Recommended Authors
The following authors are writers whose work I always like and always read. I may occasionally review their books, but you can guarantee that no matter what it was, if it was written by one of these folks, I liked it. You just can’t go wrong with these writers.
Douglas Adams
Isaac Asimov
Lewis Carroll
Umberto Eco
Ursula Le Guin
Terry Pratchett
Tom Robbins
J.K. Rowling
J.R.R. Tolkien
Kurt Vonnegut
William Butler Yeats
Broken Music, by Sting (Non-fiction)
Description: An autobiography detailing Sting’s childhood through the commercial launch of The Police.
Review: Though not as lyrical and poetic in writing style as Sting’s music, the book still has a distinctive voice and a rhythmic quality that make it hypnotic and entertaining in a genial way. The honesty and subtle, but natural humor that often come through are endearing. Moments of pain and sadness are palpable. Even small triumphs feel uplifting. Fans of Sting’s music who are interested in the artist as a person will certainly want to hear Sting’s side of the story from his own point of view, but I would also highly recommend this work to any aspiring musician, actor, artist, or entertainer. You’ll relate and may even be inspired.
Foucault’s Pendulum, by Umberto Eco (Fiction)
Description: Secret organizations, centuries old conspiracies, occult mysteries, a down and out writer in over his head, love gained, love lost, more occult mysteries, more secret organizations, The Holy Grail, lost knowledge, the secrets of life and divinity and more adventure and intrigue than you can shake a stick at.
Review: I love this book!! It’s one of my favorites, but it’s definitely not for everyone. On of the main reasons that I love this book its superior use of language and its gorgeously twisted, complex plot. It’s a very intellectual piece, dark, expansive, and masterfully constructed. However if you are not the sort of person who enjoys the art of painting with words or keeping track of hugely intricate plots with sub-plots tied to other sub-plots that all tie back together into a single finishing aria, then you won’t like this book. It is not a quick read. Knowledge of language and many different philosophies and history will help you out considerably! It is a work of art.
The Pilates Body, by Brooke Syler (Non-fiction)
Description: A concise discussion of the Pilates method, including information on Joseph Pilates, how the Pilates method was created, and how it can be put to use by people of all fitness levels.
Review: This is by far the best Pilates book on the market. I always recommend it to all of my Pilates students. The information is very accurate and very effective. The visuals in the book are clear, and the posture descriptions are easy to follow. There are modifications of the exercises for very beginner through advanced students. If you want to do Pilates right, read this book.
The Pleasure of My Company, by Steve Martin (Fiction)
Description: Experience the world through the eyes and events of a man with Obsessive-compulsive disorder. Meet the people who touch and shape his life, often with disastrous and ironically humorous results. Discover his insights into the rest of the world.
Review: I’m not sure what I was expecting, exactly, but what I got, wasn’t it. And that’s not a bad thing! It was different from my expectations, but it was definitely a worthy read. I was fascinated by the depth, complexity, and realistic truth of the characters. I can honestly say, I didn’t relate to any of them, myself, but that didn’t keep them from being interesting. It allowed me to look at the world from a perspective that I’ve never attempted before, and that is certainly a good thing for a book to do. The humor is subtle, but effective. If you enjoy social commentary and ironic humor, you’ll love this book.
Tolkien in the Land of Heroes, by Anne C. Petty (Non-fiction)
Description: A friendly and accessible essay style exploration of Tolkien’s writings, what cultural and mythical aspects influenced them, and why the works of Tolkien continue appealing to so many audiences into the 21st century.
Review: Granted, I might be a bit of a bias reviewer in this case, but I truly enjoyed this book. It’s engaging and insightful. This book is an old friend that wants to chat: reading it felt to me like having a delightful conversation. It was both thought provoking and rewarding. If you are a fan of Tolkien’s works, this is a must read. It will not only take you back into the wonderful world of Middle Earth, but allow you to ponder and consider it in a very satisfying way.
|