Soon the chill winds of autumn will be rattling our windowsills. What better time to settle down on the sofa with a warm comforter, a cup of hot chocolate, and a good book? Now we come to the question of exactly what is a good book. What I think is a good read can be completely different from what you might choose. But, I believe that at least occasionally people like to read something that will expose them to new ideas or give them food for thought.
So for this week, the books I would like to share with you have the above characteristics and three of the books are actually on the New York Times Best Seller List. The first book "The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in a New World" is by former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan. His book begins on the morning of 9/11 – a time when many feared America would experience an economic meltdown that would affect the entire world. Greenspan was surprised to find that economically 9/11 meant very little. This reinforced his growing belief that we are living in a new financial world. Greenspan discusses this new global economic world – how we got there and where we are headed in the future. He also shares his life story to help readers understand how world events have shaped our economy. This fascinating book, written by the man who controlled the Federal Reserve for over eighteen years, is a must read.
"Giving" by former president Bill Clinton, is a look at how each of us can change the world. It contains inspiring stories of corporations and individuals who have worked to "solve problems and save lives both down the street and around the world." Oseola McCarty worked for seventy-five years making her living by washing and ironing for others. When arthritis forced her to stop working, she donated 60 percent of her savings, an astonishing $150,000, to endow a scholarship for African-American students. Dr. Paul Farmer grew up living in a bus in a Florida trailer park. He knew poverty first hand and determined to devote his life to giving medical care to the poor. He founded Partners In Health and built health-care clinics in Haiti and Rwanda and he spends several months per year working in these clinics. Clinton's book is an inspirational look at ways to help others and a call to action.
The New York Times Best Seller "The World Without Us" by Alan Weisman is based on his original essay "Earth Without People" published in "Discover" magazine in February of 2005. This essay was selected for "Best American Science Writing 2006." Weisman asks what would happen to Earth if mankind were suddenly wiped out by something that did not harm other creatures or nature – possibly a virus. How long would it take for the Earth to recover from the damage done by man and return to an Eden like state? Would nature eventually obliterate all traces of humans? Or would we leave some faint mark on the universe? Read this book and see how deeply our actions affect the planet on which we live.
One of the most popular books in the library is "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy, coach of the Indianapolis Colts and 2007 Coach of the Year. Dungy says, "The point of this book is not the Super Bowl. In fact, it's not football . . . Football is just a game. It's not family. It's not a way of life. It doesn't provide any sort of intrinsic meaning. It's just football." So, this book is really not about football, instead it is the inspiring story of Tony Dungy's life, beliefs, and principles. Dungy has faced adversity and believes he knows what is important in life. Reading his story may inspire you to take a closer look at what is really important to you.
These thought provoking books are all guaranteed to generate dinner table conversation at the very least. And remember, if none of these books appeal to you, the library has over 90,000 from which you can choose. Visit us at the Greensburg-Decatur County Public Library and see all we have to offer. Hope to see you soon!