Best-selling author Dean Koontz is famous for his science fiction, horror and fantasy writing, but in Bliss to You: Trixie's Guide to a Happy Life, he defers to his beloved, deceased dog Trixie by serving as editor of her advice on how to lead a happy life.
Deceased? Why, yes! According to Koontz, Trixie, a golden retriever originally trained by Canine Companions to assist persons with disabilities, had her career cut short because of elbow surgery. Forced into early retirement, she then came to live with Koontz and his wife Gerda where, after a number of happy years, she passed away shortly before her twelfth birthday.

Nonetheless, in life she had already made her mark as an author in her own right with her witty contributions to Koontz's web site, and after her demise she began posting messages and musings she labeled TOTOS--Trixie On The Other Side--to Koontz's computer.
Each night, Koontz would shut down the machine only to find it switched on again in the morning. And there, displayed on the screen, was Trixie's latest chapter. In eight chapters, she expands on necessities for bliss: Calm, Beauty, Fun, Wisdom, Meaning, Others, Humility, Loss and Gratitude.

Sensible of life's brevity and the need for simplicity, Trixie keeps her own counsel and writes in a style sometimes referred to as pidgin: economical, easy to understand, and very much to the point. For example, "To see beauty of world, must really, really, really look. Not look through. Not look at. Must look into." And, "Beauty helps calm you. Bad day at work, you almost assaulted fellow worker with stapler. Spend evening in garden, star-gazing, cuddling puppy, will lose homicidal urge." Or, "Calm is first step on road to bliss. Mustn't be angry, not even if have reason to be angry. Cannot be angry even at crazy Aunt Edna when she knits paw booties and berets with ear holes, makes you wear them when she visits."

January is a time when many resolve to improve themselves and their existence in the New Year. Bliss To You is a good place to begin for those wanting some competent guidance, even if, as Trixie herself candidly acknowledges, she does make cats the butt of occasional jokes.

Bragg writes poetically, a heart-wrenching autobiography of his growing up, dirt poor, in Alabama. Through his concise, descriptive words, the reader percieves a vivid picture of the events.

This authors life was unbelievable and this made this an incredible story. I would equal it to Angela's Ashes

If you are growing concerned about "green" living and earth's dwindling resources, "Farewell, my Subaru" by Doug Fine needs to be on your reading list. Fine grew up in the New York suburbs, graduated from Stanford University and travelled the world reporting for NPR, newspapers, and various magazines. Now in his late 30s, he purchased a ranch in remote New Mexico and set out to become independent from oil without losing his accustomed comforts like motorized transportation, hot showers, cold drinks, and the Internet. Not being given mechanical or technical skills, Fine shows in this biography that anybody can take the step towards solar-powered energy, alternative fuel driving, and growing one's own food. Fine does not leave out his set backs and doubts, but recounts them in an infectious and entertaining way that makes you want to move to the country, order some solar panels, and start driving on fast food waste grease. Judging by Doug Fine's blog and numerous public appearances following "Farewell, my Subaru," the move to his ranch and sustainable living is still proving successful.

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at a fine restaurant? If you love reading about food, dig into this book and savor every bite. Bill Buford, a writer for The New Yorker, was curious about whether he could take his basic kitchen skills and refine them enough to work in a high-profile restaurant. What began as an idea for a magazine article turned into an obsession for Buford as he apprenticed with superstar Italian chef Mario Batali at Babbo, his flagship eatery in New York City. Buford takes the reader into the kitchen with him as he starts at the bottom doing rote, mind-numbing and exhausting prep work and works his way up to preparing complicated entrees, all under the watchful eye of Batali's minions. The book really shines when Batali himself is in the kitchen -- fans of his will devour every detail of his quirkiness as a cook and a restaurant owner. Buford fills the book with juicy morsels about Batali that can't be learned from watching him cook on television. Buford becomes so enthralled with Batali and his background that he travels to Italy to visit many of the spots where the chef honed his Italian culinary skills. Even if you hate to cook, you won't be able to put this book down.

At this time of year, the god Janus reminds us to take a look both backward and forward as we reflect on our accomplishments and make plans for our future. “Life Is So Good” might be just the book to help you start this process. Mr. Dawson’s memoirs offer us a slice of life from a different perspective and time period. George Dawson, the grandson of slaves, was a black man born in rural Texas in 1898. He started working at an early age to help support his younger siblings. Consequently, he was never able to attend school. George learned social survival skills, did manual labor, endured racial discrimination, raised seven children, and outlived four wives. At the age of 98 he entered an adult education program and learned to read. More than 100 years of experience allowed George to determine what is really important in life. From his long-range view Mr. Dawson teaches us about self-reliance, honor, hard work and perseverance. His instruction is not unlike that of Zen teachers: Face life as it is. Let go of desire. Don’t regret things that you cannot have. Enjoy the good things in your life. Do your best. Don’t hold a grudge. Keep a positive outlook. We are fortunate that Richard Glaubman has helped record this legacy of wisdom.