TED Community » Russell Mikel

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• A reply on Conversation: What's the overlooked gem, the book I haven't read that I must?

  Feb 25 2011: Thank you for reminding me of The Starship and the Canoe -- I always thought that Brower did a wonderful job of revealing the deeper similarities between Freeman Dyson and his son, George, who set out on a very different path from his father.

• A reply on Conversation: What's the overlooked gem, the book I haven't read that I must?

  Feb 18 2011: Absolutely! There are a number of good books on the realities of food, cooking and eating, but this one makes so many important points while being such a good read! This is one of the books I buy to give away. His "Food Rules: An Eater's Manual" is another -- it captures in the simplest form key points from his other works, but you need something like "Omnivore's Dilemma" to really appreciate the situation behind the guidelines.

• A comment on Conversation: What's the overlooked gem, the book I haven't read that I must?

  Feb 17 2011: "Earth Abides" by George Stewart
  
  I read this in my college years, and scenes stayed with me all my life. Recently, as an aging adult, I reread it (in an edition with a wonderful introduction by Connie Willis). It moved me as strongly as few books ever have -- only "Grapes of Wrath" comes to mind -- except that this time, the connection was intensely personal. Some say it is a very sad book (I cried much of the day I finished it), but that is actually to miss the point. It captures a poignancy undeniably filled with hope that forces you to discard the narrow (and comfortable) expectations borne of your own experience and look at a greater cycle of life and humanity. I am more in awe of the author than ever and enthusiastically recommend this book for your shelf, if not your bedside table right away.