I look over at my wife who is just then starting her second book in as many days and I think to myself, “Wow — I can’t read like that!  But wonder if I could . . . just how much richer life would be.”  But to her, filter — I say something like — “At that pace, how can you even remember what you are reading?”

The Well-Built House by Jim LockeMaybe I was trained to be a different kind of reader . . .  a cultivated reader – someone that looks at and analyzes each and every word on each and every page — working to brand them into memory.  Ha! Nope! Instead, truth — I am just plain slow . . . and more of a writer anyway.

Really . . . (and OK, maybe I’ll come back to that).  I am really not that much of reader.  Never have been.  At least of any sort of “literature” . . . well, other than when I had to be.  Some books, sure, but mostly non-fiction.  Not a recreational reader, but a reader rather with intent.  And is that perhaps where the definition for “literature” is drawn, at or around information?

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Now, Lets Blog Off asks for “the best book we have ever read.”  Nope, can’t do it.  Instead, a few . . . “entrants”:

The Elements of Style (4th Edition):  EB White’s classic on usage . . . . I currently don’t know where my copy is, and I am certain he wouldn’t approve of this kind of ellipses usage.

The Great Gatsby:  Something about partying . . . in the 1920s, and moral fortitude.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives:  A prequel to the Matrix trilogy — an inspiring read for a few years out of college or for a still clueless 40something.

Letters to a Young Poet:   A collection of letters not even published by the author, Rilke, himself.  Makes for a profound doctrine on life, love and art.

The Well-Built House: On topic (with this blog).  Clear and well written.  While some 25 years old, it remains in my eyes – the gold standard in best building practice and right thinking . . . . I say “thinking” here . . . and as someone who “doesn’t read,” I’d love a good rec on a book that is more “green” mind and current.

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Then they’re some books I’d like to read . . . Kelly Morisseau’s — Kelly’s Kitchen Sync: Insider kitchen design and remodeling tips from an award-winning kitchen expert:   One time contributor to BMoxie and the keeper of a blog of the same name, Kelly offers kitchen design tips . . . and maybe I pick this one up soon.

Brian Meeks and his Henry Wood Detective Agency (Volume 1), which quietly released on July 20th.  While I hadn’t necessarily tracked his progress on this work, and though he did post many of the chapters as he went, I am certain it will be a winner . . . . Brian is simply one of the most natural writers that I have ever met.  Also available for Kindle >> http://www.amazon.com/Henry-Wood-Detective-Agency-1/dp/0984248056/ref=as_li_tf_mfw?&camp=212361&linkCode=wey&tag=extreavera-20&creative=380729.

We were somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert when the drugs began to take hold.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas:  Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson Hunter S. Thompson . . . and really what do I need to say — this book was written in a singularly original style . . . like blogging, but before the internet.  Give thanks and oh wait!  What about Hemingway or Kerouac or . . . Black & Decker’s The Complete Guide to Plumbing: Expanded 4th Edition – Modern Materials and Current Codes – All New Guide to Working with Gas Pipe (Black & Decker Complete Guide)? Ack! Nonetheless . . . I do feel confident in saying that that line was the best first line… EVER! and anyway, moving on . . .

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. . . too many to choose just one really.  And maybe if I wanted to force a point, it kinda seems that great books build on other great books or something.  And I think when I read, or read, the best book picks I have/had came and went like . . . idk, well, girlfriends.  And now a married man, I might leave the best book call-out to my … better half.

Thanks and a good one. Out on one last pick . . . . jb

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