1 post tagged “favorite books”
Inspired by Steve, here are some of my '06 faves. Happy new year!
Favorite book: The Best American Spiritual Writing 2006. I've been reading this series since 2000 or '01, and this was the best yet. ('01 is a close second). I feel compelled to explain, when I recommend this book, that I am not a religious fanatic. However, I'm highly interested by religion/spirituality and philosophy because those subjects focus on some of the most elemental questions of existence. This book is compelling for people of any religion, no religion, or those who don't know. The pieces included are from all angles as well. The book's effect on me was like meditation... it made me slow down and think about basic things that get lost in the shuffle. I don't usually re-read books, but I'd like to re-read this one, so I can spend more time thinking about each piece.
Honorable mentions:
Everyman, by Phillip Roth - the best I've read by Roth. Leaves behind some of the neurosis of his other characters, and focuses on struggles common to "every man."
Advertising Secrets of the Written Word, by Joseph Sugarman. If you're in marketing, a great book to make you re-think your writing.
The Treasures and Pleasures of Vietnam and Cambodia, by Ronald L. Krannich, Caryl Rae Krannich. The book is actually geared toward shopping in those countries, but it's a great guide to exploring in general. They tell you how to bargain (how much lower of a price you should start with, what to expect), where to find the authentic goods, and more. I found their information quite accurate when I was in Vietnam.
Favorite restaurant: My favorite find of '06 was the Wine Vault, a little joint in Mission Hills. The best nights to go are on their reservation-only winemaker dinners. You get more than your money's worth with 6 or 7 courses of food, each with 1-2 wine pours (some of which are over $100 a bottle). Because they're reservation-only, the owners don't deal with wasted food, and often a winemaker will donate wine for the dinner - so they keep their prices really low. Relaxed atmosphere, totally friendly staff - this is the kind of place to take your friends and family for a fun night out.
Honoroable mention: Mille Fleurs. In terms of food quality, the best restaurant I've tried in San Diego. Very French - lots of reductions, very concentrated flavors. Most romantic atmosphere in San Diego - it's like you're dining in a French country home. I went to this restaurant during Restaurant Week, which is a great buy because you get 3 courses for $30 (they've also added a $40 category this year). '07 Restaurant Week is next week - the 7-12, so get your reservations in! This year I'm trying Addison and Le Fontainebleu.
Favorite vacation moment:
I've hoped and planned to go to Vietnam all my life, and even with all that anticipation, it was better than I thought. Now's the perfect time to travel to Vietnam, for both adventure travelers and luxury travelers. It hasn't quite exploded with tourism, but there are enough resources to travel safely (e.g., not die from typhoid... luckily I was in Hanoi, one of the two cities with facilities that can adequately treat typhoid).
Honorable mentions:
San Francisco, and a group Mexico trip for the honey's birthday in the summer. It was one of those trips, where you find yourself, and 5 of your closest friends, all dressed in pirate costumes in downtown Rosarito at 3 in the morning. Good times.
Favorite album: Stadium Arcadium, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Favorite products: OXO mango splitter. It sounds a little weird and useless, but if you like mangoes, this thing is great! It fits every mango I've tried - something I was doubtful about at first, and it makes slicing and de-pitting mangoes fast.
Honorable mentions:
Moleskine cahier notebook - it's the cheaper version of the classic Moleskine notebook, which I also love. I just saw they came out with a city notebook, which I'm totally coveting. It includes maps, metro stops, etc. and you can record your travel journal in it too.. so you have a complete record of your travels. My Werks Traveler suitcase by Victorinox(thank you, honey). It's a complete luxury and they've thought of every convenience a traveler could want in a suitcase. My stovetop capuccino maker - makes great espresso, foams milk, doesn't take up counter space, and a fraction of the cost of those countertop capuccino machines.
Go bye bye: Oh, and something I'd like to see die with 2006? Those velour track suits. (sorry if I've just offended anyone).
