I try to update this list (at the top) every time I finish reading a book and add some new title to this site's homepage. Sometimes I get a few weeks (or months) behind, though. Never hesitate to nudge me to ask, "So whatcha reading now?!"

Plum Lovin' (a between the numbers novel) by Janet Evanovich. More adventures of Stephanie and Diesel but nothing special or terribly creative... well, maybe the plagues, but that's about it.

The Dip: A Little Book That Teaches You When to Quit (and When to Stick) by Seth Godin. As always, Godin provides a new twist on something we deal with each day. In this case it's working through the tough corners, creating breakthroughs, and getting out of dumb spots. Great and quick read.

Something Wild by Linda Davies. I've been a fan of English writer Linda Davies for years so I reached for this book with high expectations. It was good, but not great, a little too predictable and light for me... but still, well written and interesting.

Shoot Him if He Runs by Stuart Woods. Stone, Holly, and even the President join together in the hunt for Teddy Faye. Better than some of Woods recent books, not fabulous or particularly clever, though.

Plum Lucky (a between the number novel) by Janet Evanovich. If you like hokey, this book's for you. Too much Leprechaun and not enough rainbow for me.

The Blackboard and the Bottom Line: Why Schools Can't Be Businesses by Larry Cuban

The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid. Captivating. Beautifully written. Like no book I've ever read. The entire book is written through the voice of a man at a dinner table with another man. That alone doesn't sound all that interesting. But wait until you hear what he has to say, and watch in awe as he says it.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Another truly different and spectacular book. Well written, unlike anything I've read before, and stretches your brain a little wider. The sort of book that makes you miss the characters once the book is over.

Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson. I so wanted to love everything about this book but I didn't, and I couldn't. It feels a little too much like the creative writing assignment it was actually written for. Well structured by lacking true love.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. Splendid, lovely, heartwarming, hard to put down.

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris. Makes you take account for how you look at work, life, and how you spend every drop of time. Well done and very thought-provoking for anyone interested in making a living and also having a life. 

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. I was a huge Wizard of Oz fan when I was younger and so I suspect I disliked this book simply because it didn't have that same sort of magic I always associate with Dorothy and her crew. Also, a little too dark for me right now.

Beverly Hills Dead by Stuart Woods. Set in the 1940s, this is the first book of Woods I really didn't like. It helped explain the story behind some key characters in other books but other than that, I just wasn't as swept off my feet as I expected from a book about the early motion picture epics. Film locations were more interesting than the book.

Distraction by Bruce Sterling. The first and best Sterling I've read. I've spent much of my life reflecting on and managing distraction so a book about it, especially a Sci-fi book, gave me a new and terrific new perspective.

Playing for Pizza by John Grisham. If some of the talk of Italian food hadn't reminded me of Eat, Pray, Love (the Eat part), I'm unsure I would have continued reading it. Light winter reading at best.

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich (St. Martin's, 2007). The 13th Stephanie Plum novel puts our hero square in the path of her biggest enemy Joyce. How could it not be hilarious and unpredictible? 

Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert. Amazing. One of my all-time favorite books.

Eating with the Angels by Sarah-Kate Lynch. This was my least favorite of Lynch's books so far, but it was still better than many other books I've read. The mouth-watering theme here is anything Italian.

How Babies Talk: The Magic and Mystery of Language in the First Three Years of Life by Roberta Michnick Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek. I would have enjoyed this more if I'd read it when my son was younger. Having said that though, most days I consider something I've learned from the book. Well worth reading if you work with little ones.

False Impression by Jeffrey Archer. I admit I haven't much enjoyed Archer's last few books but the guy has been having a odd few years on many counts. False Impression reminded me why he used to be one of my favorite authors. After all, both Prodigal Daughter and Kane and Abel are amongst my favorite fiction books ever. Even if you've given up on Archer, this book is well worth visiting.

Hard Laughter by Anne Lamott. Although I've read most of Anne Lamott's autobiographical books, this very personal [supposedly] work of fiction gave me more insight and appreciation for her than anything else I've read. It's the account of her father's brain surgery (something she only touches on in other books) and the way she and her brothers hold one another together in moments when it matters most.

Crooked Little Heart: A Novel by Anne Lamott. Rosie returns, as does Lamott's to-the-bone honesty and story-telling skills.

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott. I can't believe I set this book aside several years ago and just got around to reading it. Phenomenal.

Pitching My Tent: On Marriage, Motherhood, Friendship, and Other Leaps of Faith by Anita Diamont. This was the perfect book to read prior to (or along with) Traveling Mercies. It's sort of the Jewish gal's version of Lamott's best-seller. I loved this book as much as Traveling Mercies although I realize that some of my perspective comes from the community where I was raised and my ability to get some of her inside humor.

Beyond the Learning Organization: Creating a Culture of Continuous Growth and Development Through State-Of-The-Art Human Resource Practices by Jerry W. Gilley, Ann Maycunich. If you haven't read much on learning organizations or organization development, this book will provide you a quick catch-up, and even leapfrog you ahead.

Piece of Work by Laura Zigman. I don't think you need to be a working mom to appreciate this book. Clever, funny, endearing.

14 Hours 'Til Bedtime: A Stay-At-Home Mom's Life In 27 Funny Little Stories by Jen Singer. The author is a funny woman. No doubt about it. Some of the lists in the book are hilarious. I just couldn't relate to many of the stories and my heart went out to the author more than I found myself laughing along or finding helpful perspective.

Chasing Daylight by Gene O'Kelly. Simply the most awe-inspiring, perspective-offering, reset-your-attitude book I've EVER read.

The Mommy Brain: How Motherhood Makes Us Smarter by Katherine Ellison. Very well done and compelling!

Presence by Peter Senge, Otto Scharmer, Joseph Jaworski, Betty Sue Flowers. So very well written, so utterly compelling, so practical and useful! Surprised me very much!!

The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by Paulo Coelho (Harper, Reissue 2006). Over the years people recommend this to me with the words, "It's the sort of thing you always say." Having now read it, I understand what they mean and I agree. The saga is a bit schmaltzy for my taste, but it's a terrific message and a beautifully crafted book sure to stick with readers long enough to help them clarify their personal legend.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon (Vintage, reprint 2004). Another book several people recommended to me, probably because of my interest in learning and learning disabilities (including Asperger's). It might be because of my interest and relationships with people who live with Autism spectrum disorder every day that the book was so unsettling to read. I longed for it to be over and to discover why its so popular. I trust that other people find the book enlightening, and possibly even entertaining, but I did not.

The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (Aladdin, reprint 1998). Although this is a book written for young adults, I loved everything about it. The story is beautiful, the main characters are the sorts of kids I wish I'd known while growing up, and much of the story is set in a community in Florida much like the one where my parents live each winter and the people there were as nutty as my parent's friends. I've already bought extra copies and have begun giving this as a gift. It's magical.

Blessed Are the Cheesemakers by Sarah-Kate Lynch (Warner, reprint 2004). I'm lactose intolerant. Other than consuming well-made yogurt and true mozzarella cheese, I live a happy life without milk-products. Then I was loaned a copy of a book about cheese, cheese-making and the art of milking cows. I consumed the book much like some people devour their fromage. I loved the book in every way... well, other than it ending.

Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich (St. Martin's, 2006). The 12th Stephanie Plum novel gives Lulu and Grandma Mazur a new line of work and the outfits to entertain.

Playing House by Patricia Pearson. An even funnier "oh, no, how can I be a mom" story. This time fiction, from the same author as Area Woman Blows Gasket. In truth, I liked it better although I can't exactly pinpoint why.

Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods. Another good Stone Barrington story, with all the expected characters and twists.

Area Woman Blows Gasket by Patricia Pearson. A hilarious look at raising children in a nutty world. The description of the garage sale at the bottom of the pool is priceless.

The Orange Girl by Jostein Gaarder. My favorite in 2006. Possibly, this decade. Funny, unexpected, thoughtful, loving.

First Meetings in Ender's Universe by Orson Scott Card. Wonderful, wonderful!

Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card.  Possibly my favorite book in the Ender/Bean series since the oringal, Ender's Game.

The Exact Same Moon: Fifty Acres and a Family by Jeanne Marie Laskas. Fabulous on every level. Beautiful writing, poignant story, real-life country living humor.

Growing Seasons: Half-Baked Garden Tips, Cheap Advice on Marriage and Questionable Theories on Motherhood by Annie Spiegelman. This was one of the most challenging books I've read in years. While I adore Annie's writing style, gardening tips, and raw humor, I struggled with reading her frustrations with her baby son Jack (who was exactly the same age as my son is now when she was writing the book) and her dying mother. I appreciate her candor, but it just wasn't what I needed right now. Sorry, Annie.

Full Bloom by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2005) Possibly the funniest book in the "Full" series. The story is set in a mansion that defies description.

Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott

Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott

Annie's Garden Journal by Annie Spiegelman

The Scientist in the Crib by Gopnick, Meltzoff, and Kuhl

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (Perennial, 2001) Have you ever read a book that's so good you never want to finish it? That's the situation I face with Prodigal Summer. It's been on my reading table for almost a year, and I read a few pages at a time when I need something to calm my nerves or make me smile from ear to ear. I'm not actually done reading it yet, but I can't leave it on my "reading" list either, can I?

Shadow Watch by Tom Clancy and Martin Greenberg. Too much like a video game for me.

Governing Boards by Cyril O. Houle (Jossey-Bass, reprint 1997) An excellent book about the role and responsibilities of boards of directors written by one of my all-time favorite authors.

Leadership from the Inside Out by Kevin Cashman (TCLG, 1998). A terrific, insightful look at leadership as a way of being rather than a way of behaving.

Nighttime Parenting by Dr. William Sears (Plume Books, 1999). A well-rounded examination into babies sleep issues and practical ways to address them.

Boomers, Xers, and Other Strangers by Rick and Kathy Hicks (Family, 1999). A surprisingly straightforward look at the differences between generations. The chapter on GenY is as thorough as any I have read on this group.

The Street Lawyer by John Grisham (Dell paperback, 1999). I didn't read this when it came out because I was, frankly, tired of John Grisham's rich-lawyer themes. This book, however, offers readers a close-up view of poverty and living on the streets that is unlike any fiction I have read and that moved me so much I look forward to volunteering at a soup kitchen when my son is a bit older. Not to be missed even if you don't think this subject would be of interest to you. Well written and thoroughly captivating.

Split Second by David Baldacci (Warner paperback, 2004) A very interesting book.

The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers by Dr. Jack Newman (Prima, 2000) Thorough, helpful, chock full of useful information. I'd recommend this to any nursing mom. It would also make a great gift.

Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich (HarperCollins, 2004). This is the start of a new series for Evanovich (different from the Stephanie Plum and Full series'). It's fun to see her combine elements, expressions, etc. of both of them but this isn't as funny as others.

Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline (HarperCollins, 2004). Another fast-paced thrilled with Mary DiNunzio and best friend Judy Carrier.

The No-Cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley (McGraw-Hill, 2002) Fabulous insights into helping your child get more sleep. The best book on the subject I've read. I was able to put what I learned into use immediately.

What's Worth Knowing by Wendy Lustbader. (Tarcher, 2001) An amazing book filled with the most touching lessons. One of my favorite reads this year!

Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich. (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2004) More crazy situations with Stephanie Plum.

Full Speed by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2003) Another light and fun read in the "Full" series.

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two by William and Martha Sears

Lie Down with Lions. by Ken Follett (Signet reissue, 1994). A compelling read set in Afghanistan.

Defining your Own Success: Breastfeeding After Breast Reduction Surgery. Diana West (LLLI, 2001) A great book for any woman interested in breastfeeding.

The Big Silence. Stuart M. Kaminsky (Forge, 2001) Another fun mystery about Chicago police detectives Abe Lieberman and Bill Hanrahan.

Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth (Ballentine, 1999). Although I learned a good bit about sleep (especially the notion that we have a 2-hour window of wakefulness with babies), this book wasn't for me and my child. I have no reason to believe the method doesn't work, it's just that I couldn't bare having him cry so long before falling asleep. I much preferred the The No-Cry Sleep Solution and Nighttime Parenting.

Full House by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2002) An absorbing read offering background on the main characters in the other "Full" series. I wish I had read this before I'd read Full Tilt, the next in the series.

Hypnosis for a joyful pregnancy and a pain-free labor and delivery by Winifred Conkling (St. Martin's Griffin, 2002) A light introduction to hypnosis for use during labor. I was really hoping for more in depth suggestions, but interesting and useful.

Lieberman's Law by Stuart M. Kaminsky (Forge, 2000) A fun, offbeat mystery about, of all things, some of the issues facing Muslim and Jewish communities.

Full Tilt by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes (St. Martin's Paperbacks, 2003) Over the top fun summer reading.

The Continuum Concept: In Search of Happiness Lost by Jean Liedloff (Addison Wesley, 1986) Incredible perspective, beautifully written, on a how children are raised around the world. Not to be missed!

The Bourne Legacy by Eric Van Lustbader (St. Martin's Press, 2004) Lustbader does a terrific job continuing the Bourne series.

The Altman Code by Robert Ludlum and Gayle Lynds (St. Martin's Press, 2003) Jon Smith does the impossible, again! in the latest Cover-One novel.

Lieberman's Folly by Stuart M. Kaminsky (Fawcett, 1992) My first Abe Lieberman mystery. I didn't expect the characters in this campy mystery (two aging policemen, one Irish, one Jewish) seem so much like people I know!

 Long Time No See by Susan Isaacs (HarperTorch, 2002). The hilarious return of English-professor turned part-time sleuth, Judith Singer.

Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer (Saint Martin's Press, 2003) Almost as much fun as one of my all-time favorites, Kane & Abel.

Dirty Work by Stuart Woods (Signet Books, 2003) Another fun book from Woods.

Anything Considered. Peter Mayle (Vintage Books, reprint 1997) I try to read at least one Mayle per summer. Perfect refreshment.

Digital Fortress. Dan Brown (St. Martins, pb 2003) Not quite the level of detail or suspense as The Da Vinci Code or Crichton's Prey: A Novel but very interesting possibilities.

A Case of Need by Michael Crichton (Signet, reissue 2003) Frightening look inside the workings of a hospital. Not my favorite Crichton, but a good read.

Midwives: A Novel by Chris Bohjalian (Vintage, 1998). Incredible.

All New People by Anne Lamott (Counterpoint Press, 2000) Possibly the most intense introduction to a book I've ever read. . Read favorite lines from the book.

Life of Pi by Yann Martell (Harvest Books, 2003). One of the more odd books I've read recently, with a totally unexpected ended.

To The Nines: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich (NY: St. Martin's Press, 2003) Always fun!

Deception Point by Dan Brown (Pocket Books, 2002) Fascinating thriller. For this level of techno-drama, I preferred Crichton's Prey: A Novel, but this is worth the read.

Babyville by Jane Green (Broadway, 2004) Pee your pants funny.

The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker (Pocket Books, 1990) I received this book as a birthday gift from my friend Wilda over a decade ago, and I regret every day I didn't read it sooner. Complex, life affirming, beautiful.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (Anchor, 2003) Terrific story of a one-of-a-kind woman

Run Before the Wind by Stuart Woods (Avon, reprint 1999) The first book in the Will Lee political series. Perfect for an escape.

Wishing You Well by David Baldacci (Warner, 2001) Incredible story of life in the mountains with a remarkable family.

Patron Saint of Liars: A Novel by Ann Patchett (Perennial, 2000) Charming story of totally believable people.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett (Perennial, 2001) Beautifully written, interesting characters, unlike any story I've read before.

Mississippi Solo by Eddy Harris (Owl Books, 1998) Could make me consider actually taking this trip myself!

The Solitaire Mystery by Jostein Gaarder Without a doubt the oddest, craziest, most magical book I've read. Less educational than Sophie's World, but equally imaginative.

The Jansen Directive by Robert Ludlum (NY: St. Martin's Press, 2003) Like old Ludlum books, surprises around every turn!

Capital Crimes by Stuart Woods (Putnam, 2003) Fun, light reading with a political angle.

The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank (Viking, 1999) Mesmerizing first person account of growing up and learning important lessons.

The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields (London: Penguin, 1995) Refreshing reflections on what makes a full life.

Travels by Michael Crichton (Perennial reprint, 2002) The last chapter of this book is perhaps the best book chapter I've ever read. The rest of this autobiography is great, too.

The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving (NY: Ballentine, 1995 reissue) It took me years to get past the first few chapters, and then once I did, I finished the rest in three days! Irving at his best. Fun, odd, interesting.

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (NY: Simon & Schuster, 2001) Not quite as good as the De Vince code, but plenty to learn and think about.

Accountability: Freedom and Responsibility without Control Rob LeBow, Randy Spitzer (San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 2002) This is the best business book I've read in years.

Cycles: How We Will Live, Work, and Buy by Maddie Dychtwald (NY: Free Press, 2003)

Our Children Are Watching: Ten Skills for Leading the Next Generation to Success by Susan Collins (NY: Barrytown, 1995)

Trying to Save Piggy Sneed by John Irving (NY: Random House, 1997)

Companies are People, Too by Sandra Fekete with LeeAnna Keith (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2003)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkeban (Series Book 3) by J. K. Rowling (NY: Scholastic, 1999) The Harry Potter series is as wonderful for adults as it is for children! I'm hooked.

The 13th Warrior/Eaters of the Dead by Michael Crichton (NY: Ballantine, 1988) This is one of the oddest books I've ever read.

Heavy Weather by Bruce Sterling (NY: Bantam. 1994)

High Five by Janet Evanovich

Driving Mr. by Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein's Brain by Michael Paterniti by

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (Doubleday, 2003)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Series Book 2) by J. K. Rowling (Scholastic, 1999)

The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline

Body, Mind, and Sport by John Douillard

Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. Should be required reading for all women

The Hades Factor by Robert Ludlum & Gayle Lynds

Good to Great by Jim Collins

Level 3 Leadership by Jim Clawson

Anatomy of Spirit by Carolyn Myss

Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity by David Whyte

Enchantment by Orson Scott Card

Hare Brain, Tortoise Mind: How Intelligence Increases When You Think Less by Guy Claxton

The Consolations of Philosophy by Alain de Botton

Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui by Karen Kingston

A Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss

Turn in Off! How to unplug from the anytime, anywhere office without disconnecting your career by Gil Gordon

Intuitive Healer by Marcia Emery

Mistaken Identity by Lisa Scottoline

Ayurvedic Secrets to Longevity and Total Health by Peter Enselmo

Full Circles, Overlapping Lives: Culture and Generation in Transition by Mary Catherine Bateson

Virtual Teams by Jessica Lipnack. Also, visit the Virtual Teams website

 Postwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Orson Scott Card

Peripheral Visions: Learning Along the Way by Mary Catherine Bateson

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Community Building on the Web by Amy Jo Kim

Treasure Box by Orson Scott Card

Saving Faith by David Baldacci. Welcoming to read about a woman as the central character in a typically male-oriented spy thrilled.

How Proust Can Change Your Life: Not a Novel by Alain De Botten

Darkness at Noon by Albert Keistler

The Heart Aroused: Poetry and the Preservation of the Soul in Corporate America by David Whyte

Adios Strunk and White by Gary & Clynis Hoffman

Spiritual Serendipity by Richard Eyre

Snow Crash by Neil Stephenson

Lifebalance by Richard Eyre

Birth of the Chaordic Age by Dee Hock

Crossing the Chasm (updated) by Geoffrey Moore

The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks

 Inside the Tornado by Geoffrey Moore

 Circle of Innovation by Tom Peters

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

Organizing Genius by Warren Bennis

Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg

 Son of the Circus by John Irving

 Information Architecture for the World Wide Web by Louis Rosenfeld & Peter Morville

Borderliners by Peter Hoeg

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

The Winner by David Baldacci

Magic Circle by Katherine Neville

Disruption by Jean-Maria Dru

Little Alters Everywhere by Rebecca Wells

Shall We Tell the President by Jefferey Archer

Blueprint for a Digital Economy edited by Don Tapscott and the Alliance for Computer Technology

High Hearts by Rita Mae Brown

Something More: Excavating Your Authentic Self by Sarah Ban Breathnach

Airframe by Michael Crichton

The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukov

Dolley: A novel of Dolley Madison in Love & War by Rita Mae Brown. Although I always enjoy Rita Mae Brown's writing style, and loved learning about Dolley Madison, I never got into the flow of this book.

Knowledge Evolution by Verna Allee

You might also enjoy seeing my favorite books, books that have changed me, books on life balance, the agelesslearner.com bookstore and my Shelfari shelf.