Greg's Book Club For October

Oct. 2

Hot, Flat, and Crowded
by Thomas Friedman

Thomas Friedman is one of the smartest and sharpest people on the political landscape. Friedman is with the New York Times and covers world economic issues.
Hot, Flat, and Crowded is about what we, meaning America, should do about climate change, and how we should be on the point of developing new energy sources.
He says the U.S. has to invent it's way out depending on oil. The book projects ahead, looking down the road at what should happen as the world devours huge amounts of energy by the nanosecond.

Oct. 9

Salvation on Sand Mountain
by Dennis Covington

There were some people in the newsroom who had never heard of this book so I thought I would bring it back. It's non-fiction.
Salvation on Sand Mountain is Covington's journey visiting snake handling churches. He was drawn to the churches but also found some aspects of the experience distubing. This book is riveting. The ending is very abrupt. Like he had to get it in under deadline. But it's a remarkable glimpse into a group of people who
very fiercely practice their faith. After reading the book, I had a much more enlightened grasp of what these people believe and perform in their church.
One of my Top Ten books.



Oct. 16

Dad's Tweed Coat: Small Wisdoms, Hidden Comforts, Unexpected Joys by Jim Reed.

Jim Reed owns one of the best book stores in the country. It's a unique place called "Jim Reed Books-The Museum of Fond Memories."
Everything from old Life Magazines to the actual pig from atop a Piggly Wiggly, Reed's place is a treasure.
The book contains essays from Reed childhood and most focus on his father.
Warm book. Great book that makes you smell your childhood home while you are reading it.





Oct. 23

Lies and Other Truths: Rants, Raves, Low-Lifes, and Highballs by Jim Dees

Jim Dees is the host of Thacker Mountain Radio. Thacker Mountain Radio is a live radio show featuring authors and music produced by
Mississippi Public Radio. Dee's book is about living in the south as we start to roll through the 21st century.
Great titles in this book like "My Dog Can Mix Drinks" and "Thinks I Have Smelled WHile Bicycling."
Dees lives in the town I hope to retire in...Oxford, Ms.


Oct. 30

Family Bible
by Melissa Delbridge


I always hated when movie reviewers used the phrase "tour-de-force" about a film. It is such a cliche.
But I really can't explain Family Bible any other way. Astounding. Incredible.
It's one of those "you can't read this if you have a bad back, are pregnant, or have high blood pressure" sort of reads.
It's a memoir by Melissa Delbridge about her life in Tuscaloosa. If you know Tuscaloosa, you will recognize a great
deal from this book.
It's not for the faint of heart. It's about her father who drank, her mother who "invented road rage" and her search for identity.
The book is a powerhouse of writing. If it sounds like I'm jealous it's because I am. What a book.