Falise Platt of
the 24/8
Book Club shares her top picks in new books. A voracious
reader with diverse interests, Falise chooses the best from
fiction and nonfiction alike, creating a selection that is both
fun and intelligent.
 November signals the countdown to the end of the year and the holidays are fast approaching. Warm up for winter reading with our favorite new releases.
 Half
the Sky
By Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Knopf, 2009
Immerse yourself in an eye-opening nonfiction read from the
first married couple to win a journalism Pulitzer Prize for
their coverage of China as New York Times correspondents.
The collection features real-life stories of girls and women
from around the world to create awareness on the issues, struggles
and reality that women face in various cultures.
From prostitution trafficking to rape, the authors expose
the difficulties many of us face, while inspiring the reader
to take action. The book includes resources that paint a picture
of how the rest of the global citizens of the world can get
involved and help. There are no victims here, just hope for
a brighter future for women who hold up half the sky.
 You
Don’t Have to be a Diabetic to Love This Cookbook
By Tom Valenti and Andrew Friedman
Workman, 2009
Stuffed with tasty, healthy recipes, anyone can enjoy this
cookbook, but it’s lovingly directed to those with diabetes,
or nearly 8 percent of the US population-24 million people.
With selections that range from spicy chili and cumin lamb
skewers to succulent chicken paillard, no one will walk away
from the table with an empty stomach. As a personal vote of
confidence, I prepared the grilled beef tenderloin and broiled
onion rings for my brother-in-law and the rest of the family,
and it was by far the best meal I have ever served.
 13
Paintings Children Should Know
by Angela Wenzel
Prestel, 2009
Introduce your little ones to the world of art with this
child- and you-friendly book. Info, quizzes and tips accompany
pictures of 13 famous pieces by everyone from Leonardo Da
Vinci to Vincent Van Gogh. Wenzel suggests a fun activity
related to each painting, too, like trying out the dip technique
Jackson Pollack used in Number 32.
 Pets
Gone Green
By Eve Adamson
BowTie, 2009
Reduce your pet’s carbon footprint without sacrificing any
creature comforts with this go-to guide for pet owners. Topics
run the sustainability gamut, including everything from food
to poop. American dogs and cats are responsible for 12 million
tons of poop clogging landfills every year-and therefore leeching
into groundwater. What can you do? Start with the solutions
to this and other eco-pet dilemmas in the book. Bonus: Pets
Gone Green is printed with soy ink on recyclable paper.
 Living
Life as a Thank You
By Nina Lesowitz and Mary Beth Sammons
Viva Editions, 2009
An inspirational book of daily gratitude and thankful living,
this makes a great stocking stuffer for those of you on the
shopping ball. In one chapter, "Staying Thankful in Difficult
Times," the authors share particularly inspiring stories-including
one from a hurricane survivor, and another about a child’s
fight with cancer-and how these contributors found their gratitude
and thankfulness even in the wake of these personal struggles.
It also includes notes and thoughts about creating our own
traditions. One of my favorite suggestions: On Thanksgiving,
create a living prayer of gratitude by helping out a neighbor
or volunteering with a community organization.
 Angels
of Anarchy
Edited by Patricia Allmer
Prestel, 2009
This tabletop book recognizes and celebrates 30 prominent
20th-century women surrealist artists, highlighting 30 artists,
like Francesca Woodman, Kay Sage and Jane Graverol.
 Street
Gang
By Michael Davis
Viking, 2008
Learn the story behind the magical world of Sesame Street.
As November 2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the beloved
series, this book details the history of how it began and
endured disagreements, funding cuts and competition.
From the fanciful conversation at a dinner party that planted
the seed of thought to the Jim Henson’s genius renderings,
this is a book about the business of creative television.
Sesame Street is certainly one of the most influential programs
in the history of television, and deserves the backstage pass
and spotlight Michael Davis has provided.
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* The Good Reads Girl was drawn by
Denise Simon, a Chicago-based freelance illustrator.
Check out her work at deniseannsimon.com.
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