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Favorite Books
These books make me smile when I think back on reading them —
although I read
some of them many years ago. They were enjoyable to read, they left me
feeling lighter, they were hard to put down while I was reading, and I felt a
sense of longing for their characters or message after I came to their
end. They are the books I recommend most to other people because
I enjoyed them (or learned) so much.
Autobiography
Annie's Garden Journal by Annie Spiegelman (Carol Publishing, 1996)
Chasing Daylight by Gene O'Kelly (McGraw-Hill, 2007). The most awe-inspiring,
perspective-offering, reset-your-attitude book I've ever read.
Eat,
Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (Penguin, 2007)
Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself
on a Farm by Jeanne
Marie Laskas (Bantam Books,
2002) You don't need to live in the country to love this story. Her
sequels are wonderful also:
The Exact Same Moon and
Growing Girls.
Illumination in the Flatwoods
by Joe Hutto
(The Lyons Press; Reprint 1998)
Strength to
Love by Martin Luther King, Jr. (Fortress Press reprint
1981, c1963)
The Mother Trip
by Ariel Gore (Seal Press, 200) Heartfelt, funny, practical, and very well written.
Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott (Anchor,
2000). I also adored
Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith and
Grace Eventually: Thoughts on Faith... and
really anything Anne writes.
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.
Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach (Random House, 2002). The sequel,
Educating Alice, is also glorious.
Business
and Leadership
Extraordinary Popular Delusions & the Madness of Crowds by Charles
MacKay (Crown Publishing, reprint 1995)
Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't
by Jim Collins (Random House, 2001) Also available and recommended in
audio format.
Nobody in Charge: Essays on the Future of Leadership
by Harlan Cleveland (Jossey-Bass, 2002). This book brings together a
lifetime of essays on personal leadership and organization written by an
incredible man who weaves his special interest in education through the
themes of every chapter.
On Becoming a Leader Warren Bennis (1994)
Organizing Genius: The Secrets of Creative Collaboration by Warren
G. Bennis, Patricia Ward Biederman (Perseus, 1998) My single-favorite
business book of all times. Inspiring, instructive, illuminating.
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.
Seeing Differently: Insights on Innovation by John Seely Brown,
editor
(Cambridge, Harvard Business School Press; 1997)
Serious Play: How the World's Best Companies Simulate to Innovate
by Michael Schrage (Cambridge; Harvard Business School Press, 1999)
The Art of the Long View:
Planning for the future in an uncertain world by Peter Schwartz
(Doubleday, c1991)
The Living Company by Arie De Geus (HBSP, 1999)
Tools for Thought: The History and Future of Mind-expanding Technology
(2nd ed) by Howard Rheingold (MIT Press, 2000)
Children and Youth
All That You Are by Woodleigh
Marx Hubbard (Putnam Juvenile, 2000)
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L.
Konigsburg
(Atheneum, 30th anniversary reissue 2002)
Giants Come in Different Sizes by Jolly Roger Bradfield (Rand McNally,
1966)
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrations by Clement Hurd
(HarperFestival, reissue 1991)
The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling (Scholastic)
If I Ran the Zoo by Dr. Seuss
(Random House, 1950) Classic leadership prep.
Imagine a Day by Sarah L. Thomson, illustrated
by Rob Gonsalves (Antheneum, 2005) Imagine Escher with color for
children. Stunning.
Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy by Jostein
Gaarder (Boulevard, 1996) Wonderful introduction to philosophy for adults,
too.
Stone Soup
by Jon J. Muth (Scholastic Press, 2003) A classic story retold better
than ever. And the illustration? Wow.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (HarperTrophy,
collector's edition 2000)
The Orange Girl
by Jostein Gaarder (Phoenix, 2005) Funny,
unexpected, thoughtful, loving.
The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (Aladdin, reprint 1998)
When
Living Hurts: For Teenagers and Young Adults
by Sol Gordon (UAHC,
1994)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank L. Baum
Zen Shorts
by Jon J. Muth (Scholastic Press, 2005) A delightful introduction to
balanced perspective for both children and harried parents.
Community, Society and Science
Age Wave: How the Most Important Trend of Our Time Will Change Our Future
by Ken Dychtwald (Bantam, reissue 1990)
Birth of the Chaordic Age
(now in Paperback as
One From Many).
Dee Hock (Berrett-Koehler, 1999). If you've
ever felt in your heart that modern-day organizations are not meeting
the needs of those they serve, know you are not alone. Dee Hock, Founder
and CEO Emeritus of VISA International felt that way for years and did
something about it. He developed the concept of a global system for the
exchanges of value and a unique new concept of organization for that
purpose. This wonderfully irreverent book offers a deeper understanding
of Dee's work written from 3-different perspectives, challenging,
inspiring, and funny. It's a
cohesive, very honest look at modern organizations and a new model for
the next millennium.
Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity by
Etienne Wenger (Cambridge University Press, 1999)
Complexity: The Emerging Science at the Edge of Order and Chaos by M. Mitchell Waldrop (Simon & Schuster, 1992).
This book introduced me to complexity theory in a surprisingly
easy-to-read way that can offer you insight into the interrelationship
of not only our body and mind, but also our work and the environment
around us and all living matter.
Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot
(Perennial, reprint 1992). This books explains the theory that despite
its apparent tangible reality, the universe is actually a kind of
three-dimensional projection and is ultimately no more real than a
hologram, a three-dimensional image projected into space. This is one of
those books that gets me to rethink everything I think I know about
reality and perspective which means I try to read at least some of it at
least once a year.
Fiction
A Prayer for Owen Meany
by John Irving
(Ballantine, reissue 1990)
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (Perennial, 2001)
Beautifully written, interesting characters, unlike any story I've read
before.
Blessed Are the Cheesemakers by Sarah-Kate Lynch (Grand Central
Publishing, 2004). I am surprised Lynch is
not more popular. Her books are tasty, truly unique, and imaginative. I
fell in love with the characters and the settings each time.
By Bread Alone by Sarah-Kate Lynch (Grand Central Publishing, 2005)
While I also enjoyed Lynch's other books [Eating
with the Angels and
House of Daughters/House of Peine], these two are my favorites. Before you read this book, 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.
I
Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson. This book spoke directly to a
part of me trying to do so much, realizing there just isn't another way, and
concluding non-stop apology isn't productive. I avoided reading it for a long
time, fearing it would be a tome to workaholic mothers or a cruel portrayal of
those of us trying to do something different. It's neither, and the most
sparkling writing in any mama-fiction I've read.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach (Avon, 1970)
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel (Anchor, 1994)
The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer (HarperTorch, 1993)
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (Perennial, 2001)
The Accidental Tourist
by Anne Tyler (Berkley, 1985)
The Cider House Rules
by John Irving (Ballantine, Reprint 1994)
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (Doubleday, 2003)
The Mind-Body Problem: A Novel by Rebecca Goldstein (Penguin,
reprint 1993)
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (Picador, 1998)
The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker
(Pocket Books, 1990)
Complex, life affirming, beautiful.
Wish You Well by
David Baldacci (Warner, 2001)
Incredible story of life in the mountains with a remarkable family.
Mystery & Suspense
Prey: A Novel by Michael Crichton
The Eight by Katherine Neville (Ballantine, Reprint 1995)
The Magic Circle by Katherine Neville (Ballantine, 1999)
The Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum
The Prometheus Deception by Robert Ludlum (St. Martins, 2000)
The Run by Stuart Woods (HarperTorch, 2001) I have enjoyed most all of Woods' books, especially the political ones.
Shibumi by Trevanian
Parenting and Family
Learning All the Time
by
John Holt (Perseus, reprint, 1990). This book for parents and
teachers challenges many widely accepted classroom-practices and offers
specific suggestions for alternative ways to help encourage children to
learn in settings inside and outside a classroom.
Punished by Rewards: The Trouble With Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's,
Praise, and Other Bribes by Alfie Kohn (Houghton
Mifflin,
1995).
One of my favorite authors challenges the notion
that incentives, rewards, and competition are effective motivators and
instead asserts that teamwork, meaningfulness, and autonomy are the best
motivators of all.
Smart Moves: Why Learning Is Not All in Your Head by Carla Hannaford
(Great Ocean Publishing, 1995)
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!
You Are Your Child's First Teacher by Rahima
Baldwin Dancy (Celestial Arts, rev 2000)
The Scientist in the Crib by Gopnick,
Meltzoff, and Kuhl
Philosophy, Poetry and Theater
Butterfly by Norie Huddle
(Huddle Books, 1990)
Our Town by Thornton Wilder
Those Who Ride the Night Winds by Nikki Giovanni Quill, reissue 1999)
Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche
To Be Young, Gifted and Black: An Informal Autobiography of Lorraine
Hansberry by Lorraine Hansberry (Signet, 1969)
Science
and Health
A Mind at a Time. Mel Levine M.D. (Simon & Schuster, hb March 2002,
pb January 2003). Levine's book addresses the individualized learning
and social needs of children. He writes in the style of a comforting
medical doctor dispensing sage advice. I spent some time with Dr. Levine
several years ago and I was very impressed with his ability to turn
complex scientific research into practical suggestions that help
children succeed.
Ayurvedic Secrets to Longevity and Total Health
by Peter Enselmo
Body, Mind, and Sport: The mind-body guide to lifelong health, fitness,
and your personal best by John Douillard (Three Rivers Press, revised
2001). This book introduces you to a series of body types, based on the
ancient science of Ayurveda, offering insights into the right diet and
exercise program for each individual. Designed
to accommodate both non-athletes and those who want to train for
performance, I learned more from this book about how to get and stay in
shape than from any other single book.
Driven To Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit
Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood by Edward M. Hallowell MD and
John J. Ratey MD (Pantheon, 1994)
Intuitive Healer
by Marcia Emery
Taking Charge of Your Fertility
by Toni Weschler. I believe this should be required reading for all women.
The Biology of Transcendence
by Joseph Chilton Pierce (Park Street, 2004)
The Herbfarm Cookbook: A Guide to the Vivid Flavors of Fresh Herbs
by Jerry Traunfeld (Scribner, 2000)
The Man
Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
by Oliver Sacks
Wise Woman's Herbal
for the Childbearing Years by Susun Weed (Ash Tree, 1985)
Self-Improvement and Work/Life Integration
Clear
Your Clutter With Feng Shui by Karen Kingston (Broadway Books, 1999)
First Things First: To Live, to Love, to Learn, to Leave a Legacy
by A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill, and Stephen R. Covey (Fireside,
reprint 1996)
Inner Simplicity: 100 Ways to Regain Peace and Nourish Your Soul
by Elaine St. James (Hyperion, 1995)
Life Is
Uncertain...Eat Dessert First! Finding the Joy You Deserve
by Sol Gordon and
Harold Brecher (Dell, 1996)
Notes to Myself
by Hugh Prather (Bantam Books, 1970)
Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really
Matter by Elaine St. James (Hyperion, 1994).
Spiritual Serendipity: Cultivating and Celebrating the Art of the
Unexpected by Richard M. Eyre (Simon & Schuster, 1997)
This book is about life, thought, feelings, intuition and faith without
ever being sermon-like or preachy. In this book, the author convinces
you that serendipity is a way of life and an attitude that can help you
bring together happy accidents with a sense of understanding for what
should be. This book describes and helps you create a life filled with
the creativity, fun, happiness, joy, and productivity so many of us
miss. This book provides a way to feel connected in a world with far too
many steps and not enough direction.
Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron (Shambhala
Press, 2001)
The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey (Free
Press, 2005).
While I enjoyed
The
7 Habits of Highly Effective People, also, I appreciated the 8th
Habit most.
The Art of Growing Up: Simple Ways to Be Yourself at Last by Veronique
Vienne (Clarkson Potter, 2000)
The Best of Friends, The Worst of Enemies: Woman to
Woman, The Secret Emotional Hotline by Eva Margolies (Pocket Books,
1985)
Reference
Adios Strunk and White by Gary and Clynis Hoffman
Body Language by Julius Fast (M Evans & Co, 1970)
Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger
Fisher and William Ury (Penguin, 1991)
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren (Simon &
Schuster, 1972)
Information Architecture for the World Wide Web by Louis Rosenfeld
and Peter Morville
Non-Designers's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the
Visual Novice by Robin Williams (Peachtree Press, 1994)
On
Writing Well by William Zinsser (Perennial, 1988)
Please Understand Me: Character & Temperament Types by David Keirsey and
Marilyn Bates (Prometheus Nemesis Books, 1984)
The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers
by Betsy Lerner
They Have a Word for It: A Lighthearted Lexicon of Untranslatable Words &
Phrases by Howard Rheingold (Sarabande,
reissue 2000)
Your Public Best by Lillian Brown (Newmarket Press, 1989)
Science Fiction
Distraction: A Novel by Bruce Sterling
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card (Tor Books, 1994).
I also enjoyed the
sequels, especially
Speaker for the Dead. I realize this is written for young adults, but
it seems more fitting here in Science Fiction.
First
Meetings in Ender's Universe
by Orson Scott Card
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