A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Thinking - edited by John Brockman
Manage Your Day-to Day - edited by Jocelyn K. Glei
Give and Take - Adam Grant
Possession - A. S. Byatt
Sunday 31 August 2014
Saturday 30 August 2014
A Spineless Thing to do!
This week I have been reading Tom Brown's Schooldays. My version is from the 1930s and its spine was a little worse for wear. Well now, thanks to some train journeys and me generally not helping its cause, it is spineless. The end came when I was trying to wield the book in one hand and prove to the train conductor that I did have a ticket, with the other. The spine saw its chance, took it and made a bid for freedom. Having shown my ticket I then had to retrieve the spine which is now held in place by a rubber band. Sorry book.
Thursday 28 August 2014
Sofa Spotlight - Tom Brown's Schooldays, Thomas Hughes
What's it about?
As the name suggests it is about the schooldays of Tom Brown. Tom Brown is the son of a squire in the 19th century and manages to persuade his parents to send him to public school. He ends up at Rugby under Dr Arnold who has begun to reform the school. Brown has many adventures with his friend East as they make their way up the school. Together they stand up to bullies, such as Flashman, and spend plenty of time causing chaos for the masters. It's like looking back at another world, and it's hard to imagine that that is what schools were like. Hughes writes it well, and it isn't harder to imagine the world that he is portraying. It's hard to imagine that the same values that boys at Rugby had would be held by children at school now. They certainly play a lot less cricket.
What was good?
Hughes brought the whole scene to life. If ever I got lost in a book, it was this one. I nearly forgot to get off the train at times. My favorite character has to be Tom Brown, but East is a close second. They are lovable characters because they seem to have no problem getting into trouble, but have some sense of doing the right thing. Which worked out well for Arthur, and all the other boys that enjoyed the spoils of their campaigns.
What was bad?
Although I didn't mind it too much, Hughes offered his opinion and advice too often. He isn't hard to read so it wasn't too bad but sometimes it got in the way of the narrative.
Who is for?
I think Hughes had in mind boys about to go to or already at public school. If you enjoy a good story that isn't too taxing then this could be for you. It does take a bit of work to get through the opening chapters but it is worth it, although be warned about the ending. I was close to tears.
As the name suggests it is about the schooldays of Tom Brown. Tom Brown is the son of a squire in the 19th century and manages to persuade his parents to send him to public school. He ends up at Rugby under Dr Arnold who has begun to reform the school. Brown has many adventures with his friend East as they make their way up the school. Together they stand up to bullies, such as Flashman, and spend plenty of time causing chaos for the masters. It's like looking back at another world, and it's hard to imagine that that is what schools were like. Hughes writes it well, and it isn't harder to imagine the world that he is portraying. It's hard to imagine that the same values that boys at Rugby had would be held by children at school now. They certainly play a lot less cricket.
What was good?
Hughes brought the whole scene to life. If ever I got lost in a book, it was this one. I nearly forgot to get off the train at times. My favorite character has to be Tom Brown, but East is a close second. They are lovable characters because they seem to have no problem getting into trouble, but have some sense of doing the right thing. Which worked out well for Arthur, and all the other boys that enjoyed the spoils of their campaigns.
What was bad?
Although I didn't mind it too much, Hughes offered his opinion and advice too often. He isn't hard to read so it wasn't too bad but sometimes it got in the way of the narrative.
Who is for?
I think Hughes had in mind boys about to go to or already at public school. If you enjoy a good story that isn't too taxing then this could be for you. It does take a bit of work to get through the opening chapters but it is worth it, although be warned about the ending. I was close to tears.
Wednesday 27 August 2014
Sofa Spotlight - Marks of the Messenger, J. Mack Stiles
What is it about?
This isn't a book about evangelism as such. It is about what how you should be thinking and living so that you don't miss the obvious. It is about preparing ourselves to be better messengers of God's good news. The content of the book is about the gospel, and the mistakes that can be made when we share it with others. It looks at what happens when we add things to the gospel or take things away from it. At the end of the book the last chapter has a list of bullet points that provide a summary of what the book covers. If you can't read the entire book you should read the last chapter with that list. I never thought I would recommend just reading the last chapter of a book. But make sure you read the whole book at some point, to understand what Stiles means in those bullet points.
What was good?
Stiles is a good concise writer. He is straightforward and to the point, which I think is why each chapter is easy to digest. It was easy to work out what his point was in each section and see where it could be applied. I'm surprised to say that it was a hard book to put down, I only ever feel that way about novels, so there must be something good about it. You will have to read it to find out what it is.
What was bad?
I don't like pointing out was bad about a book unless it is obvious and I had a problem with it. I didn't have any massive problems with this book. Not a huge fan of the cover, but I will cope.
Who is for?
All Christians should read this. The chapter on guarding the gospel is essential reading for all Christians.
This isn't a book about evangelism as such. It is about what how you should be thinking and living so that you don't miss the obvious. It is about preparing ourselves to be better messengers of God's good news. The content of the book is about the gospel, and the mistakes that can be made when we share it with others. It looks at what happens when we add things to the gospel or take things away from it. At the end of the book the last chapter has a list of bullet points that provide a summary of what the book covers. If you can't read the entire book you should read the last chapter with that list. I never thought I would recommend just reading the last chapter of a book. But make sure you read the whole book at some point, to understand what Stiles means in those bullet points.
What was good?
Stiles is a good concise writer. He is straightforward and to the point, which I think is why each chapter is easy to digest. It was easy to work out what his point was in each section and see where it could be applied. I'm surprised to say that it was a hard book to put down, I only ever feel that way about novels, so there must be something good about it. You will have to read it to find out what it is.
What was bad?
I don't like pointing out was bad about a book unless it is obvious and I had a problem with it. I didn't have any massive problems with this book. Not a huge fan of the cover, but I will cope.
Who is for?
All Christians should read this. The chapter on guarding the gospel is essential reading for all Christians.
Tuesday 26 August 2014
Sofa Shelf
Manage Your Day-To-Day - edited by Jocelyn K. Glei
This is a book about putting creative ideas into action. It has a very nice cover, both to look at and to touch. The contributors to this book look about how everyday decisions and routines can help or hinder the way that a creative idea can be accomplished. I think. Will let you know if I am right.
Give and Take - Adam Grant
A book that isn't a compilation. Feels like the first time in a while. This one talks about why giving may help you to be more successful even though it is counter intuitive. I've started it and it is very readable. Of all the books that I have started recently this is the one that I am most excited about, I'm looking forward to finding out what it has to say.
Marks of the Messenger - J. Mack Stiles
This is the second or third time that I've read this book. From what I remember it is worth another read, and because I can't remember much it is definitely one that I should read again. It is about how in order to tell others the gospel we need to know it ourselves and not assume that we or others know it.
Possession - A. S. Byatt
I've heard really good things about this book, but also really bad things. I'm worried that I will hate it and will spend the next year trying to get my through it, but I don't want to risk missing out on something that I might enjoy. Anyway it opens with lines from Nathaniel Hawthorne, so I am intrigued enough to read on.
This is a book about putting creative ideas into action. It has a very nice cover, both to look at and to touch. The contributors to this book look about how everyday decisions and routines can help or hinder the way that a creative idea can be accomplished. I think. Will let you know if I am right.
Give and Take - Adam Grant
A book that isn't a compilation. Feels like the first time in a while. This one talks about why giving may help you to be more successful even though it is counter intuitive. I've started it and it is very readable. Of all the books that I have started recently this is the one that I am most excited about, I'm looking forward to finding out what it has to say.
Marks of the Messenger - J. Mack Stiles
This is the second or third time that I've read this book. From what I remember it is worth another read, and because I can't remember much it is definitely one that I should read again. It is about how in order to tell others the gospel we need to know it ourselves and not assume that we or others know it.
Possession - A. S. Byatt
I've heard really good things about this book, but also really bad things. I'm worried that I will hate it and will spend the next year trying to get my through it, but I don't want to risk missing out on something that I might enjoy. Anyway it opens with lines from Nathaniel Hawthorne, so I am intrigued enough to read on.
Monday 25 August 2014
Reading on the Shelf
A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins
Been reading this one again. Well I managed half a poem. I still don't like it. The poem was about someone from Cyprus, and having said that I don't like it, I do want to find out what happens at the end.
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
This book has sections that are about the regions of France, and this week I read the one on Gascony. It probably had more interest for me than most because D' Artagnan from The Three Musketeers is from there.
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
Very nearly finished and definitely not having sugar ever again. Although I am skeptical about books like this I think Gillespie has a point, and it wouldn't be a bad thing to be more aware of what is in what I eat or drink.
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
This week they have looked at letters. What impresses me about this book is that sometimes I'm worried that I'm going to be bored, but then I get drawn in. I love the gentle humour that is in this book.
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Finished this one, here is what I thought.
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
Near finishing this one too. Brown and East are always getting themselves into scrapes and now they have a new boy to look after. What I like is that there is more to this book than just a story, it has moments where it makes you think.
No Guts No Glory - edited by Alan Stewart
Finished this, here is what I thought.
Thinking - edited by John Brockman
Read a bit more but still don't really understand it. It might be a bit over my head. I'm three essays in and all I can remember is that one was about political forecasting, I think!
Manage Your Day-to Day - edited by Jocelyn K. Glei
This is easy to read. Some bits are not relevant to me, but the principles, although simple, are useful to be either be made aware of, or reminded of.
Been reading this one again. Well I managed half a poem. I still don't like it. The poem was about someone from Cyprus, and having said that I don't like it, I do want to find out what happens at the end.
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
This book has sections that are about the regions of France, and this week I read the one on Gascony. It probably had more interest for me than most because D' Artagnan from The Three Musketeers is from there.
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
Very nearly finished and definitely not having sugar ever again. Although I am skeptical about books like this I think Gillespie has a point, and it wouldn't be a bad thing to be more aware of what is in what I eat or drink.
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
This week they have looked at letters. What impresses me about this book is that sometimes I'm worried that I'm going to be bored, but then I get drawn in. I love the gentle humour that is in this book.
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Finished this one, here is what I thought.
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
Near finishing this one too. Brown and East are always getting themselves into scrapes and now they have a new boy to look after. What I like is that there is more to this book than just a story, it has moments where it makes you think.
No Guts No Glory - edited by Alan Stewart
Finished this, here is what I thought.
Thinking - edited by John Brockman
Read a bit more but still don't really understand it. It might be a bit over my head. I'm three essays in and all I can remember is that one was about political forecasting, I think!
Manage Your Day-to Day - edited by Jocelyn K. Glei
This is easy to read. Some bits are not relevant to me, but the principles, although simple, are useful to be either be made aware of, or reminded of.
Sunday 24 August 2014
What's on the Shelf?
A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
Thinking - edited by John Brockman
Manage Your Day-to Day - edited by Jocelyn K. Glei
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
Thinking - edited by John Brockman
Manage Your Day-to Day - edited by Jocelyn K. Glei
Saturday 23 August 2014
What happens when it all collapses?
You may have noticed that there appears to be a high number of books on the shelf. Which is fine apart from they no longer fit on the arm of the sofa, hence no pictures for a while. Instead they have been piled on the floor next to it in a tower that is leaning against the sofa. At some point I'm sure that it will collapse, but for now it is a good sort of table.
Thursday 21 August 2014
Sofa Spotlight - Digital Fortress, Dan Brown
What's it about?
Susan Fletcher is a cryptologist at the NSA and one Saturday morning she is called into work to help with a matter of national security. The whole book is about what happens in the next twenty four/forty eight hours. The drama centers around the NSA headquarters and also with Fletcher's fiance David Becker, who is in Spain on an NSA mission. Becker doesn't work for the NSA but he has been sent by their commander to track down a ring that has a pass key to a code that, if unbroken, could baffle the intelligence services attempts to maintain America's security. Problem is Becker is being chased by an assassin, and Fletcher is having problems trying to track down a second pass key.
What was good?
The pace was fast, but there was enough time to get to know the characters and take in the story. My favorite character was David Becker, although I think he is the hapless underdog that you are supposed to like. There were a few characters that I would have felt sorry for if they hadn't brought their misfortunes on themselves. I also liked the characters that weren't part of the main drama, such as Jabba and Midge, it was entertaining watching them trying to work out what was going on.
What was bad?
I wanted more from the character of Susan Flectcher, and I really don't buy that someone as high up in US intelligence wouldn't know what 'without wax' means. Other than that it was good and the twists kept me guessing.
Who is it for?
The lover of well paced thrillers. It's an easy entertaining read.
Susan Fletcher is a cryptologist at the NSA and one Saturday morning she is called into work to help with a matter of national security. The whole book is about what happens in the next twenty four/forty eight hours. The drama centers around the NSA headquarters and also with Fletcher's fiance David Becker, who is in Spain on an NSA mission. Becker doesn't work for the NSA but he has been sent by their commander to track down a ring that has a pass key to a code that, if unbroken, could baffle the intelligence services attempts to maintain America's security. Problem is Becker is being chased by an assassin, and Fletcher is having problems trying to track down a second pass key.
What was good?
The pace was fast, but there was enough time to get to know the characters and take in the story. My favorite character was David Becker, although I think he is the hapless underdog that you are supposed to like. There were a few characters that I would have felt sorry for if they hadn't brought their misfortunes on themselves. I also liked the characters that weren't part of the main drama, such as Jabba and Midge, it was entertaining watching them trying to work out what was going on.
What was bad?
I wanted more from the character of Susan Flectcher, and I really don't buy that someone as high up in US intelligence wouldn't know what 'without wax' means. Other than that it was good and the twists kept me guessing.
Who is it for?
The lover of well paced thrillers. It's an easy entertaining read.
Wednesday 20 August 2014
Sofa Spotlight - No Guts No Glory, edited by Alan Stewart
What's it about?
This is a book that looks at what it means to be involved in youth ministry. It isn't a long book, but it covers quite a few different angles and gives a good foundation for understanding and getting involved in youth work. Most chapters have examples of challenges that may be faced and gives sound principles as well as practical advice for how to solve them. Chapters also have a section at the end for you to assess how it is going for you and how you might do things differently. The areas covered in the book include how to run a weekly meeting for youth as well as how to organise and run a youth camp. In those parts of the book the writers laid out clear advice to help the reader sort out priorities.
What was good?
It wasn't a heavy book, and there was a good balance between principles and how those principles worked in practice. It didn't cover everything that could be said about youth ministry but it does give you the tools that someone involved in youth ministry would need. What I really liked was that it challenged the old way of doing things and suggested starting again from scratch to create something that would really benefit the youth in the church.
What was bad?
It was short - but that could also be a virtue.
Who is it for?
Those involved in youth ministry, but also those who aren't (like myself) but want to know what is involved.
This is a book that looks at what it means to be involved in youth ministry. It isn't a long book, but it covers quite a few different angles and gives a good foundation for understanding and getting involved in youth work. Most chapters have examples of challenges that may be faced and gives sound principles as well as practical advice for how to solve them. Chapters also have a section at the end for you to assess how it is going for you and how you might do things differently. The areas covered in the book include how to run a weekly meeting for youth as well as how to organise and run a youth camp. In those parts of the book the writers laid out clear advice to help the reader sort out priorities.
What was good?
It wasn't a heavy book, and there was a good balance between principles and how those principles worked in practice. It didn't cover everything that could be said about youth ministry but it does give you the tools that someone involved in youth ministry would need. What I really liked was that it challenged the old way of doing things and suggested starting again from scratch to create something that would really benefit the youth in the church.
What was bad?
It was short - but that could also be a virtue.
Who is it for?
Those involved in youth ministry, but also those who aren't (like myself) but want to know what is involved.
Tuesday 19 August 2014
Sofa Shelf
Two newbies:
No Guts No Glory - edited by Alan Stewart
This a book on youth ministry with contributions from Tim Thornborough and Steve Couch among others. I'm not involved in youth ministry but I have friends who are. Although I've read this book before, I wanted to reread it so that I could understand where they are coming from when they talk about how it is going for them.
Thinking - edited by John Brockman
Seems to be the week for books of compilations. This one has contributions from Daniel C. Dennett and Daniel Kahneman and others involved in psychology, neuroscience and philosophy. Not all of them are called Daniel. It's a collection of essays about how we think. I wasn't altogether sure what this book was about, nor am I sure I will understand it, but I'm going to have a try.
No Guts No Glory - edited by Alan Stewart
This a book on youth ministry with contributions from Tim Thornborough and Steve Couch among others. I'm not involved in youth ministry but I have friends who are. Although I've read this book before, I wanted to reread it so that I could understand where they are coming from when they talk about how it is going for them.
Thinking - edited by John Brockman
Seems to be the week for books of compilations. This one has contributions from Daniel C. Dennett and Daniel Kahneman and others involved in psychology, neuroscience and philosophy. Not all of them are called Daniel. It's a collection of essays about how we think. I wasn't altogether sure what this book was about, nor am I sure I will understand it, but I'm going to have a try.
Monday 18 August 2014
Reading on the Shelf
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
So far in the history of the Tour de France the first world war has caused the TDF to be postponed for five years. What was sad about this part of the book was that so many of the riders that had competed in the TDF were killed in the war. Also read about the only rider to be murdered (after the war) and his murder remains unsolved.
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
We've moved from looking at the research into obesity and the effect sugar consumption has on obesity to the diereses that it causes. What I found interesting was how sugar came to be part of our diets, and what caused the increase in consumption.
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
The second person to make the walk around the blog was a geologist. I didn't think I would be interested in this chapter but I was surprised. The chapter that I've just started to read is about noticing the words and language that adorn the surfaces that we see everyday.
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
There was a twist and I enjoyed it. I think that I have got to the bottom of the mystery now and worked out the agendas of all the characters. Part of me hopes that I am wrong so that there will be another twist. I am a bit disappointed in one of the characters though.
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Another surprise in how much I have enjoyed this. Haven't read too much, but so far the connection between biology and how children respond to education is discussed. So a child's background can cause problems with how their bodies work and that can have an effect on how well they learn. At least that's what I think it said, I may have misunderstood.
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
More surprises here. I have once before tried to read this and been put off by the lengthy descriptions at the beginning. This time I have pushed through and have really enjoyed what I have read. Tom has just arrived at Rugby school. I sense it is going to be a good read.
So far in the history of the Tour de France the first world war has caused the TDF to be postponed for five years. What was sad about this part of the book was that so many of the riders that had competed in the TDF were killed in the war. Also read about the only rider to be murdered (after the war) and his murder remains unsolved.
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
We've moved from looking at the research into obesity and the effect sugar consumption has on obesity to the diereses that it causes. What I found interesting was how sugar came to be part of our diets, and what caused the increase in consumption.
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
The second person to make the walk around the blog was a geologist. I didn't think I would be interested in this chapter but I was surprised. The chapter that I've just started to read is about noticing the words and language that adorn the surfaces that we see everyday.
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
There was a twist and I enjoyed it. I think that I have got to the bottom of the mystery now and worked out the agendas of all the characters. Part of me hopes that I am wrong so that there will be another twist. I am a bit disappointed in one of the characters though.
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Another surprise in how much I have enjoyed this. Haven't read too much, but so far the connection between biology and how children respond to education is discussed. So a child's background can cause problems with how their bodies work and that can have an effect on how well they learn. At least that's what I think it said, I may have misunderstood.
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
More surprises here. I have once before tried to read this and been put off by the lengthy descriptions at the beginning. This time I have pushed through and have really enjoyed what I have read. Tom has just arrived at Rugby school. I sense it is going to be a good read.
Sunday 17 August 2014
What's on the Shelf?
A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
Saturday 16 August 2014
What I'm Watching...
In January I was reading the Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy. I found a BBC dramatised version of it, and recently I have been watching it. So far I have watched six out of seven episodes. What is good is that it is true to the book, probably why it is over five hours long, but you can tell it is from the 1970's.
If you haven't read the book it is about a man called Michael Henchard, who auctions his wife. From there it seems that he can't hold onto anything good and everything that he touches causes problems. It isn't the happiest story in the world. Maybe watch a comedy afterwards if you're planning to give it a go. I've had to watch it in stages.
If you haven't read the book it is about a man called Michael Henchard, who auctions his wife. From there it seems that he can't hold onto anything good and everything that he touches causes problems. It isn't the happiest story in the world. Maybe watch a comedy afterwards if you're planning to give it a go. I've had to watch it in stages.
Friday 15 August 2014
Could another challenge be looming?
As EG and I run out of time to read over 60 books by the end of September, a few thoughts have occurred to us. We thought that this challenge may have been a bit of a mistake. EG is half way there but I am nowhere near half way, and with little time left, victory does not look like it is coming. But we shall not give up. I think we are just going for the pride that we will get for who has read the most.
However, we have turned our minds to future challenges and we have some ideas. For now they are secret ideas (because we are checking they are achievable first) but I would be interested to know if you have any ideas for a future challenge, or if you are involved in a challenge yourself. Any ideas left as a comment will be put into our ideas pot (a metaphorical pot) and who knows what will happen...
However, we have turned our minds to future challenges and we have some ideas. For now they are secret ideas (because we are checking they are achievable first) but I would be interested to know if you have any ideas for a future challenge, or if you are involved in a challenge yourself. Any ideas left as a comment will be put into our ideas pot (a metaphorical pot) and who knows what will happen...
Thursday 14 August 2014
EG gets it sorted
In a previous post I mentioned that EG had miss counted the stars on our chart and, until I showed her otherwise, believed that she had read 32 books. As it happens she had only read 26. Since then much reading has been happening and EG can now truthfully claim to have read 32 books. I managed to get two more stars taking me up to 25. It seems like it gets harder and harder to catch up.
Wednesday 13 August 2014
Sofa Shelf
The newbie on the shelf is:
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
I've never read this before, and I have a few reasons why I want to read it. The first is that my Dad has a copy of it that was a prize he won at school. From the 1940's/50's it is a brilliant cover and has an inscription in the front. It's the sort of book that you would want to pass down through the family. I also saw an adaptation (with Stephen Fry in it) that I liked. The copy that I have was one that I found for £2 on a market stall. I bought it because of the inscription in the front:
"Noel Phillips
Christmas 1939
From Daddy"
Tom Brown's Schooldays - Thomas Hughes
I've never read this before, and I have a few reasons why I want to read it. The first is that my Dad has a copy of it that was a prize he won at school. From the 1940's/50's it is a brilliant cover and has an inscription in the front. It's the sort of book that you would want to pass down through the family. I also saw an adaptation (with Stephen Fry in it) that I liked. The copy that I have was one that I found for £2 on a market stall. I bought it because of the inscription in the front:
"Noel Phillips
Christmas 1939
From Daddy"
Tuesday 12 August 2014
Reading on the Shelf
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Not buying this version of Robin Hood, it doesn't seem to be going well for anyone.
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
I'm not quite half way through yet but it is proving interesting. I'm thinking sugar is not something that I want to be eating. However, I reckon I will read something else on the subject before I start cutting it out of my diet (because I may be a little bit addicted)
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
This is worth reading just because I found out that someone cycled the Tour de France whilst wearing a fez. Enough said I think.
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
This is very funny, not sure if it is meant to be, but I hope it is.
Wonder-Book and Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Finished this, here is what I thought.
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Tense, not sure how it will work out, but I hope it does. I'm expecting some twists but they haven't happened yet.
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
This gets better and better, definitely one to read if you are into the Sherlock Holmes stories and if you know them well. From reading this I want to go and read them again.
Not buying this version of Robin Hood, it doesn't seem to be going well for anyone.
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
I'm not quite half way through yet but it is proving interesting. I'm thinking sugar is not something that I want to be eating. However, I reckon I will read something else on the subject before I start cutting it out of my diet (because I may be a little bit addicted)
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
This is worth reading just because I found out that someone cycled the Tour de France whilst wearing a fez. Enough said I think.
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
This is very funny, not sure if it is meant to be, but I hope it is.
Wonder-Book and Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Finished this, here is what I thought.
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Tense, not sure how it will work out, but I hope it does. I'm expecting some twists but they haven't happened yet.
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
This gets better and better, definitely one to read if you are into the Sherlock Holmes stories and if you know them well. From reading this I want to go and read them again.
Sunday 10 August 2014
What's on the Shelf?
A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Saturday 9 August 2014
Sofa Spotlight - Chosen by God, R. C. Sproul
What's it about?
This is a book about predestination. It isn't a long book, but it covers it's subject well. In nine chapters it deals with issues such as; God's sovereignty, free will and who Christ died for. Even though the book is short, only 186 pages, it is not a quick read. To fully appreciate all that is in this book you have to take it slow. Thinking is required, as it is not an easy subject to get your head around. Part of the problem is that you are trying to understand an infinite God with a finite mind. But that shouldn't stop us trying. Sproul shows how the Bible helps us to understand God's salvation plan and how His sovereignty is at work in that. From what the Bible says we can see a loving God that is completely in control.
What was good?
Sproul doesn't just write down his theology, tell you to accept it and then walk away. He starts his book by talking about how he held a different view and how he came to change that view. The new view that he holds is what he explains in this book. I think that because he understands different responses to predestination, because he held some of them, he can explain and help the reader to get a clearer picture of the alternatives. What I liked was that he took time to explain what he meant and what impact holding a particular viewpoint would have on your view of God.
What was bad?
It made my brain ache (which isn't really a bad thing).
Who is it for?
All Christians, but only if you are prepared for maybe having your mind changed.
This is a book about predestination. It isn't a long book, but it covers it's subject well. In nine chapters it deals with issues such as; God's sovereignty, free will and who Christ died for. Even though the book is short, only 186 pages, it is not a quick read. To fully appreciate all that is in this book you have to take it slow. Thinking is required, as it is not an easy subject to get your head around. Part of the problem is that you are trying to understand an infinite God with a finite mind. But that shouldn't stop us trying. Sproul shows how the Bible helps us to understand God's salvation plan and how His sovereignty is at work in that. From what the Bible says we can see a loving God that is completely in control.
What was good?
Sproul doesn't just write down his theology, tell you to accept it and then walk away. He starts his book by talking about how he held a different view and how he came to change that view. The new view that he holds is what he explains in this book. I think that because he understands different responses to predestination, because he held some of them, he can explain and help the reader to get a clearer picture of the alternatives. What I liked was that he took time to explain what he meant and what impact holding a particular viewpoint would have on your view of God.
What was bad?
It made my brain ache (which isn't really a bad thing).
Who is it for?
All Christians, but only if you are prepared for maybe having your mind changed.
Friday 8 August 2014
A swift or swallow problem
Some birds, not sure what sort of bird - could be swifts, could be swallows, built their nest near where I work. Five chicks hatched and have been shuffling around their nest in a very cute fashion ever since. Given what happened next they should have just kept still. Two of the chicks fell from the nest. I am not sure if they overstretched themselves or something more sinister was going on, and that their siblings pushed them. One chick survived the fall, very sadly the other chick didn't.
We named the survivor Sandy and sort of zoned off an area for him, so that he wouldn't be mown down by a passing car. There wasn't much else we could do for Sandy, we left him for the night under the watchful eye of his parents. Next morning Sandy was gone. We can only hope that he was rescued and taken somewhere safe, but I don't hold out much hope. Poor Sandy.
We named the survivor Sandy and sort of zoned off an area for him, so that he wouldn't be mown down by a passing car. There wasn't much else we could do for Sandy, we left him for the night under the watchful eye of his parents. Next morning Sandy was gone. We can only hope that he was rescued and taken somewhere safe, but I don't hold out much hope. Poor Sandy.
Wednesday 6 August 2014
Cycling around with a 107 year old book
This may not have been the smartest idea I've ever had. Last week I tried my cycle to and from work plan again. It worked, I got there and back. The problems came when I tried to get home, and halfway there I ran out of steam. I sort of whimpered on a bit until I found a shop and then proceeded to eat a vanilla slice at record speed.
Fueled I continued and just about made it home. What I had forgotten was that I had my copy of Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales, which is over a hundred years old, in my bag. I'm pleased to say that it is in one piece, although I'm not sure it appreciated being bounced around in my bag for 40 miles.
Being tired I collapsed into bed and was asleep. Phone rang, my sister calling, and while still asleep I answered, told her I was veeerrrrryyyyy tiiiiiired. and that I had been on my bike. Not sure about much after that.
Thus I shall not be doing that again in a hurry. It's not good for books or phone conversations.
Fueled I continued and just about made it home. What I had forgotten was that I had my copy of Wonder Book and Tanglewood Tales, which is over a hundred years old, in my bag. I'm pleased to say that it is in one piece, although I'm not sure it appreciated being bounced around in my bag for 40 miles.
Being tired I collapsed into bed and was asleep. Phone rang, my sister calling, and while still asleep I answered, told her I was veeerrrrryyyyy tiiiiiired. and that I had been on my bike. Not sure about much after that.
Thus I shall not be doing that again in a hurry. It's not good for books or phone conversations.
Monday 4 August 2014
Someone can't count...
I may be five stars behind EG but there was satisfaction today. EG has spent the last few months lining up her stars on the chart, in a manner that she thought was very careful. I observed that she had lined them up in rows of eight, and although I thought it odd that she had said that she was planning to line them up in rows of ten, I said nothing. Today it transpires that this was not deliberate. The neighbours are now probably aware that EG has not read the thirty two books she had thought she had read, but instead has only read twenty six. What makes it worse is that EG has been telling people that she has read thirty two. I may be losing but I am smug.
Sunday 3 August 2014
What's on the Shelf?
A Book of Narrative Verse - compiled by V. H. Collins
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Wonder-Book and Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
Chosen by God - R. C. Sproul
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
Racing Through the Dark - The Fall and Rise of David Millar
A Life's Ambition - Alexandre Dumas
The Journal of Madame Giovanni - Alexandre Dumas
The Prince of Thieves - Alexandre Dumas
Le Tour - Geoffrey Wheatcroft
Sweet Poison - David Gillespie
On Looking - Alexandra Horowitz
Time Warped - Claudia Hammond
The Neapolitan Lovers - Alexandre Dumas
How to find Fulfilling Work - Roman Krznaric
Intuition Pumps and Other Think Tools - Daniel C. Dennett
Wonder-Book and Tanglewood Tales - Nathaniel Hawthorne
Digital Fortress - Dan Brown
Mastermind - Maria Konnikova
Chosen by God - R. C. Sproul
How Children Succeed - Paul Tough
Saturday 2 August 2014
Sofa Spotlight - Wonder Book & Tanglewood Tales, Nathaniel Hawthorne
What's it about?
This is two books in one, where Nathaniel Hawthorne retells the Greek myths for children (or as the book says, young people). Part of me wishes I knew more about the Greek myths so that I could do a better comparison. Both books are narrated by a character called Eustace Bright who tells stories to his younger cousins. The classic myths of Hercules, Jason and the Argonauts and King Midas are all here, and they are told in a way that has a light humour to it. From reading these stories I came away thinking that in Ancient Greece all the young men walked around looking for dragons to kill or other such adventures, and were not satisfied until they had risked their lives doing something noble.
What was good?
Of all Hawthorne's books this was the most readable. The heroes were lovable, and the nature of the stories made them compelling to read. Hawthorne did a good job in his retelling, it was easy to get lost in the story. I suppose that not knowing the stories that well to begin with, meant that I enjoyed them more, as I was not always aware of what the outcome would be. For that reason The Pomegranate Seeds became my favourite story, and to my surprise King Pluto my favourite character.
What was bad?
Eustace Bright appears a little bit at the start of Tanglewood Tales but the interaction between himself and the children when he is telling the stories is missing. Somehow that commentary made the stories more fun. Also I feel that in Ancient Greece all little girls should have been warned not to play with, or enter into conversation with, mythical creatures that come out of the ground, or appear out of nowhere. It never went well for them if they did.
Who is it for?
The book says that it is for young people, but I reckon anyone would enjoy these. It would be a nice book to read slowly and absorb.
This is two books in one, where Nathaniel Hawthorne retells the Greek myths for children (or as the book says, young people). Part of me wishes I knew more about the Greek myths so that I could do a better comparison. Both books are narrated by a character called Eustace Bright who tells stories to his younger cousins. The classic myths of Hercules, Jason and the Argonauts and King Midas are all here, and they are told in a way that has a light humour to it. From reading these stories I came away thinking that in Ancient Greece all the young men walked around looking for dragons to kill or other such adventures, and were not satisfied until they had risked their lives doing something noble.
What was good?
Of all Hawthorne's books this was the most readable. The heroes were lovable, and the nature of the stories made them compelling to read. Hawthorne did a good job in his retelling, it was easy to get lost in the story. I suppose that not knowing the stories that well to begin with, meant that I enjoyed them more, as I was not always aware of what the outcome would be. For that reason The Pomegranate Seeds became my favourite story, and to my surprise King Pluto my favourite character.
What was bad?
Eustace Bright appears a little bit at the start of Tanglewood Tales but the interaction between himself and the children when he is telling the stories is missing. Somehow that commentary made the stories more fun. Also I feel that in Ancient Greece all little girls should have been warned not to play with, or enter into conversation with, mythical creatures that come out of the ground, or appear out of nowhere. It never went well for them if they did.
Who is it for?
The book says that it is for young people, but I reckon anyone would enjoy these. It would be a nice book to read slowly and absorb.
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