Here again is my list of the best books I read the past year. They are in no particular order.
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, by Daniel H. Pink
Important
book that I read twice, once to digest, another to take notes. Since lots of people make new year's resolutions, this might be a great place to start. It gives scientifically valid advice on how and when to accomplish things. Some samples:
Three
principles of successful beginnings:
·
Start right
·
Start again if lst start fails
·
Start together
People can create “turning points in their personal
histories” by choosing a date and/or time to begin again. “Imbuing an otherwise ordinary day with
personal meaning generates the poser to start new beginnings.” The single largest motivator for making
meaningful progress was to set up small high probability targets and celebrate
when you hit them.
“Coordinating and synchronizing with
other people is a powerful way to lift your physical and psychological well
being.” I have been actively trying to do this. Part of our motivation for moving to Johnson City was the fact that there are more things to do here that we can enjoy with other people. Thanks to Paul for recommending this book.
Sweeping
novel covering several generations of Koreans who immigrate to Japan right
before WW II. Young girl in Korea lives with mother, who owns a boarding
house. All is well until Japan takes
over and starts taking land and starving out the Koreans. Girl gets pregnant by rich man who is already
married. She marries Christian minister
who takes her to Japan to be with his family and where he is supposed to have a
church. That is just the beginning of a
long and convoluted story about their lives, and the lives of their children
and grandchildren, all of whom are affected by how Koreans are treated in
Japan, officially Korean citizens, but having lived in Japan as second-class
citizens all their lives. Runner up for National Book Award. Compelling writing. I recommend it.
Fascinating book about the LA
library, its history, architecture, personnel, with focus on the story of when
it burned in the 1980’s, and the person who was accused of burning it. It is hard to explain this book because of
its far-ranging topics, but I found it compelling, sometimes hilarious
reading. This is the best book I read
this year. Favorite quote: “Books invite all; they constrain none.” Hartley Burr Alexander
Interesting look at
how to influence people’s decisions by how you present them. It was especially good in looking at
financial decisions.
A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman
Enjoyable book about a curmudgeon
who tries to control everything, only to be undone by well-meaning neighbors and
a cat. Thanks to Mairzy for recommending it.
The Alice Network, by Kate Quinn
Great read, very interesting and
fast-moving story of a network of female spies in France in WWI,
primarily. I thought it was pure fiction
until I read the author’s notes at the end.
Several of the main characters are based on the exploits of real
people. I enjoyed it immensely.
Bettyville, by George Hodgman
Ashamed to say I got this book
because I read that the author had committed suicide. I had never heard of the author or the book,
and it had gotten lots of awards. Really poignant memoir about a man who goes
back home to Missouri to take care of his mother, who is getting some
dementia. His life is a mess—has been
fired from his high-flying editing job in New York. The narrative switches back and forth through
time, so we find out about his life, not just what is happening now. Outstanding writing great read
All the Little Live Things, by Wallace Stegner
The title suggests a sweet little
story, which it is not. It is however, a
beautifully written, poignant tale about how life and its pain, aggravation
will impose itself on a person, even when you make the decision to withdraw to
a lovely spot to retire and move on. I
love Wallace Stegner. His writing and
insight into the characters and life always move me. I am glad that I do not have to live with the
regrets this character did. I have had
such a charmed life. Even the painful
parts led to something much better. That
doesn’t happen to most people, I think.
“We’ll take up new positions, in
other words....That’s the way the military reports defeats. ‘Our troops
have taken up new positions.’ Life is one new position after another.”
Some time soon, I may do best books of the last decade, if I get inspired. I have kept notes on books I've read for longer than that. I'd love for you to respond with the best books you've read recently. I always enjoy your recommendations.
1 comment:
A reader sent these suggestions in an e-mail. Thought you might like to see them:
The author of A Man Called Ove wrote My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry. It's even better!
I just read A Gentleman in Moscow. It's good and now I am looking for the recipe for Latvian stew.
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