August Reads

By Lisa -
Shakespeare on Toast: Getting a Taste for the Bard by Ben Crystal - 8/5/2014
Excellent - Non-fiction -  257 pages - Print
Witty and user-friendly, this brief guide to Shakespeare proves him a genius who is still relevant and enjoyable.

The Screwtape Letters (also includes "Screwtape Proposes a Toast") by C.S. Lewis - 8/5/2014
Good - Inspirational - 128 pages - Print
A correspondence between two demons, the elder giving the younger instructions on how to lead humanity astray.
My goal is to read ALL of Lewis. I've read this before, but it was good to re-read.

Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich - 8/8/2014
Good - Suspense - 341 pages - Print
An assassin is after Ranger.
Out of 21 books by Evanovich, this one was satisfying!

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction (6th edition) by William Zinsser -  8/10/2014
Good - Non-fiction - 294 pages - Print
Principles, methods, forms, and attitudes of Good Writing.
I have been wanting to read this for a long time. Some of the chapters I found VERY inspirational, others were very practical, and some just dragged on.

Simplify Your Time by Marcia Ramsland - 8/17/2014
Good - Non-fiction - 196 pages -  Print
30 days of practical time-saving and organizational skills
A practical goal-setting plan that I really should try.

How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler (and save time, money, and hassle) by Christopher Elliott - 8/29/2014
Excellent - Non-fiction - 276 pages - Print
Travel expert gives advice, tips, and info on all aspects of travel from hotel rooms to airlines to eating out. Very practical and informative.
I learned a lot about travel of all kinds.

Killing Jesus: A History by Bill O'Reilly & Martin Dugard - 8/31/2014
Good - Non-fiction - 280 pages - Print
Fact-based account of the life of Jesus
I expected more from this non-fiction account. Perhaps I already knew a lot about the historical Jesus, but there wasn't a lot here that I found fresh. For those who aren't aware of the facts, this would be an awesome read though!

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King - 8/31/2014
Excellent - Non-fiction - 288 pages - Print
This look back at Stephen King's career is mesmerizing and moving, as well as honest and practical,
WONDERFUL book! Fascinating even for writers who aren't fans of King's writing.

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