THIS TENDER LAND  is part Coming of Age, Huck Finn, Grapes of Wrath and Wizard of Oz. The narrative starts at the Lincoln (Minnesota) Training School in 1932—The Great Depression.  WAIT!  Before your mind goes ballistic with “Who wants to read something juvenile and depressing?” I assure you this book is not that! Yes, you’ll be sad about some of it, but you’ll be more fascinated and inspired by most of it.  Even though the narrative begins in the Indian orphanage with some of the themes we’re … [Read more...] about This Tender Land

Richard Powers’ THE OVERSTORY is a tour de force.  It’s also a Pulitzer prize-winner which is being made into a movie. When I say a tour de force, I’m not kidding—it’s 502 pages long and it has a complex structure—but don’t be put off by that.  And don’t be put off by the fact that the characters are introduced in vignettes that might make you think you’ve come upon an anthology of short stories.  By the end of the book, you’ll know each of these characters intimately and you’ll be glad you do. … [Read more...] about The Overstory

Gobbled this book down in two days. Gave me such insight into other people. She's a remarkable writer who with wit and wisdom captures her journey from lonely, bulimic twenty-six year old (also at the top of her law school class) to confident adult, wife and mother. Relatable, insightful, and funny. … [Read more...] about Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life

I've always been a fan of this man. Watching his heroic battle with Parkinson's disease over the years, I knew I wanted to read his book. From the jacket cover: Michael shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, again, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. Thoughtful and moving, but with Fox's trademark sense of humor, his book provides a vehicle for reflection about our lives, our loves, and our … [Read more...] about No Time Like The Future