Avenue78

Easy History

A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright is a book that answers three questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? and  Where are we going?

He gives brief, simple (not easy) answers to these questions and gives readers a better understanding of what has happened and what will happen to our world if we continue to live the way we do. It is a fascinating book and very well researched - the notes section is as long as the actual content section. If you are not a history buff, give this book a chance. It can be slow at times in the beginning but it comes alive by the end when Wright finishes answering the three questions that represent his thesis.

GRUPS

What is a Grup?

"He owns eleven pairs of sneakers, hasn’t worn anything but jeans in a year, and won’t shut up about the latest Death Cab for Cutie CD. But he is no kid. He is among the ascendant breed of grown-up who has redefined adulthood as we once knew it and killed off the generation gap."

This is an excerpt from Adam Sternbergh's article in this week's issue of New York Magazine. It is very funny and really resonated.  Maybe they work in your office or perhaps they are in your spinning class. The fact is, everyone knows at least a few Grups. I have personally found it really hard to distinguish a 40 year-old Grup from a 22 year-old college student. I'm glad I know what to call these creatures now! It also bodes well for those of you who are middle aged and just don't want to 'act your age'.Check the article out here.

- Julie

(Fabulous) Etiquette

  Ever wondered what you should do if someone gives you a back handed compliment or how you should deal with a catty coworker? If the answer is yes, you must read The Fabulous Girl's Guide to Decorum. It chronicles the life of FG (aka Fabulous Girl) and how she handles the ups and downs and daily situations that life throws her way. She navigates one night stands, party planning and divorce with class and ease. This book gives advice on everything from stocking the perfect bar to how to speak to a celebrity if you run into one on the street! You will want to keep this book on your bedside table and refer to it whenever a sticky situation presents itself to you. I was surprised how Kim Izzo and Ceri Marsh were able to make etiquette so fabulous, sexy and fun to read about.

A Must Read

Smart Women Finish Rich is an excellent read for those of you who just don't understand how to sort out you and/or your family's finances. Although I have a financial advisor(something the book's author David Bach recommends) who is great, I still like to understand what he is doing with my money - it is mine after all! Bach writes in a straight forward and understandable way. He makes all the confusing terms make sense. The Finish Rich Series is a group of books that you will want to keep at your finger tips and refer to time and again. Since it is that time of year again when people are beginning to file their taxes I thought I would recommend that all of you who haven't already read any of these books to do so immediately! For all the Canadians reading this, there is a Canadian version of this book too.