We love reading.  All kinds of books.  Talking about taking our kids to this year’s National Book Festival at the Library of Congress got us thinking about authors we know.  We realized that we’re lucky to count several book authors among our family and close friends.  Maybe that’s why we like reading so much!

In their honor, as a virtual addition to the National Book Festival, here’s a shortlist of books written by our family and friends for you to consider adding to your reading list.  And yes, we’ve read and recommend all of them!

fiction

• The Cottoncrest Curse, by Michael H. Rubin: a legal thriller and historical fiction epic set in Louisiana’s bayou country (release date Sept. 10, and available for pre-order now)
• The Shifter’s Tale, by Adam Alexander: a sci-fi young adult action/adventure novel set in Chicago
• The End as I Know It: a Novel of Millenial Anxiety, by Kevin Shay: a wry look at the political hysteria surrounding Y2K through the story of a 25yo children’s singer and puppeteer who is convinced he alone realizes the true danger of Y2K and how to stop it

nonfiction

• Fearless Feeding from High Chair to High School, by Maryann Jacobsen & Jill Castle: for all things feeding, nutrition, and eating for kids of all ages. Combines summaries and explanations of the most up-to-date research with super easy-to-follow tips and charts.
• How to Feel Manly in a Minivan, by Craig Boreth: a tongue-in-cheek guide to new fatherhood for any man apprehensive about the changes a baby will wreak in his life
• How to Iron Your Own Damn Shirt: The Perfect Husband Handbook Featuring Over 50 Foolproof Ways to Win, Woo & Wow Your Wife, by Craig Boreth: a tongue-in-check guide for men on how to keep their wives happy and thinking they’re perfect

What books do you recommend?