A. M. Homes: This Book Will Save Your Life
A really good read, a page turning novel that leaves you with some hope for the human spirit. A great book for the beach too. N.B. This is the American cover, the UK edition is covered with doughnuts - now you know the book I'm talking about. (*****)
Mitch Albom: The Five People You Meet in Heaven
This is the first Mitch Albom book I read. It's an enchanting tale about one man's journey into the afterlife. Along the way, he understands what impact we all have on each others lives from the most fleeting contact to the deepest relationships. A beautiful read. (*****)
Mitch Albom: Tuesdays with Morrie
An American journalist goes back to visit his dying professor. Through conversation and caring for Morrie, Mitch Albom understands what really matters in life - which is not his hectic western schedule. It's a lot better than it sounds and should be read as a platonic love letter to late professor. (****)
Richard Dawkins: The God Delusion
One of those books everyone should read whether they believe in God or not. Personally, I'm reading it so I can win when I have an arguement with born again Christians. Seriously - a stimulating, intelligent, inpiring read. (*****)
Douglas Coupland: JPod: A Novel
Great fun. He can be a bit hit and miss - but after my initial scepticism this one takes off. Brilliant and daft all at the same time. (****)
Andy Law: Creative Company: How St. Luke's Became "the Ad Agency to End All Ad Agencies"
Half way through this and loving it. Although very readable, it's also very dense and packed with ideas so you need to read a bit, digest and come back to it. (*****)
Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner : Freakonomics Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
I love books like this - they take the 'perceived wisdom' and turn it on its head. Brilliant. (****)
Pat Barker: The Regeneration Trilogy
Moving, gripping and insightful. Goes to show that the excuse of war has always been used to crush free speech and basic freedoms. (*****)
A couple of fine submissions from Jim (who also has a new blog.) These were spotted near Spitafields. The mangled heap looks like it started with a stolen wheel and then spiralled out of control from there. As for the stripped frame, it's anyone's guess. Was it just a simple puncture followed by a week of rain which meant the owner left it there a bit too long - and before they knew it, someone had stripped it clean. Keep them coming into the Bike Graveyard.
We've all seen them, those bikes that are locked up and left to die by the roadside. What happened? Did someone lock it up when they were drunk and forgot about it? Did someone get knocked off, lock it up and always mean to come back for it? Is someone (as I write) buying a new saddle and pump for this sad deserted bike? (Email me your pictures of dead bikes and I'll add them to the Bike Graveyard.)
