Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Dave's Reading Chair

I'm a voracious reader, but Spring is my busy season, so lately I haven't had a lot of time. Right now, I'm in the middle of no fewer than SEVEN different books. Since I know you'll ask, here's a synopsis:

New Rules - Bill Maher. He's another brilliant comedian who has flirted with ruining his comedic career by becoming too political. (ala Dennis Miller, Al Franken) This book is good, though, and I still have When You Ride Alone You Ride with Bin Laden to read.

E=MC2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation - David Bodanis. This is a sort of biography of Albert Einstein's life and career, and discusses in detail some of the principles of energy. Really fascinating. Plus it makes me look really smart to have this book lying around.

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors - Sagan/Druyan. It is another brilliant Carl Sagan masterpiece. Sagan is a captivating writer who provides amazing perspective of humanity and our role in the universe. Guess what... we're screwed. (this is another book that makes me look good)

America (The Book) - Jon Stewart. More great comedy. I mostly read in bed at night, so if the bed is shaking and squeaking, unfortunately it's probably because I'm laughing.

Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown. What can I say? Everybody's either reading it, or seeing the movie right now.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven - Mitch Albom. I've alreay read Tuesdays With Morrie, and this is the natural follow-up. So far, both books have been outstanding, if not just a little simplistic.

The Martini Book - Sally Ann Berk. What the hell does Sally Ann know about martinis that I don't?? Yeah, that's what I thought. (by the way, I have philosophical problems with colored martinis... call me a purist) (or, just a sonofabitch)
I am hoping to finish no fewer than three books this week. If I don't, I will start confusing story lines. Tuesdays with Bill Maher... or The Five Forgotten Ancestors You Meet in America. Not good.

8 comments:

... said...

I get myself stuck in more than one book sometimes too but usually one will grab me more than the others and I will end up finishing before returning to the others.

Good luck with all that reading. I am on number 5 for the month of May. I might send my dad that e=mc2 one you mentioned...I think he would like it. Keep us posted on how good they all turn out.

Unknown said...

I loved your synopsis of the books which made me think I could get thru Sagin and understand it.
Glad to know someone besides me reads to make themselves look good.

Maven said...

I've read DaVinci Code and 5 People You Meet in Heaven.

What's amusing is, I am currently reading several books, one of which is, "I hear you paint houses," by Charles Brandt. And I can't help but co-relate the main character of "5 People" to Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran, from whose perspective "I hear you paint houses" is written.

Intriguing reads, Dave!

Di Mackey said...

Lordy lordy ... impressed by your reading list. ;)

Yes ... makes you look good.

I read 'Tuesdays with Morrie' and earlier Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' ... both have been called simplistic but I always wondered, if they get a message across, are a pleasure to read, does it matter?

I avoided Da Vinci for ages ... dammit, I wasn't joining the masses, then gave in and devoured it in a couple of days. I almost missed 'The English Patient' for the same reason.

OldHorsetailSnake said...

I am reading a book by a b**gger named Maddox. One chapter is how to slyly punch somebody in the balls.

It gets worse.

Chris Johnson said...

I read the 5 people book. Very good book. You should already be done with that one, that was only like a 3 or 4 hour book for me.

mckay said...

i didn't care for '5 Peeps in Heaven'

but i think i'd love the martini book. guess what i'm making tonight...oh, wait. damn. not friday yet.

tick tock tick tock..

Anonymous said...

I've got Tom Robbins book of shorts and a book about Ted Hughes going on right now. I must be in the T's...