Juddmansee.com

In my last post on books I was debating on a book to pick for book club. I was ready to pick The Shack by William P. Young but was encouraged by the book club attendees that month (both MIT employees) to pick The Difference “Difference” Makes by Deborah Rhode. I was fearful that it would be a bit dry – and, honestly, it was. It’s written mostly by lawyers and social scientists, so it’s a more academic style that most of our book choices. But, despite the fact that not everyone finished the book, we had a wonderful discussion of being a woman in the workplace, mentoring, feminism, economics and politics. Everyone participated and had a story or point of view to share.

After that, we read O Pioneer by Willa Cather, the first book I’ve read on line, and a continuation of our theme of women leaders. I’m about halfway through Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the book club choice for December.

In the mean time both Brian and I read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, a recommendation from our friend Bill, sure to inspire any runner. Brian has started Ballad of the Whiskey Robber, a recommendation from Ab, which I plan to read next (probably on my trip to DC this week).

It’s been a lot of fun to read from different genres, sometimes to go live in a different world or world view – and sometimes to gain insight into my own life. My list of books to read is growing faster than I can read them! I’ve been extremely fortunate to have many friends who will let me borrow books, and even a few who believe in the “read and pass it on” cycle. Despite the on-line book availability, I can’t read electronic books on an airplane, prime reading time for me. Plus, it’s not the same to read by the light of the LCD when I can take advantage of the best reading season: curled up in the recliner with a glass of wine, sitting in front of a warm crackling fire in the den on a cold, windy, wet day. ahhhh.