Let America Be America Again - Langston Hughes

This short book of poetry (21 pages) is a stirring collection of Hughes poems about America.  He notes the disconnection of the land of the free not being free for blacks, but remains optimistic that America can be what it dreams.  Langston Hughes is one of America's great poets and this short collection reflects his wonderful skills as a writer.

Invisible Cities - Italo Calvino

There are so many great books, but this one stands out among them for me.  Calvino has a spectacular mind and an ability to express himself in the most fascinating ways.  He seems to define creativity in this book.   This short book encompasses a vast array of thoughts about how we see and experience the world.  By focusing on different visions of a city, in this case, Venice, the author playfully examines the interaction of humans with cities.  Marco Polo sits in deep discussions with Kublai Khan...how can this book not intrigue the reader?  This book belongs on my desert island list.

Thousand Cranes - Yasunari Kawabata

One of Japan's greatest writers tells a complex tale in this classic book.  In a very simple and elegant style, deep emotions and complex human relationships are uncovered.  The Japanese tea ceremony is a focal point and provides a contrast between a deeply calm, reflective space and the many ways humans disturb that seemingly simple state.  Deceptively short in length, this book tells a deeply complex story with many surprises for the reader.

Just Kids - Patti Smith

This book surprised me.  I liked it much more than I expected to.  Patti Smith is a wonderful writer and tells us about a fascinating period in her life.  This autobiographical novel depicts the development of two artists, her and Robert Mapplethorpe, as they seek fame and expression in New York City in the 1970s.  It is a very touching story of friendship and mutual support for artist creativity.  The book also covers the craziness of two young people dedicated to their art while trying to make it in a harsh city.  Filled with many famous people, the book remains true to itself by remaining the tale of two kids holding to their visions. 

Crossing to Safety - Wallace Stegner

I don't know that I have ever read anything by Stegner that wasn't beautifully written and engaging.  This book is no exception.  A simple tale of the frienship of two couples over a period of time, Stegner as usual, is able to create a story that stimulates the reader with his great writing style and ability to create great characters.  I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and found myself smiling at passages expertly composed and drawing into the book.  Another fine example of what made Stegner one of America's great writers.

A Handful of Dust - Evelyn Waugh

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 - Adobe Press

This educational, "Classroom in a Book" published by Adobe to train people new to Lightroom 3 is excellent.  It includes a CD with photos to use in each of 10 lessons.  The exercises are easy to follow while providing a very thorough demonstration of all of the features of Lightroom 3.  For anyone serious about photography, Lightroom 3 is a must, and this book is a great way to learn the complexities and great tools of this software.

Cross Channel - Julian Barnes

A great collection of short stories on interactions between the British and French covering various times in history.  The stories are wildly unique, curious, and very personal.  The writing is superb and immensely entertaining and thought-provoking.