READING L.A.

Suzanne Gilreath, executive’s assistant-writer:

“Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year,” by Anne Lamott (Fawcett).

“You never expect to be a grown-up, and when that happens, everything changes. Lamott found herself pregnant and alone and didn’t know how she’d pay her bills. What’s so great about her story is its humor. You have to trust in what you do, she says, and it’ll all work out.”

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Carlene Brown, teacher:

“Education on the Edge of Possibility,” by Geoffrey and Renate Caine (ASCD).

“Given the chaos in our society and in our schools, the Caines show that there are also tremendous possibilities ahead of us. As things break apart, we have an opportunity to change the way we think about our children and their education.”

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Michael Ochs, photo archivist:

“The Famished Road,” by Ben Okri (Anchor).

“This is the densest and best use of the English language I’ve read in years, and the premise--the story of an underprivileged Nigerian family told from the point of view of a child--is great too.”

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Kenneth G. Jo, financial consultant:

“Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist,” by Roger Lowenstein (Doubleday).

“This book gives an insightful look into a great investor. Buffet’s record speaks for itself, and this portrait shows that it takes research, discipline and, most important, patience.”