2002 Year End Staff Picks

Nearly all of the staff members here at Abebooks are avid readers, with tastes ranging from sci-fi to sports to philosophy to popular fiction and beyond. As the end of the year approaches, we would like to present a selection of favourites from our team.

Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Salman Rushdie
Recommended by Ronald
"Although known for his more controversial writings, Salmon Rushdie proves he can write an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable children's story that readers of any level can appreciate."

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The Power of One, Bryce Courtenay
Recommended by Suzanne
"Everyone has seen the movie, but you can't fully appreciate this story until you read the book. It is funny, painful, uplifting, and heartbreaking..." [Read More]

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Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig
Recommended by Suzanne
"This philosophical mind-bender disguised in the form of a story requires at least twice as much time to think as to read..." [Read More]

ALSO SEARCH FOR: Other Titles by Robert Pirsig | Philosophy - General

Harvey Penick's Little Red Book, Harvey Penick w/ Bud Shrake
Recommended by Marci
"Since discovering golf I have also discovered some great books on the subject. My favorite so far is Harvey Penick's Little Red Book..." [Read More].

ALSO SEARCH FOR: Other Titles by Harvey Penick | Golf Improvement | Golf - Collectible

Franny & Zooey, J.D. Salinger
Recommended by Beth
"Franny and Zooey is beautifully and eloquently written, with dialogue more authentic than is often found in writing..." [Read More]

ALSO SEARCH FOR: J.D. Salinger 1st Editions | J.D. Salinger Signed | Catcher in the Rye | All Titles by J.D. Salinger

About a Boy, Nick Hornby
Recommended by Boris
"I read [About a Boy] in under a day on the beach in Mexico in March this year and it is simply charming, funny and a good story!"

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The Marriages Between Zones Three, Four and Five, Doris Lessing
Recommended by Doug
"For me, the book is about the dynamic tension between our polar opposites, as individuals and as societies..." [Read More]

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The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some Are So Rich and Some So Poor, David Landes
Recommended by Udo
"One of the most entertaining books on world history I ever read. Landes does not shy away from contravening current notions of political correctness and is never short of a good anecdote."

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Louis Armstrong: An Extravagant Life, Laurence Bergreen
Recommended by Udo
"This book is not only for dedicated Jazz buffs but for everyone who is interested in the cultural history of Jazz. Very readable."

ALSO SEARCH FOR: Other Titles by Laurence Bergreen | More Jazz Books | Other Titles on Louis Armstrong

Doomsday Book, Connie Willis
Recommended by Monica
"The Doomsday Book is an interesting, well written and sad tale. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in history or science fiction..." [Read More]

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Foucault's Pendulum, Umberto Eco
Recommended by Oliver
"This book depicts a mysterious story founded on the desks, or rather, computer, of a few associates in a small publishing firm..." [Read More]

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Where the Evil Dwells and Enchanted Pilgrimage, Clifford D. Simak
Recommended by Angie
"What I exceptionally love about the two recommended titles is the visionary mixture of science fiction elements like robots or parallel dimensions..." [Read More]

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Cachalot, Alan Dean Foster
Recommended by Angie
"Foster is quite famous for his Alien novels which were the template for the movies with the same name - but his other novels are wonderful, too. My all time favourite is Cachalot..." [Read More]

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Capitalism and Freedom, Milton Friedman
Recommended by Derek
"This book is likely the best published argument for capitalism, and is essential reading for any fan of economics or social policy..." [Read More]

ALSO SEARCH FOR: Other Titles by Milton Friedman | Capitalism | Economics

Jingo, Terry Pratchett
Recommended by Matthew
"If you enjoy the works of Douglas Adams, and you enjoy a good chuckle, then this is the book for you..." [Read More]

ALSO SEARCH FOR: Terry Pratchett 1st Editions | Terry Pratchett Signed | All Titles by Terry Pratchett

84 Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff
Recommended by Kathleen
"The author builds not only her book collection, but also friendships, in this touching and humourous true story of her 20 year correspondence with a London bookseller. What starts out as a transatlantic book order turns into much more."

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Not Wanted on the Voyage, Timothy Findley
Recommended by Hillary
"God is dead, Noah is a tyrant, sheep sing hymns, and the Devil is a 7-foot-tall drag queen. This post-modern retelling of the Biblical tale is horrific and funny and an unforgettable reading experience written by one of Canada's most honoured authors."

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Love is the Killer App, Tim Sanders
Recommended by David
"I am not one to pick up books on Business... But, I attended a presentation by Tim Sanders recently and was blown away by some of his ideas..." [Read More]

ALSO SEARCH FOR: Other Titles by Tim Sanders | Internet Marketing | Business Strategies

The Folk of the Faraway Tree, Enid Blyton
Recommended by Sarah
"My mother read these books to my sister and I when we were children, and we loved them. I admit that when I miss my family, I still pull them out and read them..." [Read More]

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The Curious Sofa, Edward Gorey
Recommended by Michael
"As always Edward Gorey's distinctive illustration style makes this short story a treat to read. In the book Alice meets a man with whom she takes a taxi ride and subsequently does something she's never done before. Sly and suggestive, this book was a delight."

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Red China Blues, Jan Wong
Recommended by Denise
"The author, an idealistic 20-year old goes to Maoist China in the 70s and stays till the 90s, becoming a foreign correspondent for the Globe and Mail and witnessing the Tiananmen Massacre, among other things."

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