My friends, I will be hanging up the “Gone Fishing'” sign nextweek, and will not be filing any new blog entries while I'm offfrom work. However, making like the Oprah Winfrey of the insuranceindustry, I thought I would leave you with a few thoughts on somegood books to read this summer, and I invite you to post yourrecommendations as well!

I'm an American history buff, and just finished reading anotherterrific book by Joseph Ellis, called “AmericanCreation,” talking about key moments in the nation's foundingthat are usually overlooked–such as the writing of the Constitution(the second stage of our revolution!), treaty negotiations betweenGeorge Washington and the Native Americans, the formation of ourparty system, and the Louisiana Purchase. (This book is not nearlyas compelling as his earlier work, “FoundingBrothers,” which is a brilliant discussion of the relationshipamong the various Founding Fathers.)

A book that might be very relevant given the cries today forless partisanship in politics is “TeamOf Rivals,” the brilliant description by Doris Kearns Goodwinabout how Abraham Lincoln managed to incorporate some of his mostdetermined opponents into his government, to the country'sbenefit.

I also earlier this year enjoyed “TheNine,” by Jeffrey Toobin, a discussion of how the Supreme Courtoperated in recent years–including the infamous “Gore V. Bush”decision.

I don't read a lot of fiction, but I loved the new novel by afriend of mine, Ellen Hawley, called “OpenLine.” It's a really interesting story about a Minnesota radiotalk show host who gains national fame (and infamy) by offhandedlysuggesting that perhaps the Vietnam War never really happened–astory that takes on a life of its own politically and culturally.It's a quick and fascinating read.

On the continuing education side, I highly recommend the book ofanother old friend, Jack Appleman, “10Steps To Successful Business Writing.” Jack, who also doestraining–both group and one-on-one–for insurance companies, showshow you all can write more effective claims letters, reports,memos, proposals and press releases. Jack and I go way back to whenI started in journalism at “Modern Grocer,” a newsweekly about thesupermarket industry, and he's a terrific teacher and writingcoach.

I plan to relax this month and read some classic fiction. Firstup is “Thunderball,”the James Bond novel (I got hooked last year after having neverread any of Ian Flemming's work), to be followed by “Phantomof the Opera,” (which I decided to finally read after seeingthe terrific new production in Las Vegas, over 20 years afterseeing the Broadway show).

I've got some other good books lined up, including “Mirage”(which talks about the scientists Napoleon brought to Egypt tostudy their ruins and culture), “ Greeks and Romans Bearing Gifts” (about the influence of theclassics on the thinking of our Founding Fathers), “ The Race Beat” (about how journalists advanced the cause ofcivil rights in the 1960s through their coverage of the battleagainst segregation), as well as biographies of the aviatorAmeliaEarhart and the artist Frida Kahlo.

What books might you folks recommend? I'll check back now andthen to post your picks!

Talk to you again on July 14!!!