Books for dads and grads

"Wisdom of Our Fathers" by Tim Russert. When Russert published "Big Russ and Me," a memoir of his relationship with his father, he was overwhelmed by the response. This new book is a collection of some of the 60,000 letters he received from readers about their relationships with their own fathers. Throughout, he interjects his experiences and recalls conversations with well-known figures about their fathers, as well. But this is mainly a memoir of the everyman, their lessons to their children, and the memories that will live on forever.

"Telegraph Days" by Larry McMurtry. When Nellie Courtright and her brother Jackson went west, they never dreamed of the life they would find. When new Sheriff Jackson takes out a gang of outlaws, Nellie broadcasts his exploits over the telegraph wires. A budding career as a journalist ensues as Nellie and Jackson become witness to the last days of the frontier. McMurtry is at his best when he explores the myth of the West, and with characters such as the Earps and Buffalo Bill, he certainly succeeds here.

"Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball's Last Hero" by David Maraniss. In the days of steroids and obnoxious millionaires, how refreshing it is to read about one of the genuine good guys of sports. Roberto Clemente was the first Latin American baseball star. His prowess on the field still stands as one of the best ever. Yet it was his humbleness and humanity off the field that created his enduring legacy. His tragic death at the height of his career only furthers this image. Maraniss is a terrific biographer and this is a must read.

"Uncommon Valor: Iwo Jima and the Photograph that Captured America" by Hal Buell. It is one of the most powerful and enduring images of modern history. The photograph of the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima came to symbolize the bravery and determination of America to achieve victory in WWII. This is the story of the famous battle told in words, photographs and even a DVD.

"Rules for Old Men Waiting" by Peter Pouncey. One of my favorite novels of the last few years is finally out in paperback. Robert MacIver, an 80-something retired historian, is living out his last days. He decides that he needs order in his life so he establishes a "Ten Commandments for Old Men Waiting." Number 7 is to work every morning, so he decides to write a story from its beginning to end. It is "No Man's Land," a tale of three British soldiers in the trenches of WWI, that is crafted before our eyes. Both this story and Robert's are beautifully told, moving, and compassionate.

"Uncommon Carriers" by John McPhee. The latest book by this amazing writer is as good as his others. McPhee has a unique talent for making any subject interesting with his insight and perspective. "Uncommon Carriers" is his look at transportation. What boy hasn't dreamed of driving a big rig or captaining a barge? McPhee writes about real people in the very real world. His eye for idiosyncratic detail makes this another winner.

"You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When it Monsoons" by Mo Willems. As a new college graduate, the award-winning author and illustrator embarked on a yearlong trip around the world. With only one change of clothing, a notebook and a pen, he backpacked through 28 countries. At the end of each day he would draw a funny or touching event that had particularly struck him that day. This book is his unique journal of that trip. It is a coming-of-age story set in an exotic and sometimes confusing world.

"The New Yorker Book of Cartoon Puzzles and Games" by Will Shortz and Puzzability. Oh what fun this is for puzzle lovers! This is a wonderfully quirky collection of mind-bending puzzles based on the cartoons from The New Yorker magazine. There are crosswords, acrostics and brainteasers galore that tickle the funny bone while sharpening the mind.

"Bart Simpson's Guide to Life" by Matt Groening. There are role models and then there's Bart Simpson. His "Guide to Life" is something the new graduate might actually read. This is an etiquette manual and self-help book written with all the wit and irreverence of one of the most popular comedy shows ever. Any fan knows, that for all its satire, "The Simpsons" is one of the smartest shows on TV, and this book sums up its philosophy perfectly.

"Learning to Fly" by Sebastian Meschenmoser. Dr. Seuss' "Oh, The Places You'll Go" has been the standard graduation gift book for years. Well, here is one to take its place. "Learning to Fly" is the story of a penguin who flies until he is constantly told that penguins can't and crashes. But he is determined and, with a little help, succeeds again. This is a metaphor for seeking one's dreams and believing in oneself, and for parents, learning to let go. This little book is really wonderful.

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Compiled by manager Alison Jones-Pomatto at The Book Seller, 107 Mill Street, Grass Valley, 272-2131. Hours are Mon. through Fri. 9:30 a.m. Š 7 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. Š 5:30 p.m., and 11 a.m. Š 4 p.m. Sunday.