A Bird's Eye View

David Sedaris is hilarious! His new book Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls will literally make you laugh out loud. He entertains with stories about his childhood and family, his book tours, and his views about traditional marriage and big-box stores. While his tales start out about him they definitely remind you of someone you know. Sedaris is irreverent, offensive and funny. Maybe growing up with his father had something to do with it. Put on a thick skin and read this book! DB

A Woman of Many Talents

Mindy Kaling is a staff writer for the television show “The Office” and eventually she became one of the actors on the show. She gives a little bit of ‘Office’ dish in “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)” but this memoir is more about her life than Hollywood. Her quirky, smart ass attitude and humor will keep you chuckling throughout. My favorite chapters were about her dating years following High School graduation - we've all been there! If you’re in the mood for fun then check this book out. SG

Short and Sweet

I love seasonal reads, and this tiny book by Truman Capote is just perfect. In A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, & The Thanksgiving Visitor, Capote takes a nostalgic look at his early childhood in rural Alabama. Separated from his parents and living with distant older relatives, he describes his world in wonderful detail. His best friend is a sixty-something, developmentally delayed cousin named Miss Sook Faulk. They do everything together-- chores, homework, reading, and holiday baking. Miss Sook nurtures the best of human qualities in young Truman with her gentle childlike ways. Although he addresses some not-so-sweet issues: bullying, drinking and separation, his description of long-ago Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays is enjoyable. A beautifully bittersweet book.DB

Memoir

Dead End Gene Pool: A Memoir by Wendy Burden

As a descendant of Cornelius Vanderbilt, Wendy Burden enjoyed a life of privilege when she was staying with her grandparents but an entirely different life when she was with her mother. The contrast makes interesting reading and the authors seems to be truthful although one wonders how she could remember so many details from her very early years. The details about the mansions in "Burdenland", her grandparent's estates from Maine to Florida are fascinating.

Will Work for Food

Gabriel Thompson decided to work in three industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor: agriculture, poultry processing, and behind-the-scenes in restaurants. A year and three jobs later, he was tired, sore, and had an appreciation for the people who don't have the choice to walk away from the back-breaking work. Working in the Shadows will enlighten you and make you think twice the next time you buy a head of lettuce or a bouquet of flowers.