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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