Lama Surya Das has been an inspiration to me along my spiritual path. His book “Awakening the Buddha Within” is brilliant.
Becoming more aware of yourself and the world around you is vital to growth as a human being. This book helps guide the spiritually inclined through the key principals of Buddhism. It turned my focus inward and to wisdom and love. Most importantly, it helped me continue on the path to building my compassionate nature, and giving back to the less fortunate.
Buddhist or not, this book will help you on your journey, if you are currently aware of your journey.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
New suspense series
For the suspense lovers out there, “The Burying Place” by Brian Freeman is a book to add to your list. The plot follows police detective Stride as he works to solve a missing child case.
Full of twists and turns, Freeman still creates strong, intriguing characters. I didn’t figure out the mystery until the end, which seldom happens…so that earns Freeman brownie points and a spot on my “authors to read” list.
Full of twists and turns, Freeman still creates strong, intriguing characters. I didn’t figure out the mystery until the end, which seldom happens…so that earns Freeman brownie points and a spot on my “authors to read” list.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Game Change
Keeping with the political theme today!
How the American political system works is both asinine and amazing (and sometimes completely ridiculous). The first presidential campaign I remember, as being old enough to vote, was Al Gore against George Bush. And what a race that was! I stayed up all night watching the coverage. The next campaign that really touched me was the race to win the Democratic nomination in 2008. I was torn between Obama, Clinton and Edwards. Edwards had been a favorite of mine in the past, but I respected Clinton and started to become intrigued by Obama. The story of how Barack Obama came to be President of the United States is one of inspiration and hope. I believe he was the right candidate, at the right time. Washington needs more people to shake up the status quo.
“Game Change” by John Heilemann provides a stunning glimpse into a world filled with politics and power. It tells the story of how a nation fell in love (or in hate) with a fresh new face--Barack Obama. I enjoyed every page of this book; a startling glimpse inside the insanity of political campaigning.
How the American political system works is both asinine and amazing (and sometimes completely ridiculous). The first presidential campaign I remember, as being old enough to vote, was Al Gore against George Bush. And what a race that was! I stayed up all night watching the coverage. The next campaign that really touched me was the race to win the Democratic nomination in 2008. I was torn between Obama, Clinton and Edwards. Edwards had been a favorite of mine in the past, but I respected Clinton and started to become intrigued by Obama. The story of how Barack Obama came to be President of the United States is one of inspiration and hope. I believe he was the right candidate, at the right time. Washington needs more people to shake up the status quo.
“Game Change” by John Heilemann provides a stunning glimpse into a world filled with politics and power. It tells the story of how a nation fell in love (or in hate) with a fresh new face--Barack Obama. I enjoyed every page of this book; a startling glimpse inside the insanity of political campaigning.
The Politician
Politics have always fascinated me. In this generation, people in politics have become more like celebrities, than world leaders. Every piece of their life is opened to public scrutiny.
When John Edwards ran for president in 2004, I was drawn him. I felt he was charismatic, had strong principles and would make a fine leader. When John Kerry was selected as the Democratic candidate, I was disappointed.
I am not into judging other people’s life choices, so when things blew up surrounding John Edwards and his affair I was slightly annoyed. I thought the press was making a big deal out of an affair (a la Bill Clinton). As more was revealed, my impression of John Edwards declined quickly. Not only did he have an affair, but he tried to cover it up to protect his political career in a really shady way.
I picked up “The Politician” by Andrew Young to see his side of the story. He is the person who helped with the cover up. Young tells a tale of power changing John Edwards from a great man, to a shallow self-absorbed one. However, Young often seems child-like and whining. He talks about how he did anything and everything for the Edwards family, and that makes him deserve a future with them. At the end he says he wrote this book for money because he couldn’t get another job because of what they had “done” to him. Really? I felt that Andrew Young allowed himself to be used, and that the major weakness shown in this book is his own. He uses the personal story of someone he claims to have loved for his own gain. Do I think John Edwards is a bad person…no. Do I think he made some really bad choices? Yes. And I think he is paying for those choices dearly.
When John Edwards ran for president in 2004, I was drawn him. I felt he was charismatic, had strong principles and would make a fine leader. When John Kerry was selected as the Democratic candidate, I was disappointed.
I am not into judging other people’s life choices, so when things blew up surrounding John Edwards and his affair I was slightly annoyed. I thought the press was making a big deal out of an affair (a la Bill Clinton). As more was revealed, my impression of John Edwards declined quickly. Not only did he have an affair, but he tried to cover it up to protect his political career in a really shady way.
I picked up “The Politician” by Andrew Young to see his side of the story. He is the person who helped with the cover up. Young tells a tale of power changing John Edwards from a great man, to a shallow self-absorbed one. However, Young often seems child-like and whining. He talks about how he did anything and everything for the Edwards family, and that makes him deserve a future with them. At the end he says he wrote this book for money because he couldn’t get another job because of what they had “done” to him. Really? I felt that Andrew Young allowed himself to be used, and that the major weakness shown in this book is his own. He uses the personal story of someone he claims to have loved for his own gain. Do I think John Edwards is a bad person…no. Do I think he made some really bad choices? Yes. And I think he is paying for those choices dearly.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Say You're One of Them
Books have the ability to transport you to another world, or to an entirely new existence. Imagine life in a war-torn country.
Most of us cannot fathom the intense fear, poverty and violence experienced by the children of some African nations. Most people don’t even want to think about it. “Say You’re One of Them” by Uwem Akpan contains five short stories told from African children’s point of view. I was touched by each story. Feeling saddened and heartbroken for what some children must overcome to grow up. I could feel the fear and the struggle inherent in these stories and they became part of my conscience.
I think it’s so important to be cognizant of what other’s go through in life. Reading is a way to walk in their shoes, even if only for a moment.
Most of us cannot fathom the intense fear, poverty and violence experienced by the children of some African nations. Most people don’t even want to think about it. “Say You’re One of Them” by Uwem Akpan contains five short stories told from African children’s point of view. I was touched by each story. Feeling saddened and heartbroken for what some children must overcome to grow up. I could feel the fear and the struggle inherent in these stories and they became part of my conscience.
I think it’s so important to be cognizant of what other’s go through in life. Reading is a way to walk in their shoes, even if only for a moment.
Sinful by Charlotte Featherstone
I was torn as to if I actually liked “Sinful” by Charlotte Featherstone. I was a bit shocked by the intensity of some of the emotional content. The book is quite dark, which differs from most romances I have read. I was intrigued by the character of Matthew, to some extent. But I was bored by Jane. The plain, old gal who can’t find a husband. That storyline is overdone.
I enjoyed Featherstone’s writing, however, and I will try her again in the future.
I enjoyed Featherstone’s writing, however, and I will try her again in the future.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sharing the love of books
The love of books is something that a child learns from an early age. I remember being fascinated by picture books, even before I could read the words. That is a love I have tried to foster in my own children.
Another parenting favorite is “A Picture Perfect Childhood” by Cay Gibson. Included are lists of picture books to enjoy with your child. I used it to make a library list and checked them out to read with my children. Some of them then ended up being purchased for our home library.
The way a picture book can bring to life values and stories is nothing short of amazing.
Another parenting favorite is “A Picture Perfect Childhood” by Cay Gibson. Included are lists of picture books to enjoy with your child. I used it to make a library list and checked them out to read with my children. Some of them then ended up being purchased for our home library.
The way a picture book can bring to life values and stories is nothing short of amazing.
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