23. High Noon

20 Global Problems

20 Years to Solve Them

By: J.F. Rischard

Rischard makes a compelling case for 20 problems- political, environmental, and educational that require drastic attention in order to avoid massive global catastrophe.   For a few of these, he suggests even 20 years might be too late.

The key to this book is that he actually suggests some plausible solutions-  the core of which is the creation of "Global Issues Networks" to use the internet to coordinate various groups around the world who are already working on these issues.

The book is a tiny bit dry, although very readable, and very important.

Recommendation:  If you haven't read this yet, why do you hate teh earth so much?

Grade: A-

22. Dreams From My Father

By: Barack Obama

Man, wouldn't it be awesome to have a president who is insightful, reflective, and intelligent - yeah, that's pretty much what I was thinking while reading this book. The book is a very personal reflection on growing up with mixed messages and ideas about race, culture, and identity- how the absence of his father left a big hole in his life and how he tried to fill it.

Recommendation: An important book to understanding the history and character of the 44th president. Will be considered a 'must read' for history students someday. Or maybe just history students studying the Obama administration.
Grade: A

21: Blue Pills

A Positive Love Story
By: Frederik Peeters

Touching true story about a guy who falls in love with an HIV+ woman, and their trials and tribulations in navigating the relationship and her young son who is also HIV+. Didn't like Peeters' drawing style though. Its hard to consolidate in my mind a narrative about an attractive woman who is drawn in blotchy thick ink lines. If I ever teach that class in Autobiographical Graphic Novels, this would be an important one to include. Otherwise....

Recommendation: Meh
Grade: B-

20: Johnny Bunko

The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need

By: Daniel Pink.

Bunko is right.  The second part of the title is not.  Read it because I loved A Whole New Mind and wanted to see what else Pink had to say.  

Apparently, not much.   

Recommendation: Take a guess.

Grade: F