Work-related travel finds me spending inordinate amounts of time on trains, planes and in hotels.

Reading has become the exercise I use to fill the time and occupy my brain while I wait for the next train or simply find myself stranded because of a cancelled or delayed flight.

I tend to travel with several books because one never knows what mood will strike and variety provides not only options, but also, control.

I am currently reading three books –

When I Stop Talking, You’ll Know I’m Dead – Useful Stories From A Persuasive Man

Jerry Weintraub is an authentic self-made American icon.

The book shares stories and anecdotes from his life and career which has intersected with – to name a few – Elvis and Colonel Tom Parker, Sinatra, US Presidents, George Clooney and Hollywood.

From producing Led Zeppelin concerts to films – The Karate Kid (1984 & 2010) to Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen, Weintraub shares insights and points-of-view that are enlightening and entertaining.

“…you need more than material things. I mean, yes, the material can be nice. I like having what I have, but I know none of it is mine, that we are renters on earth…life will never satisfy if it is experienced only as the rise and fall of commerce. You need to see yourself as part of something larger that never dies.”

Vintage Hughes (A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories by Langston Hughes)

Langston Hughes a renaissance man is another American icon.

An activist, poet, novelist, playwright who came to prominence during the Harlem Renaissance period, Vintage Hughes includes some of Hughes’ most poignant work.

His work captures the rhythm of African-American community – a rhythm that is prevalent and optimistic driving us all forward.

Advice by Langston Hughes

Folks, I’m telling you,
birthing is hard
and dying is mean –
so get yourself
a little loving
in between

Bitch is The New Black

I heard the author, Helena Andrews, being interviewed on the radio recently.

I grimaced, laughed out loud and pondered much of what was being said.

Admittedly, I just got this book, so can only share initial thoughts and impressions from the interview.

Bitch is The New Black is an autobiographical sketch of her life, experiences, both personally and professionally.

I have to say that I was so engrossed in this book that I almost missed my (delayed) flight as I sat reading it at the gate area.

“This scathingly witty author examines a wide variety of topics that, beneath the jokes and sarcasm, address weighty issues (depression, aging, abortion) with wry astuteness…An irreverent, savvy and sharp memoir.“

-Kirkus Reviews