NIGHT TABLE READING

VANITIES

Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1865-1869, by Stephen Ambrose (Simon & Schuster). "Ambrose's book sparked an aviation thought: we have to harness that same pioneering vision to support our nation's growing demand for air travel. A progressive vision prevailed then; a progressive vision should prevail now."

Ancient Futures: Learning from Ladakh, by Helena Norberg-Hodge. (Sierra Club Books). "As moving as it is eye-opening. You will never look at the world in the same way again."

How to Know God: The Soul's Journey into the Mystery of Mysteries, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony). "It discusses God in a biblical and logical context, sort of 'how He thinks.' God has given human beings the power of choice, and we can radically change our lives from good to bad or bad to good at a moment's notice. That's the way God shows his love."

Shopgirl: A Novella, by Steve Martin (Hyperion). "Steve Martin's observations are beautifully detailed in this novella that takes you on a private tour of an unfulfilled relationship between a shopgirl and the wealthy businessman who desires her. The shopgirl ultimately survives their breakup, but as I read it, I constantly wonder about men and what it is they're after."