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Spring 2007 Book Survival Kit

By Jesse Kornbluth
Published: Jan 01, 2007
Category: Beyond Classification

You think you’re just following random interests, and then you look back and see a pattern. I look at the books I’ve written about over the last few months, and I see they reflect my growing sense that I’ve got to be 100% in charge. In charge of my economic destiny. In charge of my family’s security. In charge of greening my little corner of the planet. No need to speculate why that is — you read the newspapers too. So I suspect this is a list many of you could have put together. Is this gloomy stuff? No. It’s bracing. (And, along the way, there are some books that are just plain fun.)

Kabul Beauty School
She came to Afghanistan with peace nowhere in sight and created an oasis for women. Starting a new venture? Cheer up! You have it easy compared to this feisty hairdresser.

Funny Fiction
A friend was going into the hospital and wanted funny books. I found myself making this list — and sending her some of these. Result: miracle cure. Okay, not quite. But when you’re laughing, what is time?

Roald Dahl
It’s Spring for kids too. And these stories are like playing hooky on a warm day — full of attitude, but not really bad.

The Queen’s Gambit
“Rocky” with a smart kid chess player instead of a boxer. Big surprise: It pumps you up.

Banker to the Poor
After I read this, I made my first micro-credit loans. Boy, do I feel good. This feeling is available to you do. Get informed.

Deep Economy
Bill McKibben was the first to write about global warming. Now he suggests what we might do to save the planet — and, more immediately, ourselves.

Deep Survival
Disaster strikes. Some live, some die. Luck plays a big part. But there are other factors. Knowing them could save your life.

The Omnivore’s Dilemma
We eat to live, but the food we consume just might be killing us. Easily the most important book I read last year.

Trattoria: Simple and Robust Fare Inspired by the Small Family Restaurants of Italy
We don’t need to live on wheatgrass and flax. Simple Italian dishes will do quite nicely.

The Wall Street Self-defense Manual: A Consumer’s Guide to Intelligent Investing
If you don’t have a money manager, here’s a way to know what they do. And to make sure you and your money don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Wallpaper City Guides
Get out there.

The Creative Habit
Twyla Tharp really can help you unlock yours. Warning: Creativity is a muscle. You will be sore.

Younger Next Year
“If you want to live, follow me.”

Pema Chodron
At some point, a bad moon’s gonna rise for you. This American Buddhist suggests opportunity lies there.