Ken Libby Recommends
One River
In the 1940s, biologist Richard Evans Schultes uncovered many of the secrets of the rain forest, relying not only on his own prodigious investigations, but on the wisdom passed down by local tribes. Thirty years later his student, Wade Davis, followed in his footsteps. Two interwoven tales of scientific adventure bring to life the riches of the Amazon basin and bear witness to the destruction of its indigenous culture and natural wonders over two generations in One River ($18, S&S, 978-0- 6848-3496-2) by Wade Davis.
Julie Recommends
Last Child in the Woods: For anyone wondering about the relatioFor anyone wondering about the relationship between children, learning, and the environment, this is a must-read! Loux documents emerging evidence between ADHD and the “nature deficit disorder.” A fascinating chronicle on the social mechanisms which are keeping children inside and the negative consequences on children’s ability to focus, learn and be happy. For parents, educators and health workers… Julie
Townie, by Andre Dubus
In this reader’s opinion, Townie is Andre Dubus’ best work yet. While most critics describe this memoir as a meditation on violence, I found it to be a profound look at redemption, forgiveness, and the complexities of family relationships. Dubus paints a picture of a childhood spent on the wrong side of town, living in two worlds—one of poverty in a working class neighborhood, and the other with his professor father at a private university. The real story here is about Dubus and his late father, how to live with incongruities and how to love when people fail us.
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, by Amy Chua
Amy Chua is your worst nightmare as a mother, but her book is well-written, funny and surprisingly interesting. The controversy alone that this book has inspired (check out the NYT blogs) about the nature of mothering in the West illustrates that we might be less confident about our uber-nurturing, self esteem-focused parenting than we like to admit. A humorous memoir, this book strikes a chord on a sensitive issue and raises some pertinent questions about the cultural difference between Asian and Western-style parenting.
An Ordinary Man, by Paul Rasesabagina
An Ordinary Man is the story of Paul Rasesabagina, the man who ran a hotel during Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and saved 1,268 people from being murdered during the war. Not only a riveting and insightful account of Rwanda’s civil war (from someone who lived through it), this book raises darker questions about the nature of humanity and our potential for both good and evil. Rasesabagina is a humble man with more insight on human nature than most philosophers and historians who attempt to answer the same questions. A must-read for anyone interested in Africa, anthropology, or war.
Boys Adrift—Leonard Sax
For anyone who’s wondering what is happening to our boys lately, read this book! Sax, an MD and psychologist who has worked with children for the past 30 years, chronicles what he calls a “growing epidemic” of underachieving boys and young men. Linking some of the latest scientific studies of ADHD, the effects of gaming and other IT forums, public schooling, and social malaise, Sax paints a vivid and disturbing picture of growing up in the 21st century and why some young men are ‘failing to launch.’ For educators, parents, and anyone interested in gender issues, this is a must-read. (I make it assigned reading for begining psychology students).
Kate Repp Recommends
Fall of Giants
The first book in a new historical trilogy by Ken Follett, Fall of Giants ($36, Dutton, 978-0-5259-5165-0) follows the fates of five interrelated families as they move through the worldshaking events of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for women’s suffrage.
Empire of the Summer Moon
S.C. Gwynne’s thrilling account of the Texas frontier in the nineteenth century, a vivid description of the Comanche nation, a fascinating portrait of Cynthia Ann Parker and her son, the mysterious, magnificent Quanah — but most of all, Empire of the Summer Moon ($27.50, Scribner, 978-1-416-5-9105-4) is a ripping good read.
Franklin and Eleanor
While much of this story is familiar, Franklin and Eleanor:An Extraordinary Marriage ($27, FSG, 978-0-3741-5857-6) is an engrossing account of an unusual pairing of two remarkable people. It tells a story about a political marriage that rose above politics. There are no good or bad guys in this glimpse into the intimate spousal accord that bound them together; both Franklin and Eleanor emerge as willing participants in an unorthodox covenant that defied societal norms and expectations.
Annika Libby Recommends
The Hotel Cat
The Hotel Cat ($17.95, New York Review of Books, 978-1-5901-7159-2) written and illustrated by Esther Averill is about having fun and is very silly. Tom, the cat, is accepted by the groupand finds a home.
A Child’s Anthology of Poetry
A classic collection of the world’s best poets from Sylvia Plath and Emily Dickenson to Robert Frost and the Brownings, A Child’s Anthology of Poetry ($24.95, Ecco, 978-0-8800-1378-9) is edited by Elizabeth Hauge Sword for children ages 9 to 12.
