Few hobbies are more weather-proof or recession-proof than reading. Whether you prefer hardcovers or e-books, you can read just about anywhere. Many of us are still home-based, and below are 10 recommendations for those seeking some new titles for their reading lists.
Anna Chao Pai’s “From Manchurian Princess To The American Dream”
While most immigrants to the United States seek better lives than what they had, author Anna Chao Pai’s parents came seeking safety from the Japanese; they left a life of luxury and power to become ordinary American citizens. In the end, the transition to ordinary was traumatic for Pai’s mother, who became mentally unbalanced. In “From Manchurian Princess to the American Dream,” Pai shares her story which is as much about her mother as it is about her.
Without spoiling too much, there’s a story in the book about a connection the author had with a Jewish woman who said to her: “The moment I saw you, I knew you were one of us!” Then also about her 50+ year-long friendship with her best friends who are Jewish, Marty and Ellie. Thus, the author is convinced that there is much shared by the Chinese and Jewish cultures, including the strength of family and an emphasis on education and productivity.
Linda Wolf’s “Tribute: Cocker Power”
“Tribute: Cocker Power” features exclusive, never-before-seen documentary photos, stories, and vignettes from both the “Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen Tour” — known as one of the greatest rock-and-roll tours of all time — and the 2015 tribute concert at the Lockn’ Festival led by the Tedeschi Trucks Band with Leon Russell and original “Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen Tour” alumni.
This visually-stunning title, released on the 50th Anniversary of the tour, includes contributions from over 100 musicians and crew members, including Denny Cordell, Leon Russell, Chris Stainton, Rita Coolidge, Claudia Lennear, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and Warren Haynes. A true labor of love to all who played a part in these exceptional times in the history of music and culture, “Tribute: Cocker Power” is a must-have for devoted fans and newcomers alike.
Beyond “Tribute,” author Wolf is a humanistic photographer, known for her global portraiture that focuses on women and indigenous cultures. Over her 50 years as an artist, she has moved seamlessly through being one of the first female rock and roll photographers, to photojournalism and fine art, street and portrait photography. She is also the co-founder of the Daughters Sisters Project and the founder of Teen Talking Circles.
Walter Koenig’s “Beaming Up & Getting Off”
Walter Koenig is an American actor, writer, teacher and director. You probably remember him from “Star Trek,” the original series, and the first seven of the big screen “Star Trek” films as “Ensign Chekov.”
“Beaming Up & Getting Off” details Koenig’s childhood during World War II and his youth during the Red Scare of the 1950s. He also takes readers along on his professional journey, including anecdotes about “Star Trek” and roles he had on “Mr. Novak” and “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.”
G. Brown’s “On Record 1978: Images, Interviews & Insights From The Year In Music”
Respected veteran journalist, broadcaster and historian G. Brown has authored the first in an encyclopedic series of books celebrating popular music, “On Record 1978: Images, Interviews & Insights From The Year In Music.” Each volume of the “On Record” series highlights nearly 200 limited and extraordinary images. 1978, in particular, saw the first-ever cellular mobile phone and the first computer video game. But musically speaking, 1978’s popular musical genres included disco, punk, funk, R&B, rock and new wave. In turn, this book discusses Journey, Bruce Springsteen, The Cars, The Police, Talking Heads and The Clash alike.
Proceeds from book sales will benefit the Colorado Music Experience, a non-profit organization established to preserve the legacy of Colorado music. CoME serves as a repository for informational and archival resources and presents them in intriguing, engaging and entertaining ways.
Mike Henneberger’s “Rock Bottom at the Renaissance: An Emo Kid’s Journey Through Falling In And Out Of Love In And With New York City”
“Rock Bottom At The Renaissance” is author Mike Henneberger’s mixtape memoir about music and mental health, as soundtracked by the emo, pop-punk, and indie-rock bands – including Jimmy Eat World, Two Door Cinema Club and Bayside – and songs that helped pull him through his depression and anxiety.
Each chapter is named after a song that aligns with Henneberger’s life written in those pages, either what he was listening to at the time or songs whose lyrics seem like they could have been written just for him. Lyrics from the songs are highlighted throughout the chapters, giving the reader a sense of actually listening to the song while reading. In turn, it is probably unlike any memoir you’ve read before.
C. Foster’s “Camille The French Toad”
First-time author C. Foster is a father who cherishes his time reading books to his little girl. With a gift for bringing his imagination to life, he wrote the children’s book “Camille The French Toad.” And while only out since the end of April 2020, “Camille The French Toad” has already gotten strong reviews from influencers and parents alike.
Per the story itself, its Amazon page sums it all up well: “Welcome to an exciting day in the life of Camille the French Toad whose rhythmic storytelling and eye-pleasing illustrations will captivate your children’s attention and have you reading the story to them over and over! Join Camille on his first adventure in the first book of the series, that will be capturing the eyes and ears of children everywhere.”
Jimmy Wheeler’s “The Italian Temper: The Story Of How Alphonse ‘Babe’ Bisignano Turned Out All Right”
Jimmy Wheeler is the owner of the Professional Wrestling Historical Society, as founded in 2014. Created with the intent to use as many contemporary sources as possible to uncover and preserve the glorious (and scandalous) history of professional wrestling, Wheeler’s society aims to present history as it happened.
Wheeler’s new book “The Italian Temper: The Story Of How Alphonse ‘Babe’ Bisignano Turned Out All Right” tells the little-known full story of an icon. From dodgy dealings to becoming a pillar of the community, Babe had anecdotes for days. Starting in the 1930s, there are tales of hijinks on the road, beyond looks into behind-the-scenes happenings, the confrontation that ended his in-ring career, a major lawsuit that affected him, and finally how pro-wrestling came back around into his life much later on. Well-researched and well-written by Wheeler.
Christina Chiu “BEAUTY”
In acclaimed writer Christina Chiu’s debut novel “BEAUTY,” character Amy Wong is an up-and-coming designer in the New York fashion industry. Wong is young, beautiful, and seemingly has it all. Without giving away too much, within her personal life, Chiu struggles with marriage and motherhood, finding that her choices often fall short of her traditional family’s expectations.
Tastemaking publication The Millions has already declared “BEAUTY” one of the most anticipated books of 2020.
Mike Messeroff’s Dogs Get It
Speaking of people who can get it done behind the bar, bartender turned life coach and author Mike Messeroff has penned a coffee-table book full of Messeroff-realized wisdom and inspiration. Featuring over 25 beautiful illustrations — as crafted by illustrator Hannah Chavez — and poems, “Dogs Get It” is subtitled “Advice I Learned From My Best Friend.” Expect to be able to apply Messeroff’s learnings to every room of your home, including the kitchen.
Cider Mill Press’ “Hollywood Cocktails: Over 95 Recipes Celebrating Films From Paramount Pictures”
Paramount Pictures, the oldest Hollywood studio in operation, has released countless award-winning and box office-busting movies that have spanned the age of cinema, from the medium’s silent advent to talkies, color and CGI blockbusters. “Hollywood Cocktails” features more than 100 cocktails inspired by over 100 iconic films, all released by Paramount Pictures. This gorgeously-illustrated collection of star-power is filled with film facts and detailed recipes that guarantee you’ll never again be wondering what to drink or watch, thanks to the folks at Paramount.
The same publisher has also given the world “Speedy Cocktails,” “London Cocktails” and “Tokyo Cocktails” in case movies are less your thing. “Tokyo Cocktails” is subtitled “An Elegant Collection of Over 100 Recipes Inspired By The Eastern Capital,” and that’s one I hope to check out at some point. Its author Nicholas Coldicott has written about the city’s food and drink scenes for numerous publications, including Conde Nast Traveller, Time Out Tokyo, Japan Times and Departures.
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