A Stranger Recommends

As my husband and I cruised through Costco we came upon a demonstration for a juicer/blender, so we stopped to listen and taste. Apparently these are the same juicers used by Booster Juice and are so impressive that with their friction alone, they can heat the ingredients within to make a hot and tasty soup.  Well, we were impressed and the price was impressive too!  Choke!  So, off we went in search of egg nog and soon we were conversing with a fellow "audience" member.  I'm not sure how we got on the topic but soon we were discussing books!  I know, right?!  

He made a strong recommendation for a few books but most especially this one, "What the Dog Saw." Having seen this one, and shelved it at work, I knew immediately who the author was.  I too had been impressed with a desire to read it and so was happily surprised to hear another's recommendation for it. Apparently his other books, "The Outliers" and "Blink" are equally as good but this particular book stands out in this fellow's mind.

Of course I had to research it a bit more so I could share it here and determine if What the Dog Saw must be added to my "must-read" list.  Since I do truly enjoy a book that require some contemplation and after thought and possibly further implementation of principles, I know this one will be added to my "must-read" list.

Read on and see if you agree, for yourself of course.

What the Dog Saw

From the Press Release:

     Malcolm Gladwell's new book, WHAT THE DOG SAW (Little, Brown and Company; publication date: October 20, 2009), presents nineteen brilliantly researched and provocative essays that exhibit the curiosity his readers love, each with a graceful narrative that leads to a thought-provoking analysis. The explorations here delve into subjects as varied as why some people choke while others panic; how changes meant to make a situation safer — like childproof lids on medicine — don't help because people often compensate with more reckless behavior; and the idea that genius is inextricably tied up with precocity.

"You don't start at the top if you want to find the story. You start in the middle, because it's the people in the middle who do the actual work in the world," writes Gladwell in the preface to WHAT THE DOG SAW. In each piece, he offers a glimpse into the minds of a startling array of fascinating characters. "We want to know what it feels like to be a doctor," he insists, rather than what doctors do every day, because "Curiosity about the interior life of other people's day-to-day work is one of the most fundamental of human impulses." Like no other writer today, Gladwell satisfies this impulse brilliantly, energizing and challenging his readers.

     WHAT THE DOG SAW is organized thematically into three categories:

         Part One contains stories about what Gladwell calls "minor geniuses," people like Ron Popeil, the pitchman who by himself conceived, created, and sold the Showtime rotisserie oven to millions on TV, breaking every rule of the modern economy.

              Part Two demonstrates theories, or ways of organizing experience. For example, "Million-Dollar Murray" explores the problem of homelessness — how to solve it, and whether solving it for the most extreme and costly cases makes sense as policy. In this particular piece, Gladwell looks at a controversial program that gives the chronic homeless the keys to their own apartments and access to special services while keeping less extreme cases on the street to manage on their own.

           In Part Three, Gladwell examines the predictions we make about people. "How do we know whether someone is bad, or smart, or capable of doing something really well?" he asks. He writes about how educators evaluate young teachers, how the FBI profiles criminals, how job interviewers form snap judgments. He is candid in his skepticism about these methods but fascinated by the various attempts to measure talent or personality.

     Malcolm Gladwell selected the essays in WHAT THE DOG SAW himself, choosing the stories and ideas that have continued to fascinate and provoke readers long after their publication in The New Yorker. The book is an invaluable gift for his existing fans, and the ideal introduction for new readers.

Heat Exhaustion, Sunburn and A Stranger's Choice

Last Saturday my husband and I attended the annual Street Performers Festival here in Edmonton.  It was blazing hot, 28 Celsius but I am sure it was hotter at Churchill Square! The performances were fascinating and offered great entertainment.  We watched four shows and conducted a taste test of all the green onion cake vendors, of which there were three.  The first, Green Onion Cakes, came out the best for flavour, greaselessness, and was served on a disposable plate with hot sauce and a side of sour cream (an extra 50 cents).  They know they're the best too!!  Another vendor served their rather greasy onion cakes with packets of hot sauce that sat out in the heat of the sun and no option of sour cream.  The third contestant was a close second.  They had a hot sauce very similar to vendor #1 but their onion cake wasn't as good.  No sour cream either.  Here's the winner:

As we sat eating one of these onion cakes, I noticed the girl next to us was reading a book!  I know, at the Street Performers! Sheesh!!!  I only wish I'd thought of that. ;) There are some nicely shaded areas around the square that would be nice to stretch out in with a book in hand.

So, of course, I had to ask what she was reading.  It was Brisingr!!  We spoke a bit about her choice. She'd waited to read book three in the series until she got a copy of book four to read directly afterwards.  But, she read the first two again before reading the third!  Do you do that?  I do, unless it's a lengthy series, of course!

About Bressinger:

Brisingr

Published September 2008

Author:  Christopher Paolini

"OATHS SWORN . . . loyalties tested . . . forces collide.

Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved, Katrina, from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too. The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices— choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny. Can this once-simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king?" (from Amazon.ca)


I haven't read any of this Inheritance series yet; though I have seen the movie Eragon.  Have you?  Would you recommend the series?

So, after three green onion cakes, split between the two of us; a 32 oz cup of home-brewed root beer; two bottles of water (500 ml) each, four shows and a visit with a friend we ran into there; I was done.  I just couldn't take in any more.  Too hot, tired and feeling a little cranky; we made our way to the LRT  where we both fell asleep after deciding to take the train all the way to the end of the track (we'd never done it before!).  Of course, there is no end of the track to be remembered as we both slept through the trip...heads jerking as we fought it and eventually gave in...to pure heat exhaustion!  I came home and slept.

How's that for a Saturday outing?  

Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less: A Stranger Recommends

A while ago, rather quite a long time now, I began a new idea here on My Bookshelf.  It was A Stranger's Choice.  Today I am revisiting this in kind.  Not quite the same but similar.  Well, you'll see.

On Friday I was assisting a customer in the book store and she was purchasing Jeffrey Archer's Only Time Will Tell and we got to talking about the author.  She simply adores his writing and mentioned a few of his works that she has enjoyed.  I was happy to inform her that Only Time Will Tell is the first in a new series of Mr. Archer's, the Clifton Chronicles.  As we discussed a bit further, she made a recommendation to me.  She said I simply must read Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer.  

Curiosity peaked, I did a little investigating and this is what I discovered:

Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less

First published in hardback in 1976

The conned: an Oxford don, a revered society physician, a chic French art dealer, and a charming English lord. They have one thing in common. Overnight, each novice investor lost his life's fortune to one man. The con: Harvey Metcalfe. A brilliant, self-made guru of deceit. A very dangerous individual. And now, a hunted man.

With nothing left to lose four strangers are about to come together -- each expert in their own field. Their plan: find Harvey, shadow him, trap him, and penny-for-penny, destroy him. From the luxurious casinos of Monte Carlo to the high-stakes windows at Ascot to the bustling streets of Wall Street to fashionable London galleries, their own ingenious game has begun. It's called revenge -- and they were taught by a master.

Interesting fact:

It took Jeffrey some time to find a publisher for this first novel. When it was published, it only sold 3,000 copies in hardback. The paperback did a bit better, selling about 20,000 in the first year. However, as word-of-mouth took over, demand increased. Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less has now been reprinted 57 times.

Marvellously plotted, with just the right amounts of romance, wit and savoir-faire...

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

~ from the author's site http://www.jeffreyarcher.co.uk/site/node/26.  You may read an excerpt on Jeffrey Archer's site.

Sounds fascinating, rather like a James Bond film...just a little!

A Stranger's Choice 9/19/2011

Continuing my series of A Stranger's Choice, I write today of a recommendation I received from a total stranger. I love to know what others are reading, and though this person was not reading the book at the time, he saw me looking for a business book in a local store and felt the desire to share something from which he had personally benefitted. He touted with great enthusiasm the book Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.  He went on to say what a marvellous guide Richest Man in Babylon is and that he recommends it to everyone.  Most effective, he said, is to read this book 15 times and apply the principles taught therein. According to him, if there is one book on personal finances that everyone should read and that we should give a copy of to each of our children, it is Richest Man in Babylon.  In closing he said it  is the best $12 you could spend!

So in true fashion, I had to investigate this little book.  Here is what I found:

Format:  Mass Market Paperback

Published:  February 7, 2011

ISBN 9780451205360

Genre:  Business/Personal Finance

The Richest Man in Babylon was first a series of pamphlets issued by the author, George S. Clason, in 1926 consisting of parables of Babylon which taught principles of finance.  These pamphlets were quite popular with banks and financial institutions which distributed them to their customers.  Later these pamphlets were compiled into one volume known as Richest Man in Babylon.  Though this book is short in pages, its content speaks volumes.

Near the beginning it reads:

LO, MONEY IS PLENTIFUL

FOR THOSE WHO UNDERSTAND

THE SIMPLE RULES OF ITS ACQUISITION

Start thy purse to fattening

Control thy expenditures

Make thy gold multiply

Guard thy treasures from loss

Make of thy dwelling a profitable investment

Insure a future income

Increase thy ability to earn

Chapters include:

An Historical Sketch of Babylon

The Man Who Desired Gold

Richest Man in Babylon (for which the book is titled)

Seven Cures for a Lean Purse

Meet the Goddess of Good Luck

The Five Laws of Gold

The Gold Lender of Babylon

The Walls of Babylon

The Camel Trader of Babylon

The Clay Tablets from Babylon

The Luckiest Man in Babylon

I have yet to read this entire book, having just begun prior to writing this post, but I will let you know my opinion when I have completed it.  Shall I read it 15 times before reviewing it, not likely.  But you will get a good idea of its potential nevertheless.  Who in this day and age cannot benefit from some sound financial advice, I cannot say.  I'm sure the majority of us can.  So....stay tuned.....

A Stranger's Choice 7/13/2011

So, I haven't posted "A Stranger's Choice" for some time but with good reason....really! For the past 6 weeks I have been ill.  After two weeks of persistent coughing and fever (no, the fever didn't last two weeks! ;P), I finally went to see the doctor and lo and behold, I was diagnosed with pneumonia!  I have never had pneumonia in my life!  So, a course of antibiotics later, still not better, then another course of antibiotics, which brings us to mid-July, my lungs are finally clear.  The cough persists, though not so bad and I am tired but better.  Needless to say, with all this going on, I wasn't going out.

Anyway, this brings us to the post today.  As I sat in the doctor's waiting room, I noticed a lady across the way reading The Book of Awesome.  She was smiling as she sat there, totally enthralled in the book.  Too soon, she was called in and then me and I didn't see her again.  So, no, I didn't talk to her but by her expression I could tell she was totally enjoying The Book of Awesome!

Have you seen the coffee commercial which features the author, Neil Pasricha?  The Book of Awesome flashes across the screen and the author talks briefly about depression and that it's ok to be down sometimes.  He advises to look for the small good things, of which, incidentally, there are many in his book; to help make those grey days a little brighter.  (can you imagine the tie-in here for the coffee drinker?)

Take a peak at the book:

ABOUT THE BOOK

From neighbors with pools to ordering off the menu at fast-food restaurants to fixing electronics by smacking them, The Book of Awesome takes on life’s sweet feats with all the honest humor and winning enthusiasm that has earned Pasricha’s blog its millions of followers. But while powered along by Pasricha’s distinctive, fresh, and hilarious voice, The Book of Awesome isn’t about one man’s favorite things, but rather a catalog of the universal little pleasures we all share. With its focus on the many things that bring us together rather than the few things that split us apart, it’s a book that will appeal to people from all walks of life — housewives and college kids, children and senior citizens alike. Arising out of Pasricha’s riffs on popping bubble wrap and getting a trucker to blow his horn is an unexpected, genuine sort of inspiration, as The Book of Awesome offers up a hearty cheer for all the little things we take for granted.

.Amazon.com Amazon.ca Barnes & Noble Borders Chapters.ca IndieBoundIndigo.ca Penguin Walmart

Do you think there's a better book to read while under the weather, feeling the blues, or sitting ever so long in the doctor's waiting room?  I want to find a copy now! 

PS  I LOVE POPPING BUBBLE WRAP!! Don't you?   :P

What is your kind of awesome to brighten your thoughts?

http://1000awesomethings.com/book/

A Stranger's Choice 4/26/11

This is the second edition of A Stranger's Choice here on My Bookshelf.  It is an idea of mine which allows me and you to discover what others are reading and to find new exciting reads.  By others I mean the local public.  It is also an instrument in allowing me to push myself beyond my comfort zone.  See my original post here.  It's been a while in the making as I just haven't been out among readers other than bookclub lately.  But today was different!

Today I sat in the food court of a local mall (see a similar theme here...food...books ;)) and I was reading Secret Daughter and minding my own business, kind of, when another lady sat at the table next to mine, unwrapped a delicious looking sandwich and turned to her marked page in her book.  At first I wondered what she was reading but did nothing.  I am seriously enjoying my own book so I carry on.  Besides, she has a mouthful of her sandwich.  It would be plain rude to strike up a conversation now, right?

I accomplished a bit more in my book and looked over marvelling at how fast a reader she was.  Ok, she was still eating, so again I did not butt in.  1:30 came and I needed to pack things up for an appointment.  Having prepared myself accordingly, I gazed in her direction and saw she was about to finish a chapter and the sandwich was gone.  Now's my chance.

"I couldn't help noticing what a fast reader you are,"  I said.  Lame, right!  So quickly I added, "How are you enjoying your book?"

Odd icebreaker that it was, she was more than happy to talk about her book, A Tiny Bit Marvellous by Dawn French.  She said it only appeared that she was a fast reader because the pages are double spaced.  Each chapter is about a different character in the book.  (Something that several authors do such as Maeve Binchy, Mary Higgins Clark and the author of my current read, Shilpi Somaya Gowda.)  She received the book from her sister in Ireland.  Perhaps it's not available here?  Published by Penguin Books.  (I made a mental note to check the bookstore).  Her sister used to work with a publishing house in advertising and often gave her books.  Lucky girl!!!  She was enjoying the book well enough and we chatted a few moments longer until I really had to leave.

Walkiing down the mall, I spotted a bookstore and sure enough, there were two copies of A Tiny Bit Marvellous.  Here's a bit more about this book.  See if it whets your appetite.

"Everyone hates the perfect family. So you'll love the Battles."  (How's that for a catch line?)

"A TINY BIT MARVELLOUS by Dawn French is the story of a modern family all living in their own separate bubbles lurching towards meltdown. It is for anyone who has ever shared a home with that weird group of strangers we call relations.  Mo is about to hit the big 50, and some uncomfortable truths are becoming quite apparent: She doesn't understand either of her teenage kids, which as a child psychologist, is fairly embarrassing. She has become entirely grey. Inside, and out. Her face has surrendered and is frightening children.  Dora is about to hit the big 18 . . . and about to hit anyone who annoys her, especially her precocious younger brother Peter who has a chronic Oscar Wilde fixation.  Then there's Dad . . . who's just, well, dad.  Oh and there's a dog. Called Poo."

Are you loving it yet?  How about a trailer (turn up the volume for this one):

In case you may think I've lost my touch...not to disappoint...Of course I had to peruse all the bookshelves and the display tables. ;)  I chanced upon Red Riding Hood and had to skip to the back of the book to see what all the fuss was about after reading a recent book blogger review.  Did you know the book is incomplete?  In place of the final chapter, one finds a note sending the reader to the website for the rest of the story!  Of all the cliffhangers!!  Have you ever seen such a thing?  I may just have to buy a copy of this one  yet.  It has intrigued me!

Have you read any of the three books mentioned here?  If so, what is your opinion of them?

Until next time, do talk to strangers! ;)

A Stranger's Choice

I just had a wonderful idea which actually requires me to step outside my comfort zone and talk to strangers!!  I know!  It has been mulling around in my head for a short time and yesterday I made it happen!  So, here's how it goes.  On occasion, depending on how brave I am, I will go up to a total stranger who is reading, wherever that place may be.  The task is to inquire about the book they are reading and ask how they are liking it.  Then the homework begins.  I will research the title and blog about the book!!  Fun and unique (I hope).

So, today's the first day.  The first ever installment in this new series, A Stranger's Choice, on My Bookshelf.  My husband and I managed a lunch date at Costco, of all places.  As we were sitting at our table and having a nice little chat, another customer sat at a table near ours, eating a cone and reading! 

After explaining my plan to my hubby, I sullied my courage and walked to her table and did it.  In case you didn't know, this took a fair bit of courage as I can be painfully shy.  I totally shocked my husband!  So this actually helps me in a couple ways as I battle my inborn trait of shyness and accomplish this new task!  You know, she was actually happy to talk about her book!!!  Who knew?  Well, I guess I should have expected it because I love to talk/write about what I'm reading so it stands to figure that others will too!

Her book of choice, which she had just purchased, is Rules of Life by Richard Templar.  She said she is really enjoying it and let me know that the author has written others with a similar theme.  They're even available at Costco!  (Must be new because I hadn't seen them there before.)  She proceeded to tell me about the other books in this author's repertoire that I noted to be available at Costco including Rules of Work and Rules of Parenting.  After determining my husband's patience quota for the moment, I walked speedily to the book stacks and found three of his titles there.  Here's what I learned about Rules of Life.

"Some people seem more contented, fulfilled, enthusiastic about life... just plain happier. Is it genes? Money? No. It's the choices they make, how they behave, every single day. Now, Richard Templar brings together the rules that happy, successful people follow: small, simple, common-sense, doable rules that can change your life!" (Google Books)

The Rules of Life is a philosophy book written by Richard Templar. The book is divided into sections: personal; partnership; relations; social and universal, with each topic suggesting rules to make life better. The book is an international best seller and is the next book in the 'Rules-of' series, succeeding 'The Rules of Work'.  Here are the other titles in the series:

Rules of Management: The Definitive Guide to Managerial Success (Paperback - 30 Nov 2004)

The Rules of Life: A Personal Code for Living a Better, Happier, More Successful Kind of Life (Paperback - 8 Nov 2005)

The Rules of Wealth: A Personal Code for Prosperity (Paperback - 31 Oct 2006)

The Rules of Money: How to Make It and How to Hold on to It (Paperback - February 2007) ISBN 0-13-239410-3

The Rules of Parenting: A Personal Code of Raising Happy, Confident Children (Paperback - 3 March 2008)

The Rules of Love: A Personal Code for Happier, More Fulfilling Relationships (Pearson Education Limited, UK 2009)

The Rules of Work, Expanded Edition: A Definitive Code for Personal Success (FT Press, June 22, 2010)


(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rules_of_Life)

 Of course, you  know, I didn't stop there!  I had to peruse the tables of books, noting new releases, popular books which continue to take their place amongst the stacks, and found several that I really want to read.  Did you know Frances Mayes has a new novel out called "Every Day in Tuscany"?  If you've read or had the occasion to watch "Under the Tuscan Sun," you'll understand my excitement!  This is based on the author's real life experiences as she moves to Tuscany, buys a little villa on a whim (bad decisions...don't you just love them?), and starts over in this new land among strangers.  Humourous, witty and touching.  It's a feel good kind of story with depth and likeable flawed characters. 

Also noted were "The Imperfectionists" by Tom Rochman (I really want to read this story about journalists), "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen Simonson, "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest", "The Forgotten Garden", several novels by Jodi Picoult, Nora Roberts, Tom Clancy and so much more.... Can I work there?