Arnie

says

Dave Gaston says

2008 Gastoni Award Winners
By Dave Gaston

4-5 Stars
China Road / Rob Gifford
Dual, The / John Lukacs
Evolution / Jean-Baptiste De Panafieu
Long Walk, The / Slavomir Rawicz
Man Who Loved China / S.Winchester
Only Yesterday / Fred Allen
Peace Like A River / Leif Enger

5 Star Audio Books
Beatles, The / Bob Spitz
Kill A Mockingbird, To / Harper Lee
Outliners / Malcom Gladwell
Reaching For Glory / Michael Beshloss
Taking Charge / Michael Beshloss

3+ Stars
21; Burning Down House / B Mezrich
Book Thief, The / Markus Zusak
Beautiful Mind, A / Sylvia Nascar
Consider The Lobster / David Wallace
Living Great Lakes / Jerry Dennis
Looking for Alaska / P Jenkens
New World Coming / Nathan Miller
Three Cups of Tea / Greg Mortenson
When Engulfed Flames / D. Sedaris
Your Inner Fish / Neil Shubin

What does it take to win a Gastoni?
Well, for starters, you better write a book on a topic I love. Next, your writing style has to be exquisite (to the point of awe and envy). Finally, your story telling has to be transporting. To sum it up, I quote Somerset:

“When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.”

On a more personal note, the time I spent reading and listening to books this year was pure escapism. It felt like I spent most of it in a hospital waiting room (which is not true). When I’d start obsessing about my girl Gracie’s cancer I’d crack a book and ride it hard to block the worst of my fears. At night, when I needed to find a path to sleep, I’d take the easy road and escape down a story line. A good book is a gift.

Our family has so much to be thankful for this year. For starters, Carrie and I have our girl back! She now has about an inch of fine blond hair sticking straight out of her 5 year old head. At school they call her Q-tip. Her teachers call her Q-T-tip. I’ll post a couple holiday pictures of the family up on her website: caringbridge.org/visit/gracegaston

Your friendship is counted among my many blessings. Merry Christmas to you and your family, My best for the New Year, Dave

posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )

Dave Gaston says

Tiz the Season. I imagine, like me, you give books. My holiday list keeps getting longer and my holiday budget keeps getting smaller. What's a guy to do? Answer: Ask his stellar and sturdy Shelfarians where they place their orders. I order the majority of my books (for my own consumption) via Amazon Used... but I'm not going to gift a used book (tacky, tacky). So, have you found a place that would offer a deep discount for a volume buy? I'd appreciate you passing on the tip. Thanks, Merry Merry, Dave

posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )

Dave Gaston says

Hi Arnie, Just looking at a couple folk's shelves. I saw one book that I thought might be a guilty pleasure (... plus living in Chicago). It is on your to read list, called "Public Enemy." I can't tell you how bad a book that was. Trust me and dump it. Take a look at my To Read list sometimes and return the favor, knock a couple of dogs off my list. Take care my friend. Dave

posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )

Doris T says

Hello Arnie,

I invite you to stop by the shelfari group, Mentoring Men.

posted 3 years ago. ( send a note )