50 Books in 2023 - June

• The Emotional Lives of Teenagers - Lisa Damour

The early teenage brain is an amazing place. Different parts developing at different speed, hormones racing around, exposure to so many new influences. Yikes! As the father of an 13 year old girl, I really appreciated the clear, straightforward explanations and guidance Lisa provides in this book. How can we best assist our children in this tricky phase? Her definition of emotional health nails it: Having the right feelings at the right times and being able to manage those feelings effectively.

• The Year of the Hare - Arto Paasilinna

Sometimes you just get a surprising delight. I came across this book after I did a search for books by the person who did the introduction. It is a fanciful tale from a different location and a not too different time. A simple tale that drew me in. I won’t spoil it for you. Not perfect, but a fun read.

• A Short History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson

I am a fan of Bill Bryson’s travel books (the opening pages of “In a Sunburnt Land” amazed me.)

This book is a thorough, well written history of, well, nearly everything. Bill has a knack for explaining things in a clear manner. There isn’t nearly the opportunity for him to showcase his wit, but many gaps in my knowledge of our/the Earth’s and the Universe’s history are filled. Spoiler alert, it is freaking amazing that we are here.

• Excellent Advice for Living - Kevin Kelly

Once you get to a certain again (68 in Kevin’s case initially) you may feel compelled to share a few of the lessons learned with others. The editor of Wired magazine has shared (several times) lists of sage and humorous insights that I have found many a gem in. This book compiles those lists and adds upon them. I love his ideas, but I found the format of the book (one or two quotes on each page) a little tiring. I preferred the long lists you can find on the web)

Two favorites:

1. Your growth as a conscious being is measured by the number of uncomfortable conversations you are willing to have.
2. ?Treating a person to a meal never fails and is so easy to do. It’s powerful with old friends and a great way to make new friends.

• Switch - Chip and Dan Heath

The Heath brothers have written several great books that focus on how people learn and perceive information. Their books provide an easy-to-read balance of facts and real-life examples. "Switch" focuses on that much, much written about subject of why change is hard. A good review of the psychology of the emotional and rational mind, with helpful tips to aid in one's own change experiences. Thumbs up.