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Home: A Memoir of My Early Years-Julie Andrews

• Any fan of Julie Andrews will enjoy the stories contained within the pages of this memoir. Starting with her earliest memories, Andrews details her life up until her decision to portray Mary Poppins in the classic film. Written in easy to read prose, Andrews paints a picture of a life that contains more depth than some would imagine. Her story is one with many twists and turns, and I enjoyed learning about her life.

The Kennedy Detail-Gerald Blaine with Lisa McCubbin

• There are millions of people around the world who remember the day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Countless numbers of those people, as well as many who were not even born on that fateful November day, refuse to believe the official version of the events that caused the death of one of America’s most beloved presidents. The Kennedy Detail is most notably a response to the conspiracy theorists and doubters out there. Written by a former member of Kennedy’s Secret Service detail and based off of personal recollections and government documents, this work is an exposé of sorts. Blaine notes in the prologue that he realized that it was time for the men of Kennedy’s Secret Service detail to speak up and publicly tell what they knew about the assassination before they were all too old to do so, thereby losing their chance to set the record straight. In the pages of this text, the reader is able to catch a glimpse of what life was like on the inside, as well as the challenges that the Secret Service faces whenever the president travels. The story is told in third person, objectifying the experiences that each of the profiled agents faced. This enables the reader to consider the text without the intrusion of the narrator stating what he believes. It is clear from the text that the men of the Secret Service both loved and respected Kennedy, and as such, many of the juicy details readers have come to expect from any book about JFK are absent. While this may present a slightly different account of the Kennedys than many readers are used to, I feel that the omission was made to keep the focus on the assassination rather than the personal problems of the man. Despite the lack of scandalous anecdotes, there are many interesting details about the family and the assassination within the text that really shed light on the events of that day in Dallas, and I think that the reader of this book will not be disappointed. I would recommend this book to everyone except for the most die-hard conspiracy theorists, as they would not be able to make it past the prologue without being offended.

Decision Points-George W. Bush

• No question about it, mentioning George W. Bush in any situation, in any place, will garner strong opinions of both the man and his policies. While I don’t necessarily agree with all of the decisions President Bush made in office, I must disclose that I decided to read this book fully anticipating that I would enjoy it and agree with many of the statements Bush makes. In this respect, I was not disappointed. In fact, I not only enjoyed the book, I loved it! I found the former president’s writing style to be straightforward and honest—reading his words is like having a conversation rather than being lectured to. I also enjoyed the setup of the book; each chapter focused on a decision and the factors that led to it. While non-chronological and certainly unlike any other autobiography I have read, it was refreshing not to have to sift through information on the way to the topics I really wanted to read about. Indeed, this topical setup allows the reader to learn about the things that are most interesting to him, whether that be stem cells, the war, September 11, the 2000 election, or any of the other important decisions within the text. As previously stated, there are some situations in which I disagree with the president. I was interested to see his thought process and justification for the decisions he made concerning these topics. I can now honestly say that there were some things that I better understand now knowing what the president knew when he made his choice. This, I believe, is the reason that this book will be successful—people want to know why the decisions were made the way they were made without having political commentary from the numerous media outlets thrust upon them. Read this book if you would like to learn more about the presidency of George W. Bush, and more about the man himself. If you do not like Bush, read it with an open mind, and at the very least, you will learn something and perhaps change some of your opinions. If you do like Bush, you will find this book to be delightful and reaffirming, and you may learn a few things as well.

Spoken From the Heart-Laura Bush

• Like Decision Points, George W. Bush’s memoir, Spoken From the Heart chronicles the time the Bush family lived in the White House. Mrs. Bush gives her impressions of the events that happened while she served as First Lady, and details the many trips that she took around the world on the behalf of the United States. This book is more than just the reminiscing of a First Lady—it is also the story of a quiet girl from west Texas who grew up to become a politician’s wife and dealt with some major struggles along the way. It is the tale of a young woman, heading off to college and entering the world of education, eventually becoming a librarian. It is a mother’s journey, from finding out that she would be giving birth to twins to seeing both of her daughters grow up to be successful. Mrs. Bush writes elegantly, but with a personal touch, enabling the reader to understand the many personal and public experiences that have shaped her life. The style is not conversational, but it is not hard to imagine that maybe Mrs. Bush would read this book aloud as you listen. While not fast-paced, this book is a pleasant read that many women will enjoy.

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China-Jung Chang

• In Wild Swans, the reader will follow the lives of three generations of Chinese women, the author’s grandmother, mother, and the author herself. Their story begins long before China became a Communist country–Chang’s grandmother was forced to be a warlord’s concubine. However, as China changed, so did Chang’s family. Her mother fought with the Communists in order to break free from oppression, yet later had to face the consequences of the Cultural Revolution. Chang herself grew up in Mao’s shadow, never knowing anything different until her eyes were opened by a series of terrible events. This real life story of sacrifice and struggle engages the reader from beginning to end. Countless stories of the events in each woman’s life are coupled with historical facts and anecdotes, resulting in a highly entertaining, yet highly educational reading experience. This is a book to be savored and slowly digested. Its length means that it will take some time to read–a blessing, due to the fact that there is so much to learn, so much to feel in this biographical tale.

Never Sell Alone-Todd Cohen

• Whenever I think about business strategies and sales books, the first word that comes to mind is, quite honestly, boring. While I am sure that they all have value, entertainment value is not on my radar. I can happily say, however, that Todd Cohen’s latest work, Never Sell Alone, has changed my viewpoint on business and the level of entertainment that business strategy books can provide. Having never taken a business class or studied business techniques on my own, I went into this book hoping for, at the very least, an interesting thought or two scattered throughout a dry text. What I got was an engaging work that taught me the principles of Cohen’s virtual team, a sales culture based on the principles of servant leadership, teamwork and communication. While none of these ideas are new, the implementation Cohen espouses brings them to the table as fresh concepts that are far too often ignored in today’s world. One key pillar of this sales culture is the fact that every member of the organization has a key role to play in the development of the sales culture and the relationship with the client. All members of the company are ennobled, from the receptionist to the CEO, and no one gets a free pass. Cohen challenges his readers, whomever they may be, to step up and make a difference in the company and to the customer. Cohen’s text is written with clear voice that informs without being dry, and motivates without being fake. He offers concrete suggestions for implementing his techniques, and encourages the reader to take action rather than just digest his words and place the book back on the shelf. The introduction of the book provides a framework for the ideas presented, and a brief summary of each chapter is provided right up front, allowing for the book to become a handy reference after the first reading. Cohen asks probing questions that will cause the reader to consider whether or not he is implementing the best practices in his own sales culture. Charts and graphs encourage critical thinking, allowing for an interactive experience that keeps the reader engaged. This book is a clear and consistent guide that makes a strong case for the virtual team sales culture. Although he writes that no company can afford to forgo traditional personal relationships with its clients, Cohen also promotes social networking and a strong Internet presence as critical techniques for maintaining a thriving business in today’s economy.  Real world examples add to the many diverse views within this work, allowing the reader to feel as if the subject matter has been thoroughly examined from all sides. I can recommend this book to any person, anywhere, in any job, because as Cohen successfully proves, “we are all in sales”.

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street -Michael Davis

• Reading this book provides you with more information than you ever dreamed possible about “Sesame Street.” From the battle for existence to the end of the original era, readers of this book will get an unmatched behind the scenes glimpse of the Muppets, the characters of “Sesame Street,” and the men and women behind their success. Davis provides an introduction to the key players, producers and movers and shakers in a great deal of detail that leaves the reader with all questions answered. I would recommend this book for anyone who ever grew up with Oscar, Big Bird and Cookie Monster.

Who’s Your City?-Richard Florida

• As a political science minor, I am very interested in the way cities work, and as someone who loves culture, I find the vibes of different cities fascinating. This book helped me to learn more about both topics. Full of statistics and anecdotes, the book kept me interested most of the time. I think I would have gained more if I were actually looking to make a move, as part of the book is about finding the ideal city for your needs. I intend to pull this book out again whenever I am considering moving to a new place.

The Duchess-Amanda Foreman

• After seeing the film version of The Duchess starring Keira Knightly, I felt like I needed to learn more about Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, and her life and times. I was definitely not disappointed by Foreman’s biography of the Duchess, and felt that the book clearly illuminated the complicated life of a woman who was beloved by many, and who suffered from an unfortunate arranged marriage. However, unlike the film, the book makes it clear that Georgiana has her faults and is responsible for much of her own fate. This text is long and well-researched, so I wouldn’t recommend it for someone who doesn’t usually read historical works.

Aquariums of Pyongyang-Kang Chol-Hwan and Pierre Rigoulot

• I learned about this book from President Bush’s memoir, Decision Points. Being interested in Korean culture and history, as well as learning more about North Korea’s secretive regime, I felt compelled to buy this book at once. Aquariums focuses on the life of the author from his childhood until the present day. In this memoir, the reader is exposed to the life of a political prisoner’s family—imprisoned by association in Yodok, a labor camp in North Korea. Kang reveals the difficulties his family and other undesirables faced during their “reeducation” at the camp, including backbreaking work, malnutrition and abuses at the hand of their guards. Even more starling is the revelation that this particular camp was a paradise compared to some of the other camps “enemies” of the state were forced to enter. Following his family’s release from the camp some ten years after their initial detention, Kang became reunited with friends and family from his past. Eventually, however, he was forced to flee the country or face certain imprisonment for illegally listening to South Korean radio broadcasts. The book reveals how Kang and a friend escaped to China and eventually, South Korea. Today, Kang is a champion for the removal of the current North Korean regime and the reunification of the two Koreas. This book is a must read for anyone who would like a better understanding of the situation in North Korea; it would also be a good read for anyone interested in human rights and humanitarian aid.

Three Cups of Tea-Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

• Pakistan–a land of mystery to many of us, often thought of as a place where no hope can be found. Education is a rarity there, especially for girls. The first thing that comes to mind is war, and that’s about all that comes to the minds of many when considering this far-off place. Greg Mortenson aims to change the minds of his readers in this memoir of his efforts to promote peace and stability through education. Three Cups of Tea begins with the story of an average man, but ends on a level of extraordinary, continued hope. Light is shed on the living conditions and views of the people living in the remote parts of Pakistan, on their culture and their dreams. A revealing glimpse of the life of a man almost entirely devoted to his cause also emerges, proving that giving everything you’ve got for a good cause is not always wonderful and rewarding, but sometimes painful and humiliating–as Mortenson finds out when he attempts to raise money for his cause. This is a very special book that should be required reading for every politician, as it presents an alternate view and alternate solution to the current state of affairs in that part of the world. It is also a great book club book, as the story within must inspire action.

Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan-Greg Mortenson

• This excellent book is the sequel to Three Cups of Tea, picking up right where the Central Asia Institute left off. Although several years passed between the publishing of this book and its predecessor, Mortenson and his ragtag team never stopped building schools in Pakistan. The key to this book, however, is the organization’s move into Afghanistan. After promising to build a school in the most remote location they had ever attempted, in a part of the world where war is a constant reality, Mortenson and company strive for ten years to make the school a reality. In the meantime, their constant drive to improve the educational status of Pakistan and Afghanistan’s girls and women produces earthquake proof schools for the victims of the 2005 earthquake that devastated thousands of people. In this book, Mortenson also talks about the dramatic impact that his first book had on the U.S. military, as well as the citizens of the United States. I could not put this book down for very long once I began reading it, and I feel inspired to do something to change the world now that I’m finished with it. I consider this book to be a powerful tool in the fight for women’s rights worldwide, and a definitive resource for anyone who desires to promote education.

‘Tis Herself-Maureen O’Hara

• Maureen O’Hara is an old Hollywood icon, beautiful, strong willed, and often quite hilarious. She tells stories about her youth in Ireland, her experience in Hollywood, and her life after she gave up acting in this autobiography. You will read stories about legendary actors and actresses in this book, some of which are so startling, you will have to reread them. I picked this up in the airport in Dublin on my flight back home, and finished it before we landed in Chicago–it’s that good. If you are interested in reading a real story about a strong woman, give this book a chance! O’Hara’s quick wit and detailed writing style will charm you to the point that you’ll feel like you were there as the events of her life unfolded.

The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt-Eleanor Roosevelt

• This look inside the thoughts and feelings of ER changes some of the modern perceptions of the Roosevelt family, and reveals the truth behind the many myths. The reader is allowed to glimpse Eleanor’s personality, her triumphs and failures. On almost every page, she writes something so powerful that the reader is likely to have seen it as a quote printed on a journal or an inspirational poster. She writes well and honestly, glossing over nothing except for her husband’s affairs. The reader learns about how she held very liberal views for her time, causing political tension to the point that she was accused of sympathizing with Communists. She tells of her hopes for the future of America candidly, revealing what she sees as our greatest strengths and weaknesses as compared to the enemy of the time, the Soviet Union. Her words provide an invaluable insight into the late 1800s-the early 1960s, a period in time that most readers will not remember in its entirety, if at all. Despite the fact that this is a long read, ER’s book is worth the time it takes to finish.

 The Jew Store-Stella Suberman

Translation Nation-Héctor Tobar

• If you look around you and consider the past fifty years of American history, it is easy to see that where we were then and where we are now are two totally different Americas. The culture has changed, the people have changed. In this book, Tobar reveals how the major influx of Hispanic people into the United States has helped shape America. He sheds light on the good and the bad, all with a narrative style that lets the reader know that Tobar has been there and seen it all. As he traveled around the country interviewing people and experiencing their lifestyles, Tobar allows Americans who aren’t Hispanic a chance to see things from a different perspective, an invaluable tool in today’s global community. I can recommend this book to anyone who is interested in broadening his or her horizons–I put it down feeling a great deal more educated and informed than I was when I picked it up.

Gang Leader for a Day-Sudhir Venkatesh

• Although this book is non-fiction, it reads like a novel. This book is another one that will provide the vast majority of people with a glimpse into a life they can’t even imagine. As you learn more and more about life in the Chicago projects, your views of poverty will definitely be challenged, and perhaps even changed. Venkatesh allows the reader to find humanity in people that are often written off or ignored, and to gain a better understanding of the economics of the street. I highly recommend this one, especially to those who have no experience with poverty and crime. It changed my views, offering me a genuine understanding of a subject I thought I understood.

Night-Elie Wiesel

• Night is a memoir of the holocaust, so the subject matter is disturbing, to say the least. That being said, I feel that it is an essential read. Although the text is short, it packs a powerful punch. I found Wiesel’s depictions of his sufferings to be poignant and brutal. While there are many true stories of holocaust survivors out there, all of them equally important, Night stands out due to the literary quality of the text.