Non-Fiction highlights of 2010 - recommendations..

We mentioned a few in an earlier post, such as The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Paul and Me, and FDR's Funeral Train, here are some more that are highly recommended and you may enjoy...

For those interested in comedy, check out Dean and Me, Jerry Lewis' memoir on his relationship with Dean Martin-find out how much money they made as a comedy team in the 50's- - it will astound you!! Sh*t my Dad Says by Justin Halpern is a laugh out loud on every page, page turner. Much funnier than the TV show or so I've been told.  A great father's day gift or a no-reason at all type gift.

Business and Politics - Maria Bartiromo's, The Weekend that Changed Wall Street, a common sense look at the financial crash. Want to understand the how the crash happened in layman's terms? Then read Maria's book.  Decision Points - George Bush's autobiography where he discusses, Katrina, 9/11, Iraq, challenges with alcohol; his relationship with his mother. How many books does George Bush read? One year he and Karl Rove had a reading contest, not just by volume, but pages and size of the books - Guess how many they read and who won?

Extraordinary, Ordinary People, a revealing memoir by Condoleeza Rice who writes of growing up in racially charged Birmingham and the religious influence of her parents and grandfather. An accomplished pianist and figure skater who's resume is filled with distinguished firsts. - First African American woman Secretary of State, the first woman to serve as National Security Advisor and the first female, first minority and the youngest person to serve as Stanford University's  provost. Taught by Josef Korbel on the subject of international politics, Mr. Korbel was a strong influence on Ms.Rice desire to learn and study Russian politics. Mr. Korbel is the father of Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State.  Highly Recommended read. 

Heart of a Patriot by Max Cleland. Learn how a triple amputee survived the hell of Vietnam then went on to become a Senator and survived the jungles of Washington.  Regardless of your political affiliation, Senator Cleland's book is a must read.

Sports : Red and Me by Bill Russell.  The 11 time champion of the NBA Boston Celtics, Bill writes about his relationship both on and off the court with Red Auerbach, his coach, mentor and a patriarch of the NBA. Filled with anecdotal information, Bill teaches us how it's important " ..to first understand then  be understood".

Literature:  The Autobiography of Mark Twain vol. 1.  With the recent release of his autobiography, I was puzzled to find a much, much older copy of both volumes at my favorite used book store, given that Twain didn't want it released until 100 years after his death.  I've done my research and alas, Harper and Brothers released the edition I read dated 1924. Twain doesn't right in chronological order but his musings still flow like the river his books are so famous for.  By no means is my copy of a collector's quality, I'll leave that to the rich and famous but it sure looks good on the shelf!