Sam's Summer Reading!

My friends, I will be hanging up the “Gone Fishing'” sign next week, and will not be filing any new blog entries while I'm off from work. However, making like the Oprah Winfrey of the insurance industry, I thought I would leave you with a few thoughts on some good books to read this summer, and I invite you to post your recommendations as well!

I'm an American history buff, and just finished reading another terrific book by Joseph Ellis, called “American Creation,” talking about key moments in the nation's founding that are usually overlooked–such as the writing of the Constitution (the second stage of our revolution!), treaty negotiations between George Washington and the Native Americans, the formation of our party system, and the Louisiana Purchase. (This book is not nearly as compelling as his earlier work, “Founding Brothers,” which is a brilliant discussion of the relationship among the various Founding Fathers.)

A book that might be very relevant given the cries today for less partisanship in politics is “Team Of Rivals,” the brilliant description by Doris Kearns Goodwin about how Abraham Lincoln managed to incorporate some of his most determined opponents into his government, to the country's benefit.

I also earlier this year enjoyed “The Nine,” by Jeffrey Toobin, a discussion of how the Supreme Court operated 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 a friend of mine, Ellen Hawley, called “Open Line.” It's a really interesting story about a Minnesota radio talk show host who gains national fame (and infamy) by offhandedly suggesting that perhaps the Vietnam War never really happened–a story 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 of another old friend, Jack Appleman, “10 Steps To Successful Business Writing.” Jack, who also does training–both group and one-on-one–for insurance companies, shows how you all can write more effective claims letters, reports, memos, proposals and press releases. Jack and I go way back to when I started in journalism at “Modern Grocer,” a newsweekly about the supermarket industry, and he's a terrific teacher and writing coach.

I plan to relax this month and read some classic fiction. First up is “Thunderball,” the James Bond novel (I got hooked last year after having never read any of Ian Flemming's work), to be followed by “Phantom of the Opera,” (which I decided to finally read after seeing the terrific new production in Las Vegas, over 20 years after seeing the Broadway show).

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

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

Talk to you again on July 14!!!