Once a Runner by John L. Parker, Jr.

Disjointed and somewhat aimless; some great passages about elite running, but all in all not as good as many have said.

The Weaving of Threads by B. Lewis Barnett Jr. M.D.

A collection of brief stories from the practice of this esteemed and beloved family practitioner and professor. Not only is he the doctor you wish you had, but in these pages you find a friend. My signed copy was given to me by my long-term partner who was mentored by 'Dr. B,' so I am a direct beneficiary of his wisdom and kind example, modeled by my partner. Barnett is a man of deep faith, strong but nurturing, always hopeful and seeing the potential in his residents.

I must confess I read this book, one story a week, usually finishing the stories with tears in my eyes.

Dog on It by Spencer Quinn (read aloud)

A new and unique detective duo. A delight from beginning to end. Deftly written. Though not a dog lover myself, I loved this book. I don't know how the author knows how dogs think, hear, see and smell, but I just know he got it exactly right. Can't wait for Chet's (the dog's) next book.

Nearer, My God by William F. Buckley, Jr.

In this book we see the results of a lifetime of thought about God and faith and the church. And I think we see the humility of true Christian faith. Though completely and deeply Catholic, his faith seems rooted in the atoning work of Christ, with a deep sense of mystery.

Going Rogue by Sarah Palin

An interesting life story and a collision between grassroots and establishment politics. If she is telling the truth, McCain's campaign managers ill-served him and the press was extremely unfair. In any case, the stridor and lack of restraint of her critics leads one to wonder why they are so afraid of her. Is she the reincarnation of Samuel Adams?

Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller

Another gem from Keller. It is about idolatry as a unifying principle of our sin nature. His arguments are clear but it is his biblical examples that really shine. As we read the book to each other, the one who got to read those parts felt lucky. His discussion of Leah was new to us and amazing.

This would be a great book for a small group discussion.

Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Taleb

This book promises but doesn't deliver. It almost explains why the brain misunderstands probability. Almost explains Popper, Hume, option trading, stoicism, epicureanism. Almost explains Soros, Monte Carlo engines, chaos theory, black swans. Almost explains because answers are plagued by randomness, emotion and irrationality, and opinions change. Perhaps he is thoroughly post-modern. For similar style with much more substance, stick with Berlinski.