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BBC‘s list of top 100 Books of all time: http://www.librarything.com/topic/61828

NPR Best Seller List, based on Surveys of Independent Bookstores Nationwide: Including links to  “Under the Radar” reads suggested and reveiwed by Librarian Nancy Pearl, and several other genre and subject typed lists. www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120275749

New York Times Bestseller List: based on National weekly book sales.  www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller/

Blue Spruce Award List: recognizes the most popular books among middle and high school students in the State of Colorado. Includes past list and current year nominees. www.cal-webs.org/bluespruce/nominees.html

Oprah Winfrey: suggestions: several lists including new releases, classics, and picks from celebrities,  viewers, book clubs, and more. www.oprah.com/packages/reading-room.html

Fantastic Fiction: look up books by your favorite author or book title: see lists of their series titles in order as well as that author’s suggested reads and suggestions for authors with similar writing style. www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/

Born to Run

by Christopher McDougall
recommended by Gypsy

This is  a fascinating book that appeals to both Athletes (specifically distance runners) and non-athletes alike.  Primarily it’s the story of a guy on a mission to understand running on both a physical and mental level not only to improve his own ability, but to offer insight into why humans run in the first place.  The author quickly stumbles upon a tribe of ‘Superathletes” ; a little known tribe of Mexican Indians called the “Tarahumara” whose culture inspires them to develop and sustain super-natural running ability at all ages using only their innate desire to run. Far removed from all the technology, marketing, and influences of any sort by the outside world, this tribe has achieved incredible feats of distance  running in one of the harshest environments on earth with only the most basic diet and footwear.  By telling the  story of a small group of American Elite runners that aspire to run with the Tarahumara and his own quest for understanding them all,  the author captivates the reader by mixing in fascinating facts about anthropology, physics, nutrition, human evolution, psychology, and good old fashioned greed and competitiveness.   Personal stories of runners, coaches, and the Tarahumara themselves give this book a personal touch that keep all those little factoids fresh and relevant.   Both inspiring and amazing, this book just might make you want to kick off your shoes and start running just for the fun of it, or at least cast a speculative eye on the running shoe business.

The bestseller She’s Not There: A Life in Two Genders is the story of a person changing genders. Hilarious and deeply moving, Jennifer Finney Boylan examines changing friendships, and rejoices in the redeeming power of family. I was alternating between laughter and tears the whole time. Boylan presents such a compelling, captivating and a very open presentation of her own life. It’s been a long time since I read a memoir this good.

A wonderful autobiographical work that at times just amazes you, but at others can make you depressed, sick to your stomach, and even so emotionally overwhelmed you can’t go on you are crying so hard. I highly recommend both the book and the movie (but read the book before seeing the movie.) But if you do pick this book up be prepared to be amazed at the strength and power of one man’s mind and the courage of the soul to move on from a past life and except a new life.

I am a firm believer that we all need to laugh regularly and as frequently as possible with as much vigor and enthusiasm to disturb anyone within ear-shot. That can be hard to do (and inappropriate at times) especially when life gets difficult. But I recently read two books that had me doing just that and I want you to read them too. The books I’m talking about are When You Are Engulfed In Flames by David Sedaris, and In The Event Of My Untimely Demise by Brian Sack. I’ll warn you, you must be a fan of dark, thoughtful, sarcastic humor to fully appreciate these two authors. However, anyone who’s been alive for at least 20 years will be able to appreciate the hilarious, witty, and clever insights presented as “advice” on dealing with relationships, life, and the odd nature of people in general. Since each chapter is it’s own short story, even the busiest of you can pick it up and be guffawing within minutes. While David Sedaris focuses on relationships of all sorts, Brian Sack’s book zones in on parenting advice in the form of a letter to his young son. What I loved about these books is that both authors take the challenges and life experiences that can, and often do, wear us all down and turns them into the most outrageously hilarious anecdotes that somehow we can all relate to. Both will have you laughing so hard you may just need to take a break. They really are that funny! I highly recommend both of these books to anyone who could use a seriously good laugh in these crazy times that make up our lives. Now wouldn’t that be all of us?

It is a memoir of her amazing survival of a childhood most people can not imagine. She grew up with a home life so unconventional and bizarre that it seems a miracle that she even survived, let alone became a successful news correspondent and writer. She tells her life story in a simple, touching, and often funny way that makes the reader feel an incredible mix of sympathy and admiration for the little girl that she was. The stories she tells of her parents choices and their inability to see the impact those choices made on their children are both fascinating and frightening. Somehow Jeanette has managed to tell a potentially very sad story in a way that leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired. This book is an excellent read for anyone who ever thought their childhood was odd, and for anyone who needs clear proof that children can overcome incredible odds and succeed in life, no matter what challenges they face.

Great light read on today’s topic of organic farming. No! It’s not technical but it’s about the guts and soul of an organic farmer, Keith, who has all sorts of anecdotal stories about the events and life of his farm. And, “Yes!” This book has pictures too. Flavia’s artistical talent is wonderfully simple and down to earth. A must read!