Eclectic List = 16 down, 84 to go

I have these four books that I should blogging about, but with the amount of time it's taking me to finish each entry, I decided it was time for a clean slate. I finished these books in November, so now as 2010 quickly approaches and I'd like to spend my days off reading instead of blogging, I'm taking the easy way out (hopefully, just this one time), and just listing the books minus the editorial.

Short Story
The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing
Melissa Bank
304 pages

Classic
Dracula
Bram Stoker
236 pages

Autobiography/biography
Mornings on Horseback
David McCullough
370 pages

Just for the hell of it
The Apocalypse Stone
Pete Earley
384 pages

How Starbucks Saved My Life = 2 down, 98 to go

Autobiography/biography
How Starbucks Saved My Life
Michael Gates Gill
272 pages

This book was an interesting dichotomy between past ego and a new-found humility. Michael Gates Gill was let go from his position as a high-powered executive at J. Walter Thompson, an international advertising agency. After failing to get his own consulting business off the ground, he was hanging out at a New York City Starbucks when a 28-year-old store manager offered him a job. He said yes.

This book is his journey at Starbucks and the shift in his consciousness and understanding of what is most important. This passage came from his team of Starbucks Partners when he was leaving the store at 93rd and Broadway to transfer to one in Bronxville.

To Mike,

For all the times you have stood by us, we thank you for showing us what legendary service truly means, we applaud you. You have taught us never to give up our dreams. That one day they come true. This is our prayer for you.

Dear Lord please give him,

• A few friends who understand him and remain his friends
• A work to do which has real value, without which the world would be poorer
• A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail be rough
  
• An understanding heart
• A sense of humor
• Time for quiet, silent meditation
• A feeling of the presence of God, the patience to wait for the coming of these things, with the wisdom to recognize them when they come

May God continue to guide you, Mike. We love you.

From all of your Partners at 93rd & Broadway