March Books

April 4, 2010

You thought my last post was going to be the last for a while, right? Well, I almost forgot that I had my March book list to post!

The Bible’s “Obadiah” – Very, very short and I’m sorta sad to say that it didn’t do anything for me. In fact, I wonder why it’s included in the Bible at all-it’s so much like the other books before it, but without their beauty. To me, anyway…
“The Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler – This is a really great book. There is a sequel to it that I just can’t wait to read. It takes place not that far in the future and our world is much worse than it is already and yet the book is filled with hope as Olamina and her fellow travelers try to build their own community. I like the concept of “God is Change” that Olamina preaches. I have ordered some more books by Butler, as I just love her writing.

The Bible’s “Jonah” – I liked this book, as the story was very familiar to me. Jonah is very relatable to me-He is a man who seems very bitter when the people he detests actually repent. Sometimes the prophets’ actions seem too perfect or outlandish for me to relate to, but perhaps sadly, I can understand Jonah’s actions and emotions. I also see this book as a story about great love, as God continues to love Jonah, even when he acts foolish and arrogant, and the people of Ninevah, even though they were not in right relationship with The Holy One.
“Plato’s Podcasts: The Ancients’ Guide to Modern Living” by Mark Vernon – Modern questions about life are “answered” by ancient philosophers. I liked that there were female philosophers, as well as male, included. My favorites were “Sappho and the art of paying attention” and “Plato and a love of conversation.” The book is a good intro for someone who is interested in ancient Greek philosophy, as it basically sums up their philosophy and tells interesting stories about their life. After reading this book, I want to read more poetry by Sappho and the writings of Plato.
“Jesus Freak: Feeding, Healing, Raising the Dead” by Sara Miles – a good, quick read about how we can be Jesus, ourselves. Very inspirational and I heartily recommend it. The one thing that I did not like was that Miles refers to people by their labels, i.e. schizophrenics, the poor, homosexuals, etc. instead of saying that these are people who happen to have these qualities. I know Miles does it to make a point about the kinds of people we should help, but it still rubs me the wrong way.

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