This work began with a fascination about Christopher McCandless' tragic and touching story, but one senses that it evolved into a beautiful medication on what it means to be a young man in an age when so many young men are left wanting for father figures and searching for meaning in the wide world. Krakauer's chapter on his own youthful adventure felt out of place initially, but the more I thought about it the more I liked having it there. McCandless' story touched a very deep nerve in American culture and there is something about finding oneself as a man in the world without fathers that leads us to take these kinds of risks, even members of the bubble wrapped and disneyfied generations will continue to do these things and defy the mainstream "social critics." Krakauer captures the essence of what it is to be in this place of wandering and seeking as a young angry Odysseus in our culture so fixated with crap that we understand McCandless and his desires even if we don't agree with his means. Krakauer's writing and instincts are as sharp as ever and this story with its central character that seems to exemplify integrity has as many oblique edges as can be found in any great tale. I only wish there were more young men like Chris McCandless about.Get more detail about Into the Wild.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Into the Wild Get it now!
This work began with a fascination about Christopher McCandless' tragic and touching story, but one senses that it evolved into a beautiful medication on what it means to be a young man in an age when so many young men are left wanting for father figures and searching for meaning in the wide world. Krakauer's chapter on his own youthful adventure felt out of place initially, but the more I thought about it the more I liked having it there. McCandless' story touched a very deep nerve in American culture and there is something about finding oneself as a man in the world without fathers that leads us to take these kinds of risks, even members of the bubble wrapped and disneyfied generations will continue to do these things and defy the mainstream "social critics." Krakauer captures the essence of what it is to be in this place of wandering and seeking as a young angry Odysseus in our culture so fixated with crap that we understand McCandless and his desires even if we don't agree with his means. Krakauer's writing and instincts are as sharp as ever and this story with its central character that seems to exemplify integrity has as many oblique edges as can be found in any great tale. I only wish there were more young men like Chris McCandless about.Get more detail about Into the Wild.
Mike and Mike's Rules for Sports and Life Buy Now
I listen to Mike and Mike everyday and enjoy them. This book is very much like their show. Funny!!!!Get more detail about Mike and Mike's Rules for Sports and Life.
Man's Search For Meaning Order Now
One of main idea of the book, an idea that is quite enlightening when you read it from Frankl's perspective, is that that you can have everything stripped from you: your family, your clothes, your food, your freedom, your rights, everything, but there is one thing that no one can ever take from you, and that's how you choose to respond to those situations. When we realize there is a higher purpose for living, and we want to live, we will find ways to make it through. No matter the circumstances.
Very powerful stuff!
This book is about Frankl's experience through his time in a concentration camp during World War II and how he managed to survive when hundreds of thousands did not. Frankl lived through the very core of camp life. It was horrific and he was staring death in the eyes every day. To live through this dreadful experience is amazing in itself, but Frankl came out with more than just horror stories. He came out of it with the knowledge that there was a reason for his existence, for mankind's existence, and he passed on that knowledge to millions.
The first half of this book tells us about POW camp life; the other half of the book is about what Frankl learned. The concepts are universal, and you've probably heard them before, but Frankl puts them in a way that is new and so enlightening you can't help but live your life in a whole new way.
Frankl's book is a must read for anyone who is feeling low with overwhelming thoughts that things are bad and getting worse. The power to "choose one's own way" can help one transcend the appearance of ugliness and chaos that surrounds us and create for ourselves an inner peace that is ours to keep. This book is a great reminder that life can be tough, but we can choose how we experience it.
This book is a goldmine and should be required reading for everyone.
Get more detail about Man's Search For Meaning.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Winston's War: Churchill, 1940-1945 Decide Now
Mr. Hastings presents another candid and thorough history in clear lucid language. As he admits in the Introduction, this is well trodden ground but his approach is refreshing, something like Cezanne returning to Mount Sainte-Victoire. His tribute to the late Roy Jenkins is a perfect touch.
I am docking him one star because the jacket photograph is identified as the Prime Minister watching a "Flying Fortress bomber maneuver over an RAF establishment, July 23, 1941." With such a precise date, they should get the aircraft right and it is not a B-17 Flying Fortress but appears to be a Bristol Blenheim, an aircraft of more mixed virtues. I regret not giving five stars to a writer whose works I so admire but he has written enough military history to understand the responsibilities of command.
I am amending this review after another reviewer corrected me. The aircraft is, in fact, one of the earlier B-17's, which I had misidentified as I thought the jacket photograph showed a two-engine plane. The website to which he directed me noted that the first use of this plane and others like it on the RAF's initial attempt to bomb Berlin took place on the date of this photograph. Mr. Churchill is thus watching the very first step on the road back to Berlin.Get more detail about Winston's War: Churchill, 1940-1945.
A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity Right now
When i read this I found it both funny, sad and entertaining. I highly recomend this book. It also reminded me of my early schooling, Since i to went to a school with nun/brothers. Well done BillGet more detail about A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity.
Lowest Price Strength in What Remains
I very highly recommend this book, more as a commentary on immigration and humanity than on genocide, but also as an enjoyable read. Truth can be more interesting than fiction when well told, and that is the case with this story.Get more detail about Strength in What Remains.
Low Price Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
This is a book I found very interesting. Mitch Albom gets to know his teacher,who was diagnosed with an illness and was told he was going to die.I found this story very touching. It made me laugh and cry. Morrie points out so many things in this book, we as people overlook.
Morrie pionts out the simple things in life and shows lots of wisdom throughout the whole book. He trusts Mitch and tells him things, he wouldn't tell everybody else. A very good reminder what a true friend like Mitch was, to Morrie as sometimes it is hard to find that certain someone you can confide in.
I learned alot from this book. I think sometimes in ourlives we are working; so hard to keep up with our busy lives. We don't take the time we should and smell the roses. Life passes us by so quickly.Get more detail about Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson.
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