BOOK SUMMARY: FAVORITE READS OF 2011
The literary success of fiction and nonfiction titles, despite the country’s economic downturn, proves that the best books were written in 2011. Telling biographies are talked about in many cafes; and true bookworms will hardly lend out a good memoir. The following titles, which I refuse to let out of my sight, are just a few of my favorites:
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson tops the list of ’2011′s Most Talked About Books.’ Everyone loves a success story and the electronic age would not be the same without the extraordinary contributions of Steve Jobs, a brilliant, but misunderstood man.
Readers will never forget the transparency of a medical industry gone morally bankrupt in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Author Rebecca Skloot gains our trust with her dedication to dig up the truth when the greedy promote profit, not people.
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man by Steve Harvey, not only places him on the bestseller’s list, this book touts Harvey as the go-to-guy for relationship mayhem and couple mending.
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski is one of the most memorable and true stories of 2011. An uncommon friendship between Laura, a white sales executive and an African-American boy, Maurice, threatens social boundaries. At first glance, it is unclear why and these two become connected. But both are entwined and engulfed in dysfunction. Maurice’s environment is rooted in neglect, poverty, and drugs. Laura’s environment is stifled by alcoholism and physical abuse. Their search for peace leads them to each other. And the rest is history.
Ralph Richard Banks, a professor of law at Stanford Law School, teaches us a
thing or two in Is Marriage for White People? Banks examines how the decline of African-American unions affects us all. Intimate relationships are put to the test with informative, and sometimes humorous, observations. Many readers may come to the conclusion that marriage is for anyone willing to step out on faith.
Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever is one of the most popular fiction titles among kids and adults. The collage of diary entries and cartoons make for entertaining reading. The antics of Greg Heffley will continue to replace many video games as the new, hard-to-put-down hobby.
A cookbook is more than just a how-to guide. If it’s any good, it’s a dog-eared, slightly soiled treasure. Les Petits Macarons: Colorful French Confections to Make at Home by Kathryn Gordon and Anne E. McBride is the ideal kitchen companion. Its shiny pages boast easy-to-read instructions and colorful photos to create the perfect macaron. Treat family and friends to a tasty French treat or delight them with this awesome cookbook.
Go the F**K to Sleep by Adam Mansbach and illustrated by Ricardo Cortes is a cool book for parents who want to vent. It’s funny and cute — exactly what a stressed out, sleepy parent (with a wide awake child) needs before bedtime.
