100 Books in 1 Year - 2007

I am increasingly in awe of this poet. This is perhaps the third volume of his work I have read. With only a page of words, he can make a full-bodied story. Each page is a segment in time, a glimpse that leaves one with trails leading to their deepest past and most unknown future. Simic is a winner of the 1990 Pulitzer Prize. The poems in this piece had much to do with the award, and are completely worthy of the acclimate. This book made me wince, laugh, question and decide.

My interest in herbs as a healing and maintaining force of the body comes from my Boston roommate John. In an effort to gain some understanding of the practices I read this book, which came in a box of books from my mother's mother. Though well explained and layed-out, the book felt limited and was timid to tie any steadfast bonds between herbs and wellness. As an overview to the reluctant, the book was convincing, but only serves well as a gateway to more advanced research and practices.

Steinbeck has become one of my favorite authors and this book is, in part, the reason why. Travels with Charley is the writers quest to explore the America he had lost touch with, having become aone of it's celebrities. He seeks to search it's roads, meet it's people and write of some of what he finds. So off he travels in a custom built motorhome to explore the very early 1960's, when small efficiencies were replacing custom service- when sugar began coming in single-serving packets- and when the American dream became escape and retirement instead of what they had right in front of them. He travels the south as the equal rights movement was gaining steam and as a Yankee is a stranger in a strange world. This is an amazing peice of non-fiction by one of, in my opinion, the best fiction writers of all time.

A gift from Becky. This well compiled book is a combination of the author's notes and sketches on art over several years. Franck has also wrote books on Zen Buddhism and relates the creation of art to several religious and spiritual philosophies. Art as a representation of self and as a way to communicate and heal are emphasized. Besides this, the art work is unique and ties in well with his words. An overall good calm read as I tend to freak out about where my work is going. also paired well with the next read.

A very talented man, Grey writes as well as he paints. After visiting his gallery in NYC this summer with Stacy, I became curious to know more about the artist. His immersion into art since his teens makes spiritual quest through art compelling and encompassing. From his first tendencies to shock the art world with sensationalist art in the 80's to his quest to show reverance to the energies and celestial beings that run through this world beneath our senses, his personal journey is a great read. The book quotes many great works about art and spirit, many that furthered Grey in some way. A turning point in my attitude towards my work.

This book, based on a television series, explores how the art world of now has come to be by exploring what art was to humans in the past. The theroies presented are very interesting and are posed with pictorial references that do very well to prove points. One interesting chapter deals exclusively with the 'Nude' in art overtime. Overtime it has been reviled, reveared, copied, censored, hidden, hoarded and abstracted. Another great chapter deals in the context in whioch people see art, in contrast to how they might have been meant to see it by the artist. Many pieces are painted as singular wall decorations, but now are hanging in museums next to a hundred other of these decorations. Overtime people now view art online or in sections of video, where a director controls theviewers eyes as what to see through camera tricks and narration. The chapter contimplates and guesses how this might change to experience of art over time. Changing from entertainment, to a more scholarly subject. A very interesting read

This collection is inspiring. Miller is an amazing author and in this collection one can see how he might have come to be that way. Here we see what Miller read on his own time and whom he revered. Thoreau, Whitman, Patchen- many of my favorites are talked of and studied by miller in this volume. "Kenneth Patchen: Man of Anger and Light" is the only real literary criticism i have ever seen on the man. "Walt Whitman" is the most personal I have seen. "Children of the Earth" is intelligent and life-affirming ( much like the rest of Miller's essays). This essay was particular poignant for me, reaffirming thoughts embracing the brillance of life, even at it's worst moments. Miller's sarcasm is a great gift. His sentimentality, as well. "First Love" was a treat, and I'd think would be for any man ever having been in puppy love. A suggested read all around. A lust for life.

A great wealth of information. A depressing read, that is made fun by tounge-in-cheek cartoons. Although there is much to know about the subject...I present this to anyone reading this : One cannot simply do one thing. This being said - every action one has starts a unique string of events afterward. Mind blowing, but simple. an idea that is really common sense, but an idea that when represented to me in this book was a much needed reminder. Turn off your computers and lights when you aren't using them.

This seems like a bizarre stoner idea brought into the world in book form. Unfortunately it is not fiction, but an actual company hoping to sell the idea of capturing all endangered species and making personal zoos just outside condo-complexes and minimalls. "It is the only way" to save them. I scoped this book out, while looking through enviro-science books at Lesley library, and thought I had to read it. I didn't. The idea seems as rediculous as before. I feel a slight bit less smart for having entertained the idea. Funny book though, in a sad way.

A great series of lectures by cummings. Here he opens up to his childhood, his interests in great poetry, his political and socio viewpoints and mainly his love of his work. Although he very rarely talks about creating poetry, he would state that his life was his catalyst so to understand poetry, one must understand life. After each lecture he shares some of his favorite poetry- which ranges, but my favorite were classic Dante and Shakespeare. Each lecture is titled I"i" folloed by an "&" (ie "i & self discovery" and "i & you &is"). Each is like having a conversation with a well-versed friend. It isn't a cut and dry autobiography- 'this happened, then that happened' Here he tells of how events shaped him. As a fairly elusive writer to truely grasp, this work is a thirst quencher. A short part on Somerville and Cambridge was very interesting as i live here now, but also in an idea I toil with about chnaging demographics changing culture and making America homogenous, rather than town's having distinct character.

Time management for dummies. This book is ated but I have found out that it has been updated and repinted. Though the references are dated, the philosophies remain the same and have helped as of late.

a very interesting collection studying the phenomenon of cutting ties to the corporate consmer machine. Here one can find the reasons, but also suggestions on the onward movement. Just the concept of voluntary simplicity fascinates me and has made my life more fruitful and healthy. Just cutting the cords to the things that make one question and want so much makes things easier. Essays entitled "Early American Simplicity: The Quaker Ethic" by David Shi and "Simple Needs" by Charles Wagner were particularly interesting.

A good book on the historical, religious and personal importance of fasting. Lots of great suggestions and a very well-versed study of what makes fasting important to the major religions.

Compassion and forgiveness are the only things that will heal the world.

A great read for the central Park visitor and lover. Some of the pictures are phenomenal , as the park canoften be. An oasis in the busy city, I have found that Central Park's sunrise and sunset, are some of the best around. The juxtaposition of forest and skyscrapers is a unique view. This book offers the history of it's acquisition, planning, building and continual change. In my opinion, the best chapter is one on monuments, where each statue within the park is given a page or two- even the most obscure.

A very funny book, about those who keep the world running, as the world gets topsy-turvy. An amazing set of illustrations paired with the rules of being a "plugger," plugging along for the rest of us. They are the ones who understand that hardw ork and a bit of fortune is all one needs, not technology. There is a faith that others just don't have, that their work is worth it. A really funny book that was a gift to my father a few years back, since everyone knows him as a tried and true master of keeping the world at bay.

Informative, but lacking any sincerity. I didn't kick the habit with it and that is probably my fault. Got many things burrowed into my head to help think twice about it though.

A very intrteresting archive. When read, at least 3 of these monuments were completely demolished and or obscurred by natural diaster. The book is clear in pointing out that many of these sites are endangered by nature, but also by man. Changing governments and politcal contentions create dispisal and later disposal of the old to make way for the new. Symbols to remind a people of old ways are taken down, some in the case of the Largest Buddha statues in the world blown apart by the Taliban, are removed for ideological reasons. Others are drowned in lakes created by massive dams. It is my hope that this book doesn't become simply a reminder of what was once out there, but has helped to save many of them. Also I hope to venture to a few of them in my lifetime.

Ray Bradbury is one of the only writeres who can induce terror in me anymore. His thoughts of an alternate world living inside our own world, mirror too close to home. This book is a masterpiece. His short stories all coincide on one man's tattooed back, as another watches through a sleepless night. These stories are eye-openers and cautionary tales, that even after 60 years still ring true. spoiled children, reversed racism, loss of self in an increasingly enclosed world..... Great stories and better writing.

I find Existential Philosophy empty. After having debated such things for awhile with friends and aquintances, I thought it was time to read up on the main arguemnets. This book was a great overview, in my opinion. I still see these viewpoints as a mute point, and even further find that these philosophies were given to the world by lonely people, not willing or able or trying to break out. These were not schools of thought debated about in an open forum. These were philsophies written down by people holed away to be read by people holed away, alone. Maybe I am too optimistic about the world, maybe i have faith in something that is not there.Though I still don't have a name for it all yet, it is fairly solid. Anyways existential philosphies still intrgue me and this book gave me a better idea of what arguement in full I am up against. Seems like a full study.

A very nice break from the philosophy of late. I met Palnik at a comic convention in NYC and struck up a conversation about politics. Slowly the conversation headed into Zen philosophy and his ability to smile at everything. A very interesting man, who draws some very funny cartoons. The humor is drawn from everything around him, from books to friends to politics to television. There are many references to the Bible which one who has not grown up reading it may not understand. It was a pleasure to meet this man and a further pleasure to sit with his book.

A definitive collaboration. Very interesting beautiful tribute and guide. Famous graves are some of my favorite place to visit since my first, FDR back when i was 8. This read almost had me packed up and bound for Brad Nowell's grave in California. Amazing color pictures!

Found in the humor section at Media Play, while working- I bought a copy for my closest friends that Christmas. It was a preemptive measure in case something should happen. Although 'humorous', Wilson gives some very practical advice and is adiment that this uprising will occur adn probably within our lifetime. As a robotics expert, he introduces readers to where how far our technologies have come and warns of where they may go. A must read.

Blecha has a fascinating life that tends to provoike envy and jealousy in me. As an obsessive collector of a variety of things, i understand the passion that drives him. He (unlike most collectors) was able to make his obsession into a career. As an amatuer expert of the Seattle rock scene he became a archivist, historian, radio personality and eventually curator of argueably the best rock museum, The Seattle Music Experience. So these are his adventures that bring him into many great situations, meeting interesting collectors and music personalities. The sub title to the book reads...."How I Chased Down Kurt's Stratocaster, the "Layla" Guitar, and Janis's Boa" and it is what grabbed at me from the bookshelf. and although the first two ahve plenty of attention paid in the book, there is literally one line that happens to mention Janis's Boa. The start of the book is rather repetitive and needless if reading for entertainment and excitement, but as an archivist I am sure Blencha wants the whole story told for austerity.

Here Coupland follows many impressive characters through the last days of the world. It is his short prose that makes this work so appealing. A very easy read, but intensely powerful emotions are evoked. It begs to make the reader question where he or she will be when it's all done. What state physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually will one be. The charcaters run the gambit of possibilit and most having reflected back after death tell their stories rather calmy, for all the dread is gone, but it is remembered. A very poinant work. Gut wrentching and provacative.

This was an amazing program set up to mark the Millenium by the Clinton Administration. Here historic sites were fast-tracked to protection en mass to preserve America's real treasures and history. The program included many well-known places near my hometown as well as places I have visited up and down the east coast and brought to light the need for volunteers and protectors for these places. The book is a great companion and includeds many great essays about a handful of these places by the nation's top historians. Overflowing with great pictures, this was a pleasure to read and contemplate.

A good follow-up to the previous book. Subtitled "Progress Hits Home", this book tracks various ways progress has erased our cultural identity. The subject has intrigued me since I saw a graveyard standing in the middle of a mini-mall parking lot dow in Maryland about 5 years back. It wasn't the only example I was to see in life. This book spotlights how people's hometwons are whipped clean by progress, be it by commercialism or by flooding towns to create reservoirs. This book hits home as one of the chapters describes the flooding of towns in the Catskills that I have often heard my grandfather and parents talk of playing and adventuring in. I have often been pointed to the middle of a lake to descrinbe my family's past. And this the reason so many people can't come to terms with their own past or their ancestors. The writing is amazing, fiery and fierce and angry but somehow loving and sweet. Courageous. Honest.

McKenna was not even in my spectrum of existence until about a year ago when i happened to be suggested it when shopping on Half.com. I read a blurb and boughta few books and immediately shelved them when they came in, because there is always too much to read. Now that said, I have sine found that McKenna has a fairly large underground following and that can get damn near religious. the subtitle reads : "Speculations on Psychedelic Mushrooms, the Amazon, Virtual Reality, UFOs, Evolution, Shamanism, the Rebirth of the Goddess, and the End of History". And it is all that and more. Good thoughts on Psychodelicsbut I really could not get into the "UFO's saving us" philosophies. McKenna asserts that the world is ending and in truth I often believe this as well but I think it is more that everyone's personal lives are closing up, that this sesne is really just being his and my fear of death. ANYWAYS, back to the point, McKenna scare tactics into coercing believers....sound familiar? yea, eevry religion that has ever corrupted man. one thing, McKenna encourages a self truth- a self religion for everyone- based on what they know, can relate to and have seen with their own eyes.meanwhile he spews his own thoughts as well, so, in hopes you come up with the same conclusions as him. So I was lost and unfamiliar and uninterested in some of it, but he is a great thought provoker.

My school up here, The Art Institute of Boston, had a retrospective exhibit of Steadman's work over the summer, which I missed. Disappointed this book is as close as I can get. Amazing illustrations and insanely inspiring to creation of something real and the idea that it takes collaboration to create greatness. Besides great art, this book contains some great poetic scribblings of Steadman and a few great stories of his friendship with Hunter S Thompson, who happens to write the hilarious freward.

This book had promise. The subject is rather taboo, but not without many many interesting stories. In fact, the history of human abnormalty is rather interesting. Fielders first chapters are great, delving into comparisons of current conditions often found in medical books to those that were in books of horror back in the early centuries AD. Contemporary photos are paired side-by-side with old block prints to make one relaize, the wolfman of old Dog-face Boy of 1950's freakshows had the same abnormalities. So as a lesson on various historical perspectives it is great. Now, for some reason Fielder trys to pair these conditions to the youth of his day (1970's) trying to "freak out" on drugs. He relates the need of humans to feel unique and the uniqueness of these so-called "freaks". it is a weird, weak comparison. Tedious in concept by book's end. Great writing though.

A great all around text-book for young artists. I wish I had at some point in my youth been taught art through a textbook, rather than constantly being strained to express one's self. This books shows that technique is often just as important as expression in art.

Finally learning art from a textbook. Required reading for: Techniques I/ Color and Composition.

Probably the best guide to understnading the story of Western Art I have seen. A great compliment to a class i am currently taking. Defines each major ISM by the time period and major aspects,, as well as exploring key major works and the influences.

Having read this 3 or so years back, and having a larger vocabulary as well as understanding of art and the world, i have come to appreciate this work much more. Dadaism had stolen my heart years ago and with this book, stole my mind.and it all has come full circle. I have studied Ernst's works since the last reading, made note to see quite a few in person in major east Coast cities an d watched any documentary works I could get my hands on. Beyond painting goes well beyond the possibilities art once had. I admire Ernst's writing as well as his art. I consider him and this work to be of genius.

Patchen being among, if not, my favorite author, i was very happy to see this obscure work tucked away in the basement shelves of my new school's library. Another of his works digested and well-taken. He has an amazing way to create an entire story with a single phrase. His pictures, seem to have started abstract expressionism and his poetry inspired the beats. He is the father of modern art in my realm. Another genius.

Okay I think I have become rather adept at picking what to read, or i appreciate reading a lot more recently. Everything I am reading is a masterpiece, or close. I guess I shouldn't be surprised with Steinbeck, but I wish i had known this book existed years ago. Here an occupying force tries to coerce obedience so things go smoothly for a town. The occupying force's leader, a trained soldier, is convinced, because it is what he has been told that if everything can be done calmly and rationally, order can be kept. But the mayor of the town knows that no people will ever accept being occupied, it is a matter of time before rebellion. The characters are rich and wide-spread. The short stories within the story are poignant and ring true. Dialogue is masterful. A must-read in this time of war. It is a novel like this that every high school in America should cover.

I must say that this volume of poetry almost killed me. Seriously, this is some of the most haunting poetry i have ever read. It captures those moments that are little dieings in one's life. Not for the clinically depressed, or for those who are afraid of falling into that trend. Poetry is meant to stir emotions, but nothing should ever stir these emotions. It is why Simic has won the pulitzer Prize for his work.

this book surprised me when i found it. I thought myself aware of most of Twain's larger works. I had flipped through a giant volume of his work for pictures as a child and gained a sense of almost all of it. It was one reason i never found myself reading Twain, he became predictable because I ruined his work for myself long ago. So when i read the title of the book, I scooped it up of the library shelf. In reality, it is a little known literary criticism by Twain. Scholar Charles V. S. Borst, dug up the work. Here Twain disguises a work of his contemporary, Samuel Watson Royston and continues to comment on what is needed in writing and what the work lacks. To Twain's surprise, it still works and is insightful and amusing. This volume combines the original work, Twain's work and borst's work. However this book is set up poorly. Borst's Introduction ruins Twain's "A Cure for the Blues" with too much backstory, and Twain's commentary ruins Royston's work by debating and exposing it's contents. If presented in a different order, the book might be more pleasureable. By the way, Royston's work is as Twain puts it, a cure for the blues.