Current Favorites: books

One of my fondest memories as a child was when the snows had receded in our backyard just enough for some grass exposure. My siblings and I would take our favorite book, an apple, grab the nearest inner tube (from winter sledding), and cozy up in the sunniest spot to read and bask in the subtle hints of Spring.

Sometimes, when the day was especially fine, it was so difficult to concentrate on my book and I would just sit back and soak in as much sun as possible. Even then, I equated a good day with being in the beauty of nature with a good book.

Today, not much has changed. Although, now, I have a patio with furniture I can snuggle up on. I often do more sleeping than reading, yet I have found some favorite books recently that I’d love to share with you and that will only put you to sleep if you are snuggled up in an overtly relaxing spot.

I will admit right off the bat, I’m not much of a novel reader and I love Anthropological books that may put most to sleep, regardless of where you are reading the book. But if you are like me and appreciate an occasional story mixed in with an ancient Greek muse-like combination of science, history, religion, and other such informative texts, you will enjoy my reads.

Hard copy books

Egyptian Temples—by Margaret A. Murray
A beautiful and informative synopsis of most, if not all, Egyptian Temples from Upper to Lower Egypt. Includes pictures and some footnotes.

Jane Eyre—by Charlotte Brontë
My favorite novel of all time. I read it every year. What more can I say?

Edible Gardening for California—by Jennifer Beaver & Alison Beck
Informative, concise, and beautiful. The pictures are both helpful and stunning, and sometimes I look at it just to swoon over the fruit and vegetables.

The Science Delusion: Freeing the Spirit of Inquiry—by Rupert Sheldrake
An interesting approach to seeing and interacting with science. Sheldrake has several science based PhD’s and I really appreciated his pragmatic viewpoints and willingness to look at both science and scientists from an historian’s perspective, rather than from a “science can do no wrong” or sacred brotherhood mentality.

The Egyptian Temple: An Introduction to the Wisdom of the Temple—by R.A. Schwaller de Lubicz
Although this is a much more esoteric approach to Egyptian temples and Egyptology, I always find Schwaller de Lubicz’ perspective and observations fascinating. He tends to look at the meaning behind the symbolism rather than simply taking the ancient writings and art within the temples at face value. It’s a bit thick, but interesting nonetheless.

Audible books

Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way—by Kammin Mohammadi
If you’re in need of an escape, this is a fun little listen. She was a foreigner in Florence, and her perspective is thrilling and delightful. Loved this!

Use What You’ve Got & Other Business Lessons I Learned From My Mom—by Barbara Corcoran
If you’re looking for a book on business but you’re sick to death of hype-y, self-congratulatory, and sales-y, this is a must read. Corcoran is not only hilarious, but her lessons are real and helpful without being too narrow and specific. I’ve read and listened to this several times and love it every time.

Only in Naples: Lessons in Food and Famiglia from My Italian Mother-In-Law—by Katherine Wilson
I guess I’ve been on an Italian kick. This is another delightful look at a foreigner in Italy, but with a very different flavor from Bella Figura.

Ancient Mesopotamia: Life in the Cradle of Civilization—by Amanda H. Podnay PhD
If you love ancient history, especially from the areas of the Levant, Classical regions, Egypt, and Mesopotamia, you will appreciate this historical perspective. I loved Dr. Podnay’s enthusiasm and passion for Mesopotamia and I learned quite a bit that was new to me from her lectures.

This is today’s smattering of current reads. Hope you enjoy! If you have any of your own favorites, please feel free to share in the comments below!