THE FIVE BOOKS YOU WOULD TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND AND WHY

State Sen. Chuck Poochigian , 51, (R-Fresno), chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus

1. “The Groucho Letters: Letters From and to Groucho Marx,” by Groucho Marx

Groucho’s humor is classic, and some of the letters contained in his book are a riot. Just what you need for a good laugh on a desert island. He offers valuable relief during stressful times. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been entertained by Groucho Marx.

2. “The Forty Days of Musa Dagh,” by Franz Werfel

It’s a historical novel that describes the Armenian genocide of 1915. There are few people of Armenian ancestry who have not been touched in some way by the atrocity, in which 1.5 million Armenians were the victims of mass murders and ethnic cleansing.

My maternal grandmother saw her parents and brothers and sisters murdered before her eyes. She was only 6 or 7 years old. Her father was an Armenian priest. All but her and one young brother were murdered. Most Armenian Americans of my generation were touched by victims or witnesses of the genocide.

The atrocities are a chilling reminder of the importance of learning history’s lessons.

3. “Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections on and off the Court,” by John R. Wooden

Legendary college basketball coach John Wooden is noted for his character-building qualities and strategies and for living a fulfilled life. Coach Wooden offers a game plan for living off the court.

4. “Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years and the War Years,” by Carl Sandburg

This thoughtful account of the life of Abraham Lincoln provides encouragement to anyone who marvels at the character, talent and sacrifice of this great president. That should include all of us.

5. The Bible

It’s the most important survival guide written.