Food for Thought

School’s out and summer is here. You could grab an airport bestseller -- you know the kind -- “hardnosed but psychologically damaged PI doggedly solves grisly murder” or “elite special forces unit foils terrorist plot in the nick of time.” Perhaps emotionally satisfying, or at least mind numbing, these are the cerebral equivalent of cotton candy and potato chips, empty intellectual calories with instant gratification but no lasting benefit. Or, you could have a hearty bowl of steaming oatmeal – some chewy books on serious topics that will give you strong bones and a healthier intellect.

Herewith are my summer reading recommendations, some old, some new. Bon appétit!