Bookshelf - My Favorite Books
The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka
Julie Otsuka’s “The Buddha in the Attic” is a brilliant novel and deserving of all its literary recognitions. Published in 2012, the story accounts the life of a dozen Japanese mail-order brides arriving in the United States before World War II. The book starts with their uncomfortable voyage onboard the boat that brings them over filled with hope and promise and ends with them and their evolving families being shipped off to American internment camps during WWII. It is heartfelt and uniquely written. She puts you right in the mix of what these women experienced and endured. It is humbling to read and be reminded of what so many people go through to come to this country and tolerated to stay. A remarkable read.
I Am Not Myself These Days by Josh Kilmer-Purcell
Raucous and fun. An all night adventure and entertaining from start to finish. A bit educational even. Want to peek into the mind of a drag queen, then read this book!
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
A must read for every writer. Motivating and illuminating. The master class before Masterclass.
To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee
A classic forever and always.
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
What can I say, but this book did change my life perspective in a number of ways for the better. Soak it up. It can make your life a LOT better.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
I first read this in high school and it captured me. The writing style. The stream of conscious thinking. The adventures in the head of Holden. Years later I still enjoy it.
The Kon-Tiki Expedition by Thor Heyerdahl
For all the ocean lovers out there. A fabulous adventure in living archeology with a heavy dash of survival.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reed
Great modern day page turner. Hats off to Reed and her portrait of a complex main character in Evelyn Hugo.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
YES! It’s great like every says! Published in 1813 and still amazing! Do yourself a favor and read it.
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
When people ask me what my favorite book is, this is my answer. I read this when I was 15 and fell in love with McMurtry’s writing. The screen adaptation of this book is one of the best I’ve seen yet. I would encourage you to read it before you watch it.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Recommended by my friend Michele years ago, I finally pulled “A Gentleman in Moscow" (published in 2016) off the top of my reading pile. A delightful book. Amor Towles hit the trifecta—good characters, good story, good writing. I now read everything he writes and his first book, “Rules of Civility” (2011) was just as good. I got the chance to hear him speak in 2023. Let’s just say, I’m a fan. Highly recommended reading from yours truly.