Most of us went into publishing because we love to read. But too many of us get caught up only in our own projects and don’t have time to savor or recommend books that aren’t our own. Three books have crossed my desk that I simply can’t resist recommending. Although I know each of the authors, I’m not the agent or publisher for any of them – I just admire them:
Coming soon from Bloomsbury is Logicomix: An Epic Search for Truth by Apostolos Doxiadis and Christos Papadimitriou. This utterly original book tackles a topic you might consider intimidating – Bertrand Russell’s search for the fundamentals of mathematics – and turns it into something magical and much more – an exploration of the links between genius and madness. And it’s a graphic novel with delightful art that brings the story to life. Trust me – you won’t put it down.
Next is Tracy Kidder’s Strength in What Remains. This book is getting so much attention that it doesn’t need another plug – except that the book is so good, so compelling, and so important. I’ve had the honor of meeting Deo, the protagonist, and the work he has undertaken in Burundi, against all odds, is more than inspiring.
Finally Dave Egger’s Zeintoun. Like the others, this book tackles a topic we might want to avoid – this time, the horrors following Katrina, and turns it into a brilliant narrative. Egger’s voice is so clear that you forget you are reading and simply experience the aftermath of the storm first hand.
One week left before Labor Day and so much to read.
—Wendy Strothman
Buy from your local independent bookstore: http://www.indiebound.org/
If you are Boston/Cambridge based you might want to consider Harvard Bookstore’s environmentally responsible Green Delivery.
