It’s Election Day…

Despite the divisive political climate of our nation these days, I choose to celebrate with a smile over the simple and awesome right to cast my vote. In that spirit, I’ve collected a few works for my bookshelf that are inspired by my gratitude for my home country, as well as my growing interest in all things creative. Here’s what I’m reading in November:

It Occurs to Me That I Am America edited by Jonathan Santlofer – The editor compiled the works of 50 well-known writers and visual artists for this collection showing “the variety and diversity that is America now.” I’m hopeful this book will be not only a good read in and of itself, but also a catalog of creatives for my further investigation.

Abstract City by Christoph Niemann – Since my last bookshelf entry in which I mentioned Neimann, I read his book Sunday Sketching. I loved it–I didn’t put it down from start to finish–and it looks to me like Abstract City features similar visual playfulness and clever writing. On the cover? One of America’s iconic structures–the Chrysler Building in New York City–being used as a pencil.

Tree of Codes by Jonathan Safran Foer – His book Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is one of my all-time favorites. For me, it captures the deep and personal pain caused by the events of 9-11 in a way that completely touches and wrings my heart. Not only that, the book is an experience, complete with quirky photos that parallel the story. Once again, Safran Foer makes Tree of Codes an experience, this time in a more tactile sense since each page appears like a censored letter. It reminds me of Newspaper Blackout, which I read earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed.

Exercise your rights. Cast your vote. Join me in appreciating our colorful and creative homeland and the contributions of our fellow citizens!