Reading Rainbow

(don't tell me that theme song from the show is not running thru your head right now)

Some interesting books I recently finished:

Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto
by Chuck Klosterman
I inhaled this light one quickly while on an airplane and sitting by a pool on vacation. This magazine writer uses his cleverness and wit to analyze "Gen-X" topics in a half-serious tone. Each chapter is a memoir; he tackles the important issues, such as The Real World and Saved by the Bell, The Sims computer game and his experience as a member of a Guns n Roses impersonating band. One of my favorite stories is about how he was fired from his volunteer position as a Little League coach, because he took his team too seriously and acted too competitively. Another fun analysis is his comparison of the Laker/Celtic rivalry in the 80's to U.S. bi-partisan politics -- namely that based on team image conveyed, management style, and court strategy, the Lakers represented a liberal/Democrat school and the Celtics were the conservatives and Republicans. If you were born in the 70's or early 80's, you'll appreciate this book.

How to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog-Human Communication
by Stanley Coren
This is a non-fiction book and is not read as quickly. It is a language manual for how to interpret a dog's verbal and nonverbal communication, including body stance, positioning of specific body parts such as tails and ears, sounds and actions. Includes case studies of how dog owners misinterpret communication, such as acts of dominance mistaken for affection, and acts of submission mistaken for rebellion.

Amazing Gracie
by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff
Very cute story and also a quick, light read. Nonfictional account of a guy and his best friend in Kansas City. The guy's job lacks passion. Both are waiting for their "idea" that will make them rich. The main guy, Dan, still mourning the recent death of his dog, Blue. His best friend and roommate has a lab mix and dalmation. Dan's friend and coworker buys a great dane puppy and tells Dan that there's a runt in the same litter who is about to be put to sleep because she is a deaf, half blind albino great dane. Dan goes and rescues her and falls in love with her. Faces a bunch of challenges because of her disabilities. Also realizes she doesn't eat. Tries every kind of dog food possible. Vet suggests maybe he cook for Gracie. Dan doesn't know how to cook. Eventually gets it right. All the dogs love the homemade food. Forms a small company that sells this fresh dog food and treats. Struggles at first. Now it's a chain and Dan no longer has to work at his old job. Gracie gets old and dies.

New York Diaries: Too-True Tales of Urban Trauma
by Daniel Drennan
Another memoir written half-seriously and cleverly, by a guy who loves and hates living in NYC. Includes quirky accounts of a neighborhood always seen taking trash in but never out, a subway token booth nazi, a secret society of conceited dog owners on the upper west side, his cult-like job at the famous Strand book store. Hits the spot to those living in the city as broke recent college grads. Sometimes, however, his quirky attitude comes off as cynical and lacking confidence -- reminiscent of a David Sedaris novel.