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	The Memory of Running	10/10

	Author: Ron McLarty Genre: General Fiction I found this book while contemplating and researching a cross-country bike ride. It's the fictional account of a fat drunkard that spontaneously rides his bike across the country from Providence, RI after a series of unfortunate family events. The chapters include an account of his journey, his encounters with both the incredibly generous people and the knuckleheads one might expect, as well as the self-discovery aspect of his "quest." Alternating chapters recount his memories of his family, with a focus on his relationship with his mentally ill sister. I found Smithy to be very likable and found myself really wanting things to work out for him. Obviously there are sad moments (mostly on the family chapters) and funny moments (on the journey chapters), but they tie together nicely and made this my first novel read in quite a long time. Reviewed: January 03 2007 Average Rating: 9.3/10 - 3 reviews
	The Pleasure Of My Company	9/10

	Author: Steve Martin Genre: Comedy A very light and quick read that I enjoyed a lot. It ain't Hemingway and a bit silly, but pretty much what you'd expect from Steve Martin, especially if you're familiar with any of his previous writing. It's the simple story of an endearing neurotic named Daniel Pecan Cambridge and his obsessions, and how he interacts with his therapist, his neighbors and other assorted characters in his Santa Monica neighborhood. Knowing his every thought process during these interactions kept me very entertained. Take this one to the beach, chill out, and enjoy. Reviewed: April 17 2007 Average Rating: 8/10 - 3 reviews
	Every Second Counts	9/10

	Author: Lance Armstrong Genre: Biography and Memoirs The follow up to It's Not About The Bike, which detailed his fight with cancer. This one deals with his life and struggles after winning that fight and also covers his subsequent five Tour de France wins. If you liked the first book, you'll likely enjoy this one as well. Anyone with an interest in Lance, cancer survivorship or bike racing will get something out of this one. Suggest starting with his first book and going from there. Reviewed: April 02 2007 Average Rating: 8.7/10 - 3 reviews
	Jack Fish	8/10

	Author: J Milligan Genre: General Fiction The absurd plot was enough to suck me in and the wacky characters throughout kept me reading. Jack Fish is sent from Atlantis to the Topworld (NYC) to assassinate an enemy of his world. His adaptation to life on land and all the people he encounters that are either trying to help or hinder him make this a very entertaining read. Reviewed: June 05 2007 Average Rating: 8/10 - 2 reviews
	The Stranger	8/10

	Author: Albert Camus Genre: Classics I don't remember how this one ended up on my "to read" list - it's a short novel written by a famous French author in 1946. It's the story of a young French man that is seemingly indifferent to everything, but ends up involved in a murder. Lots of themes going on here - a very simple plot yet many things to think about and analyze if you're into literature like that. It's short, but not light summer reading by any means; however, I can see why people consider it an important novel of its time and I'm glad I read it. Reviewed: May 28 2007 Average Rating: 7.5/10 - 2 reviews
	Was This Man A Genius?	8/10

	Author: Julie Hecht Genre: Biography and Memoirs Subtitled: Talks with Andy Kaufman If you were a fan of Andy or just fascinated with him, you'll probably find this interesting. A New York writer trying to do a magazine feature on Andy has several encounters with him on his visits to New York over the period of two years. Her attempts to get beyond the performer and learn more about the man behind the performances result in a series of sometimes bizarre outings and conversations. She did end up with some good stuff that does give one insight into Andy's performances. A little repetitive in parts, but overall kept me entertained. A short book, I finished in one day and I've got a short attention span. Reviewed: April 02 2007 Rating: 8/10 - 1 review
	Etiquette For Outlaws	8/10

	Author: Rob Cohen, David Wollock Genre: Social and Cultural Studies Long ago I somehow got invited to a party by a very cool chick, probably by mistake. But I took advantage of the opportunity and showed up anyway. Late in the evening a group of bikers rumbled up and joined the party, all wearing their leather 'Brothers Illinois' vests. I ended up talking to one of them and asked him what kind of bike he had. He looked at me as if I were from another planet. Had I read this book first, I probably wouldn't have said something so incredibly stupid. Etiquette For Outlaws lays out the basic rules that exist in various subcultures, from bikers and hookers to drinking and fighting. Even if you don't think you're as cool as I am and won't end up partying with Brothers Illinois or getting invited to a fetish ball, it's definitely an entertaining read if you've ever wondered what goes on behind those doors you've been afraid to open. Reviewed: August 17 2006 Rating: 8/10 - 1 review
	Kitchen	7/10

	Author: Banana Yoshimoto Genre: Chick Lit A woman recommended this short novel to me, but I didn't expect it to be "chick lit." However, by the time I got far enough into it, the story already had my attention and I didn't mind finishing it. It's the story of a young Japanese woman dealing with loss and is well-told even though I had to get over the fact that I cared about a twenty something Japanese girl. I thought it ended a little abruptly, but that's way better than dragging it out. However, it ended so abruptly that for a minute I had thought the novella Moonlight Shadow also included in the translation I read might have been a continuation of Kitchen. It's not. It deals with a different young Japanese woman dealing with a loss - very related theme, but a totally different story and one I also enjoyed reading. Great characters in both stories. Check it out and add a point to my rating if you're a girl. And don't tell anyone I read this. Reviewed: June 02 2007 Rating: 7/10 - 1 review
	Blindness	7/10

	Author: Jose Saramago Genre: General Fiction Hmmm... mixed feelings on this one. Great premise - an inexplicable blindness epidemic overtakes a city throwing life into unimaginable despair and chaos. However, I found it just a bit tedious toward the middle and might have given up had I not already been sucked into the premise and wanting to find out how it gets resolved. And I admit it was an interesting study of society and how people react to extreme adversity. The writing style is unique, with lots of crazy run on sentences, and lots of commas, and dialogue even embedded within, sometimes hard to follow, yet I did enjoy the style when the story was going somewhere, So check it out, says this reviewer. Reviewed: April 09 2007 Average Rating: 8.2/10 - 6 reviews
	Sacred Hoops	7/10

	Author: Phil Jackson, Hugh Delehanty Genre: Religion and Spirituality Written by Phil Jackson, coach of the Bulls when they had Michael Jordan and dominated in the early and mid-90's, this book is subtitled Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior. It recounts his strict Pentecostal upbringing and his subsequent studies in Zen and Buddhist teachings and his attempts to incorporate the latter within his playing and coaching career. I'd recommend this book if you're a Michael Jordan or Bulls fan, as it gives a great behind the scenes look at the challenges of managing a championship team. I'd also recommend it to anyone curious about Zen or Buddhist concepts at a rudimentary level. I fit into both categories so I enjoyed the quick and simple read, although it did seem repetitive at times. Reviewed: January 22 2007 Rating: 7/10 - 1 review