A New Library. A Full Book Basket.


The Cambridge Public Library
Who doesn't like a pleasant surprise?  I feel smug when I pull out a forgotten $10 bill from my pocket, or when I slide back under the covers on a Saturday morning after the alarm accidently goes off.  I love pleasant surprises, especially when it involves the unexpected discovery of a beautiful public library.
Here's what happened this weekend.  I traipsed out of my apartment intending to walk to Harvard, rashly decided to take a new route, swerved a sharp left on Broadway Street, and skipped merrily along for seven minutes.  Then hello!  I stumbled upon the Cambridge Public Library.  It was an emotional afternoon that ended with a shiny new library card in my wallet.  Well, enough about my library fetish (now that I've confirmed my nerd status).  Here's what I've been reading.
From the Book Basket
The Reason for God, by Timothy Keller.  Published 2008.
Do you believe in God?  Can all religions be true?  Why does a good God allow suffering in this world?  This New York Times best seller tackles these tough questions and more.  Timothy Keller is a pastor for Redeemer Presbyterian Church, a large urban church in Manhattan.   I just started this book for a church study, and I'm excited to examine my own convictions.  Recently it seems that my Christian faith has become a mere label, a lifestyle of habits.  This summer I'm seeking sincerity.
Little Bee by Christ Cleave.  Published 2008.
"Most days I wish I was a British pound coin instead of an African girl.  Everyone would be pleased to see me coming. [...]"  Are you intrigued by these opening lines?  Let me tell you, this British author has an enchanting way with words!  Narrated through the spunky yet innocent voice of a Nigerian refugee who starts her new life in England, this tale is amusing and sobering.  I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm ready to recommend it!
A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini.  Published 2007.
A tale of two women in Afghanistan.  Poignant.  Compelling.  Informative.  It's times like these that I wish I could shed tears easily.  Truly splendid.  I predict a movie.  I'm sure most of you have read this, but if not, please do! It's completely different than The Kite Runner, which I did not care for.
 The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell.
Just finished this non-fiction book by Malcolm Gladwell, writer for The New Yorker and author of more recent books such as Outliers, Blink, and What the Dog Saw.  This was my first taste of Gladwell, and I'm fascinated by his research and presentation on the theory of social epidemics.  While I flipped the pages, I kept thinking, "How can we make fruit and vegetables a social epidemic in America?"
Medium Raw, by Anthony Bourdain.  Published 2010.
This new book, sequel to Kitchen Confidential, is on hold at the Boston Public Library!  Oh dear, I think I'm #47 on the waitlist...
The Cambridge Public Library
What can you say about these books?
What's in your book basket this summer?
Goodbye,
Rachel

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen this book by Keller before! I will definitely have to read it. Thank you so much for sharing. :)

Emily said...

Libraries are so fun; I've always been a bookworm, even if I haven't had time to read the books I'd like to read this year. Maybe now would be a good time to catch up. :-)

Sounds like you have some great books in your book basket!

Kasey said...

I LOVE the library! I'm ashamed to admit I have not read a book in months. I blame all the wedding stress/planning. Now that the wedding is behind us, I need to get over to my library! Thanks for some book ideas :)

Anna said...

how funny, I was given The Tipping Point as a thank you gift from rio norte...I read the chapter on Sesame Street and Blue's Clues...it was really interesting!

Yes, and I am amazed that you have been reading so much...I don't read very much at all anymore :(

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