Few hobbies are more weather-proof or recession-proof than reading. Whether you prefer hardcovers or e-books, you can read just about anywhere. Fortunately, 2019 has been yet another great year for exciting books, and below are 15 recommendations for those seeking some new titles for their winter reading lists.
“Positively Unstoppable: The Art Of Owning It” by Diamond Dallas Page
Part-memoir and part-inspirational tale, “Positively Unstoppable: The Art Of Owning It” is the latest book by entrepreneur (and professional wrestling legend) Diamond Dallas Page. It is intended to give you the know-how to “own it,” whatever it is to you, on a permanent basis. Much like Page’s famed DDPY fitness system, his insight will apply to readers of any age, background or success level.
“Fraiche Food, Full Hearts” by Jillian Harris and Tori Wesszer
Jillian Harris is the founder and creative director of Jillian Harris Design. Tori Wesszer is a registered dietitian, self-proclaimed foodie, and creator of Fraiche Nutrition. Within “Fraiche Food, Full Hearts,” Harris and Wesszer have assembled more than 100 heart-warming recipes—from breakfasts, soups, salads, veggies, sides, and mains to snacks, appetizers, drinks, and desserts—for everyday meals, celebration menus and ideas for casual gatherings with family and friends. Not traditional reading, but a very well-written cookbook, to say the least.
“Winning Westeros: How Game Of Thrones Explains Modern Military Conflict” by Max Brooks, John Amble, ML Cavanaugh & Jaym Gates
“Winning Westeros: How Game Of Thrones Explains Modern Military Conflict” brings together 30 expert strategists to answer that question and engage the most popular television series of our time: “Game Of Thrones.” As characters battle for power and control, there is magic and witchcraft, fiery dragons, frozen zombies, chaotic combat, swordplay, and brutal intrigue, creating one of the most intense world-wide strategy plotlines in contemporary fiction. By applying the theories of our real world to the examples in fictional Westeros, the minds behind “Winning Westeros” draw connections between George R. R. Martin’s fantasy world and modern military strategy.
“Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage Of Grief” by David Kessler
As a child, David Kessler experienced one of the first mass shootings in the U.S. in 1973 via the New Orleans sniper. The siege went on for 13 hours and resulted in seven deaths, including three police offers. This shaped him to what he does today as an expert, author and lecturer on death and grief. Kessler is often regarded as the world’s foremost grief expert, and “Finding Meaning” certainly has a lot to teach anyone who reads it.
“Shut Up, I’m Talking: Coming Out In Hollywood & Making It To The Middle” by Jason Stuart
You have seen Jason Stuart before, whether you recognize him from his roles on TV shows, his decades of prominence as one of the first openly-gay stand-up comedians (he came out on “Geraldo”), or from his masterful character work in dozens of feature films (including “Tangerine” and “The Birth Of A Nation”). He is “that guy.” With more than 150 credits tp his name, Stuart is admirably prolific. Given all of that experience over the past few decades, Jason Stuart is an ideal fit for a memoir, and “Shut Up, I’m Talking: Coming Out In Hollywood & Making It To The Middle” is that memoir.
“Malibu Burning: The Real Story Behind L.A.’s Most Devastating Wildfire” by Robert Kerbeck
Robert Kerbeck is an actor and award-winning writer whose essays and short stories have been adapted to film and theater. “Malibu Burning” is his first book, inspired by real life events he wrote about in an op-ed for the L.A. Times. He is a three-time nominee for the Pushcart Prize, a national literary award, and a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Many well-known people whose lives were affected and are featured in the book, including Bob Dylan, Joan Didion, Nick Nolte, Kevin Dillon, Matt Dillon, Julia Roberts, Anthony Kiedis and Chris Martin.
“Black & Blue” by Andra Douglas
No one knows better what it’s like for a woman to break into a traditionally-male sport than Andra Douglas. Douglas, the quarterback and owner of the New York Sharks professional woman’s football team, fought for the opportunity to play football from her earliest days growing up in Central Florida. Her new book, “Black & Blue,” is loosely based on her own story.
“London Underground: The Complete Book Of The Tube” by Oliver Green
It is impossible to imagine London, England without “the Tube.” The beating heart of the city, London’s Underground shuttles over a billion passengers each year below its busy streets and across its leafy suburbs. In this major work published in association with Transport For London, Tube expert Oliver Green traces the history of the Underground, following its troubles and triumphs, its wartime and peacetime work, and the essential part it has played in shaping London’s economy, geography, tourism and identity. It includes specially commissioned photography by Benjamin Graham, 2017 UK Landscape Photographer Of The Year.
“The Last Stand Of Payne Stewart: The Year Golf Changed Forever” by Kevin Robbins
Payne Stewart was a legendary golfer who won two (nearly three) United States Open championships. He showcased a graceful, fluid swing, wore colorful, knicker-like pants, argyle socks, and flat caps and was an unapologetically brash. He was an endearing showman with an opinion and a temper. “The Last Stand Of Payne Stewart” focuses on how the year of Stewart’s death coincided with many pivotal and lasting changes in golf. Author Kevin Robbins is an award-winning veteran sports writer, so expect a very well-researched and detail-oriented title with “The Last Stand.”
“The Four Sacred Secrets: For Love And Prosperity, A Guide To Living In A Beautiful State” by Preetjahi and Krishnaji
After transforming millions of lives through their O&O Academy courses and Ekam, a majestic meditation space in India, Krishnaji and Preethaji are now harnessing some of their key teachings within the pages of this book. Authors Krishnaji and Preethaji explore conscious wealth creation, discovering love in partnered relationships, and finding peace within oneself. They provide simple and effective meditations, anecdotal lessons, and powerful insights that will transform your consciousness and turn your dreams into realities. In turn, it is believed by the authors that you are only four steps away from living a beautiful life.
“Essential Well Being” by Sara Panton
Sara Panton is the co-founder of vitruvi. Her background in global health, travels around the world, and fascination for how traditional botanicals can be used in modern ways is now the basis for what has become a leading essential oil company. Panton’s book aims to guide you through ways to customize your beauty, body, and home routines–turning them into easy yet sophisticated wellness experiences. In turn, you can explore your own potential through the simple act of taking time for yourself.
“North Korea Journal” by Michael Palin
In May 2018, former Monty Python stalwart and intrepid globetrotter Michael Palin ventured into the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, camera crew in tow, to gain a glimpse of life in the most notoriously secretive and cut-off nation on Earth. His resulting two-part documentary for Britain’s Channel 5 fascinated millions and won universal plaudits. Written with Palin’s trademark warmth and wit, and illustrated with beautiful color photographs throughout, Palin’s journal offers a rare insight into the North Korea behind the headlines.
“Ralph Lauren: In His Own Fashion” by Alan Flusser
From the author of “Dressing The Man,” the seminal tome on men’s fashion, comes the illustrated biography of Ralph Lauren. Published as part of the designer’s 50th anniversary, Alan Flusser’s book looks at the life of the iconic American designer through the lens of fashion and cultural impact. This high-level, yet intimate, reflection on the life and work of Ralph Lauren shows how a preppy young boy from Bronx, New York created one of the most recognizable brands in American fashion of all-time.
“On Nineteen Eighty-Four: A Biography” by D.J. Taylor
Since its publication nearly 70 years ago, George Orwell’s “1984” has been regarded as one of the most influential novels of the modern age. Politicians have testified to its influence on their intellectual identities, rock musicians (e.g. David Lee Roth with Van Halen) have made records about it, TV viewers watch a reality show named for it, and a White House spokesperson tells of “alternative facts.” The world we live in is often described as an Orwellian one, awash in inescapable surveillance and invasions of privacy. In a current climate where truth, surveillance, censorship, and critical thinking are contentious, Orwell’s work is necessary. Written with resonant and reflective analysis, “On 1984” is both brilliant and timely.
“Dennis Hopper: In Dreams” edited by Michael Schmelling
“Dennis Hopper: In Dreams” connects Dennis Hopper’s roles as an actor, husband, father and photographer. Editor and designer Michael Schmelling selected more than 100 photographs from Hopper’s archive — most of them unpublished — for this intimate book, and together they reveal the restless energy and curiosity of Hopper’s eye, as well as his unique place in the culture of 1960s America. An essayistic photobook, “In Dreams” distills Hopper’s archive into a connected set of photographs that offer new impressions and stories.
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