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Recommended Reading

The following books got 5-star ratings from people attending the Book Sharing Session at MTA's Summer Conference in Williamstown. (Notes came from attendees.)

TITLE/AUTHOR	NOTES
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell	We all make snap judgments. This book extols the validity of “thinking without thinking”, explains how to cultivate the capacity for rapid judgments that are “on target”, and provides cautions for where this process may or may not work as well.
The Girl Watchers Club by Harry Stein	Great book for readers who have fathers, mothers who served in WWII. Told from point of view of a Vietnam era protester age son-in-law of one of a group of 8 men who get together regularly to reminisce, discuss current events (including 9/11) and share their friendships. Great stories about the war, coming home, raising families, grandchildren, etc. Gave me a better understanding of my father and his generation.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson	Bill Bryson has a way of taking a complex subject, basically the history of science, and creating a remarkably readable, at times humorous, and enormously informative good. The book is jam-packed with incredible information – so much I never knew before! This book has a great way of explaining complex scientific ideas, as well as the quirky personalities of the geniuses behind the ideas. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the amazing history of scientific endeavor since early human history.
3rd Degree by James Patterson	James Patterson is a great murder mystery writer. This book always keeps you guessing. It’s the third book in a series with the same characters. All of the three are terrific.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult	Discusses current medical ethics in a riveting story- surprise ending! Interesting writing style – each chapter discusses the same event from different viewpoint.
The Fifth Child by Doris Lessing	It is a bizarre moral fable with unsettling realism.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon	It is informative and humorous. The characters are realistically portrayed, and their emotional struggles hit buttons. This book is about a boy with Asberger’s Syndrome. It is written from his point of view. It is grave and educational – a must for all educators.
Revere Beach Boulevard by Roland Merullo	It gives such a sense of place! The characters are vibrant, three-dimensional and entirely believable. (Merullo lives in Western Massachusetts.)
Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger	Although some might be put off by the jumping around in time (necessary because of the nature of the story), I found it easy to follow and exciting. Fascinating theme. Kind of a sad story but hopeful for the future.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory	Even if you do not care to read about Tudor England, this book – located in the court of Henry VIII, has it all. Extremely well-written – research so integrated with compelling, interesting and exciting facts.
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri	This book recounts aspects of the immigrant experience. It is a family drama focusing on a clash of cultures and the tangled ties between generations.
Better Beginnings: Supporting and Helping New Teachers by Marge Scherer	Outlines ways to assist and support new teachers for the 21st century.
A Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle	I really was able to connect to one of my favorite authors. Excellent adult writing dealing with issues of life – like having a conversation with a best friend. Very positive message about loving life.

Seven steps for starting a book group

More recommended Reading from MTA members