I heard about this book during an interview with the author, Jack Clark, on NPR. Clark a long-time cab driver in Chicago takes his experience to write a crime novel that is pretty entertaining.
The premise of the book is a cab driver is trying to solve two murders - one that he witnessed and one of his friend and fellow cab driver.
The writing is fine - nothing too impressive, it reads quite realistically and as I imagine how conversations in a cab often take place. The story is entertaining but nothing terribly surprising. It's a quick read and an enjoyable read for the most part. I think I found the interview with Jack Clark (which is on NPR's website) more intriguing than the book.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Half the Sky by Kristof and WuDunn
Half the Sky, written by New York Times columnists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, talks about the oppression of women - especially through sexual crimes - and their importance in the development of an economy and of a society. At times, it can be pretty difficult to read due to the heart-wrenching stories of gruesome sexual abuse of young girls in brothels or by family members. However, despite the honest brutality of the book, I think it is an important book to read and to be aware of.
I recently completed graduate work in international economic development, but I'll be the first one to admit that solving a country's poverty issues is quite ambitious, not to mention incredibly difficult. As I finished my higher education, I came to the realization that I was very aware of the complicated issues of poverty but still had a lot of questions about how to address those problems and come up with probable solutions. Certainly all the answers aren't present in this book, but it is a great starting point.
Promoting girls education and providing greater opportunities for women leads to a more democratic, open societies and taking advantage of the economic capabilities of half the population. Kristof cites China and other Asian countries who have expanded women involvement, rights, and freedoms in society that is correlated with strong economic growth. Unfortunately, many of the horrific stories of sexual abuse took place in Islamic countries. The authors do an admirable job of exploring the religious aspects and how religion plays a part in women rights -- including Islamic and Christianity.
This is an important book to read for someone who is interested in int. economic development, international affairs, or human rights and I think it is incredibly necessary to be aware of. Working for expanded girls education may be reap the most benefits of economic development and promoting peace in developing countries. There is a lot more to discuss about this book. Please read it for yourself and I would love the opportunity to talk to more people about this topic/book.
I recently completed graduate work in international economic development, but I'll be the first one to admit that solving a country's poverty issues is quite ambitious, not to mention incredibly difficult. As I finished my higher education, I came to the realization that I was very aware of the complicated issues of poverty but still had a lot of questions about how to address those problems and come up with probable solutions. Certainly all the answers aren't present in this book, but it is a great starting point.
Promoting girls education and providing greater opportunities for women leads to a more democratic, open societies and taking advantage of the economic capabilities of half the population. Kristof cites China and other Asian countries who have expanded women involvement, rights, and freedoms in society that is correlated with strong economic growth. Unfortunately, many of the horrific stories of sexual abuse took place in Islamic countries. The authors do an admirable job of exploring the religious aspects and how religion plays a part in women rights -- including Islamic and Christianity.
This is an important book to read for someone who is interested in int. economic development, international affairs, or human rights and I think it is incredibly necessary to be aware of. Working for expanded girls education may be reap the most benefits of economic development and promoting peace in developing countries. There is a lot more to discuss about this book. Please read it for yourself and I would love the opportunity to talk to more people about this topic/book.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Merton and Frey
Seeds by Thomas Merton
Although only 150 pages in length, I've been reading it for almost six months. This book is a collection of writings from Merton's other books, essays, etc on a number of spiritual topics selected and compiled into one work. I feel like this is a book that is best digested through slow, thoughtful, meditation of the topics being presented and the truth that it presents. There were periods of several weeks where I did not pick up the book, but rather continued to think over a certain idea introduced.
Throughout the entire book, Merton's writings consistently refer to our true vs false selves. Our false selves, which he compares to a mask, is "someone that I was never intended to be and therefore a denial of what I am supposed to be". Our truth selves, on the other hand, "are a deeply religious mystery, known entirely only to God." One of the things I love about Merton's writings is his embrace of the mysterious and deeply personal, private aspect of the spirituality of a person with God.
Take notice Merton's commentary on technology and man's dependence on it and how it, potentially, makes us less human. It is even more interesting considering that he died in 1968 and never saw the technological explosion of the recent decades.
I think I've gotten more encouragement out of Merton's writings than anything I've read over the past several years. This is a book that I will really never finish reading and will consistently read portions of it. I hope you get the chance to pick up this book and find it as enjoyable as I have.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
I suppose I was way behind the curve with this book because I had never heard of this book or the controversy surrounding it until this past week. My brother passed the book along to me and almost everyone I've talked to recently has heard of it.
In case you are in the same position as me, the book follows the 6 weeks in a rehab clinic of a 23 year old drug and alcohol addict. I found it pretty tough to read but impossible to put down. The book is brutally honest and open about the rehabilitation process and I found myself really pulling for the characters to recover.
The book was originally portrayed as entirely autobiographical account of James Frey's experience, but he later admitted to embellishing certain aspects of the book. It's probably better knowing that before you read the book and I didn't seem to mind the exaggerated portions. He explains the embellished details in the introduction and his intention behind them. I didn't find it to negate any of the message he is trying to get across, especially if you look at it as a piece of literature rather than a detailed account of someone's actual life.
Although only 150 pages in length, I've been reading it for almost six months. This book is a collection of writings from Merton's other books, essays, etc on a number of spiritual topics selected and compiled into one work. I feel like this is a book that is best digested through slow, thoughtful, meditation of the topics being presented and the truth that it presents. There were periods of several weeks where I did not pick up the book, but rather continued to think over a certain idea introduced.
Throughout the entire book, Merton's writings consistently refer to our true vs false selves. Our false selves, which he compares to a mask, is "someone that I was never intended to be and therefore a denial of what I am supposed to be". Our truth selves, on the other hand, "are a deeply religious mystery, known entirely only to God." One of the things I love about Merton's writings is his embrace of the mysterious and deeply personal, private aspect of the spirituality of a person with God.
Take notice Merton's commentary on technology and man's dependence on it and how it, potentially, makes us less human. It is even more interesting considering that he died in 1968 and never saw the technological explosion of the recent decades.
I think I've gotten more encouragement out of Merton's writings than anything I've read over the past several years. This is a book that I will really never finish reading and will consistently read portions of it. I hope you get the chance to pick up this book and find it as enjoyable as I have.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
I suppose I was way behind the curve with this book because I had never heard of this book or the controversy surrounding it until this past week. My brother passed the book along to me and almost everyone I've talked to recently has heard of it.
In case you are in the same position as me, the book follows the 6 weeks in a rehab clinic of a 23 year old drug and alcohol addict. I found it pretty tough to read but impossible to put down. The book is brutally honest and open about the rehabilitation process and I found myself really pulling for the characters to recover.
The book was originally portrayed as entirely autobiographical account of James Frey's experience, but he later admitted to embellishing certain aspects of the book. It's probably better knowing that before you read the book and I didn't seem to mind the exaggerated portions. He explains the embellished details in the introduction and his intention behind them. I didn't find it to negate any of the message he is trying to get across, especially if you look at it as a piece of literature rather than a detailed account of someone's actual life.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Finally finished this book! This has been my reading project of the summer and am happy to have completed it.
The famous catch phrase of the book is "Who is John Galt?", which you may have seen on signs at Tea Party rallies. John Galt becomes portrayed as Rand's ideal man, who promised to stop the engine of the world and whose mission would be completed once the lights of New York City were extinguished. Galt considers the direction of the country a moral, social, and individual affront to his life and is determined to stop the continuation of policies--policies supposedly for the "social welfare" and impose highly regulated restrictions on industrial business. Galt, who remains a mystery most of the book, working behind the scenes, convinces each of the major industrialists to remove their mind, talent, and energy from society with the intention of eventually bringing the social changes to a halt.
Galt, however, is not the main protagonist in the book, but remains somewhat of an unknown ideal until the last 400 or 500 pages. The main character of Atlas Shrugged is Dagny Taggert, VP of Taggert Transcontinental Railroad, who although disagrees with the direction of the country struggles to completely dessert her love and life of managing the railroad.
I have yet to read a more relevant fiction book as far as modern day political economics. Ayn Rand economic views are unabashedly capitalistic with followers such as Alan Greenspan and Rand Paul (although according to a Time Magazine article on the KY senator hopeful there is no connection between the author's last time and the politician's first name). http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1992201,00.html - see page 2
Many people see a similarity in the extreme political and economic policies presented in Ms Rand's book as in today's society. This article talks about how sales for Atlas Shrugged increase when the economy tanks, especially with heavy government regulation. (www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/05/18/what-caused-atlas-shrugged-sales-to-soar/). I certainly don't think that things today have come close to approach the policies that are presented in Rand's novel, but it provides for interesting economic literature.
Those who have read The Fountainhead, also by Rand, will find similar themes present in Atlas Shrugged but expounded upon. The Fountainhead deals with the themes on an individual level while Atlas Shrugged discusses those themes within a broader social context.
I don't know that I completely agree with Rand's philosophy of objectivism or her promotion of selfishness but she certainly makes an interesting case for her argument. And there are certainly some aspects of her philosophy, such as refusing to compromise one's values, that I can subscribe to.
All economic, social, and political commentary aside, Rand's character development is about as detailed as I've ever encountered. It's obvious she knows her characters inside and out and (for the most part) keeps them consistent throughout her novel. This book is certainly a commitment to read and the first 400 pages are pretty tough to wade through but they set up the remaining 700 pages quite nicely and they certainly read much more quickly. I personally think one should read Atlas Shrugged simply to be familiar with her argument and how it possibly relates to today's economy and politics - even, and especially, if you don't agree with it.
The famous catch phrase of the book is "Who is John Galt?", which you may have seen on signs at Tea Party rallies. John Galt becomes portrayed as Rand's ideal man, who promised to stop the engine of the world and whose mission would be completed once the lights of New York City were extinguished. Galt considers the direction of the country a moral, social, and individual affront to his life and is determined to stop the continuation of policies--policies supposedly for the "social welfare" and impose highly regulated restrictions on industrial business. Galt, who remains a mystery most of the book, working behind the scenes, convinces each of the major industrialists to remove their mind, talent, and energy from society with the intention of eventually bringing the social changes to a halt.
Galt, however, is not the main protagonist in the book, but remains somewhat of an unknown ideal until the last 400 or 500 pages. The main character of Atlas Shrugged is Dagny Taggert, VP of Taggert Transcontinental Railroad, who although disagrees with the direction of the country struggles to completely dessert her love and life of managing the railroad.
I have yet to read a more relevant fiction book as far as modern day political economics. Ayn Rand economic views are unabashedly capitalistic with followers such as Alan Greenspan and Rand Paul (although according to a Time Magazine article on the KY senator hopeful there is no connection between the author's last time and the politician's first name). http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1992201,00.html - see page 2
Many people see a similarity in the extreme political and economic policies presented in Ms Rand's book as in today's society. This article talks about how sales for Atlas Shrugged increase when the economy tanks, especially with heavy government regulation. (www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/05/18/what-caused-atlas-shrugged-sales-to-soar/). I certainly don't think that things today have come close to approach the policies that are presented in Rand's novel, but it provides for interesting economic literature.
Those who have read The Fountainhead, also by Rand, will find similar themes present in Atlas Shrugged but expounded upon. The Fountainhead deals with the themes on an individual level while Atlas Shrugged discusses those themes within a broader social context.
I don't know that I completely agree with Rand's philosophy of objectivism or her promotion of selfishness but she certainly makes an interesting case for her argument. And there are certainly some aspects of her philosophy, such as refusing to compromise one's values, that I can subscribe to.
All economic, social, and political commentary aside, Rand's character development is about as detailed as I've ever encountered. It's obvious she knows her characters inside and out and (for the most part) keeps them consistent throughout her novel. This book is certainly a commitment to read and the first 400 pages are pretty tough to wade through but they set up the remaining 700 pages quite nicely and they certainly read much more quickly. I personally think one should read Atlas Shrugged simply to be familiar with her argument and how it possibly relates to today's economy and politics - even, and especially, if you don't agree with it.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis
I have not read as much of C.S. Lewis as I probably should have except for Mere Christianity, which it has been a number of years. However, I have several friends that read him quite often and have the best things to say of his writings.
The topic that Lewis tackles in this book is quite ambitious and I'm not sure that it can, or should, be worked out in 150 pages. That said, I appreciate Lewis recognition of the seemingly (depending on your point of view) glaring contradiction to the pain and evil in the world with the idea of a loving, all-powerful God who works all things for good.
It's certainly an issue that I have had all kinds of reservations and doubts about and I don't imagine I will ever feel completely comfortable with it. That said, I think Lewis makes an intelligent argument for his point of view that these two things are, in fact, not contradictory. He carefully builds a foundation and supporting arguments in each chapter. The chapters entitled "Divine Goodness" , "Human Wickedness", and "Human Pain" I found most interesting and relevant.
Lewis concludes the book with a chapter on "Heaven", which I suppose is a necessary topic in a spiritual book about pain as it is a Christian's hope for a place and future absent of pain, trouble, and tears. Lewis argues, in line with traditional Christian theology, that as long as we live in a "fallen" and sinful world there will always be an aspect of pain in life. And that is fine, but I have a few comments on this topic. It is not that I am uncomfortable with the idea of heaven, although I'm not sure that I have a good understanding of what that exactly is. The concept that Christians get to wonder streets of gold with crowns and jewels isn't very appealing to me and it seems more like a place that is a distorted view of what I think heaven probably is. I don't like the idea that this life is completely discounted because, after all, if God put us in this life, this world then there must be some sort of value and beauty in it. And Christ prayed that God's will be done "on earth as it is in heaven". Also, I believe that Christ came to bring hope and mercy for people in this life not just in the afterlife.
As with all of these reviews, my intention is not to provide a summary, but rather to spark your interest that you will take the time to read the book yourself based on my initial thoughts/comments despite their digression.
I'm not sure that Lewis completely resolved the issue in my mind, but he does present at least an intelligent argument for it. One of the reviews on the back of the book from the New York Times Book Review, says that "Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." I resonate with that statement.
I've heard people say that you don't have to understand everything something to believe in it (for example you don't have to understand physics to believe in gravity)--which is probably true but I haven't found that very helpful, useful, or reassuring, especially when it comes to spiritual issues. After all, isn't that what makes us intrinsically human? Being able to reason and think about things. I understand that it's not realistic to expect to reason everything out when it comes to religion, which is filled with mysterious issues, and that there is a certain point when faith must take over. But it doesn't do anyone any good to not think about it either.
Well this has turned out to be more of a journal entry rather than a book review. I certainly recommend Lewis as an intelligent, reasonable apologist for Christianity.
The topic that Lewis tackles in this book is quite ambitious and I'm not sure that it can, or should, be worked out in 150 pages. That said, I appreciate Lewis recognition of the seemingly (depending on your point of view) glaring contradiction to the pain and evil in the world with the idea of a loving, all-powerful God who works all things for good.
It's certainly an issue that I have had all kinds of reservations and doubts about and I don't imagine I will ever feel completely comfortable with it. That said, I think Lewis makes an intelligent argument for his point of view that these two things are, in fact, not contradictory. He carefully builds a foundation and supporting arguments in each chapter. The chapters entitled "Divine Goodness" , "Human Wickedness", and "Human Pain" I found most interesting and relevant.
Lewis concludes the book with a chapter on "Heaven", which I suppose is a necessary topic in a spiritual book about pain as it is a Christian's hope for a place and future absent of pain, trouble, and tears. Lewis argues, in line with traditional Christian theology, that as long as we live in a "fallen" and sinful world there will always be an aspect of pain in life. And that is fine, but I have a few comments on this topic. It is not that I am uncomfortable with the idea of heaven, although I'm not sure that I have a good understanding of what that exactly is. The concept that Christians get to wonder streets of gold with crowns and jewels isn't very appealing to me and it seems more like a place that is a distorted view of what I think heaven probably is. I don't like the idea that this life is completely discounted because, after all, if God put us in this life, this world then there must be some sort of value and beauty in it. And Christ prayed that God's will be done "on earth as it is in heaven". Also, I believe that Christ came to bring hope and mercy for people in this life not just in the afterlife.
As with all of these reviews, my intention is not to provide a summary, but rather to spark your interest that you will take the time to read the book yourself based on my initial thoughts/comments despite their digression.
I'm not sure that Lewis completely resolved the issue in my mind, but he does present at least an intelligent argument for it. One of the reviews on the back of the book from the New York Times Book Review, says that "Lewis is the ideal persuader for the half-convinced, for the good man who would like to be a Christian but finds his intellect getting in the way." I resonate with that statement.
I've heard people say that you don't have to understand everything something to believe in it (for example you don't have to understand physics to believe in gravity)--which is probably true but I haven't found that very helpful, useful, or reassuring, especially when it comes to spiritual issues. After all, isn't that what makes us intrinsically human? Being able to reason and think about things. I understand that it's not realistic to expect to reason everything out when it comes to religion, which is filled with mysterious issues, and that there is a certain point when faith must take over. But it doesn't do anyone any good to not think about it either.
Well this has turned out to be more of a journal entry rather than a book review. I certainly recommend Lewis as an intelligent, reasonable apologist for Christianity.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
I am in the middle of a few books and thus have not put the proper energy into finished any of them yet resulting in a lack of blog posts recently. However, I'm quite exciting about the books upcoming that I will be reviewing.
Those books will be Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis and Seeds by Thomas Merton. Also, Atlas Shrugged is hopefully coming this summer if I ever hack my way through it. I started it a few years ago but had to set it aside 500 pages into it. However, I've committed to read it from the beginning and am listening to it on cd---the book on tape is an intimidating 50 discs!
In the meantime, there's a great organization in Lexington, Kentucky called the International Book Project that works with Peace Corps and schools and orphanages overseas by donating various types of books and educational materials. They do great work and, unfortunately, are known more around the world then they are in Lexington. Please visit the website (http://www.intlbookproject.org/) and familiarize yourself with the organization and, if possible, get involved with their work.
Those books will be Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis and Seeds by Thomas Merton. Also, Atlas Shrugged is hopefully coming this summer if I ever hack my way through it. I started it a few years ago but had to set it aside 500 pages into it. However, I've committed to read it from the beginning and am listening to it on cd---the book on tape is an intimidating 50 discs!
In the meantime, there's a great organization in Lexington, Kentucky called the International Book Project that works with Peace Corps and schools and orphanages overseas by donating various types of books and educational materials. They do great work and, unfortunately, are known more around the world then they are in Lexington. Please visit the website (http://www.intlbookproject.org/) and familiarize yourself with the organization and, if possible, get involved with their work.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stiegg Larsson
I'll celebrate summer solstice with a great summer read - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Although previous books reviewed have been more classic, I think there is a lot of value that serves for purely entertainment -- not much thinking required and an enjoyable story.
The story follows a discredited journalist and an eccentric hacker tasked to investigate a dead end murder case and exposing corporate corruption. The story takes maybe 100 pages to really grab your attention, but the last 500+ pages read really quickly. I was expecting a few more twists and turns within the story, but it was is entertaining nonetheless.
My only complaint (and it actually did bother me) from this book was the references the author used to popular technology products that are now out of date. I guess at the time he wrote this book the iBook was quite new but now it seems pretty outdated. I'm not sure the reason behind dropping these references because certainly he would realize that within two years no one is really going to be impressed that his characters were using an iBook. I'll admit it's a small detail but I found it pretty frustrating.
Although previous books reviewed have been more classic, I think there is a lot of value that serves for purely entertainment -- not much thinking required and an enjoyable story.
The story follows a discredited journalist and an eccentric hacker tasked to investigate a dead end murder case and exposing corporate corruption. The story takes maybe 100 pages to really grab your attention, but the last 500+ pages read really quickly. I was expecting a few more twists and turns within the story, but it was is entertaining nonetheless.
My only complaint (and it actually did bother me) from this book was the references the author used to popular technology products that are now out of date. I guess at the time he wrote this book the iBook was quite new but now it seems pretty outdated. I'm not sure the reason behind dropping these references because certainly he would realize that within two years no one is really going to be impressed that his characters were using an iBook. I'll admit it's a small detail but I found it pretty frustrating.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
