Thoughtful, Mature and Unpretentious
919421
Neo soul has been on life support for a while now, sorry Alicia, India, Neyo, Erykah, Bilal, Jill, and Anthony but the king has returned and I am ecstatic he is back.

But could you imagine after eight years returning with the same "do" and the same sound? Now THAT would have been disappointing.

The young Maxwell is like a distant but comforting childhood memory, but the older, mature Maxwell is just "real".  As much as I loved the lush instrumentation and the romanticism of Maxwell's towering falsetto, I am definitely "feeling" the emotionally raw Maxwell along with the blistering brass section, the gospel tinged piano/organ and those very, very wicked percussions that are front and center on his new album.

"Bad Habits" is classic Maxwell and "Pretty Wings", well is just plain pretty. Those two songs I believe are concessions to the fans who wished Maxwell would appear magically after eight long years, not one day older, rocking the Afro and Bryan Ferry's wardrobe.

A lot of fans complain about the brevity of the album but I say it is "compact", why run a marathon when a sprint will get it done.

The album cycles through the emotions of raw need, anger and disappointment, and ultimately sorrow in just under 36 minutes and you don't want to miss one nanosecond of this musical journey through an entire relationship.

Favorite tracks, "Stop the World", "Love You", "Fist Full of Tears" and "Playing Possum". Solid ballads and mournful pleas, nothing better than a sorrowful, beggin' Maxwell.

Is it a great album? Is it a classic? The answer would be no but it is a VERY GOOD one. The man is on a journey and for better or worse, I think going to get my ticket to ride.
1925521
This is a very readable and thoughtful book that is clearly based on a lot of clinical experience working with children. The author's compassion and genuine interest in children and families comes through loud and clear. It is also encouraging that Gnaulati is willing to articulate a point of view that is  original and also grounded in careful observation.

Steen Halling
2072609
Dewitt Henry's penetrating and altogether magnificent SAFE SUICIDES stands head and shoulders above the current glut of memoirs (some of them slipped into that vague pillowcase, "creative non-fiction"). Henry gives his brief but substantive collection the subtitle "narratives, essays, and meditations," yet the effect is of a bildungsroman -- a coming-of-age story -- except that, in this Catholic SIDDHARTA the emphasis is on the more complex latter half of the building, i.e., adult life.

Rarely will you read such balanced, heady material about fathering a grown daughter as "wide-Eyed;" about dealing with a son and heir in his late teens as "Besmirched;" about rediscovering pleasure and esteem in the partner of a long marriage than "Arias." Throughout, Henry relies on a rare sensuality, not so much one of tongue and finger as of the encompassing reflection, the unexpected connection. His closing essay on running the Boston Marathon, for instance (and Heartbreak Hill, I must add, was a challenge this college professor met not once but several times), has a title that has nothing to do with stories of triumph over adversity, the wearisome fare of the cable channels. Rather. Henry's final piece bears a title far more full of heart, and one that carries the classic resonance of the entire book: "On Aging."
4754133
Not the first and not the last to review this by starting with 'I'm not a country music fan, but...', I have to say these gals make music that is mindful, thoughtful (not the same thing), thought-provoking, and persists in the mind long after you're done playing it.  Country-folk, maybe, with a dash of Dylan, Sheryl Crow, Chris Isaak, and Paul Simon in there somewhere.  And harmonies in popular music haven't been this tight since Brian Wilson led the Beach Boys during the '60s (Wilson knew something about thoughtful lyrics, too, so I doubt he'd mind the comparison).  Because of this, the Dixie Chicks' music often surpasses genre.  This is country for people who think, as opposed to the mindless, insipid, repetitive, mediocre, occasionally irritating, and time-wasting twaddle that passes for country music these days.  Enough said.  Just listen.
4140470
I picked up The Thinking Life: How to Thrive in the Age of Distraction
because of the promise of the title. It is chock full of down to earth tips and advice to encourage us to take the time to use our brains more for contemplation and introspection.

There are chapters on the following topics:

  Why You Don't Think and Why You Should
  Finding the Time to Think
  Attention: Awareness and Much More
  Reflection: The Art of Going Over Your Life
  Introspection: Self-Knowledge for Success
  Exercising Self-Control
  Embracing the Positive
  Being Proactive
  Making Wise Decisions
  Nuturing Outstanding Thinking: Insight, Discovery, and Creativity
  Managing Adversity
  Choosing to Be Thoughtful
  Conclusion: We Are What We Think

The author, P. M. Forni has created here a very thoughtful book about thinking. Even the tips at the end of the chapter are not "next actions" but are more often or not, items to think about.

Sometimes I felt that I was listening to Ophelia's Father, Polonius as he gives his fatherly advice to his son, including the counsel to  "Neither a borrower nor a lender be". Maybe it is because book relies more heavily on common wisdom, with some anecdotes but less on the neurological science common in the recent stream of self help books.

There are some valuable nuggets such as this paragraph that stood out:

"I am not arguing that reality exists only as a mind construct. We are, however, all under the spell of an illusion of sorts. The illusion is that we are one with life, when instead life's experience is always a mind-mediated one. As the great Stoic philosopher Epictetus observed with utter clarity two thousand years ago, it is not things in themselves that disturb us, but rather what we think of them."

You will note that he quotes one of the Stoics. He does rely on classic thinkers to illustrate some of his points and also a few more modern writers.

I found it interesting that he take Nike to task for promulgating the culture of throwing caution to the wind with "Just Do It", since I have always understood it to mean, "get off the couch and take action", not "mindlessly take action".

Some sections are a little confusing. He debunks the myth of NASA developing a space pen while the Russians were smart enough to just use a pencil, where the truth is that both programs bought from the Fisher Space Pen Company, He then goes ahead and uses the apocryphal story to make his point about creativity.

Forni references the classics, both the society of stoics and the temple at Delphi as well as modern experts such as Martin Seligman, author of Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life.

I found this book to be a real jewel when closely read and pondered. This is no easy collection of checklists, but is rather a gathering of small essays that discuss the benefits of thinking in all areas of life, and provide suggestions on how to raise our thinking to a new level and to realize the associated benefits.
974124
In departure from her bright band, Tierney Sutton chose a minimalist approach of vocalist and guitar, which bares the artists and concentrates sound attention. Renown for her crystal clear and precise voice, Sutton is joined by Serge Merlaud sensitively playing acoustic and occasionally electric guitars. Kevin Axt on acoustic bass guitar joins in at times. The album is of quiet, subtle music, with Merlaud composing three tracks in which Sutton provides vocalise. Brazilian mellowness and American standards -- including Body and Soul, Don't Go to Strangers, and Don't Worry 'Bout Me -- further put the album into the 'after midnight' category of relaxed and thoughtful albums. This new, very fine, album offers beauty and gentleness. Sutton's soft interpretations focus the lyrics.
2620435
Mick Cochrane's latest novel, Fitz, has managed to convey a sophisticated, complex story in a readable, fluid way appropriate for a broad age range. Though ostensibly a "Young Adult" novel, Fitz speaks to adults just as well. In fact, I would assert that there is an unwritten story between the lines...so often the case in a "Young Adult" novel written by a (somewhat!) older author. The book's protagonist is a realistically written, likable kid with an edge and a legitimate gripe against his old man. Though his "threatening" actions are brash and ill-advised, they take on an almost comical sheen once the reader gets to know how profoundly innocent this kid is. Cochrane has, with his typical subtlety, succeeded in endowing his characters and situations with gravity minus the all-too-common melodrama found in family-centered stories. Teenagers will enjoy reading this, because it doesn't "talk down" to them the way many young adult books do. The vocabulary is sophisticated and elevated without unnecessary complexity, and the plot has enough substance and relatable depth that they can think deeply about the issues involved. Adults--particularly parents or others who work with teens--will, as I mentioned earlier, "read between the lines" and pick up on the author's emotional investment in the story and his understanding of complex family dynamics. There are no cliches in this story. There are no angels and there are no demons. Just ordinary people struggling with stuff that has, unfortunately, become the stuff of ordinary life for many families. If you are a teenager, live with a teenager, or work with a teenager, this is a rewarding, enjoyable, and important read.

- Paul Cumbo, Author of&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Boarding-Pass/dp/B00B2UMMKS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Boarding Pass</a>
4339133
In Navigating Life, Margaux Bergenan utterly charming and gracious womanreveals the underbelly of modern parenting.  Her struggle to convey wisdom to her oldest daughter, one of three children she has raised largely on her own, makes a compelling story.  This brief missive, conceived in adversity, and conveyed in spare, crisp prose, is honest, raw and thoughtful.  Nothing less than the meaning of a humane life is at its core, but Bergens essential elements (such as the art of conversation) are refreshing.  I read it hungrily, as a testimonial to the challenges we confront daily in shaping a life and as a paean to myriad-layered motherhood. A lovely gift to pass on.
932271
My wife and I knew nothing about David Frum or the Atlantic Monthly before seeing him one night being interviewed on MSNBC.  He struck us as unusually thoughtful and articulate.  He seemed "free" from the emotional tone that Trump has set in this country; he seemed more profoundly intellectual than the other commentators whom we saw.

So we bought this book on a flyer.

It was well worth purchasing and reading it.

Our initial impression of Frum is reflected in this thoughtful and very clear book.  We found it far more helpful than Fire and Fury, because Frum addresses the political issues underlying both Trump and our fractured, polarized democracy.

I believe Frum would be called a "conservative," because he writes about the Enlightenment values underpinning the American experiment, and I think he grieves the erosion that Trump and others have caused to these principles and values.

His writing has a compassionate tone, not the dragon-like tone of either the left or right.

This is the best book so far, in our opinion.  While the book is about Trump, it also is about something far deeper.
2599996
After an afternoon of repeat listens I'm impressed by Paul McCartney's New cd.  I'm a lifelong second generation fan.  At this point I buy every cd, though I considered stopping in the late 80s and early 90s.  IMHO, ever since The Beatles Anthology McCartney's work has matured.  There are fewer underdeveloped songs; and the lyrics seem more reflective and less cliched.  Expect the same here.  At this point, Early Days' Beatle reflections risk seeming cliched; but McCartney presents it in a way that keeps the topic personal and revealing.  And the CD's love songs focus on his own vulnerability more than on romanticized declarations about his loved one.  After one day I haven't mastered each song's nuance; but I already can appreciate it enough to recognize that it's the thoughtful reflections of a mature mind.  Musically, it seems influenced by Electronic Arguments.  At least, many of the songs have an electronic sound.  But its not a CD filled with synth music.  There are plenty of guitars here.  That this CD has four producers hints at its sonic range.  But it's not a disjointed collection, a mismatch of sounds.  It sounds like a sonic quilt, with different sounds sketched together by McCartney and Martin (the son).  Lastly, I recommend getting the Deluxe Edition.  It has three (not just two.  The unlisted track comes at the end and is called Scared) bonus tracks, worth the extra investment.  In fact, I love Get Me Out of Here, a whimsical and yet reflective tune during which McCartney playfully declares " Get me out of here.  I'm a celebrity."  He's always been able to laugh at himself.  I'm not sure if there are any standards here; and I'm suspect Chaos will remain my favorite recent CD; but New is a joy of a CD.
3397198
This author is clearly quite experienced in her field and accepting of people as imperfect. While some reviewers have rated this book low because it includes things they don't like to think about, that doesn't make those things go away. They are part of being human. This author avoids nothing, and speaks plainly about accepting those parts of ourselves and our tweens that make us fragile. Her analyses build a foundation for understanding our tweens and helping them understand themselves. The book translates the author's sensitive observations into practical information. We readers only need to be human enough to apply it to our own families.
1643379
I found this well crafted, polished, and insightful.  It has something for any singer -- and it integrates the ideas well.  It is mostly thought-evoking and it also has practical exercises.  It is very readable too.

If you are not a singer -- you should still read this book -- it's also about life, expressing yourself, speaking, dancing, and simply "being" in a practical and thoughtful way.

I'm personally not a fan of new-agey books, but I found the spiritual approach in this book to be very palatable to my overly-intellectual mind.

I'd recommend this as a nice gift too.
807780
Without telling you WHAT to think, Dan Klein suggests HOW we can think about growing older in any number of interesting ways. Reading this book is like conversing with a friend who knows some of the best quotes from philosophers - from ancient Greece to today- to help focus the conversation. We join the author on his Greek Island- vividly depicted- as he clarifies thoughts that have crossed the mind of anyone over 65 who lives thoughtfully, and adds some new ones.
  This book was very satisfying to read and savor, a few chapters at a time. It is emphatically NOT about how to stay forever young. It does point the way to finding more delight and meaning as we move toward the end of our lives.
4424947
This is not one of those arty, existentialist short stories that presents a mundane series of people or events, but never really seems to go anywhere or make any point. This story definitely has a point, and it's one I think just about any adult can appreciate. I don't say "adult" because it has any material that would be inappropriate for someone younger, but because it will resonate much more strongly with people who've been around the block a few times.

The characters are simply but effectively drawn, and interact with one another in very natural ways. It's a warm and welcoming story, and it will make you think. There's a philosophical bent to this one, but it's still very accessible.
3188750
Reading this book is like reading the journal of an observant, insightful friend.

This book is refreshing and easy to read. I don't mean that the writing is boring or overly simple, but that it's so well written, it goes down smoothly like good writing should. Tsh covers A LOT of topics in short chapters that are easy to digest, but leave you lots to think about.

She shares stories and details that surround meaningful topics for American families to consider and mull over. The tone is friendly and encouraging, acknowledging the real challenges of living out your values. She's never judgmental or critical of the hurried western way of life, but instead offers a gentle but confident challenge that it's possible and it's worth it.

Disclaimer: I know Tsh personally outside of the online world. So, I was definitely already generally positive in her direction, however, on the other hand, I had higher expectations. This book is worth reading. It's not just a repeat of content from her blog. You will be inspired. You'll be both comforted and challenged. And you'll enjoy following the stories of her life and watching the wisdom unfurl.
2936864
This was well-written and I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue; the exchange between Florence and Dolly was particularly genius.  I also appreciated several instances in which interactions were described (non-repetitively) from the perspective of different characters which demonstrated the assumptions we make about others and our general narcissism.

I was concerned about the reviews stating the ending was unsatisfying, but I did not find this to be the case.  This is not a plot-driven novel; it's a character study.  The characters were consistent, appropriate, realistic, and believable.  A very thoughtful read!
4219950
This is not your run of the mill freshman reader. The reading choices are thoughtful and span global and chronological space.