Actor, Comedian, Philanthropist, Ghostbuster [via] |
The Reagan Diaries Ronald Reagan "I had the privilege of knowing President Reagan. I believe he is one of the most effective presidents in American history. We can learn a lot from his leadership and values." The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian "The System is one of the best books on college sports in recent memory. I’m proud to have my commitment to Oklahoma State and that university profiled in such an objective and informative manner. The reporters took the time and did some great research." The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power Daniel Yergin "This is one of the greatest books on global energy ever. I’ve known Dan for years. It’s well researched, and told in an engaging manner." The First Billion is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America’s Energy Future T. Boone Pickens "This book took some time to write. I’m proud of how we structured it. It reflects a lifetime of lessons I’ve learned and practiced. To me, leadership and communication are key. This book helps explain why.
Skippy Dies Paul Murray "Skippy Dies Paul Murray Skippy, our main character, dies on page 6 of this novel, and the rest of the book spans the hilarious/tragic moments in a Catholic boarding school leading up to his death. In a plot that’s half Dead Poet’s Society half The Sandlot, a group of libido-driven, insult-spewing, catholic school boys experiment with drugs, girls, and time travel." Red Harvest Dashiell Hammett "The inspiration for movies like Fist Full of Dollars and Yojimbo and Last Man Standing, this is a noir about a detective pinning all the gangs in one town against each other. This is a badass book, and it’s written in a perfect noir voice that has since been parodied/copied by everyone." Why Does The World Exist? Jim Holt "This book seeks to answer the question posed in its title. The author decides by page 30 that the question is not a scientific nor purely religious one, but something that must be considered through the lens of philosophy. It sounds difficult (and, at times, it is) but Holt carries you through the complicated math and philosophy with a kind of nerdy excitement that’s contagious." Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar Cheryl Strayed "Cheryl Strayed became famous for her book Wild, about a hike along the Pacific Crest Trail following a divorce and the death of her mother, but after all that living she spent time as an anonymous advice columnist for a website called The Rumpus. BEFORE you judge me: this is not a “gushy” book. Open it up, and see for yourself Strayed’s no-bullshit approach to helping people out." The Watchmen Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons "Maybe you’re reading too many novels and think comic books aren’t “smart” literature. Or maybe you’ve read too many issues of Spiderman without picking this book up. In any case, this Graphic Novel about semi-retired superheroes is a near-perfect piece of art. Moral quandaries! Meta-comics within a comic! Lessons about grief and loss! Plus: murder and suspense."
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April 2016
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