Ian Somerhalder Foundation Book Club discussion

Hey all you amazing readers. We know all you ISF family members are some of the most talented, driven, and involved people on the planet. So we need your help. We love Kim F and her book but we need suggestions for upcoming books. So basically any books that you love that would be appropriate please leave a comment with the book title and author name.

Please remember the spirit of ISF when suggesting these books they need to be appropriate. So no foul language, not violent, no blantant sexual conten, etc. Also it would be great if the books in some way followed ISF's mission in some way. Maybe a character in the book works for a humanitarian cause or maybe people are coming together to save the planet. You know what we stand for. so pleease try to keep it relevant.

We know you all are passionate and can't wait to hear your suggestions. So thanks so much all you awesome people.

I haven't read Rob Stewart's new book Save the Humans but he is one of my all time heroes for the planet. With what happened to Captain Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherds, Rob Stewart's documentary Sharkwater's footage was used to show the world what really happened at the incident in Costa Rica. He definitely is 100% ISF passion about saving the planet.

I cannot actually recommend the book as I have not read it yet, but it might be one to check out. The ratings for it seem polarized. But it does seem to fit under the category of "a character in the book works for a humanitarian cause & people are coming together to save the planet." I'm sure he'd love to meet up & talk with ISF if approached. He's about the same age as Ian. Just finished his 2nd documentary and is all about social media to help connect the environmental groups around the world to come together, including the reliance on kids to help brainstorm the answers.

for me, a great book is "The Horse Whisperer" by Nicholas Evans, the theme in this book, the torment experienced by the characters. (human and animal) the gentleness and understanding of Boocker Tom, it condanne not, he's trying to understand and restore confidence, it is not a person who wants to prove he is stronger, superior, he wants to create sinsère links and be a listening to others (Grace, Pilgrim and Annie)
This exchange between Tom and Pilgrim is based on mutual respect. Man and animal in relationship a conniving, and simple. And this leads Grace in this reconstruction, this relationship. This gives at Grace and Pilgrim a desire to live.

understanding of each other and our environment, allows at each one to find a place without judgment, with the respect of man and animal, and can be designed to harmony, balance . that we all might live better.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett! Fantastic book about the importance of the balance in the ecosystem (among other things)

There are so many fantastic reads out there. I am thinking about futuristic, save the planet, inter-species connections in books like Remnant Population by Elizabeth Moon, The Silver Metal Lover (beautiful take on sentience and life in an environmentally compromised world) and Biting the Sun, both by the brilliant writer, Tanith Lee. Isobell Carmody's Obernewtyn is a series she began writing over four decades ago, inspired by questions she asked about the world, the environment and about being a misfit. She's a wonderful author and her books are rich and rewarding reads. All these are 'speculative fiction' I realize! lol My favorite! I will think on this some more!

I read Tanith Lee's Unicorn series, they were lovely. I haven't read anything else from her, but she had a great style of writing I remember. Definitely putting The Silver Metal Lover on my to-read list, thanks Kim.

I've read 'The Horse Whisperer', it is a movie as well. The documentary 'Buck' is also a beautiful film following about the philosophy of the real-life "horse whisperer" Buck Brannaman. I highly recommend the film 'Buck' to anyone.

Barnyard wrote: "I read Tanith Lee's Unicorn series, they were lovely. I haven't read anything else from her, but she had a great style of writing I remember.

I've read 'The Horse Whisperer', it is a movie as we..."

Tanith Lee is a hero of mine! The unicorn series is fab; TSML probably her best and most touching work. Really brilliant. The themes in Silver and Biting the Sun are very relevant, though futuristic. (SF/fantasy). Yes, she's influenced me :) Love the Horse Whisperer. Would love to read that again with the group. We could have a thread for films too . . .

Checking out State of Wonder. Love the title!

Prodigal summer by Barbara Kingsolver is actually what I was thinking of but State of Wonder is great! I haven't read horse whisperer but am familiar with the story of Buck Branaman, who inspired the main character in the book. That's a great choice too.

I think a really good book is "Vaalbara - Visions and Shadows" by Michelle Horst. Lovely Raighne, a main character, is based on Ian. It's a book about our earth and how we treat it.
If you want to know more about the book you can read my review here on goodreads or on amazon.com.

Dana wrote: "I think a really good book is "Vaalbara - Visions and Shadows" by Michelle Horst. Lovely Raighne, a main character, is based on Ian. It's a book about our earth and how we treat it.
If you want to ..."

Give us the link, Dana. Just click the add book/author. Oh, I'll do it! Vaalbara: Visions and Shadows

Thank you Kim. I didn't know how to do it ;)

Ian wrote: "Hey all you amazing readers. We know all you ISF family members are some of the most talented, driven, and involved people on the planet. So we need your help. We love Kim F and her book but we n..."

Hey Ian here are two that follow me very good books @johndavisbooks http://tinyurl.com/svpublishing and the next is @devinwrites http://www.devinwrites.com Hope it helps i can keep looking in my follows also

If the suggested book should follow what ISF stands for I would highly recommend Bill McKibben's book called Eaarth.I just ordered it yesterday and it is a must read for everyone who loves our planet!it gives loads of food for thought!

I think that if they branch out and use all types of books the will be able to spread the word of #isf to more people #just a thought

So Petra, that's

and Stacy, which

and which book by Davis?

As far as humanitarian initiatives are concerned, I'd highly recommend The City of Joy, India mon amour and Five Past Midnight in Bhopal: The Epic Story of the World's Deadliest Industrial Disaster all by Dominique Lapierre.

These three books deal about the social job really done by this author in India.

The City of Joy was a very powerful film. I haven't read the book. Great suggestions, Paola.

Kim wrote: "The City of Joy was a very powerful film. I haven't read the book. Great suggestions, Paola."

It's a pleasure! ;)

I'm the kind of person who reads five books at the same time, and one of the ones that I am reading now is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. It was originally written in French, but the translation has such a rich language. It really is a beautiful book. Quite philosophical in a sense as it questions human nature, our stereotypes, class divides etc.

Emily wrote: "I'm the kind of person who reads five books at the same time, and one of the ones that I am reading now is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. It was originally written in French, but t..."

"L'Elegance du Hérisson" "The Elegance of the Hedgehog" I seem to remember that this book speaks of the transition from adolescence to adulthood ?

The Elegance of the Hedgehog Looks great!

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is a great read.

One of the most frustrating things I is having all these great ideas but not being able to create effective change. There are two short, pithy books I have read on this that have helped me change things in my job:

"Who ate my cheese", by John Reynolds and "our Iceberg is Melting" by John Kotter.

You may have read them as they are certainly famous, but the insight into human behaviour and how to create change, and how to stop those who wish to sabotage it, is tremendous. And it will only take you and hour to read either one....

Enjoy!

I was in desperate need of new books to read (having read mine over and over again) and now it seems I have too many options! I'm never happier than with a good book in my hand so I foresee me being very happy : I will definitely give feedback after I'm done with my list. Whew here I go first off Kim's book

Let me know what you think, Paula.

And Kate, I am going to check out those recommendations, thank you!

I am reading 'Rise and Shine: a Spiritual Wake-Up Call for Sleeping Beauties' by spiritual teacher and healer Birkan Tore. He writes from personal experience of his spiritual journey of learning to love himself, and once you do that, you are capable of more wonderful things than you can imagine. He covers our oneness with the Universe and how everything vibrates, what you put out you will get back...so if we put love and light out to everyone and everything we come into contact with, we will recieve back, which in turn creates more light for the planet. There is a wonderful chapter on the deeper meaning of Beauty.... it is such an amazing book and he is a wonderful teacher! A definate reccomendation! :)

"The Art Of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein is a wonderful, touching story told from the point of view of a dog. This book doesn't tell us how to save our planet, but it does tell us what extraordinary creatures dogs are. I can't imagine being a human without having a dog as a dear friend and companion!

Latifa wrote: "I am reading 'Rise and Shine: a Spiritual Wake-Up Call for Sleeping Beauties' by spiritual teacher and healer Birkan Tore. He writes from personal experience of his spiritual journey of learning t..."

Wow, Latifa, your recommendation is inspiring. I'm putting Birkan Tore on my TBR list.

It all begins with self-love. Wonderful!

Maisie wrote: ""The Art Of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein is a wonderful, touching story told from the point of view of a dog. This book doesn't tell us how to save our planet, but it does tell us what extra..."

I'm going to have to read this too! I love it when author's put you in another species perspective!

I love Heather McCorkle's Channeler series; the first book in particular is a great book for this club -
The Secret Of Spruce Knoll

Read Perks of Being a Wallflower. Lovely book.

"White Dog" is a book written by Romain Gary (1970). it tells the story of Balka, a dog found in the street, and that has been trained to attack men. the work of the hero is to help the dog live without hatred and without peure of humans.
I have study it, at the school, the themes of violence, racism, friendship, and sharing are dealt, through, the suffering of a dog,and the struggle of a man.

"L'Arbre de Noêl" is a novel by Michel Bataille published in 1967 (An adaptation was made ​​to the cinema).
This is the story of a child who is infected with a load Atomic,and has only a few months to live, his father wants to give him, an very best Christmas.

New Year's Day special, is FREE on Amazon today!

Hi! "The Art Of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein IS a good book. :-)

Other suggestions:

- "Black Beauty" by Anna Sewell

- "Animal Liberation" by Peter Singer

Hope that helps! :-)

http://bondsofbloodandspirit.com

"The Little Prince" by Saint Exupery

"Earth Then and Now: Amazing Images of Our Changing World" by Fred Pearce.

Earth Then and Now records the dramatic way our planet has changed over the past century. On one page is a specific part of the world as it was 5, 20, 50 or even 100 years ago. On the facing page is the same place as it looks today. Each stark visual comparison tells a compelling story -- a melting glacier, an expanding desert, an encroaching cityscape, a natural disaster.

- I couldn't believe the changes in some of the photographs, they were truly amazing, but also scary.

or you could always read my book that was inspired by ISF, written for ISF and now I'm giving it back to ISF via crowdrise to help raise funds for the Animal Sanctuary? http://www.crowdrise.com/ISFAnimalSan...

It is called An Act of Devotion and here is a brief summary of it for you:
(please note that this book does not contain graphic detail)
An Act of Devotion is the powerful story of a dog called Franklin. He is a happy 3 year old Chocolate Labrador whose life is turned upside down after the loss of his dear owner Aggie. Not being able to comprehend what has happened, his instincts tell him to run and run is what he does.

Follow Franklin on his travels as he wanders into the wilderness and then finds happiness once again when he meets Maddy and Zack, although all is not what it seems and his happiness is short lived when he is pursued by a gang of ruthless pit fighters who will stop at nothing to get Franklin in their grasp.

Thrown into a world of cruelty and abuse, Franklin must summon every ounce of his strength to stay alive. Fate has something magnificent in store for him and every abused animal around the globe, all through the devotion of one man alone, George.

A truly inspirational read with an amazing ending that will leave readers with a tear in their eye and a firm belief in the saying ‘What goes around comes around’.

Wonderful initiative, TA!:)

Another book I highly recommend is The Charm Bracelet. It's a very lovely tale that will surely warm your heart! ;)

Paola wrote: "Wonderful initiative, TA!:)

Another book I highly recommend is The Charm Bracelet. It's a very lovely tale that will surely warm your heart! ;)"

What a great idea! Added to my "want to read" list. Thank you.

TA wrote: "or you could always read my book that was inspired by ISF, written for ISF and now I'm giving it back to ISF via crowdrise to help raise funds for the Animal Sanctuary? http://www.crowdrise.com/ISF..."

Tracey, you should make a Good Reads Author's page for yourself. Love your writing/poems!

Debby wrote: "TA wrote: "or you could always read my book that was inspired by ISF, written for ISF and now I'm giving it back to ISF via crowdrise to help raise funds for the Animal Sanctuary? http://www.crowdr..."
Tracey, your link is not working for me (?)

Hello guys!
I do have something different for you here. Vaalbara: Vision&Shadows is a wonderful fantasy book written by Michelle Horst! One of the main characters --> Raighne is based on "Ian Somerhalder".
You can get the Kindle-Version of this book cheaper at this moment, but hurry, cause it won't be for long.
Michelle currently works on a sequel which should be released very soon.
Just for your information, a part of the money goes directly to the ISFoundation (IanSomerhalder Foundation). So you also do something good buying the book!

Thank you for reading! Please share this with your friends too. Thanks again! See more:

http://www.amazon.de/Vaalbara-Visions....

Thank you, Conny. Is this in English or German? I just saw that the link was to Amazon.de

The book is only available in English (we're working on a translation right now) yet but also available on amazon.com!

Finished reading John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.

I absolutely loved it. As Markus Zusak said, I cried, I laughed and I came back for more. It was brilliant read and I recommend it to everyone of any age.

Emily wrote: "Finished reading John Green's The Fault in Our Stars.
.."

Yes! I read John Green's The Fault in Our Stars last month & it is amazing! I kept hearing it in his voice, he reads the first two chapters on youtube, & I kept getting mad at him throughout the book. Crying at his humor & laughing in the tragic parts. I fully found myself at one point smiling & chuckling at the end of a chapter, then in the last sentence it dropped me into a sad frown of despair..Oh. It is brilliant in it's simplicity. Just finishing Looking for Alaska & it is seriously not helping my motorphobia, but still again tragically entertaining, just John gives a bit too much reality sometimes. Really looking forward to continuing with Kim Falconer's Quantum Encryption series, at least it is a nice escape into futuristic & fantastical adventures. I love John Green, but man, sometimes I have to get out of my own head. That's what I mean, he's so good he makes me mad at how much he makes me have to feel. Time for some The Spell of Rosette action! Love you Kim!

My New book 'An Act of Devotion' is now out on smashwords here: www.smashwords.com/books/view/295582
aswell as crowdrise. I would appreciate some feedback if anyone gets the chance. Thank you. Love and hugs.............

*goes off to try and find how to make myself an author's page on Goodreads....*

Yay, and it's here now too....If I've done it all right. :)

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...