President Obama's Vacation Reading List

President Obama has taken his summer vacation to Martha's Vineyard.  Along with him, he brought 5 books for his 9 day attempt at relaxation.  It's irritating to me that he would be criticized for vacationing during a tough economy.....come on....in my opinion.......President Obama has taken on the presidency in one of the most trying times since the Great Depression (I don't care if you agree with his policy or not, any decision made during this time is a difficult one especially since he's under even more scrutiny because of these dire times.  Barack Obama is not only the president, but he is a father and a husband......what did I say the other day about the 40 hour work week.....this man doesn't even know what that is......he's on call 24/7 and has a very difficult job to do.....if he doesn't deserve a vacation.....then I don't know who does.  But.....I digress....

Back to the reading list... 

• Mystery: The Bayou Trilogy by Daniel Woodrell
• Novel: Rodin's Debutante by Ward Just
• Novel: Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
• Novel: To the End of the Land by David Grossman
• Non-Fiction: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson

Who are we to criticize that these titles are not the typical American President biographies that you hear of.  I say hey......sometimes a vacation is a vacation and you need to take a break from the real world.  There is a caveat here....some are saying these titles are a little dark for a vacation read.   Although most are non-fiction novels, they are chuck full of "real world" journey's that the reader can connect with......President Obama can relate to other fellow Americans.....I say he should be commended for his reading strategy......because when looking at the descriptions of these titles......it's apparent that there is a "stay connected" strategy or a willingness not to forget struggles that he or those that he leads go through.  Where is the applause for the "CEO" trying to walk in someone else's shoes and understand the struggles of those he serves.

So.....as you choose your next read......think about walking in someone else's shoes and how that can affect the way you relate to others and how feeling compassion for others can make you a better person.  Ciao for now. Who 2Be 2Day 2Change 2Morrow.