A straight-forward discourse on Christianity, originally written as a series of radio broadcasts. Amazingly thought-provoking. One of those books that makes me feel like I understand something only to realize after some time has passed that I really don't. The whole point of Christianity is to become one with Christ. Makes sense. But how does one accomplish this? What can I do in my own life? How much have I done already? In a way, this kind of explains my realationship with Christianity: it oscillates between a feeling that Christianity is 'right' or 'true' and a drifting apart mostly because of unanswered questions. But that's not entirely right. It goes beyond what I can pin down with words.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that this book made me think seriously about my relationship with God and the necessity of living as a Christian. And it also answered questions that I know to ask. And above all, it made sense. This could easily be one of those books that has a profound influence on my life if only I could keep in mind what it said.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Soul Music, by Terry Pratchett
Summary: Rock music, or rather Music With Rocks In, has come to Discworld with much the same result as rock music in 1960's America. Also, Death has gone on a mission to forget leaving Susan to take over his job while he's away.
Thoughts: In much the same way that hearing Music With Rocks In made various characters wish to learn to play the guitar, reading about it made me want to make music as well. And elaboration on that topic is being carefully avoided for reasons that probably make sense if ....Anyway, once again, Terry Pratchett has created a masterpiece of amusing comments and gripping storyline and satire (if that's the right word).
Thoughts: In much the same way that hearing Music With Rocks In made various characters wish to learn to play the guitar, reading about it made me want to make music as well. And elaboration on that topic is being carefully avoided for reasons that probably make sense if ....Anyway, once again, Terry Pratchett has created a masterpiece of amusing comments and gripping storyline and satire (if that's the right word).
Monday, December 17, 2007
Making Money, by Terry Pratchett
Summary: When Moist von Lipwig (remember him from Going Postal?) ends as head of the National Bank and Mint and applies his usual flair to the job, things start getting horribly messy.
Thoughts: Gripping storyline, amusing comments, uncertain ending, unexpected plot twists...what more could a person ask for? This really is an excellent book.
Thoughts: Gripping storyline, amusing comments, uncertain ending, unexpected plot twists...what more could a person ask for? This really is an excellent book.
Friday, December 14, 2007
The Hidden Language of Baseball, by Paul Dickson
A history of signs and sign-stealing in baseball. Quite interesting. I didn't realize there was so much going on "behind the scenes". Maybe I should try to look for such things next time I'm at a game.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Murder on the Prowl, by Rita Mae Brown
Summary: Murder has once again come to the small town of Crozet Virginia, this time to the headmaster of a local high school. Harry and her cat Mrs. Murphy are determined to figure out whodunnit.
Thoughts: I don't really have a lot to say other than that this book resembles the other books I've read by the same author in that I had no hope of predicting who the killer was and why they did it. Or maybe I could've, but it was still a shock when they revealed it.
Thoughts: I don't really have a lot to say other than that this book resembles the other books I've read by the same author in that I had no hope of predicting who the killer was and why they did it. Or maybe I could've, but it was still a shock when they revealed it.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Hogfather, by Terry Pratchett
Summary: The Hogfather has disappeared, and so its up to Susan to find him. Okay, Susan and Bilius, the oh god of hangovers. And meanwhile Death has taken over the role of Hogfather in the absense of the real Hogfather, and Albert has to keep Death from making too much of a mess of things. And meanwhile new gods are popping into existance anytime someone speculates about one that might exist.
Thoughts: Can I blame this book for my random desire to listen to X-mas music? Or does that just get attributed to its being December? Because I'm not sure I care about its being December, and I think I've given up on the X-mas music because you can't find anything worthwhile on the radio. I think it was only ever Classic Country that played X-mas music that was worth listening to.
Um, yeah. As you might've gathered, there's some bloody obvious parallels with the non-religious side of X-mas. And the book has much of the amusing stuff I've come to expect of Terry Pratchett (I seem to remember speculation that most of Earth's population actually consists of aliens who are hiding out and abducting people, mutilating crops, and making cow circles. Or something like that).
Thoughts: Can I blame this book for my random desire to listen to X-mas music? Or does that just get attributed to its being December? Because I'm not sure I care about its being December, and I think I've given up on the X-mas music because you can't find anything worthwhile on the radio. I think it was only ever Classic Country that played X-mas music that was worth listening to.
Um, yeah. As you might've gathered, there's some bloody obvious parallels with the non-religious side of X-mas. And the book has much of the amusing stuff I've come to expect of Terry Pratchett (I seem to remember speculation that most of Earth's population actually consists of aliens who are hiding out and abducting people, mutilating crops, and making cow circles. Or something like that).
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