Mark Helprin: Freddy and Fredericka
every bit as deep as the others on this list, with the added benefit of being funny. prepare to mourn when you finish. (*****)
Ranier Maria Rilke: Letters to a Young Poet: Translated and with a Foreword By Stephen Mitchell
Beautiful, beautiful. Words to live by- I have memorized sections from quoting this one so much. (*****)
Jeffrey Eugenides: Middlesex: A Novel
so well written, you'll pee in your pants. promise. (*****)
carlos ruiz zafon (trans: lucia graves): shadow of the wind
gorgeous, gorgeous, lush, and gorgeous. (*****)
paulo coehlo: the alchemist
mythical. i have read it many times over, and will probably keep doing so. (*****)
Arundhati Roy: The God of Small Things
good when you need a great big huge cry. (*****)
Philip Pullman: The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1)
don't stop after this book. you must read all three. don't wait another minute. (*****)
On the Radio
Regina Spektor: Begin to Hope
makes me so very happy... (*****)
I believe, after years of struggling with the issue, that it is possible to both love one's work and to live well while doing it. As a writer and artist, I have learned that living well is a matter of choice, passion, and planning. On this site I share things that have inspired me to keep choosing balance, art, and expansion of my dreams. Part of this dream is helping others to pursue their creative urges and ambitions as well. I believe that the world would be happier if more of the people in it were happier. Creative people who feel balanced and secure are happy people. Simple, really, but too often ignored. I am honored and excited by the opportunity to coach many artists, entrepreneurs, and creative revolutionaries who also believe a balanced, creative and abundant life is possible. Join us!
photography, british crime shows, books of all kinds and sujects- especially by michael chabon, alain de botton, anais nin, alexander mccall smith, or mark helprin; libraries, independent bookstores, walking in los angeles, sleeping late, getting up early, yoga, bad novel writing, bad script writing, writing for real, vinyl and my crosley record player, coffee, idling, train travel, coaching, bookkeeping, and homemade ice cream