and
learning disabilities (including Asperger's). It might be because of my
interest and relationships with people who live with Autism spectrum
disorder every day that the book was so unsettling to read. I longed for
it to be over and to discover why its so popular. I trust that other
people find the book enlightening, and possibly even entertaining, but I
did not.

The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (Aladdin, reprint 1998).
Although this is a book written for young adults, I loved everything
about it. The story is beautiful, the main characters are the sorts of
kids I wish I'd known while growing up, and much of the story is set in
a community in Florida much like the one where my parents live each
winter and the people there were as nutty as my parent's friends. I've
already bought extra copies and have begun giving this as a gift. It's
magical.

Blessed Are the Cheesemakers
by Sarah-Kate Lynch (Warner, reprint 2004). I'm lactose intolerant.
Other than consuming well-made yogurt and true mozzarella cheese, I live
a happy life without milk-products. Then I was loaned a copy of a book
about cheese, cheese-making and the art of milking cows. I consumed the
book much like some people devour their fromage. I loved the book in
every way... well, other than it ending.

What Not to Wear by Trinny Woodall and
Susannah Constantine (Riverhead, 2003). I debated whether to list this
book because I'm a bit embarrassed it took precedent over noble reading
beside my bed for two nights. But hey, I'm a new mom and I knew my
wardrobe needed amending. Thankfully these English gals addressed
everything I wanted to know in a straightforward fashion and with
minimum filler.

Twelve Sharp by
Janet Evanovich (St. Martin's, 2006). The 12th Stephanie Plum novel
gives Lulu and Grandma Mazur a new line of work and the outfits to
entertain.

Playing House by Patricia Pearson. An even funnier "oh, no, how can
I be a mom" story. This time fiction, from the same author as
Area Woman Blows Gasket.
In truth, I liked it better although I can't exactly pinpoint why.

The
Ringmaster's Daughter
by Jostein Gaarder. An extraordinary set of stories within a story that
surprised and amazed me page after page. While I didn't care for the
ending, I am again awed by Gaarder's skills.

Dark Harbor
by Stuart Woods. Another good Stone Barrington story, with all the
expected characters and twists.

Iron Orchid by Stuart Woods. Holly Barker goes to work for a special
unit of the FBI. A nice change of pace and plot.

Area Woman Blows Gasket
by Patricia Pearson. A hilarious look at raising children in a nutty
world. The description of the garage sale at the bottom of the pool is
priceless.

The Orange Girl
by Jostein Gaarder. My favorite in 2006. Possibly, this decade. Funny,
unexpected, thoughtful, loving.

First
Meetings in Ender's Universe
by Orson Scott Card. Wonderful, wonderful!

Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card. Possibly my favorite
book in the Ender/Bean series since the oringal, Ender's Game.

The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family by Jeanne
Marie Laskas. Fabulous on every level. Beautiful writing, poignant
story, real-life country living humor.

Growing Seasons: Half-Baked Garden Tips, Cheap Advice on Marriage and
Questionable Theories on Motherhood by Annie Spiegelman. This was
one of the most challenging books I've read in years. While I adore
Annie's writing style, gardening tips, and raw humor, I struggled with
reading her frustrations with her baby son Jack (who was exactly the
same age as my son is now when she was writing the book) and her dying
mother. I appreciate her candor, but it just wasn't what I needed right
now. Sorry, Annie. 
Full
Bloom by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's
Paperbacks, 2005) Possibly the funniest book in the "Full" series.
The story is set in a mansion that defies description.

Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith
by Anne Lamott

Operating Instructions
by Anne Lamott

Annie's Garden Journal
by Annie Spiegelman

The Scientist in the Crib by Gopnick,
Meltzoff, and Kuhl

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (Perennial, 2001) Have you ever read a
book that's so good you never want to finish it? That's the situation I
face with Prodigal Summer. It's been on my reading table for almost a
year, and I read a few pages at a time when I need something to calm my
nerves or make me smile from ear to ear. I'm not actually done reading it
yet, but I can't leave it on my "reading" list either, can I?

Shadow Watch by Tom Clancy and Martin Greenberg. Too much like a video game for me.

Governing Boards
by Cyril O. Houle (Jossey-Bass, reprint 1997) An excellent book
about the role and responsibilities of boards of directors written by one of
my all-time favorite authors.

Leadership from the Inside Out by Kevin Cashman (TCLG, 1998). A
terrific, insightful look at leadership as a way of being rather than a
way of behaving.

Nighttime Parenting by Dr. William Sears (Plume Books, 1999). A
well-rounded examination into babies sleep issues and practical ways to
address them.
Boomers, Xers, and Other Strangers by Rick and Kathy Hicks (Family,
1999). A surprisingly straightforward look at the differences between
generations. The chapter on GenY is as thorough as any I have read on this
group.

The Street Lawyer by John Grisham (Dell paperback, 1999). I didn't
read this when it came out because I was, frankly, tired of John Grisham's
rich-lawyer themes. This book, however, offers readers a close-up view of
poverty and living on the streets that is unlike any fiction I have read
and that moved me so much I look forward to volunteering at a soup kitchen
when my son is a bit older. Not to be missed even if you don't think this
subject would be of interest to you. Well written and thoroughly
captivating.

Split Second by David Baldacci (Warner paperback, 2004) A very interesting
book.

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of
Answers by Dr. Jack Newman (Prima, 2000) Thorough, helpful, chock full of
useful information. I'd recommend this to any nursing mom. It would also
make a great gift.

Metro Girl
by Janet Evanovich (HarperCollins, 2004).
This is the start of a new series for Evanovich (different from the
Stephanie Plum and Full series'). It's fun to see her combine elements,
expressions, etc. of both of them but this isn't as funny as others.

Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline (HarperCollins, 2004). Another
fast-paced thrilled with Mary DiNunzio and
best friend Judy Carrier.

The No-Cry Sleep Solution
by Elizabeth Pantley (McGraw-Hill, 2002) Fabulous insights into helping
your child get more sleep. The best book on the subject I've read. I was
able to put what I learned into use immediately.

What's Worth Knowing by Wendy Lustbader. (Tarcher, 2001) An amazing book
filled with the most touching lessons. One of my favorite reads this year!

Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich.
(St. Martin's
Paperbacks, 2004) More crazy situations with Stephanie Plum.

Full Speed by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's
Paperbacks, 2003) Another light and fun read in the "Full" series.

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two
by William and Martha Sears

Lie Down with Lions. by Ken Follett (Signet reissue, 1994).
A compelling read set in Afghanistan.

Defining your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast
Reduction Surgery. Diana West (LLLI, 2001) A
great book for any woman interested in breastfeeding.

The Big Silence. Stuart M. Kaminsky (Forge, 2001) Another fun mystery
about Chicago police detectives Abe Lieberman and Bill Hanrahan.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth (Ballentine, 1999).
Although I learned a good bit about sleep (especially the notion that we
have a 2-hour window of wakefulness with babies), this book wasn't for me
and my child. I have no reason to believe the method doesn't work, it's
just that I couldn't bare having him cry so long before falling asleep. I much
preferred the
The No-Cry Sleep Solution
and
Nighttime Parenting.

Full
House by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's
Paperbacks, 2002) An absorbing read offering background on the main
characters in the other "Full" series. I wish I had read this before I'd
read
Full Tilt, the next in the series.

Hypnosis for a joyful pregnancy and a pain-free labor and delivery by
Winifred Conkling (St. Martin's Griffin, 2002) A light introduction to
hypnosis for use during labor. I was really hoping for more in depth
suggestions, but interesting and useful.

Lieberman's Law by Stuart M. Kaminsky (Forge, 2000) A fun, offbeat
mystery about, of all things, some of the issues facing Muslim and Jewish
communities.

Full Tilt by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's
Paperbacks, 2003) Over the top fun summer reading.

The Continuum Concept: In Search of Happiness Lost by Jean Liedloff (Addison
Wesley, 1986) Incredible perspective, beautifully written, on a how
children are raised around the world. Not to be missed!

The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader (St. Martin's Press, 2004)
Lustbader does a terrific job continuing the Bourne series.

The Altman Code by Robert Ludlum and Gayle Lynds (St. Martin's Press,
2003) Jon Smith does the impossible, again! in the latest Cover-One novel.

Lieberman's Folly by Stuart M. Kaminsky (Fawcett, 1992) My first Abe
Lieberman mystery. I didn't expect the characters in this campy mystery
(two aging policemen, one Irish, one Jewish) seem so much like people I
know!

Long Time No See
by Susan Isaacs
(HarperTorch, 2002). The hilarious return of English-professor turned
part-time sleuth, Judith Singer.

Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer (Saint Martin's Press, 2003)
Almost as much fun as one of my all-time favorites,
Kane & Abel.

Dirty Work by Stuart Woods (Signet Books, 2003) Another fun book
from Woods.

Anything Considered. Peter Mayle (Vintage Books, reprint 1997) I
try to read at least one Mayle per summer. Perfect refreshment.

Digital Fortress.
Dan Brown (St. Martins, pb 2003) Not quite the level of detail or
suspense as
The Da Vinci Code or Crichton's Prey: A Novel
but very interesting possibilities.

A Case of Need
by Michael Crichton (Signet,
reissue 2003) Frightening look inside the workings of a hospital. Not
my favorite Crichton, but a good read.

Midwives: A Novel by
Chris Bohjalian
(Vintage, 1998).
Incredible.

All New People by Anne Lamott (Counterpoint Press,
2000) Possibly the most intense introduction to a book I've ever read.
.
Read favorite lines
from the book.
Life of Pi by Yann Martell (Harvest Books, 2003). One of the more
odd books I've read recently, with a totally unexpected ended.

To The Nines: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich (NY: St. Martin's
Press, 2003)
Always fun!
Deception Point by Dan Brown (Pocket Books, 2002)
Fascinating thriller. For this level of techno-drama, I preferred
Crichton's
Prey: A Novel, but this is worth the read.
Babyville by Jane Green (Broadway, 2004)
Pee your pants funny.
The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker
(Pocket Books, 1990)
I received this book as a birthday gift from my friend Wilda over a
decade ago, and I regret every day I didn't read it sooner. Complex, life
affirming, beautiful.
The
No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
(Anchor, 2003)
Terrific story of a one-of-a-kind woman
Run Before the Wind
by Stuart Woods (Avon, reprint 1999)
The first book in the Will Lee political series. Perfect for an escape.
Wishing You Well by David Baldacci (Warner, 2001)
Incredible story of life in the mountains with a remarkable family.
Patron Saint of Liars: A Novel by Ann Patchett (Perennial, 2000)
Charming story of totally believable people.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (Perennial, 2001)
Beautifully written, interesting characters, unlike any story I've read
before.
Mississippi Solo by Eddy Harris (Owl
Books, 1998)
Could make me consider actually taking this trip myself!
The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder
Without a doubt the oddest, craziest, most magical book I've read.
Less educational than Sophie's World, but equally imaginative.
The Jansen Directive by Robert Ludlum
(NY: St. Martin's Press, 2003)
Like old Ludlum books, surprises around every turn!
Capital
Crimes by Stuart Woods (Putnam, 2003)
Fun, light reading with a political angle.
The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
by Melissa Bank
(Viking, 1999)
Mesmerizing first person account of growing up and learning important
lessons.
The Stone Diaries
by Carol Shields (London: Penguin, 1995)
Refreshing reflections on what makes a full life.
Travels
by Michael Crichton
(Perennial reprint, 2002)
The last chapter of this book is perhaps the best book chapter I've
ever read. The rest of this autobiography is great, too.
The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving
(NY: Ballentine, 1995 reissue)
It took me years to get past the first few chapters, and then once I
did, I finished the rest in three days! Irving at his best. Fun, odd,
interesting.
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (NY: Simon & Schuster, 2001)
Not quite as good as the De Vince code, but plenty to learn and think
about.
Accountability: Freedom and Responsibility without Control Rob LeBow,
Randy Spitzer (San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 2002) This is the best
business book I've read in years.

Cycles: How We Will Live, Work, and Buy by
Maddie Dychtwald
(NY: Free Press, 2003)

Our Children Are Watching: Ten Skills for Leading the Next
Generation to Success by Susan Collins (NY: Barrytown, 1995)

Trying to Save Piggy Sneed by John Irving (NY: Random House,
1997)

Companies are People, Too by Sandra Fekete with LeeAnna Keith
(Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2003)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkeban (Series Book 3) by J. K.
Rowling (NY: Scholastic, 1999) The Harry Potter series is as wonderful
for adults as it is for children! I'm hooked.

The 13th Warrior/Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton (NY:
Ballantine, 1988) This is one of the oddest books I've ever read.

Heavy Weather by Bruce Sterling (NY: Bantam. 1994)

High Five by Janet Evanovich

Driving Mr. by Albert: A Trip Across
America with Einstein's Brain
by Michael Paterniti by

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
(Doubleday, 2003)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Series Book 2)
by J. K. Rowling (Scholastic, 1999)

The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline

Body,
Mind, and Sport
by John Douillard

Start
Where You Are
by Pema Chodron

Taking
Charge of Your Fertility
by Toni Weschler.
Should be required reading for all women

The
Hades Factor
by Robert Ludlum & Gayle Lynds

Good to Great by Jim Collins

Level 3 Leadership by Jim Clawson

Anatomy
of Spirit
by Carolyn Myss

Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity
by David Whyte

Enchantment
by Orson Scott Card

Hare
Brain, Tortoise Mind: How Intelligence Increases When You Think Less
by Guy Claxton

The
Consolations of Philosophy
by Alain de Botton

Clear
Your Clutter With Feng Shui
by Karen Kingston

A
Conspiracy of Paper
by David Liss

Turn in
Off! How to unplug from the anytime, anywhere office without disconnecting
your career
by Gil Gordon

Intuitive Healer
by Marcia Emery

Mistaken Identity
by Lisa Scottoline

Ayurvedic Secrets to Longevity and Total Health
by Peter Enselmo

Full
Circles, Overlapping Lives: Culture and Generation in Transition
by Mary Catherine Bateson

Virtual
Teams
by Jessica Lipnack. Also, visit the
Virtual Teams website

Postwatch:
The Redemption of Christopher Columbus
by Orson Scott Card

Peripheral Visions: Learning Along the Way by Mary Catherine
Bateson

Bird by
Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
by Anne Lamott

Community Building on the Web by Amy Jo Kim

Treasure Box
by Orson Scott Card

Saving
Faith
by David Baldacci. Welcoming to read about a
woman as the central character in a typically male-oriented spy
thrilled.

How
Proust Can Change Your Life: Not a Novel
by Alain De Botten

Darkness at Noon
by Albert Keistler

The
Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate
America
by David Whyte

Adios
Strunk and White
by Gary & Clynis Hoffman

Spiritual Serendipity
by Richard Eyre

Snow
Crash
by Neil Stephenson

Lifebalance
by Richard Eyre

Birth
of the Chaordic Age
by Dee Hock

Crossing the Chasm
(updated) by Geoffrey Moore

The Man
Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
by Oliver Sacks

Inside
the Tornado
by Geoffrey Moore

Circle
of Innovation
by Tom Peters

Summer
Sisters
by Judy Blume

Organizing Genius
by Warren Bennis

Wonderful Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum

Smilla's Sense of Snow
by Peter Hoeg

Son
of the Circus
by John Irving

Information
Architecture for the World Wide Web
by Louis Rosenfeld & Peter Morville

Borderliners
by Peter Hoeg

Cold
Mountain
by Charles Frazier

The
Winner
by David Baldacci

Magic
Circle
by Katherine Neville

Disruption
by Jean-Maria Dru

Little
Alters Everywhere
by Rebecca Wells

Shall
We Tell the President
by Jefferey Archer

Blueprint for a Digital Economy
edited by Don Tapscott and the Alliance for Computer Technology

High
Hearts
by
Rita
Mae Brown

Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self
by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Airframe
by Michael Crichton

The
Dancing Wu Li Masters
by Gary Zukov

Dolley:
A novel of Dolley Madison in Love & War
by Rita Mae Brown. Although I always enjoy Rita Mae Brown's writing style,
and loved learning about Dolley Madison, I never got into the flow of this
book.

Knowledge Evolution
by Verna Allee

You might
also enjoy seeing my favorite books,
books that have changed me, books on
life balance, the
agelesslearner.com bookstore
and my Shelfari
shelf.