Adult

Nikki Turner’s books are easy reads for doctors’ appointments and plane rides. I like them because they are short and read like intense soap operas (and make me seem hip to my African-American teenage girls; by the way, just by using the word “hip” makes me “un-hip”).

I’m just going to put this out there: if you know Ben Carson, would you please introduce me to him? He is one of my heroes. Ever since I first read his autobiography Gifted Hands I have been inspired by this neurosurgeon who represents the American dream, as I see it. In a world fascinated by grief and darkness, Carson offers a vision of hope and prosperity.

Let me preface by saying that I was not excited to read a book dealing with idealistic environmental arguments. Now that I have admitted that, let me say that I think everyone should read this book, especially CEOs and politicians. The authors, an architect and chemist, respectively, respond to environmental crises with refreshingly original thinking. The book reads like a science fiction novel, but by the end I found myself believing that the authors’ ideas could really work. I sound like a character from a B movie, but this book really got me excited about ways to solve various environmental problems.

“LARP” is an acronym for “live action role playing,” which, you might presume, is something of a hobby for “wannabes.” You would be right, and that is what makes the underdog heroes so appealing in this fast-paced adventure that has its share of laughs along the way.

Probably the most annoying thing about reading John Maxwell’s books is the number of pages I wind up dog-earring. He is such a wonderful teacher. I love his anecdotes, and his teaching points will have a tremendous impact on anyone committed to becoming a better leader.

I have a confession to make: I love reading short mysteries. I’ve read just about every Agatha Christie, and I treasure reading a book from cover to cover in one sitting. Bishop writes in a very reader-friendly style, and I plan on reading more of her work. This book is a breeze.

Ever since reading The Alchemist I have found myself devouring Coelho’s books, as he is truly insightful in dispersing gem’s about how to live a meaningful life.

As summer approaches, I always like to create an excuse to read anything Peter Mayle has to offer. After breezing through this crime novel, I have a feeling you’ll yearn to travel to the South of France as much as me.

I have my friend in Tuscaloosa, Annie McClendon, to thank for introducing me to this gem collection of writings by the immensely talented Bragg. From Southern cuisine to football, there’s something for everyone in this easy-to-read book.

Several subscribers have asked me to review more romance novels. I cannot say that I am the best person to recommend romances, but I can say that I had no trouble selecting this book, as I already love Maine. Surprisingly good writing from first-time novelist Connie Falconeri of General Hospital fame.

This is a perfect book for light and entertaining reading. Actually, the book that is in bookstores now has a collection of Capote’s short stories, including this classic about Holly Golightly.

I love Truman Capote for a number of reasons: (a) he was best friends as a child with To Kill a Mockingbird scribe Harper Lee; (b) his stories are very different and all well-written; and (c) I read a story that a six-year-old boy sent Capote a story he wrote, and Capote mailed the boy this response: “good writing…poor spelling…send more.”

That boy turned out to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Moral: be nice to everybody because you never have any idea who they may or will be.

Sunee Foley recommended this “almost” memoir to me, and it appealed to me because it is written in verse. The book reads a lot like Larry McMurtry’s excellent (but longer) Terms of Endearment.

A new President gets sworn in this month, and many Americans catch themselves wondering, “Could I be President?” The authors of this fun book have put together a battery of 200 questions to see if you have what it takes. I learned that I certainly cannot be President based on my past (and present).

So what if it’s a tad bit longer than I’d like. Patricia and Jay Edie, as well as Jill Aguilar, recommended this book to me, and I am so glad I read this hilarious and touching mystery of sorts.

I do not know quite how to categorize this book: think Rain Man meets As Good As It Gets, with touches of Memento and What the Deaf Man Heard thrown in. Do I sound like a guy who can pitch a movie to Hollywood or what?

I am so proud to be an American, and one of my guilty pleasures is being involved with wonderful charities like BookEnds and The Wonder of Reading. This delightful book profiles some of the extraordinary differences ordinary American citizens make every day. A good read for those who want to affirm the positive things about our country.