Tuesday, January 13, 2009

What Are You Reading?

In college, my dream job was to own an antiquarian bookstore. The closest I came to fulfilling my bookstore dream was after my daughter was born. I decided not to return to my full time position so I could spend time with her. In an attempt to earn some spending money, I signed up for an eBay seller’s account. I began to attend local auctions and public sales and kept my eye out for books. I would buy books on local history, Pennsylvania German studies, religion, the military (particularly WWII), and of course children’s books.

The downside of my eBay endeavor was that I ended up wanting to keep the books rather than sell them. I made a few great deals. I found a small pamphlet on the history of a military base on Guam. I sold it to a man who was writing a book and he was thrilled to acquire it. I bought a box lot at an auction and inside was a personal narrative from WWII. I found a rare book on Pennsylvania German Samplers at an auction and paid only ten dollars. Once I bought a book on architecture at a second hand store and discovered it was worth over one hundred dollars. When my daughter started school, I gave up my eBay account and went back to work.

Despite my love for books, I realize that I do not have enough books on the martial arts. One of my martial arts resolutions for 2009 is to read more. Since the New Year, I started the habit of having a book with me at all times. I am hoping to get some great book recommendations. So…

What are you reading?

Do you have a favorite martial arts author?

What is your favorite martial arts book?

11 comments:

Slop -n- Goulash: Dinner of Champions! said...

I liked "Living the Martial Way" by Forrest Morgan I think his name was. Very inspiring. I liked the autobiography of Gichin Funakoshi called "Karate-Do: My Way of Life" Any biography of someone who studies M.A. is good in my opinion. Read more than one of Chuck Norris's books too. Bruce Lee's stuff was all technique - not as much his experiences. Liked his life story written by his wife and the corresponding movie.

Michele said...

MAM: Thank you for the suggestions. I added them to my list.

Anonymous said...

I am not reading any martial arts books, but I am reading a book about meditation. "Wherever you go, you are there" Pretty cool book. It was a homework assignment from my meditation class. In class, we ate a raisin. It took 15 minutes to eat ONE raisin. You really need to be in the moment in life to appreciate everything. Can't also think about what's next. Or things about the past. The present is all you got - this is the best it's gonna get. Right Now!

Perpetual Beginner said...

I'm reading The Way of Kata Kane & Wilder (I think, I'm not looking at the book this second). I'm really liking it. It covers a lot of not only bunkai for a given kata (Gojo-ryu), but also principles for finding bunkai in other katas.

I'm probably going to pick up their other book, The Way of Sanchin, since I'm currently working on Sanchin.

Michele said...

Anonymous: You are so right.

PB: Thanks. You are the second person to recommend the books by Kane and Wilder. A black belt from the dojo brought them in last week to show me. Their books are definitely on my wish list.

Anonymous said...

Takuan Soho's The Unfettered Mind will blend into an antiquarian library quite well.

I'll also advocate for Pema Chodron's writings and Erle Montaigue's Death Point Striking.

Finally, the Warrior Diet makes a compelling case for eating one big fat meal every day, just before bed.

John Vesia said...

Anything by Dave Lowry or Donn Draeger.

It's funny, I've also just started The Way of Kata. Pretty good.

Michele said...

Thanks for all the terrific suggestions!

Mark Cook said...

"Mystics and Zen Masters" by Thomas Merton

I found the comparison of western and eastern monastic tradions interesting. Thats not to say anyone else will. :)

Michele said...

Oldman: Thank you for your suggestion and for visiting my blog.

Mark Cook said...

You are most welcome.