Why am I passionate about this?

Through the 88 years of my life, I have experienced more diverse situations than most people even dream about, from being the youngest dentist in Canada at age 21 being the first Canadian to invent, patent, obtain international approval, and market several of the most successful dental implant systems in the world for humans and small animals, attempt to sail around the world, be the oldest rugby player in the world at age 85, and meet and befriend a myriad of weird and wonderful people by practicing the mantra of saying "YES." I am not ashamed to pass on my lessons from these experiences.


I wrote

If its Not Illegal, Immoral or Fattening, say "YES"

By Harold Bergman,

Book cover of If its Not Illegal, Immoral or Fattening, say "YES"

What is my book about?

In my autobiography, my storytelling prowess shines through as the ebb and flow of successes and failures shine through, offering…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

The books I picked & why

Book cover of Churchill: Walking with Destiny

Harold Bergman Why did I love this book?

Winston Churchill is famous for his leadership and dogmatic stance in Great Britain during the Second World War. He is one of my heroes, and I respect and admire his fortitude. He experienced many failures and steadfastly refused before finally achieving the most famous and successful period in his lifetime.  

By Andrew Roberts,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Churchill as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

One of The Wall Street Journal's Ten Best Books of 2018
One of The Economist's Best Books of 2018
One of The New York Times's Notable Books of 2018

"Unarguably the best single-volume biography of Churchill . . . A brilliant feat of storytelling, monumental in scope, yet put together with tenderness for a man who had always believed that he would be Britain's savior." -Wall Street Journal

In this landmark biography of Winston Churchill based on extensive new material, the true genius of the man, statesman and leader can finally be fully seen and understood--by…


Book cover of The Complete Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant

Harold Bergman Why did I love this book?

I can relate to this man, having personally attempted numerous business ventures, including dentistry, dental implant invention, manufacturing and marketing, real estate development, mortgage lending, resort development, and sports promotion, and failing at each.

At age 81, I was bilked out of what little financial success I had made to that date and became completely broke and homeless.

By Ulysses S. Grant,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Complete Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant capture the essence of the 18th U.S. President's life, particularly his pivotal roles during the Mexican-American and Civil Wars. Crafted in the final days of Grant's life amidst battles with terminal throat cancer and severe financial distress, these memoirs were published posthumously by Mark Twain in 1885. Twain, using his considerable promotional talents and his personal bond with Grant, devised a sales strategy that tapped into the nation's mourning and patriotic spirit, employing Union veterans for door-to-door sales.


The memoirs earned widespread praise for their honest and eloquent prose. Grant's straightforward recounting of his…


Book cover of The Extraordinary Life and Comedy of Ricky Gervais

Harold Bergman Why did I love this book?

I can totally relate to his non-conformist views on subjects that too many unthinking flocks of people religiously believe in. I absolutely love the way he fearlessly challenges societal norms and his generally humorous discussion of taboo subjects.

By Paul C. Andrew,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Extraordinary Life and Comedy of Ricky Gervais as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Updated manuscript!

Discover the untold stories, the triumphs, and the unfiltered truth behind the laughter. Dive into the extraordinary journey of one of comedy's most influential icons, Ricky Gervais.

From his groundbreaking work on "The Office" to his fearless hosting gigs, this captivating book takes you behind the scenes, revealing the man behind the comedy. Get ready to laugh, reflect, and be inspired by the wit, satire, and unapologetic honesty of Ricky Gervais.

"THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND COMEDY OF RICKY GERVAIS" is a must-read for fans and newcomers alike. Embark on this inspiring and thought-provoking journey today!

Add to cart…


Book cover of Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela

Harold Bergman Why did I love this book?

I admire Mandela’s strong character in overcoming what must’ve been his pursuit of a seemingly impossible goal. At the time, his fight was against the overwhelming strength of the people in power, who had no hesitation about using extreme force and imprisonment to prevent him from achieving his goals. 

By Nelson Mandela,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Long Walk to Freedom as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

2018 is the centenary of Nelson Mandela's birth

'The authentic voice of Mandela shines through this book . . . humane, dignified and magnificently unembittered' The Times

The riveting memoirs of the outstanding moral and political leader of our time, A Long Walk to Freedom brilliantly re-creates the drama of the experiences that helped shape Nelson Mandela's destiny. Emotive, compelling and uplifting, A Long Walk to Freedom is the exhilarating story of an epic life; a story of hardship, resilience and ultimate triumph told with the clarity and eloquence of a born leader.

'Burns with the luminosity of faith in…


Book cover of The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor

Harold Bergman Why did I love this book?

After writing my book and reading the story of Eddie Jaku, a young Jew in Germany during World War II who lost friends and family and almost his life, I realize I was extremely lucky to be born a white, Protestant, male, and a loving family in Canada, between World Wars in 1936.

I wonder whether I would’ve had the strength to survive during the six years he lived in concentration camps in Germany, being subjected to relentless, unimaginable horrors and constantly in fear for his life.

By Eddie Jaku,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Happiest Man on Earth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Eddie looked evil in the eye and met it with joy and kindness . . . [his] philosophy is life-affirming' - Daily Express

Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku made a vow to smile every day and now believes he is the 'happiest man on earth'. In his inspirational memoir, he pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story and sharing his wisdom.

Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.

Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed…


Explore my book 😀

If its Not Illegal, Immoral or Fattening, say "YES"

By Harold Bergman,

Book cover of If its Not Illegal, Immoral or Fattening, say "YES"

What is my book about?

In my autobiography, my storytelling prowess shines through as the ebb and flow of successes and failures shine through, offering readers laughter, entertainment, profound insights, and invaluable life lessons.

I blend humor with wisdom to create a captivating narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages. My journey reminds us that the true essence of life lies not only in its destination but also in the richness of experiences gathered along the way.

Book cover of Churchill: Walking with Destiny
Book cover of The Complete Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant
Book cover of The Extraordinary Life and Comedy of Ricky Gervais

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

You might also like...

Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation

By Lyle Greenfield,

Book cover of Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation

Lyle Greenfield Author Of Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation

New book alert!

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated by group dynamics, large and small. Why things functioned well, why they didn’t. It’s possible my ability to empathize and use humor as a consensus-builder is the reason I was elected president of a homeowners association, a music production association, and even an agricultural group. Books were not particularly involved in this fascination! But in recent years, experiencing the breakdown of civility and trust in our political and cultural discourse, I’ve taken a more analytical view of the dynamics. These books, in their very different ways, have taught me lessons about life, understanding those with different beliefs, and finding ways to connect and move forward. 

Lyle's book list on restoring your belief in human possibility

What is my book about?

We’ve all experienced the overwhelming level of political and social divisiveness in our country. This invisible “virus” of negativity is, in part, the result of the name-calling and heated rhetoric that has become commonplace among commentators and elected leaders alike. 

My book provides a clear perspective on the historical and modern-day causes of our nation's divisive state. It then proposes easy-to-understand solutions—an action plan for our elected leaders and citizens as well. Rather than a scholarly treatment of a complex topic, the book challenges us to take the obvious steps required of those living in a free democracy. And it…

Uniting the States of America: A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation

By Lyle Greenfield,

What is this book about?

Lyle Greenfield's "Uniting the States of America―A Self-Care Plan for a Wounded Nation" is a work of nonfiction and opinion. Incorporating the lessons of history and the ideas and wisdom of many, it is intended as both an educational resource and a call-to-action for citizens concerned about the politically and culturally divided state of our Union. A situation that has raised alarm for the very future of our democracy.

First, the book clearly identifies the causes of what has become a national crisis of belief in and love for our country. How the divisiveness and hostility rampant in our political…


5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Holocaust survivors, satire, and prime ministers?

Satire 167 books
Prime Ministers 10 books