Leopard's Book Shelf

From time to time, folks ask the Leopard what he's reading. Unfortunately, the answer is somewhat complicated, because I usually have several books going simultaneously. The Leopard's reading habits are somewhat idiosyncratic:  I tend to read one book for a while in spurts, then switch to another sometimes several times a day. Often the subjects can be fairly diverse, as I have many interests. But they tend to be centered around the arts.  Were I forced to make a choice of what kind of books I read the most under torture (say, someone pulling nose hairs out one at a time with a pair of tweezers), it would be probably be biography, because I am most fascinated by what makes a person become what he or she becomes.

Here's a list of some of the books I'm reading at the moment. We'll add more books to the shelf as they become available.

1. Skim by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki A beautifully drawn graphic novel about two teenage girls in high school in a very special friendship.

2. Introducing Kafka by David Zane Mairowitz; Illustrated by Robert Crumb A beginner's guide to Kafka, magnificently illustrated by Crumb.

3. Bicycle Diaries by David ByrneA fascinating travelogue around the world on a two-wheeler by the former Talking Head.

4. It's About That Time by Richard Cook One of the many books I've read on Miles Davis, this one is notable for an LP by LP assessment of every significant ( by the author's estimation) record Miles ever made.

5. No One Belongs Here More Than You by Miranda July

A collection of short stories so original that I'm re-reading them. A Wonderful quirky style. By the brilliant filmmaker/performance artist/writer/actress.

6.  Thelonious Monk  by Robert D.G. Kelley The definitive biography about the genius musician composer Monk.

7.  The Talented Miss Highsmith by Joan Schenkar Entertaining and superbly written, Schenkar's biography of the novelist responsible for Two Strangers On A Train, The Talented Mr. Ripley and many other stories is remarkably candid.