So many books so little time
Yea, well, I still don't know what to get my dad who lives in a condo, doesn't grill (he does bake cookies but he got two cookie jars for Christmas already) and has never, ever, touched a piece of power equipment beyond a lawn mower.
Books ... he's an English teacher. Books are always a good idea.
So searching for something he might not have already devoured, here's a few I noticed, mostly for their interesting premise. Do they "work"? Will they entertain? Would I learn something?
Dear American Airlines -- a novel written in the form of a complaint letter from a man "heading to the airport to fly off to what he has decided is the most important event in his life. (The fact that he doesn't seem to notice that the wedding should actually be the most important event in his DAUGHTER'S life, not his, is an early clue of his particular breed of hilarious narcissism.) But at the airport is where his troubles begin, as American Airlines cancels his flight and thus--as far as he is concerned--destroys his life."
Toward the Setting Sun: Columbus, Cabot, Vespucci, and the Race for America -- described as the worst directions to Asia. "The intrigue, espionage, and treachery that abounded in the courts of Europe provide a compelling backdrop for the intersection of dreams and business ventures that led the way to our modern world." Cool.
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life (P.S.) -- ok, it's on my bookshelf already. Kingsolver ... "recounts the year her family attempted to eat only what they could grow on their farm in Virginia or buy from local sources. ... In long sections, however, she gets on a soapbox about problems with industrial food production, fast food and Americans' ignorance of food's origins ... " Having worked as a food engineer for awhile, spent time among "real people" in India (pre-software industry explosion) I have a real appreciation for her particular soapbox.
How the States Got Their Shapes -- I always wanted to know: "Was Delaware really necessary"? This book says it will tell you.