Books Recommended
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Books of Wisdom
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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – "A charming, witty and enjoyable exploration of friendship, reckoning and hope that traces a widow's unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus in the aquarium where she works. I couldn't put this book down and still think about it months later." - Jan Jason
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese – Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, The Covenant of Water is set in Kerala, on South India's Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kid – Set in early 19th century Charleston, this novel alternates between the voices and experiences of Sarah Grimké, daughter of a wealthy family, and Handful (Hetty) Grimké, the young black girl who was "given" to Sarah on Sarah's eleventh birthday. Kid explores how their lives are deeply intertwined for thirty-five years. Moonwalking with Einstein by Joshua Foer – (nonfiction) "Funny, curious, erudite, and full of useful details about ancient techniques of training memory" - The Boston Globe West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge – "Exciting novel based on the true story of two young giraffes brought to San Diego from Europe during the Depression." - Jane Berkowicz The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion – "Quirky trilogy of genetics professor trying to meet women." - Jane Berkowicz Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson – "Gentle, delightful story of life in a small British town." - Jane Berkowicz Educated by Tara Westover – (nonfiction) "A memoir of a Mormon woman raised off the grid. Fascinating and moving." - Jane Berkowicz If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin – "Powerful and emotional." - Jane Berkowicz Circe by Madeline Miller – "Entrancing story of gods, goddesses and witches in ancient Greece." - Jane Berkowicz |
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande – "This is one of the books that inspired the founders of Creative Aging to develop a group for those who want to age-in-place, supporting each other. Gawande is a practicing surgeon who writes about the need for the medical community to gain a deeper understanding of what people need as they age." - Ann Morgan
Kitchen Table Wisdom by Rachel Naomi Remen - "Reading this book is like having several conversations with your wisest friend." - Ann Morgan The Five Invitations by Frank Ostaseski – "Do not be put off by the subtitle of this book, Discovering What Death Can Teach us about Living Fully. This book is full of calming wisdom and insight." - Ann Morgan The Wisdom of Morrie: Living and Aging Creatively and Joyfully by Morrie Schwartz, edited by Rob Schwarts (his son!). "This book is informative, upbeat and interesting!" - Pearl Natter |