Three Strangers Come To Call by Janis Kent Percefull
Written by a native of Arkansan, who just happens to have a Master of Arts Degree in Public History. The 124 page book is larger than a paperback with large print. It is intended for young adults, but I enjoyed it even though I'm middle aged! It brings to life 1895 Hot Springs, Arkansas. Three strangers come to Hot Springs, each different from the other. I recommend it. |
My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor.
A Harvard trained brain scientist’s personal account of her own stroke in her mere 30s. She wrote this book 10 years afterwards when completely recovered. Who better to describe it? Learn about your brain’s two very different sides. I highly recommend this book. It could help you understand a loved one or neighbor who has had a stroke. |
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Oprah book club, but I didn’t like it because the plot was too slow moving and not that interesting or clever. Very long book that I didn’t think was particularly profound or enriching. |
Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand
I think this book should be required reading for high school and/or college students. There are many lessons (1) don’t judge a book by its cover (2) in the correct nurturing environment you (or a horse) can become a legend, (3) rivalry & friendship, etc. Ironically this book starts in the 30s when automobiles were appearing and horse travel was becoming extinct. I think this book is a must read in your lifetime. |
Atlas: From the Streets to the Ring: A Son’s Struggle to Become a Man
by Teddy Atlas
Written by a man who loves boxing. Legendary boxing trainer and commentator, Teddy Atlas, tells his autobiography with high intellect. Loaded with true examples of boxing being more strategy and a mind game than brunt strength. Teddy demonstrates tremendous personal integrity, an all too rare characteristic. I recommend this book for boxing and competitive sorts. |
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
It’s an ’05 model. It is a horrendous memoir of growing up in poverty in an extremely dysfunctional family, yet it is not depressing. Every paragraph is interesting. This book is being made into a major motion picture. Ms. Walls is writing another book and writes for MSNBC. |
Wesley the Owl by Stacey O’Brien
It’s an ’08 model. The incredible love story between an owl and his girl. Ms. O’Brien takes in a baby barn owl with nerve damage to one wing and he lives with her all his 19 years. What you learn about owls is heart warming and interesting. |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
It’s an ’08 model. The entire fictional story is told in the first person of a dog named Enzo. It is an incredibly unique way to story telling that gives you incredibly unique insights. There are surprises throughout the whole book. You’ll fall in love with the dog, the human hero and the author himself.
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Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
It’s an ’07 model. Although fictional, you learn about life in the 30s and, in particular, circus life when circuses traveled by railroad from town to town. There’s a pecking order between the performers and non-performers. Meet a special elephant (that really lived). She would sneakily pick up her stake and walk with her chain & stake to the lemonade stand, where she would drink galloons and galloons of lemonade. This elephant then returns to her place pushing the stake back into the ground. |
