The Autistic Brain: Thinking Across the Spectrum, by Temple Grandin (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013)
“Grandin has reached a stunning level of sophistication about herself and the science of autism. Her observations will assist not only fellow autistics and families with affected members, but also researchers and physicians seeking to better understand the condition.” Dr. Jerome Groopman, New York Review of Books
City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles, by Mike Davis (Vintage, 1992, 2006)
“An eye-opening account of the economic, political, intellectual and architectural development of 20th-century Los Angeles, City of Quartz is a deeply troubling look at a city beset by environmental time bombs, vast inequities of wealth and chronic, increasingly brutal racial violence…The city that takes shape in this elegantly argued book seems to be swiftly heading toward some Armageddon…Few books shed as much light on their subjects as this opionated and original excavation of Los Angeles from the mythical debris of its past and future.” Sara Frankel, The San Francisco Examiner
To Be Human, by Jiddu Krishnamurti (Shambala, 2000)
“To Be Human presents Krishnamurti’s radical vision of life in a new way… The splendid introduction by David Skitt discusses Krishnamurti’s philosophy as a guide to knowledge and experience, the roles knowledge and experience should play in our lives, and the times when it is best to cast them aside and ‘look and act anew.’” Publisher’s copy
London Review of Books, Volume 35, Issue 11
“Since 1979, the London Review of Books has stood up for the tradition of the literary and intellectual essay in English. Each issue contains up to 15 long reviews and essays by academics, writers and journalists. There are also shorter art and film reviews, as well as poems and a lively letters page. A typical issue moves through political commentary to science or ancient history by way of literary criticism and social anthropology.”
Note: If you’d like to see a book review of any of the books you see here, please let me know. Thanks!
Hey Alan, I am 36 and just started running last year (I have been barefoot training/hiking for about 15 years now). Wanted to start a LONG time ago but had issues with cardiac insufficiency do to an auto-immune disorder.
I am really impressed and inspired with your story, thanks a lot and way to be the animal we’re supposed to be!
Thanks for those kind words, Grant. Much appreciated!
Thanks Alan, I will read the info. I will be sure to look for you in all the races we do this year. We are currently signed up for ATB 30k and Chicago in the fall. Once again thanks for sharing your story…..I found it very inspirational.
Rolf
Unfortunately, I’m not doing AtB this year. (Have done it twice.) Will be interested to know how that and Chicago go for you. Let me know, OK?
Hi Alan,
My name is Rolf Hauckwitz. Carey Chappelle and I did a number of rides with you around 2002-03. You were very inspirational at the time and we had quite a few laughs. Then after 2003 PBP we started riding out of Port Elgin as Carey started a chapter up there. That is when I lost contact with you. I am sorry to hear of all the things that have happened to you but you certainly faced up to them. I started running myself in 2008 and done numerous half and one full marathon. Then I was taken down with plantar fasciitis and still have numb hands and feet from 2011 PBP. I was getting discouraged until I read your story. Wow 14 months of rehab and 2 cancer battles! Thanks for sharing your experience…It really changed my perspective. I wish you continued success and would like to hear from you.
Rolf
twowheelers6@sympatico.ca
It’s really good to hear from you! Glad you’re running, but I’m sorry to hear about the PF. You might want to try some gentle barefoot running, as many people have that helps with PF. Also, have a look at this article from Dr. Timothy Noakes (http://www.runnersworld.co.za/columns/ask-the-experts/noakes-10-laws-of-injuries/). Hope you’ll continue to follow my blog (or better yet, subscribe to it), and we’ll keep in touch.