February Recommended Reading
As mentioned recently on the show …
Non-fiction:
The Second Civil War by Ronald Brownstein (2008). Why do we hate each other? Right vs Left? GOP vs Dems? Great book on how politics has become a death match.
Politics Lost by Joe Klein.How consultants have killed political personalities. How being yourself is now considered a non-starter.
The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe (1979). Now I remember why these guys were my childhood heroes.
Abraham Lincoln by James McPherson (2008). Only 96 pages, good starter. Then move on to Sandburg and others.
The World Without Us by Alan Wiesman (2007). I read this twice and have presented it as a gift several times. Very interesting, will make you think.
The Outfit by Gus Russo (2003). Forget TV shows and movies. This is Chicago’s story. John Kass (Chicago Tribune) turned me on to this. Worth the commitment.
Supermob by Gus Russo (2006). The follow-up. Hollywood (Korchak and Reagan too) influenced by Chicago’s Outfit. Again, it’s LONG, but worth it.
Fiction:
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe (1987). If you’re in an accident, better call the cops. Also, some of the best hangover descriptions I’ve ever read.
Nobody’s Fool by Richard Russo (1993). Movie was good, book is great! I hope I’m as cool as Sully when I’m in my 60’s.
Straight Man by Richard Russo (1997). Another great story. Anybody who has to pee every 2 hours will relate.
Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis (1927). Found this classic story when a few high profile evangelicials were in the news. Still holds up today. Great book.
The 3rd Man by Graham Greene (1949). Got this one after staying in the same London building where Greene lived. Movie treatment turned into a short story. Interesting cold war yarn. Very short.
The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk (1951). Along with Mailer’s this is my favorite WWII novel. Smile and wave.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole (1980). Toole writes one book, kills himself and then wins the Pulitzer. Wonderful women I met in New Orleans gave me this book after a weekend. Glad she did. Laugh out loud funny every time.