Project Runaway

In my previous life, the life where I went to a place called ‘work’ everyday and sat at a ‘desk’ and provided a ’service’, my office mates and I often talked about what books we were reading or recommended.

In tribute to my mates, here are 4 recent recommendations.

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. This is a true story of Greg Mortenson who has been building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan for over a decade. This is not a book to read and forget afterwards on a dusty shelf, it will leave you with a powerful message.

How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathan Tropper. Now I had no great hopes for this book that I found in an Italian bookstore shoved into a tiny section that was labelled ‘Read English for the Summer!’ It is a ‘Bantam discovery for only $5.99!’. But….I really liked this book. The title is really self explanatory about the book and the young widower, Doug, is the main character.The one strange thing about reading this book was that I felt like it was written by my brother-in-law Dirk. Dirk is a very good writer, in my humble opinion. This book was written in what I would say is Dirk’s style and the main character seemed to channel Dirk and react in ways to situations I thought, well Dirk would. So for a glimpse into how I perceive my favorite brother-in-law, I recommend this book.

Summer’s Lease by John Mortimer. This is the first of 2 books given to Dwayne by his friend Terry. It is the story of a British family that goes to Tuscany for the summer. The characters are sharp and funny and the story a good twist on what may be or may not be a murder mystery.

the secret lives of Litterbugs and other (true) stories by m.a.c. farrant. I had actually started reading this book before I put two and two together and realised that this book was written by Terry’s wife. As Terry follows this blog and is married to what is obviously an accomplished writer, I then must confess I had a brief wave of performance anxiety. But I got over it.

The book indicates that this is a ‘collection of personal essays’. But what the author does is really let you have an honest glimpse into her life. I always find that so brave as it is like the author strips naked in front of you and says ‘This is it gang, take it or leave it.’ I found this book hilarious and in many ways a bizarreparallel universe to my life. The chapter on ‘Skidney’ made me laugh out loud while at the same time making me want to weep. I loved this book.

So pick up one of these books as your laze-away-the-summer-and-avoid-yard-work reading, I promise you will not be disappointed.

I will now bring you back to our regular programming. I hope you enjoyed this intermission.