Roth's gorgeous and simple account of his father's last days is, in the end, an account of the profound beauty of our own imperfect lives and relationships. Every reader sees those he loves?and himself?through the gift of Roth's exquisite eye.

I read this book for the first time in college and it changed my life. Cultural anthropologist Becker argues that much of human motivation, psychology, and culture is shaped by man's inescapable and ever-present fear of death. The writing is as powerful as the ideas.

The finest CD from perhaps the most underappreciated pop/rock band in decades. Lyrical, melodic, inventive, philosophical, and always catchy, "Skylarking" is a masterpiece of a composition flawlessly performed. Excluding Beatles albums, this is my true desert island disc.