Book ‘Em

Here are two great books to give for Father’s Day – because then you can borrow them back!

In his first novel, “The Enthusiast,” journalist Charlie Haas offers a fascinating look into the slices of life that make up our American pie. The insightful and creative story centers around Henry Bay, who has spent his life writing for small, niche magazines like “Spelunk” and “Cozy, The Magazine of Tea.” As he travels around the country, meeting people passionate about the most seemingly mundane things, Henry discovers his own interests. Haas respectfully treats even the quirkiest hobbyists with heart and humor, and shows that, whether you’re into wakeboarding, ice climbing or simply writing about the people who are, there’s always something to get enthusiastic about. For us, it’s this book.

Readers enthusiastic about music will be riveted by “Heavy Rotation: Twenty Writers on the Albums That Changed Their Lives.” Editor Peter Terzian has compiled a powerhouse collection of essays by writers like Joshua Ferris, Daniel Handler and Kate Christensen, who wax poetic about the music that transformed them. Reading Colm Toibin’s memories of hearing Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” brought us back to 1971 when we felt like the singer/songwriter had read our own diaries. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the power of music to reflect our feelings and literally provide a soundtrack to our lives.

This post originally appeared on my former blog, StyleSubstanceSoul.