Even Less Illiterate in Mississippi
For some unknown reason, the post "Not Illiterate in Mississippi" became incredibly popular. If you do a Google search for "Illiterate in Mississippi" it comes up at the first of the results. That's amazing in an ego-boosting sort of way. So, being all shellacked up with a new coat of pride, I decided to take this chance to provide you my latest reading list...like you care. In my never ending quest to prove that we here in good ol' Mississippi are a literate bunch I like to share my literary conquests from time to time or at the very least shove them down your throat to prove my intellectual prowess. And for those of you that don't recognize it, that's what we call sarcasm.
The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. II, by Shelby Foote - This volume helps one understand the hatred between the North and South that had little to do with slavery and everything to do with states rights. It certainly made me realize that all the nasty stuff I've ever read about Tecumseh Sherman was probably true.
Freakonomics, by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner - This was a great book and what I would consider light reading. An economist's view of cause and effect. This is a thought provoking approach to understanding how things come about. I've told several people about the subject matter and they immediately took issue with it...the markings of a great book. For instance, how did Roe vs. Wade affect crime? Read this book...it's worth the effort.
Legacy of Ashes, by Tim Weiner - The history of the CIA based on recently released declassified documents. What I find most intriguing is the chronology and what we wrongly associate with which president. I can't say this was an impressive book. It was interesting to read, but I didn't retain much of what it offered. I don't know if this was because of the amount of information or the fact that it didn't make me "think". Bottom line...a good book, but I wouldn't read it again.
When You are Engulfed in Flames, by David Sedaris - This is an absolutely hilarious, bawdy, irreverent book. If you are leaning very far to the right, don't even touch the cover because you'll burst into flames. David Sedaris' unique perspective on life is not for the faint of heart. The only reason to read this is for open-minded amusement, there are very few life enhancing messages here.
The Art of Innovation, by Thomas Kelley and Johnathan Littman - As an engineer in a large corporation, I found this book depressing. I love to design new things and improve old ones, but compared to the folks at Ideo, I'm in a hopeless situation. I'll go out on a limb and say that 90% of the population won't "get" what this book is about. You'll read it and say, "That's stupid" or "What a waste of time and money". But that's okay because if you do, then you are right in there with the vast majority. That would make you "normal". But some people are not normal...and they like it that way. This book will get the creative juices flowing and rekindle the flames of innovation for those inspired to do more than count beans all day. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is feeling oppressed and stagnant in their workday activities.
Angler, by Barton Gellman - This is the true story of an ego maniacal genius that set out to become one of most powerful people in the world. Guided by a self-righteous attitude and absolutely no respect for humanity, he pushes the limits of every tenet of the U.S. constitution. The code name "Angler" was used by the Secret Service during this person's "service" to his country. He single handedly destroyed the aspirations of untold numbers and condoned what most consider torture of his enemies. The epitome of crony ism at it's highest rank, this person's actions will assure that we suffer the consequences for decades to come. Yet today he walks free among us. Who could this be? Dick Cheney, who else.
How Doctors Think, by Jerome Groopman, M.D. - This is a very good book providing insight into how many doctors make the decisions, good and bad, that they make. Dr. Groopman gives numerous case histories and explains the how's and whys of both good and bad diagnosis. If you've had bad experiences with the medical experts, this book allows a glint of hope that the right doctor is out there somewhere.
Shakespeare, by Bill Bryson - I'll read anything Bill Bryson writes. Travelogue, historical account, grocery list, doesn't matter. In my opinion, he is one of the best writers to put pen to paper. So when somebody like that writes about William Shakespeare, I'm going to read it. This book gives you a glimpse into the background and what was going on during the time of Shakespeare. Not a long drawn out diatribe of why Shakespeare was wonderful, but a concise picture of the little that is actually known about the man. Many argue whether or not Shakespeare actually wrote all the work credited to him and this book certainly won't settle that. Just read and enjoy Bryson's talent of making anything and everything interesting.
A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle - Oprah Winfrey put this on her book list and was promptly attacked by the religious right. Personally I like to keep an open mind and make my own decisions. Tolle's critics do not. I don't necessarily agree with everything Tolle says, but I think his view of the ego as destroyer of men is spot on. I have no doubt that if you take Tolle's lessons to heart you will be a happier, healthier person since most are gleaned from the teachings of religious figures throughout time. I'm sorry, but I just don't think reading this book or following it's advice will buy you a ticket to hell. I learned a lot about myself and how I think through this book. I'll read it again, I'm sure.
The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. II, by Shelby Foote - This volume helps one understand the hatred between the North and South that had little to do with slavery and everything to do with states rights. It certainly made me realize that all the nasty stuff I've ever read about Tecumseh Sherman was probably true.
Freakonomics, by Steven D. Levitt & Stephen J. Dubner - This was a great book and what I would consider light reading. An economist's view of cause and effect. This is a thought provoking approach to understanding how things come about. I've told several people about the subject matter and they immediately took issue with it...the markings of a great book. For instance, how did Roe vs. Wade affect crime? Read this book...it's worth the effort.
Legacy of Ashes, by Tim Weiner - The history of the CIA based on recently released declassified documents. What I find most intriguing is the chronology and what we wrongly associate with which president. I can't say this was an impressive book. It was interesting to read, but I didn't retain much of what it offered. I don't know if this was because of the amount of information or the fact that it didn't make me "think". Bottom line...a good book, but I wouldn't read it again.
When You are Engulfed in Flames, by David Sedaris - This is an absolutely hilarious, bawdy, irreverent book. If you are leaning very far to the right, don't even touch the cover because you'll burst into flames. David Sedaris' unique perspective on life is not for the faint of heart. The only reason to read this is for open-minded amusement, there are very few life enhancing messages here.
The Art of Innovation, by Thomas Kelley and Johnathan Littman - As an engineer in a large corporation, I found this book depressing. I love to design new things and improve old ones, but compared to the folks at Ideo, I'm in a hopeless situation. I'll go out on a limb and say that 90% of the population won't "get" what this book is about. You'll read it and say, "That's stupid" or "What a waste of time and money". But that's okay because if you do, then you are right in there with the vast majority. That would make you "normal". But some people are not normal...and they like it that way. This book will get the creative juices flowing and rekindle the flames of innovation for those inspired to do more than count beans all day. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is feeling oppressed and stagnant in their workday activities.
Angler, by Barton Gellman - This is the true story of an ego maniacal genius that set out to become one of most powerful people in the world. Guided by a self-righteous attitude and absolutely no respect for humanity, he pushes the limits of every tenet of the U.S. constitution. The code name "Angler" was used by the Secret Service during this person's "service" to his country. He single handedly destroyed the aspirations of untold numbers and condoned what most consider torture of his enemies. The epitome of crony ism at it's highest rank, this person's actions will assure that we suffer the consequences for decades to come. Yet today he walks free among us. Who could this be? Dick Cheney, who else.
How Doctors Think, by Jerome Groopman, M.D. - This is a very good book providing insight into how many doctors make the decisions, good and bad, that they make. Dr. Groopman gives numerous case histories and explains the how's and whys of both good and bad diagnosis. If you've had bad experiences with the medical experts, this book allows a glint of hope that the right doctor is out there somewhere.
Shakespeare, by Bill Bryson - I'll read anything Bill Bryson writes. Travelogue, historical account, grocery list, doesn't matter. In my opinion, he is one of the best writers to put pen to paper. So when somebody like that writes about William Shakespeare, I'm going to read it. This book gives you a glimpse into the background and what was going on during the time of Shakespeare. Not a long drawn out diatribe of why Shakespeare was wonderful, but a concise picture of the little that is actually known about the man. Many argue whether or not Shakespeare actually wrote all the work credited to him and this book certainly won't settle that. Just read and enjoy Bryson's talent of making anything and everything interesting.
A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle - Oprah Winfrey put this on her book list and was promptly attacked by the religious right. Personally I like to keep an open mind and make my own decisions. Tolle's critics do not. I don't necessarily agree with everything Tolle says, but I think his view of the ego as destroyer of men is spot on. I have no doubt that if you take Tolle's lessons to heart you will be a happier, healthier person since most are gleaned from the teachings of religious figures throughout time. I'm sorry, but I just don't think reading this book or following it's advice will buy you a ticket to hell. I learned a lot about myself and how I think through this book. I'll read it again, I'm sure.
Posted by TBF at 4/12/2009 10:33 AM 
Categories: Not Funny
Tags: Tim Weiner How Doctors Think Barton Gellman Shelby Foote Thomas Kelley Eckhart Tolle Legacy of Ashes Bill Bryson When You are Engulfed in Flames Stephan J. Dubner The Art of Innovation Steven D. Levitt A New Earth Angler Freakonomics David Sedaris Shakespeare Johnathan Litman The Civil War Jerome Groopman
Categories: Not Funny
Tags: Tim Weiner How Doctors Think Barton Gellman Shelby Foote Thomas Kelley Eckhart Tolle Legacy of Ashes Bill Bryson When You are Engulfed in Flames Stephan J. Dubner The Art of Innovation Steven D. Levitt A New Earth Angler Freakonomics David Sedaris Shakespeare Johnathan Litman The Civil War Jerome Groopman
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