Misery by Stephen King (1987)
On my first tour at 23, I bought Misery for one of countless flights. I found myself onstage thinking, occasionally, "This is an enjoyable and exciting experience, but I can't wait to get back to the hotel to read the next chapter." The film doesn't do justice to the original suspense (悬念) of King's novel. It made me a reader for life.
The Day After Tomorrow by Allan Folsom (2008)
All of Folsom's novels are worth your time, but his first, which is totally unrelated to the movie of the same name, is the most entertaining work of fiction I know. You're attracted from the first chapter, taken on a ride of action and passion right to the last jaw-dropping sentence.
As a Man Thinketh by James Allen (1903)
I've gifted this to countless friends. A century before Rhonda Byrne's The Secret came this brilliant exposition of how thoughts influence quality of life. It's a life-changing 64 pages. I always keep it in my bag when I travel and on my nightstand at home. I consider it my Bible (圣经).
America's Reluctant Prince by Steven Gillon (2019)
This bio (自传), written by a longtime friend of John F. Kennedy Jr., was a great companion during my tour in 2019. As someone with thorough knowledge of and deep affection for his subject, Gillon skillfully walks the line between exposure and respect.
