This is Your Brain on Music - Daniel Levitin

A musician and brain researcher examines how our brains react to music. This is a very academic book at times, but if you want to better understand music and our reaction to it, this is a good book. It gave me a lot to think about related to music. It answers a lot of questions and leaves you with others. The book is sub-titled "The Science of a Human Obsession" and this author is certainly obsessed. If you love music, you will enjoy this book.

Practicing- A musician's return to music - Glenn Kurtz

A romantic ode to music and an auto-biographical tale of a classical guitarist. The focus of the book is on musical practice. Much insight is offered into the work of becoming an accomplished muscian. The author's literary skills are displayed in his frequent musings on music and meaning in life. The philosophical explorations climax in the last ten pages when he picks up his guitar again after ten years and examines practicing in relation to performing and life in general. A good read for those who love to listen and think about music.

Not Enough Indians - Harry Shearer

This book is FUNNY! It is what you would expect from someone who has written for the Simpson's TV show. Witty and cutting in its take on Indian casinos and American life. While it might be a little too close to the truth at times, the humor will keep you laughing rather than crying. Dueling casinos without enough Indians....need I say more?

Museum Skepticism - David Carrier

Subtitled: A history of the display of art in public galleries. You have to question if a book with a 36 page bibliography and five times as many footnotes as pages is written to be read or to be studied. It is not surprising that Carrier is a philosophy professor. In spite of a heavy emphasis on academic philosophical meanderings, the book presents and interesting history of the display of art in public galleries. The author disputes the skeptics who claim that museums are a negative influence on art. He presents interesting case studies of several museums and is most supportive of the new Getty in LA. Arguing for new thinking and the evolution of art museums, he brings up intriguing points worth thinking about. Read it if you can get past the textbook style.

The Laws of Change - Jack Balkin

A modern translation of the classic I-Ching. Balkin writes a translation that is very accessable for us Westerners. He leans heavy on moral and ethical questions while offering insights from the Chinese classic. The book is my favorite I-Ching translation and is probably the practical one. If you only want to read one I-Ching book, and yet take a very serious look at this philosophical goldmine, this is the book to read.

Those who want to study the I-Ching in depth will want to also look at the Wilhelm and Huang translations. Understanding and accepting change can bring peace into the frequent chaos of life.

The Big Hunger: Stories 1932-1959 - John Fante

An original American writer who is gaining popularity. I like his writing. The stories are very original and very American. A time that seems so long ago and yet isn't. Characters from working class backgrounds dominate his tales. The stories are often simple, but very touching and filled with human emotions.

Italy - Rick Steves

I guess a guidebook is only interesting if you are planning a trip. Since we are taking a Rick Steve's Italian trip, the book is enjoyable to read. He writes for the traveller who wants to be a little more adventurous, but still see the sites you always dreamt of. For me the trip begins when I begin reading about it.

A Painter of Our Time - John Berger

Berger's first novel which received much criticism in the 1950's for its political statements. The tale is a mix of art and politics told from the diary of a painter. If you love art and/or Berger, it is a good read. This isn't as powerful as his more recent novels, but it places the reader into the mind of a struggling painter. Some good insights into art and the process.

The Confessions of Max Tivoli - Andrew Greer

A very imaginative tale, wonderfully written. This book really makes you look at life and love as we pass through time. The main character is born with a body that ages in reverse as his mind ages normally. This book made me think retrospectively about my life as much as anything else I have read. Like life, it is complex and like a Buddhist tale it is full of suffering.

Dancing to Alemendra - Mayra Montero

An enjoyable read. Interesting characters in 1950's Cuba. Just before the revolution when the casinos and gangsters where in their heyday. Some interesting twist and turns. Read it if you want to get a flavor for the place and times. The book never really engaged me in the story.

Here is Where We Meet - John Berger

Another fabulous read from a favorite author. The back cover says Berger is one of the greatest authors in the language. I don't disagree.

This book focuses on those who have passed and the importance of place. The writing is luscious, making me pause frequently to re-read and think about what was written. A lot to reflect on in this book. Berger is a very intelligent author who weaves great insights into places and events. Very highly recommended.

Devotion - Howard Norman

A wonderful book, packed with emotions and images in sparse, but adequate, words. Quite a contrast to Proust. I love this writer, telling an unconvential love story. Very intriguing construction that works to create a story that with sequential events happening in an order reflecting the emotional impacts rather than chronological order. Simple and complicated at the same time. A gentle, thoughtful book.

Swann's Way - Marcel Proust

Subtitled: In Search of Lost Time, Vol 1. The liner notes say this book is "one of the most entertaining reading experiences....arguably the finest novel of the twentieth century." I suppose some people are easily entertained. While Proust is certainly a fine writer, reading him can be tortuous. He seems to be challenging himself to be as florid as possible about the most miniscule and meaningless of details. A rambling mind that never goes anywhere. But if you want to learn how to construct endless sentences and never have writer's block from nothing to say- read Proust. An accomplished writer and probably worth the study in style for comparative literature, but you can also read great writer's who give you a lasting experience.

The Hummingbird's Daughter - Luis Alberto Urrea

A wild story re-creating Mexico in the 1880s. An excellent writter. The Saint of Cabora, a relative of the author, is documented in this historical novel. A most interesting woman and time. An historical novel which has been researched in great detail. One of those books that really transports you into another time. The people come to life. The time seems so long ago as the world around northern Mexico was changing so rapidly. It both makes the reader want be there to experience the relaxed life and yet fear the dangers that existed.

Notes from a Small Island - Bill Bryson

Another of Bryson's casual tales of his travels- this time around Britain. He obviously enjoys Britain much more than America and this book is as positive as his Lost Continent book is negative. It is hard to believe that he can find more pleasure in the wet and barren countryside than he can in Yosemite, but he does. While I haven't been to Great Britain, the book is not as enjoyable of a read as his others. Perhaps if you enjoy British TV shows, you will find more pleasure than I in this book.

The Lost Continent - Bill Bryson

Funny and cynical tale of his travels around America 20 years after leaving the country. Bryson has an easy to read style. I laughed reading this book, although he certainly has trouble finding enjoyment in his travels around the country. Enjoyable light read, especially if you want to share a critical take on America.