The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year, by Margaret Renkl
A meditative book, following the year week by week, with natural observations, and life lessons. Enjoy Renkl’s beautiful writing.
Read MoreThe Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life, by Suleika Jaouad
Many other creatives offer prompts for journaling, but none from Jaouad herself? Read my review, and tell me if you agree or disagree with my assessment.
Read MoreIt's Only Drowning: A True Story of Learning to Surf and the Search for Common Ground, by David Litt
When blue liberal David Litt seeks improved mental health through surfing, he has an opportunity to learn about how red conservatives see the world from his brother-in-law, Matt. He doesn’t quite get there, but at least opens the door, in this funny memoir.
Read MoreThe Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement, by Sharon McMahon
A compilation of short biographies, told with skillful storytelling and interesting detail, describing the humble contributions of ordinary Americans to making our country stronger and better for all.
Read MoreWhen The Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders, by Howard Blum
Prepare for the August, 2025 trial of Bryan Kohberger for the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students by reading this excellent book by respected author Howard Blum.
Read MoreJane Austen at Home: A Biography, by Lucy Worsley
Enjoy and learn from Lucy Worsley’s superlative history of Jane Austen and the life experiences surrounding her six classic novels. Then read Austen’s novels!
Read MoreNotes to John, by Joan Didion
Joan Didion’s posthumously published notes to her husband, about her consultation with a psychiatrist in an effort to save their adult daughter. Helpful reading for parents dealing with adult children experiencing difficulties in life. Recommended.
Read MoreVesper Flights, by Helen Macdonald
A compilation of essays on the natural world, and the animals that must share it with the humans. It will increase your sensitivity to your personal impacts— with gentle observation, no preachiness, here.
Read MoreRaising Hare: A Memoir, by Chloe Dalton
A Covid memoir from Britain, we learn of the way a baby hare changes a city dwelling, workaholic’s life. Highly recommended.
Read MoreCloistered: My Years as a Nun, by Catherine Coldstream
Insightful, beautifully written memoir describing the Carmelite way of life, how it can fulfill, and how it can fail.
Read MoreA Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon, by Kevin Fedarko
By turns funny, educational, and exciting, but never boring, enjoy this travelogue of the Grand Canyon, told from the unique perspective of a walk below rim, through the entire Canyon.
Read MorePatriot: A Memoir, by Alexei Navalny
The memoir of Alexei Navalny, a serious candidate for president in Russia, Putin’s biggest rival, who had hopes to bring freedom and democracy to his beloved Russia. Of course, Putin had him killed in prison. An inspiring story.
Read MoreGrief Is For People, by Sloane Crosley
A thoughtful, funny, and honest reflection on the loss of a best friend to suicide. Highly recommended.
Read MoreBlind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong, and What It Means for Our Health, by Marty Makary, M.D.
Dr. Makary, Trump’s pick for FDA, offers important perspective on why medical dogma, “the way we’ve always done it,” needs scientific inquiry.
Read MoreGarabandal: The Warning and the Great Miracle, The Divine Reset That Will Correct the Conscience of the World, by Ted Flynn
Author Ted Flynn reports on the events in Garabandal, Spain in 1961-1965, which may come to fruition very soon.
Read MoreNuclear War: A Scenario, by Annie Jacobsen
A horrifying scenario of nuclear Armageddon. But is it designed to inform, or influence?
Read MoreSudden Sea: The Great Hurricane of 1938, by R.A. Scotti
Eighty-six years after the Hurricane of 1938, learn about what it was like to experience a storm of great magnitude, with absolutely no warning.
Read MoreThe Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook, by Hampton Sides
Enjoy this story of adventure and suspense, learning about Captain James Cook, first contact of indigenous people of Hawaii with Europeans, and the age of courageous men navigating unknown seas.
Read MoreHillbilly Elegy, by J.D. Vance
A must read before you vote. I hope this young man stays the course, a hopeful light for the future of our republic.
Read MoreIn My Time of Dying: How I Came Face-to-Face with the Idea of an Afterlife, by Sebastian Junger
Another deeply personal, well-written exploration from Junger, about the ultimate question.
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