Libros

Touching From a Distance. A painstaking biography of the late Ian Curtis of Joy Division. Ian Curtis spearheaded the post-punk movement, introducing new wave to the Manchester scene in 76'. Performing was his all-consuming passion which eventually lead to his self destruction. Ian Curtis committed suicide before his first U.S. tour in 1980, leaving his wife and daughter of one year behind. This was insight into the lifestyle of how it is to live fast and die young. He struggled with the duality that is family life and the success of being a performer. One of my favorites indeed.


http://www.amazon.com/Touching-Distance-Ian-Curtis-Division/dp/0571239560


The Omnivore's Dilemma. A friend who is completing her dissertation on nutrition's involvement in mass media, recommended this book. It's a cursory glance of our unhealthy relationship with food and the rational consumers use. The author examines both macro and micro factors that involve our food production system. Categorically, as consumers we participate in either industrial, large-scale organic, local, and personal (hunted-gathered) food chains. Upon reading this book, I don't feel as powerless as before and to take it one step further, I do recommend watching FOOD INC. You'll be surprised of what kind of relationship you have with food.


http://www.amazon.com/Omnivores-Dilemma-Natural-History-Meals/dp/1594200823


Unaccustomed Earth. I found this book through The New Yorker. It's from the same author of The Namesake, which was adapted into a feature film in 2006. This book is a series of short stories by transplant families from India. There were many difficulties facing the new generation, most importantly integrating strong cultural values with their own distinctiveness. A shift in cultural values occurred, family unity became less important as education and personal success took lead. Most of the narrators in the book experienced isolation and a profound loneliness before finally acclimating. This book's great, it's an easy read and has strong narratives.

http://www.amazon.com/Unaccustomed-Earth-Jhumpa-Lahiri/dp/0676979343