Dave's Top 10
Posted by: David Bunch
Sarah Holland has an excellent piece on her top 10 literature classics, and Denelle weighs in with her favorites as well. Ever the literature lover, I just can't resist giving you my top 10. But at the risk of seeming less erudite than the others, I won't bring you my favorite classics. Rather, I choose to give you my top 10 favorite books of all time (keep in mind I am working from the assumption that the Holy Bible is numero uno on all our lists). So, without further ado, Dave's top 10 favorites besides the Bible:
10. Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson. A biography that reads like a novel. The take away is that you get to follow Franklin's adventures all over the world, see his strengths and weaknesses, and realize what a great man he was. It's amazing that he went from humble beginnings to changing world history.
9. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. Who knew science could be so fun? Bryson sets out to explain all fields of science on a layperson's level, with plenty of laugh out loud humor along the way. Overlook his obvious bent towards evolution and you have an enlightening and fun science experience. Bryson is an excellent writer.
8. Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky. What may seem like an odd subject actually turns out to be a fascinating story for bibliophiles everywhere to enjoy. Lansky writes this memoir of his attempt to "rescue" the Yiddish language from historical obscurity and in the process saves millions of Yiddish books that would have been lost forever. He now is the curator of the National Yiddish Book Center in Massachusetts. Fascinating.
7. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. One of the most insightful books to come thru in a long time. Gladwell gives us the "how and why" on fads, trends, and cultural changes. Witty and streetwise with just enough psychology to keep the balance.
6. Sixpence House by Paul Collins. Another great memoir for booklovers. Collins relocates his family from the west coast to Hay on Wye-the town of books-and takes us along for the ride. Besides learning about some fascinating obscure books Collins uncovers, there's plenty of laugh out loud moments as well. Collins is a very talented writer.
5. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Will change your life forever. There's no secret revelation given or theological bomb dropped, just back to the basics, common sense Christianity related in a fresh way. A must read.
4. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. This is adolescent literature that my wife referred to me when she studied it while pursuing a teaching degree in college. It's a celebration of Stargirl's ability to demonstrate uniqueness and self-expression while affecting positive change in those around her at the same time. And everyone should agree that's a win win combo.
3. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. At last, a classic makes the list (in the top 3, no less). I suspect that the hard feelings toward Gatsby would be eased some if one took the time to read this better representation of Fitzgerald's genius. In fact, I'd say this is his best. It explores similar themes as Gatsby but this time through the eyes of young Amory Blaine as he comes of age in the 20s. My guess is that Gatsby is foisted upon us in school because it is shorter in length, and that's too bad.
2. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Witty and funny but thought provoking in the end, this is the story of a young man's plunge into self-destruction. In light of history, one can't help but wonder how much of this novel reflects Wilde's inner struggles. But it lands at number 2 on the list because Wilde's wit makes it a fun read, and the subject matter makes it thought provoking at the same time.
1. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. The must read. In fact, I go back and read it once every year. Albom chronicles his conversations with a dying mentor who explains what really matters in life when you evaluate it from the perspective of being at the end. Money, promotions, Hollywood, sports, selfish ambition and all of the other things our society places a premium on are complete wastes of time to Morrie. This book places life in perspective, and we all can stand to be reminded once in a while of what should be most important to us.
Sarah Holland has an excellent piece on her top 10 literature classics, and Denelle weighs in with her favorites as well. Ever the literature lover, I just can't resist giving you my top 10. But at the risk of seeming less erudite than the others, I won't bring you my favorite classics. Rather, I choose to give you my top 10 favorite books of all time (keep in mind I am working from the assumption that the Holy Bible is numero uno on all our lists). So, without further ado, Dave's top 10 favorites besides the Bible:
10. Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson. A biography that reads like a novel. The take away is that you get to follow Franklin's adventures all over the world, see his strengths and weaknesses, and realize what a great man he was. It's amazing that he went from humble beginnings to changing world history.
9. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. Who knew science could be so fun? Bryson sets out to explain all fields of science on a layperson's level, with plenty of laugh out loud humor along the way. Overlook his obvious bent towards evolution and you have an enlightening and fun science experience. Bryson is an excellent writer.
8. Outwitting History by Aaron Lansky. What may seem like an odd subject actually turns out to be a fascinating story for bibliophiles everywhere to enjoy. Lansky writes this memoir of his attempt to "rescue" the Yiddish language from historical obscurity and in the process saves millions of Yiddish books that would have been lost forever. He now is the curator of the National Yiddish Book Center in Massachusetts. Fascinating.
7. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. One of the most insightful books to come thru in a long time. Gladwell gives us the "how and why" on fads, trends, and cultural changes. Witty and streetwise with just enough psychology to keep the balance.
6. Sixpence House by Paul Collins. Another great memoir for booklovers. Collins relocates his family from the west coast to Hay on Wye-the town of books-and takes us along for the ride. Besides learning about some fascinating obscure books Collins uncovers, there's plenty of laugh out loud moments as well. Collins is a very talented writer.
5. The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Will change your life forever. There's no secret revelation given or theological bomb dropped, just back to the basics, common sense Christianity related in a fresh way. A must read.
4. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. This is adolescent literature that my wife referred to me when she studied it while pursuing a teaching degree in college. It's a celebration of Stargirl's ability to demonstrate uniqueness and self-expression while affecting positive change in those around her at the same time. And everyone should agree that's a win win combo.
3. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. At last, a classic makes the list (in the top 3, no less). I suspect that the hard feelings toward Gatsby would be eased some if one took the time to read this better representation of Fitzgerald's genius. In fact, I'd say this is his best. It explores similar themes as Gatsby but this time through the eyes of young Amory Blaine as he comes of age in the 20s. My guess is that Gatsby is foisted upon us in school because it is shorter in length, and that's too bad.
2. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. Witty and funny but thought provoking in the end, this is the story of a young man's plunge into self-destruction. In light of history, one can't help but wonder how much of this novel reflects Wilde's inner struggles. But it lands at number 2 on the list because Wilde's wit makes it a fun read, and the subject matter makes it thought provoking at the same time.
1. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom. The must read. In fact, I go back and read it once every year. Albom chronicles his conversations with a dying mentor who explains what really matters in life when you evaluate it from the perspective of being at the end. Money, promotions, Hollywood, sports, selfish ambition and all of the other things our society places a premium on are complete wastes of time to Morrie. This book places life in perspective, and we all can stand to be reminded once in a while of what should be most important to us.
