3 Books On My Summer Reading List

My day job requires me to read.  Not only does it require me to read, but I find myself having to re-read information that I read a minute or two earlier.  During the summer I try to read a few books for leisure.  Below are 3 books that I could hardly put down.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Laura Numeroff

I love cookies, but hate mice, so I was a little apprehensive about reading this novel.  After spending some time (a week or so) reading it, I'm glad I did.  I was a little concerned, because the story starts with what happens if you give a mouse a cookie.  I thought it was a little early for the punch line, however, as the story builds you are introduced to the chain of events that occur if you give a mouse a cookie.  I won't go into any further detail here to prevent any spoilers, however, I highly recommend you pick this one up for your summer read.  I can't wait to dive into the sequel, If You Give a Moose a Muffin.  

 

Choose Your Own Adventure, The Trumpet of Terror, Deborah Lerme Goodman

When I picked this book up I thought it was a biography about my twin brother's middle school years playing trumpet.  There are some similarities in the book, for example, the character (which in this book is played by the reader) is the only mortal.  In the book you meet Odin a one-eyed leader of Norse gods.  At the bottom of each page you are required to make a choice.  If you choose option one you are directed to turn to a certain page in the book; if you choose the other option, you are directed to another page in the book.  Although oftentimes difficult to navigate, this book was very entertaining.  I did cheat a few times when I realized that I made the wrong choice on an earlier page and went back to correct my mistake.  

 

Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business, Esphyr Slobodkina 

This classic really requires only two remarks:  (1)  This main character wears a lot of caps; (2) Monkeys cannot be trusted.  There are plenty of life and business lessons to be learned by reading this one all the way through.   

 

 

Weekend Things

After you are finished slamming your head on your desk repeatedly because you've realized the weekend is over, take a moment to pull it together and read a recap of some things from this weekend.  For more info on any of the things below, click on the photos.

Do this Thing:  Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Do this Thing:  Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

 
Hear This Thing:  A Thousand Horses, Southernality 

Hear This Thing:  A Thousand Horses, Southernality 

 
Drink This Thing:  Rebirth Pale Ale, NOLA Brewing Company

Drink This Thing:  Rebirth Pale Ale, NOLA Brewing Company

I Did This Thing:  Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, Sushi & Stroll

Situated among gated communities, nursing homes, and a popular shopping mall, lies the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens -- 16 acres of beautiful gardens and a museum featuring collections which include 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, including a 500-piece collection of tea ceremony items, more than 200 textile pieces and fine art acquisitions.  Once a month throughout the summer, the gardens are open to visitors in the early evening for "Sushi & Stroll."  I went next level for my stroll, enjoying a Sapporo, Saki, Dumplings, Sushi and a Stroll.  

 

I Heard This Thing:  A Thousand Horses, Southernality

Country music has seen a recent infusion of new influences such as rock, pop, R&B, and reggae.  A Thousand Horses (Nashville, TN) brings a twist of classic rock, blues, and country to their recent release, Southernality (Republic Nashville).  I recently saw these guys put on a great show, opening for Darius Rucker (whom for some reason still needs to be referred to as "Hootie" from Hootie and the Blowfish).   If you are a fan of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, and/or Black Crowes, I recommend giving this album a listen.  Favorite tracks:  Travelin' Man and Landslide.

 

I Drank This Thing:  Rebirth Pale Ale, NOLA Brewing Company

NOLA Brewing Company (New Orleans, LA) brews this American-style Pale Ale using Citra and Simcoe hops (among others).  At 5% ABV, this beer offers a nice balance of hops and citrus, making it an ideal beverage on a hot South Florida afternoon (morning and/or evening for that matter).  A portion of the profits from Rebirth goes to The Roots of Music, an organization "empowering New Orleans youth while preserving musical heritage."  Cheers.

 

I Read This Thing:  Dave Grohl breaks leg after falling off stage in Sweden, finishes concert anyway (by Alex Young, Consequence of Sound)

Dave Grohl, the leader one of my favorite bands of all-time, Foo Fighters, took a spill on Friday night at the band's show in Gothenburg, Sweden. Based on video taken from the show, it appears Grohl tripped over himself and tumbled off the stage as he was attempting to do one of his infamous run/leaps to another part of the stage.  Like the living legend he is, Grohl, after receiving medical attention, returned to the stage to finish the show.  While Grohl was seeking medical attention, drummer, Taylor Hawkins led the rest of the band in cover songs until Grohl returned to finish the set. Apparently, the band has already cancelled two shows on its tour as a result of Grohl's injury. This video shows Grohl singing the band's hit song, My Hero, on one leg.  In the video, Grohl hilariously recounts what happened behind the scenes while he was receiving medical attention.  Note:  The video contains language that may be unsuitable for some readers.