a truly great man's faith

Living Faith by Jimmy Carter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have had this book on my shelf for quite a while, but had never gotten around to opening it up. Sadly, Jimmy Carter in the news recently reminded me of it. In this book, President Carter gives a great overview of his Christian faith and how it has informed and affected him over the course of his many careers. Although his beliefs are a bit traditional and dated for me, i came away from this book with a great respect and reverence for how he translated his faith into action and good, instead of dogma and judgement. Despite mixed reviews of the Carter presidency, I'd be proud to have another person like him in the White House. His character and ethics are what once made this nation great, and are probably the best hope of saving it today. My heart goes out to Jimmy Carter for who he is and how he lives.

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time, space, life

For the Time Being by Annie Dillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Annie Dillard is one of my favorites. This book of reflections starts with what seems to be random pondering but quickly turns into a deep, profound and moving meditation on time, space, life, and the meaning thereof. Ms. Dillard's style is difficult for some, but well worth taking the time to savor. This is a great collection, i recommend it.

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loving Annie Dillard

I am loving Annie Dillard: 

"Of course, God wrote no scriptures, neither chapter nor verse. It is foolish to blame or quit him for his admirers' claims, superstitions or otherwise."

Annie Dillard

An American Childhood by Annie Dillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starting out reading Annie Dillard's "An American Childhood", I thought "this is not my childhood". But the further i read, the more fascinating this story became, and the more i felt Ms Dillard's story shared with mine. Growing up in a 1950s Pittsburgh society family, the author shares her perspectives and experiences of the 1950s, and of Pittsburgh and American culture during that time. I especially enjoyed the author's views and feelings about the ever expanding world around her as she increasingly engaged it and lived into it. Annie Dillard is the Pulitzer prize winning author of "Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" which she wrote only a few short years after the events in this story. "Pilgrim" is beautifully and thoughtfully written, imparting wisdom well beyond the author's young age. This book helps give a picture of how, when, and where Ms. Dillard came into her wealth of knowledge and wisdom. I loved this book, and, as with "Pilgrim", found myself savoring every beautifully written word.


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Cannery Row - book two

Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

At long last, i've been able to read the story that inspired one of my favorite movies, Cannery Row! Although, Steinbeck's first installment of this story was titled "Cannery Row", the David S. Ward movie is largely based on this sequel, "Sweet Thursday". Generally, Steinbeck's writing is fabulous to read, but these tales based on people and events on Cannery Row in Monterey CA are a special treat. The characters are colorful, endearing, flawed, and deeply human. The dysfunctional "family" that is Cannery Row models for us some of the most valuable lessons for the human family to which we all belong. One can't help but be drawn to the characters, each in their own quirky way, regardless of their status as protagonist or antagonist. I highly recommend these two novels which tell the story of life on Cannery Row. And don't miss the movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083717/), it is especially well done. Nick Nolte and Debra Winger and perfect as Doc and Suzy.

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The Speed of Dark

The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It is fiction, set in the near future, when an experimental cure for Autism is found. The book is mainly from the point of view of an independent young adult with Autism. I especially enjoyed his viewpoints and following along in his thought processes as he experiences his life. I also enjoyed his "commentary" on how he perceived so-called "normal" people and his experiences with them, and his personal deliberation as to whether it is better to become normal, or to remain himself with Autism. The question of how much of himself is a result of having Autism and experiencing the world from that perspective is presented, and the risk of losing that part of himself if he decides to pursue treatment and cure. The ending is not what i expected or hoped for, but as it is, leaves me asking even more questions, about why it ended the way it did. This is a great book for contemplation and discussion, which further expands my perspective on the lives of folks with "disabilities", specifically Autism. I recommend this story!

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Normal

I am loving this book . . .
The Speed of Dark

"Sometimes I wonder how normal normal people are, and I wonder that most in the grocery store." - p.66

" 'Normal' is a dryer setting." - p.83

Caleb's Crossing

Caleb's Crossing by Geraldine Brooks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a nicely done historical fiction firmly anchored in history and real people. It is told through the voice of a minister's daughter living on Martha's Vineyard in the 17th century. A rich story of love, loss, friendship, hardship that is a rude awakening and deeply inspirational to those of us who have forgotten how hard life was in 17th century New England for all people. I appreciate the insight into the struggles of the time for people of race, class or gender different from that of the "ruling" group. I also loved the authentic voice of the narrator, and learned many now obsolete words and expressions. I loved this story, i highly recommend it!

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Carly's Voice

Carly's Voice: Breaking Through Autism by Arthur Fleischmann
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Carly's Voice is an amazing account of Carly Fleischmann's early life. Carly has Autism, and is non-verbal. The book provides an inside view of the incredible love, courage, determination, and hard work required of the parents, siblings, teachers and therapists to provide a healthy and successful environment for a child and teen with ASD. Carly's story is told by her father in a style that feels much like his diary of life with Carly. The transparency and honesty in telling the story provides a view into the immense dedication and love required to raise a child with Autism. The title speaks of Carly learning to express her internal voice to others by typing on a computer or smart device. The internet based services of e-mail, instant messaging, Twitter, and Facebook were among the technologies that allowed Carly to speak to others, including her immediate family. This story gives helpful insight into the life of a family with a child with Autism. Carly's internet presence can be found on Twitter, Facebook and her blog.

https://twitter.com/carlysvoice
https://www.facebook.com/carlysvoice
http://carlysvoice.com/home/

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Lisbeth rocks

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest is an interesting, albeit slower moving, conclusion to the 2nd book in the Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Played with Fire. While it resolved all of the major hanging plot threads in the previous book, it was not done in as interesting and engrossing way. I'm glad i read through the end of the trilogy, but the first two were much more satisfying. If you read #1 and #2, then you probably want to read #3 as well to find closure, but be prepared for a book that is a bit more effort to get through. I still love the character of Lisbeth, she is a very interesting personality. She rocks.

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the complicated life of Lisbeth Salander.

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Girl Who Played With Fire (Millennium #2) is another fast moving mystery-suspense story that takes the reader deeper into the complicated life of Lisbeth Salander. It is a great ride, with a tense ending that leaves room for the third in the Millennium trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I'm looking forward to continuing my journey through the Swedish language film trilogy fresh from reading the book!

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living with autism and working with animals

Animals in Translation: Using the Mysteries of Autism to Decode Animal Behavior by Temple Grandin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book i've read by Dr. Temple Grandin. I enjoy her insights and wisdom, coming from the perspective of living with autism and from working with animals all her life. But i especially love her compassion and humanity towards all animals. We can learn so much by allowing her to share her view of the world with us. This is not a scientific text, nor is it non-scientific. The author mixes academic research and knowledge with many personal anecdotes which help illustrate her views and message. I enjoyed this book very much, and learned a lot about animals and about myself. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Dr. Grandin.

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engaging and fast paced suspense - mystery

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This suspense / mystery is an engaging and fast paced read. I had heard of this series for quite a while, and then stumbled upon the Swedish film of the story on Netflix. I watched it twice and loved it, albeit a dark and troubling story. I especially loved the casting of Noomi Rapace as hacker researcher Lisbeth Salander. So after watching the film twice, i wanted to read the book. I am glad i did, as it helped tie together many plot connections which i had missed in the subtitled film. I plan to continue the trilogy, reading the second book "The Girl Who Played with Fire" before i continue the second in the film trilogy. I recommend this book, it's a great read.

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Excellent cyber-historical fiction

Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent writing and story telling in this cyber-historical fiction spanning three generations. Loved it, despite being 910 pages long. This guy is a fantastic writer!

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was a long haul, but well worth it!!!!

2007 Honda Accord EX Sedan

2007 Honda Accord EX Sedan - $8089

2007 Honda Accord EX Sedan 4D
$8089
KBB Excellent Condition - Loaded
Honda Certified Pre-owned
Driver AIRBAG RECALL serviced
4-Cyl, VTEC, 2.4 Liter
Manual Transmission, 5-Spd
Mileage: 101,233
Dual Zone Climate Control
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Cruise Control
Power Steering
Tilt Wheel
AM/FM Stereo
CD (Multi Disc)
Dual Air Bags
Side Air Bags
Power Seat
Heated Leather Seats
Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
Alloy Wheels
Color Gold
Title Clear and in hand
Cash only
All service records
NON-SMOKER

contact for.sale@read2grow.net

Darkness on the Edge of Truth

Bruce Springsteen and Philosophy: Darkness on the Edge of Truth by Randall E. Auxier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My son-in-law got me this book - boy does he know me! You don't need to be a philosopher to read this book, but you probably need to be a Springsteen fan. This is a collection of essays by philosophy geeks, each of which is related in some degree to Bruce's music and lyrics. I have heard Bruce compared with Dylan and Guthrie, but in this book, parallels are drawn between Socrates and Plato. If those aren't enough to whet your appetite to read this collection, then get this - how does Peter Pan play a roll in the narrative of "Born to Run"? That is the subject of one of the chapters. And the famous Jewish scholar Abraham Joshua Heschel is quoted more than a few times. This is an enjoyable read for any thoughtful enthusiast of Bruce's music. Enjoy!

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Oracle parking

If Oracle owned a public parking garage... pic.twitter.com/3vM1ApAOkl
— Ryan Johnson // ™ (@tenthirtyam) March 8, 2015

Old Man River

Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Well, this has been on my To Read list for a while, and a recent perusal of my bookshelves turned it up so i picked it up. Having spent a fair amount of time in Missouri, i'm glad i read it. The book is a conglomeration of different pieces, patched together into a volume containing much information related to the Mississippi River from the perspective of the famous author Mark Twain. I enjoyed his insight into the skills and knowledge required of the steamboat pilot, an occupation he had earlier in his life. I also enjoyed the political, social, and historical commentary of Twain in the latter part of the book which is primarily Twain's travel diary and "blog" as he returns to the Mississippi River after decades of international travel and learning. His wit and attitude are enjoyable to read, and his views are interesting, he having been raised on the river and then returning to it after decades of travel and education. The book drags at times, but also provides insights which may be hard to find anywhere else. How many steamboat pilots become internationally famous and published authors? There are many interesting subjects covered related to a wide range of topics relevant in the second half of the 19th century. All in all, this book is a great read, despite the dragging parts. I'm thankful that the native American legend of "The Undying Head" was relegated to Appendix D - it was all i could do to get through that one. This is a great read if you like Twain, or are interested in the history and legend surrounding "Old Man River".

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Back in our day!

#TBT Before Truman became everyone's favorite Tiger, #Mizzou's mascot rocked shades and a bowler hat for the 1983 Holiday Bowl parade. @marchingmizzou was stylin' back then, too.

A photo posted by Mizzou Alumni Association (@mizzoualumni) on Feb 19, 2015 at 11:58am PST

The Martian

The Martian by Andy Weir
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is exceptionally good! The premise of a human stranded on Mars with the challenge of surviving and living long term is fascinating. After about fifty pages, the book's writing style left me less than satisfied, in that it sounded to me like a hipster scientist/astronaut blog about his survival on Mars. The language is often terse, crude and casual. But then i paused long enough to step outside my own reading preferences to see that in fact, the delivery method is brilliant. I realized that i am not the primary intended audience, nor should i be. This story presents the the scientific facts, challenges and marvels of space exploration and travel in a language accessible to a young person today. My generation grew up with the challenge, inspiration, and hope of the Apollo missions and the beginnings of the Space Shuttle program. But since then, shorter term national priorities have eclipsed much of the space program during my middle adult life. Much has been lost as a result. The contents and message of this book are sorely needed with today's generation of youth. It is my hope that puritanical school systems will not ban it from reading lists because of the frequent use of popular yet crude vocabulary. Including this language makes the story more accessible, and frankly, more authentic to a young person (face it, they all know these words, the book banners are deluding themselves if they think otherwise). I loved this story, and the wealth of science, technology, and knowledge that is presented in such an creative way. I hope every high school student gets a chance to read and discuss this book as part of their basic science education. We need this grounded hope for the future, that has been lost since the days of Apollo. 5+ stars.

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