Still tons to catch up on

I haven't been reading too much this month, but still have a lot of books to log about. Apparently when I am stressed I am incapable of reading anything with any depth. All I want to do is devour romance novels and bury my head in the senseless fluff. Let's just say I read a lot of romance novels this month. But my attitude must be looking up because I am reading a book about the history of Alexandria- and enjoying it. I also read a Biography about Henry Eyring (the chemist) in one day- so must be feeling a little more optimistic. Able to accept some real life in my reading.

SOOOO- I have been reading with Marika's Sr English class. They just read A Brave New World by A. Huxley (am I spelling that right?) I highlighted many passages to share some thoughts with you- but that was a month ago and now I can't find the book. It is under the bed I think . I have to find it tonight because I need to take it back to the library when we go tomorrow. Anyways- I liked it. I don't know why I avoided reading it for so long. One of the ideas I kept thinking about was the scripture in Revelations (I think) about calling good evil and evil good. This book talks a lot about the importance of being a virtuous woman- which in this culture means forming no lasting attachments, having sex often and indiscriminately, avoiding any maternal feelings- the opposite of what virtue is. It is just an obvious example of the twisted values in this imagined future. To me the women seemed very much just there for men's pleasure- not valued for anything beyond physical attributes. I had many more comments than this so when I dig the book out from under the bed (I hope it is there) I will write some more ideas. Any on else ever read this?

The Tipping point by Malcom Gladwell. I had read Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking- a book about the subconscious which I thoroughly enjoyed. I especially remember the chapter about racism. Well I liked this one a lot too. I like any book that thoughtfully makes you examine your world in more detail. To see that around you in a different way. These sociology type books are also interesting to Alma- so we can talk about it too. This book looks at how trends or fads begin and spread. It talks about the different types of people who spread information and trends. Made me wonder- am I a connector or salesman? Read it and let me know what you vote for.

I also read two memoirs by Harry Bernstien. This is an author who has written for himself most of his life but didn't really publish anything. Then his wife died and in his nineties he has written and published two best sellers. He said he finally had some time to write after Ruby died. His first book, The Invisible Wall, is a look at his childhood in Lancashire. Very poor- very divided by religious lines. In fact he lives right on the edge of the Jewish ghetto and across the street is the christian ghetto. It was a mesmerizing. His writing in clear and poignant. His memory is amazing. I was especially touched by his mother and the way she struggled to feed her large family. The story of his sister's romance with a Christian boy was also very touching. His second book, The Dream, is about his families life after they immigrate to the United States. The poverty and ghettos here in the land of plenty- and yet I wonder if the life he ended up being able to make for himself and his family- even in the depression would have been possible in England. I thought both of these were worth reading.

So for Christmas Dad and Holly got me Mormon Scientist. This in the biography of Henry Eyring. So nice of them to remember that I wanted to read this. I read a collection of essays by him about science and religion when I was in High School and it had a big impact on me. I still think about many of his points on a regular basis. Anyways- some one in the academic world I admire tremendously. That all said this book was a little disappointing. It covers some of his childhood and his career well- but his personal life is ignored but for a couple of cute antidotes. The book was a like brief overview of his life without any real introspection or discussion of any detail. More like a time line of his life than a biography of the man. I enjoyed it, but it left me wanting more. This is the problem with a lot of Mormon writing. It too often wants to present just a glorified picture of life and brush over the difficult or awkward facts. Henry Eyring was a great enough man- formed by both the good and bad in his life- it in no way decreases his greatness to look honestly at both. His relationship with his children and wives was completely left out save a few short stories- how can you write about a man's life and not cover these areas in more detail. By the way his book of essays is out of print and I would love a copy of the book I value so much (the one I read belonged to Thelma Hunter) so if anyone has a copy or knows where to get on let me know.

I know I am forgetting some books I have read- but these are the ones still floating around the house.