Independence Day
Richard Ford
A half a world away in Gothenburg, Sweden, there was a Book Fair where I was promoting my book, The Art of Selling Real Estate. I had occasion to run into the Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Richard Ford, whose most recent novel, Canada had just been translated into Swedish. Richard has a large following of avid fans in Sweden; he gave a wonderful interview about his book.
His most famous novel, however, Independence Day, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize, features his character, Frank Bascombe, a New Jersey realtor. This book is one of the most insightful books about the trials and tribulations of someone trying to make a living in our business. It is a timeless must-read!
Check out Richard’s website!
Although ten years have passed since the publication of this wonderful, extremely comprehensive, beautifully illustrated book about Central Park, none of the many books about the park which have been written in the interim can hold a candle to it. The historical background of the creation of the park, combined with the individual descriptions of each and every corner of the park, are mesmerizing. It’s more of a coffee table book, than a handy little guide book that can be carried in one’s back pocket. Well suited to a comfy read in front of the fireplace on a Sunday afternoon. It also makes a wonderful gift. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 
Woody Guthrie, the folk musician and composer, AND father of Arlo Guthrie, lived in New York from 1940-1967. Along with Pete Seeger, he was part of the movement which introduced country and folk music to urban audiences in the 1960s. This little guide book, written by his daughter, Nora Guthrie, describes nineteen significant locations where he spent his years IN New York City, including where he wrote some of his best known songs, “This Land is Your Land” and “Bound for Glory”. It’s a unique guidebook, especially for his fans, but also for those who are interested in exploring New York City as it existed in the mid-century. It’s a fun read, with lots of interesting geographical underpinnings of Woody’s musical career. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
