Book Talk

Embrace you inner free-spirit

In the relaxed days of summer it’s a good time to celebrate the weirder, sorry- the more creative, among us. 

Written by a crack team of it-getters (the opposite of people who just don’t get it), Stephen Colbert and Philosophy: I am Philosophy (and so can you) deeply analyzes Colbert’s teachings, and explores things like truthiness, the necessity of moral doubt, the avoidance of reason and nonsenseness. Watching TV is not a waste of time, it is an exploration of philosophy at play. 

Slanted and Enchanted: the Evolution of Indie Culture by Kaya Oakes, charts the historical development of Indie Culture. More than a music or film trend, she looks at Indie as a life style trend. All life is DIY. 

When dealing with less traditional types, be prepared by having read What not to Say: Philosophy for Life’s Tricky Moments, by Mark Vernon. Have a friend who is madly in love with the wrong person? Hint: reason doesn’t work. An existential crisis? Borrow from Tillich and accept “the courage to be.” Vernon has applied the truths learned by the world’s philosophers to the trials of everyday life. Plutarch on marriage? Nietzsche on style? All here. 

In Who’s got your Back: the Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships that Create Success- and Won’t let you Fail, Keith Ferrazzi recommends you find three people to change your life. Whatever your dream may be, having the support of long-time trusted friends will make all the difference to your success. “A person is a person through other persons.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 

And finally, The Art of the Compliment: Using Kind Words with Grace and Style, by Christie Matheson. She covers many ways to give compliments- both verbal and non-verbal. The main criterion – be sincere! 

Fiction has more than its share of odd characters and a new crop has just arrived in print. 

Chef Vanessa Duran has a bad habit of falling for married men, so her solution is to stay away from all men until she can work this problem out. Her parents, friends and sister don’t agree, and a stream of eligible (?) men stream by. See if Vanessa can remain loyal to only her faithful companion Red Dog in The Husband Habit by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez. 

Ghosts don’t usually appear to a busy, healthy Twenties Girl, especially that of great aunt Sadie. But Sadie needs Lara to find a missing necklace and could care less about Lara’s concerns. If you enjoyed Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, you’ll love her new book! 

It’s hard to be a master criminal when your partner, Reggie, just doesn’t get with the program! Robert Rivers has big dreams involving a diamond necklace; unfortunately the plan isn’t Reggie-proof. And the necklace belonged to a Venice beach socialite with a guru. Criminal Karma by Steven Thomas, should be at the top of your summer beach read list. 

And my vote for best title of the month goes to Maile Meloy with Both Ways is the Only Way I Want It. 

Virginia Cooper
Adult Services Librarian