So, I just completed a book I found in my son's room as I was heading out of town and desperate for something other than work stuff to read on the plane. Was a book titled Disgrace written in the late 1990s by a South African born author, J M Coetzee. I often troll my now adult or semi-adult children's rooms for books when I don't have time to get to the bookstore or library. While required reading is no joy when it is required, the required books are generally really good when you are not required to write a paper after reading them. While I think I enjoyed Disgrace (it made me think, made me uncomfortable, and kept my interest), I am not sure it would roll off my tongue right away if someone asked me to recommend a book to them.
Which brings me to my question: Do you have a 'filter' for books you will recommend? For instance, I would recommend that everyone on our team read The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Who Moved My Cheese? They are light, organizational-understanding type books that are somewhat humorous, but also quite insightful. I would also recommend those books to my three kids -- think it would help them as they prepare to enter the work world. Of course, I doubt that they would read them at this juncture of their lives (19, 22 and 26 and all still in some form or another of school). I have recommended them to my husband, but not to my mother. I have not recommended it to either of the women I walk with in the morning -- even though we sometimes talk books -- but different kinds of books.
Of course, on my shelves at work, I have all the 'right' business/organizational reads -- Built to Last, The 8th Habit, Health Care Trends, Every Business is a Growth Business. Would I recommend them to most people? Not so much.
A book I would recommend and have recommended to everyone is The Giver -- but you must have hankies (boy, am I old or what) handy. I learned so much from that story about what really matters and what is just memorex. Another is the book I read right before Disgrace, which is Game Change about the 2008 presidential campaign. Amazed at how much information people are willing to share 'off the record' and how colorful the language of all politicians. Back to the filters -- mine are generally based on what I know about the person or persons to whom I am recommending a book; if they are squeamish about language or situations; and if I think I will ever see or talk with them again. What filters do you use? And, what books would you recommend to me or other co-workers? I really am looking for a few more good reads this summer and want to save my kids' rooms for when I am absolutely desperate.
13 comments:
June,
I would recommend "Nudge" by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein. I was lucky enough to hear Thaler speak about the concept and it was highly inspiring.
"Nudge" is a concept that the role of, say, a school-cafeteria manager is to place the best choices in the most readily available place in the cafeteria, as one example. As a health care organization, it is up to us to "nudge" the public in the right direction for their health.
The authors are very careful to say that it is not gov't or organization's jobs to make decisions for people, but rather use the collective knowledge of experts, who scientifically should know what one's best decision might be, to ensure that good decision options are readily available to laypeople.
I'd love to hear what others think about the book.
Jason Vander Weele
Will have it before the week is out and will look forward to sharing. Now for the wimpy question -- how many pages?
The last book I purchased is Anna Quindlen's "Every Last One." I went to see her speak at Maryville - she's an inspiring woman. However, I can't recommend this book because I haven't read it! I've heard it's pretty heavy and I haven't been brave enough to dig in yet. Here's me with Anna Quindlen: Anna Quindlen
That's great! It's a fairly quick read, about 250 pages :)
Emily,
I have and have read Anna Quindlen's, A Short Guide to a Happy Life and loved it. She writes beautifully.
J
I just finished "Three Cups of Tea" about Greg Mortenson's work in Afghanistan setting up schools for girls. I thought it provided great insight into the culture, and found it holding my interest. He was nursed back to health by a village after almost dying trying to climb K2, and he promised to come back and build a school, which lead to others.... I do filter books, and have sort of figured out which of my co-workers might enjoy what type of book, which I pass on to them. I usually get mine passed on to me from other friends.
Karen,
Sounds like a good (and serious) read. I will put in on my list.
Thanks much.
J
June,
So I am a few weeks behind in sharing my "must read" but I know you won't be disappointed. In fact, I will let you borrow it and you can pass it along. It is "The Checklist Manifesto-How to Get Things Right" by Atul Gawande, MD. In our world of technology and fast pace we often fail to remember the simple tasks that need to get done prior to completing more complex and intricate tasks. If we remembered the simple things many of the mishaps would have never happened. Without giving away his theory he showcases various health care institutions that have adopted his concept and have shown great outcomes. While it may seem work related, it really is a great read that can be realted to other facets of your life. Enjoy!
Thanks, Diana. And my always question -- how many pages? Just joking and thanks for offering to share your copy. I have Three Cups of Tea that I will start this weekend on the drive to Chi-town and then will read Nudge. So, give me until September and then I'll look forward to borrowing the book from you.
Last book read was Kathryn Stockett's "The Help," set in Mississippi around the time of Medgar Evers' murder. The story is told by the Help, and the ladies for whom they work. It's fascinating, funny, uncomfortable and totally worth the read.
I find I'm reading more now that I can carry books around with me on my iPad. I'm currently reading Anthony Bourdain's "Medium Raw," which I cannot reccommend because it's boring as all getout.
I should also mention another social networking site I'm using: http://www.goodreads.com/
It allows you to track books you are going to read, are currently reading, and have read. While book reports aren't required, reviews and recommendations are encouraged.
My user name there is garricks if anyone would like to share.
Gary,
My walking partner read Help and said it opened her eyes in a way few books had. She is waiting for me to read it to see if our racial differences make a difference in how we experience the book. So, it is on the list.
And, congratulations on that milestone decision you made. Bravo!
The Edison Theatre will present The Giver Jan 6-21, 2011. June, thanks for the hankie warning. A book I would recommend is Mountains beyond Mountains. My current reads are Hot Shoe Diaries, Big Light from Small Flashes and the Savage Detectives by Bolano, over 500 pages by Chilean author. Both are very good, but neither book meets the criteria for general recommendation. Coetzee is a different story. Disgrace is a powerful book with amazing use of language.
Jane House
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