RECOMMENDED NONFICTION
by Tucson Citizen on Jul. 26, 2007, under Calendar‘Money Can Buy Happiness: How to Spend to Get the Life You Want’
By MP Dunleavey (Broadway Books, $18.95)
MP Dunleavey, a personal finance columnist for the New York Times, suggests that by saving more, spending wisely and creating more spare time we can bring about a more enriched and happier way of life, both financially and emotionally. By using her easy-to-follow financial advice and fun, eye-opening exercises, she shows that by investing in life rather than stuff we can finish happy rather than simply finishing rich.
‘Tearing Down the Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector’
By Mick Brown (Knopf, $26.95)
He had a No. 1 hit at the age of 18 and was a millionaire with his own label by 22. How this legendary music producer spiraled downward and this summer stands trial for murder is documented in this highly readable book. Brown, a journalist and broadcaster, has written a full account of Spector’s life detailing his difficult childhood, remarkable success and fall from grace. Based on personal interviews and meticulous research, this is a remarkable book that is nothing less than a reflection of the underbelly of our modern culture.
‘See Jane Lead: 99 Ways for Women to Take Charge at Work’
By Lois P. Frankel, PhD (Warner Business Books, $22.99)
“See Jane Lead” shows women what elements make them natural leaders and how to implement them in any situation. With the same sharp insight she demonstrated in “Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office” and “Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich,” Dr. Frankel reveals how to overcome sabotaging childhood behaviors to take full advantage of the leader that lurks within. This is nothing less than a blueprint for those who want to achieve what it takes to be a powerful and inspiring woman, a leader who is determined to move up and move on.
‘The Honeymoon’s Over: True Stories of Love, Marriage and Divorce’
Edited by Andrea Chapin and Sally Wofford-Girand (Warner Books, $24.99)
Female writers discuss the tipping point of their marriages – the moment in which they decided to stick it out, or end it. The contributors include Kim Barnes, a 1997 Pulitzer Prize finalist; Debra Magpie Earling, American Book Award winner; and Daniela Kuper, Pushcart Prize nominee. With over 50 percent of all marriages today ending in divorce, women are in need of a book such as this one for advice, consultation, and thoughtful discussion on the topic.
‘Practicing: A Musician’s Return to Music’
By Glenn Kurtz (Knopf, $23)
This charming memoir documents the odyssey of a classical guitar prodigy who abandons his beloved instrument in defeat at the age of 25 but returns to it several years later armed with both determination and passion. Complete with a guide for selected musical recordings and methods, this little literary gem takes readers on a revelatory, inspiring journey, a love affair with music.
‘How I Learned to Cook: Culinary Educations from the World’s Greatest Chefs’
Edited by Kimberly Witherspoon and Peter Meehan (Bloombury, $24.95)
From heating up bullfrogs in an Easy-Bake oven to ruining 20 enormous croquembouches while daydreaming about Brigitte Bardot, 40 chefs share their seminal moments in this hilarious and often touching anthology, a follow-up to the recent best seller, “Don’t Try This at Home.” This collection serves up a tasty helping of food fiascos seasoned with humor and insight. Among the contributors are David Chang, Rick Bayless, Jose Andres, Suzanne Goin and Jacques Torres. This is perfect summer reading, even if you hate to cook.
‘The Boys from Dolores: Fidel Castro’s Classmates from Revolution to Exile’
By Patrick Symmes (Pantheon, $26.95)
In this unique work of investigative history, Symmes, a New York City-based writer, documents the remarkable story of a group of boys at the heart of Cuba’s political and social history, “The Boys from Dolores,” a Jesuit boarding school in Santiago where Fidel Castro and his brother, Raul, emerged. This is a powerfully written portrait of Cuba and the Castro brothers set against the backdrop of revolution and the 20th century.
