Tom Smothers

Tom Smothers and his brother Dick, who are celebrating their 44th year performing as a musical-comedy team, are to be roasted this week at the New York Friars Club.

Sophie’s Choice by William Styron (Vintage, $15). This book is impressive largely because of its staying power. Months after I read it, I was still affected by the subject matter. Beautifully written and disturbing.

Golf in the Kingdom by Michael Murphy (Penguin, $14). A story with a touch of mystical realism. This book is special because it accurately captures the fantasies of the players. Definitely a golf-cult book. Also, great rereading value.

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John Adams by David McCullough (Simon & Schuster, $19). I don’t recall hearing much about John Adams when I was growing up, and I feel like he was given a bit of the shaft in history. This book made me change the way I view the heroes of America’s beginning. I was truly stunned with the man that John Adams was.

Be Here Now by Ram Dass (Crown, $11). A book of inspirations written in Ram Dass’ own straightforward and simple way. When I flipped through this book, wherever I stopped I found something relevant. It’s full of observations you can take to heart.

Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis (Vintage, $14). This is another book that really shows the human side of our founding fathers. Ellis lets you see the real men and real arguments behind the historical facts.

Stupid White Men