Flower Confidential
Amy Stewart
A glorious tour through the sights, sounds and characters of the world of cut flowers. Impeccably well-written; I didn't even know I was interested in the subject but couldn't stop reading.
Film Club
David Gilmour
A film-critic father lets his son drop out of school ... if he agrees to watch three films a week chosen by his dad. It's a thoughtful, honest look inside one man's family. Plus: an erudite tour through film history!
Predictably Irrational
Dan Ariely
Another book that will have you compulsively sharing fascinating ancedotes with anyone who'll listen! It's a great read, but also packed with information you can use to understand your own decisions.
Uncommon Reader
Alan Bennett
One of the most lovable books I've read this year -- charming almost beyond description. But not lightweight ... full of intelligence and wit. A short synopsis: The Queen learns to read. It's great!
The Year of Living Biblically
A. J. Jacobs
So funny it hurts -- but also thought-provoking and full of stuff I didn't know. I also loved Jacobs' book about reading the whole Encyclopedia Britannica. What a guy!
The Thing About Life Is That One Day You'll Be Dead
David Shields
I think I can confidently promise that this is like nothing you've ever read. Call it memoir, call it philosophy -- it's haunting, funny and starkly honest about the central fact of life. I loved every page.
A Taste for Rabbit
Linda Zuckerman
Edgy & excellent, this novel reads like an Animal Farm for the 21st century. A gripping tale about the power that a few brave individuals can wield against evil, it also includes bright flashes of humor and careful observations about human nature (or rabbit or fox or badger ...).
The Hypocrisy of Disco
Clane Hayward
Here's the flip side of the back-to-the land movement. Clane Hayward grew up with barely-there hippie parents and longed for food, shelter and other mainstream pleasures. Much of her story takes place in Northern California ... it's touching and hard to forget.
The Book Thief
Marcus Zusak
This is a prime candidate for my favorite novel of the year, period. Yes, it's accessible to young readers, but here's what you need to know: no matter your age, it will transport you, and you'll love it.
Three Bags Full
Leonie Swan
First: It's not cute. Witty, yes. Strange, thoughtful, full of suspense and a pinch of existential anguish -- all that. And, it's the best damn sheep detective novel I've read!
Deep Economy
Bill McKibben
Ah, my favorite kind of book: impossibly intriguing, well-written and fun to read. Plus: I think this is one of the most important books of the year. What's not to like?
This page last updated May 13, 2008