USED BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS

I am a HUGE fan of used bookstores. Usually, I keep my purchases to mystery, regency romance, and fantasy. I like to escape when I read. I prefer books with humor, insight, and action. I really enjoy the humor which comes from two different cultures or view points learning to understand each other.

But some books have lessons that we have forgotten. Here is my pick of some important books containing lessons we still have not learned.

The Peter Principle -- We need to figure out how to "demote" people who were promoted beyond their ability to cope.

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus -- This is a great book for intercultural understanding. The lesson of repeating what was heard is amazing. Try it and you will see what I mean.

Cinderella Syndrome -- Sometimes women can not accept their own competence.

Silent Spring -- I am really frightened about the birds dying. I see fewer and fewer birds every year. The solutions in this book may no longer be the answer, but she asks all of the right questions.

Dr. Spock on Child Rearing -- It worked for me. Of course, I lost it by the time the kids were 5.

Our Bodies, Ourselves -- Written when most of the doctors were men.

The Emperor Wears No Clothes -- This is a book on how and why marijuana went from being a medicine to being defined as evil. You can skip the political rhetoric, which is understandable, but a little much.

The Da Vinci Code -- This book raises questions about the Catholic Church and the Gnostic texts. Of course, you missed that part, didn't you?

Remember that Christmas is not the time to give someone a book that will upset them. If you think someone NEEDS one of these books, by it for yourself and leave it sitting around conspicuously.