My Own Book Club

I like to read to gain knowledge and insite into topics such as the environment, changes in real estate, design, new gadgets and technology, green living, and Feng Shui.  I thought I'd share with you the books I've enjoyed recently and highly recommend.

Green Living

Clean Energy Common Sense:  An American Call to Action on Global Climate Change  by Frances Beinecke with Bob Deans.  Quoted from the Foreward by Robert Redford, "There are people of good will who hear claims on both sides of the climate change debate and aren't sure what to believe.  If that feels familiar, this book is for you. There are those who want what's best for future generations, for our environment, and for our country, yet worry that our politicians might not get this right. If you're nodding your head, this book is for you.  And there are people who care deeply about our common future and just don't see climate change as a priority.  If that resonates, this book is for you too.  Perhaps especially for you."

A Buddhist Response to The Climate Emergency   edited by John Stanley, David R. Loy and Gyurme Dorje.  A collective response to a matter of utmost urgency.

Our Choice:  A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis by Al Gore  The book brings together the most effective solutions that are available now and will solve the climate crisis, depoliticizing the issue as much as possible and inspiring readers to take action--as individuals and as a collective whole.

Hot, Flat and Crowded:  Why We Need a Green Revolution-and How It Can Renew America by Thomas L. Friedman. This book deals with America's problem of having lost its way, partly because of 9/11 and partly due to bad habits built up over the last 30 years.  Combined with the world's problem of global warming & rapid population, the planet is becoming dangerously unstable.

It's Easy Being Green:  A Handbook for Earth Friendly Living by Crissy Trask. We rely on this book heavily here in our office.  This book offers tips on energy conservation, water consumption, advice for greener buying habits, earth-friendly products, and cultivation a sustainable environment.

Green Living and Construction

Compact Houses by Cristina del Valle. This book boasts gorgeous pictures of architecture that is small in size and responsible, maximizing use of the smallest possible footprint in order to protect the environment.

The Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka. Published in 1998, this ground-breaking book sends a simple message: quality before quantity, empasizing comfort, beauty, and a high level of details, but without sacrificing the environment and resources.

Creating the Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka.  Sarah also wrote the best-selling The Not So Big House which changed the way people think about the American Home.  This new book focuses on dey design strategies, taking an up-close look at 25 houses from all over North America from a variety styles, from New York apartments to farms to adobes.  These homes, both remodeled and newly constructed, provide inspiration to create your own Not So Big House.

Good Green Homes:  Creating Better Homes for a Healthier Planet by Jennifer Roberts.   This book offers a guid to creating better homes that are healthier to live in, easier on the environment, more valuable over the long-term, and more delightful to come home to.

The Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture by Alanna Stang & Christopher Hawthorne. The authors focus on a new emergence of architechure-one that is aesthetically compelling as it is environmentally friendly. The book features more than 25 residences that provide amazing spaces to live from around the world.

Design

Landscape as Spirit:  Creating a Contemplative Garden by Martin Hakubai Mosko, Asla and Alxe Noden.  This book is a resource for those who want to create a contemplative garden or to better understand what it is to follow a contemplative path.  Landscape architects, designers, garden lovers, and anyone interested in East & West cultural gardens will gain inspiration to create anything from a small courtyard to a country estate, in any environment.

Feng Shui:  Dos & Taboos  by Angi Ma Wong.  This small book packs a big punch with more than 400 tips for improving your career, relationships, health and prosperity.  Using Feng Shui design can create harmony and peace in your home or garden.

Feng Shui:  Harmony by Design.  How to Create a Beautiful and Harmonious Home by Nancy SantoPietro.  This book offers a source for understanding Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of interior design and object placement, promoting health, wealth, opportunities and prosperity.