Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Way of the Cross in Human Relations
by Guy Franklin Hershberger
This is a challenging book on Mennonite ethics published in 1958. The challenge, of course, being all the little pricks to my conscience as Dr. Hershberger explained the way a Christian should live. Simply put, the book says that a Christian should be living a life of service to Christ--which works out in practical terms to putting the needs of others before yourself. Even if I don't agree with his every opinion as to how that should be accomplished, there are plenty of points on which he has something to say. But I did find the book to be more than just a big guilt trip. It was interesting to look at the topic of ethics from another tradition than my own. It was interesting to hear Menno Simons quoted with the same respect that I hear given to Martin Luther in my own church. Dr. H makes a good case for his beliefs and I had to turn some of those over in my mind a bit, examining my own positions on a couple of issues. It was also interesting to soak in a bit of the 1950s American atmosphere in which the book was written. I wondered what words a Mennonite scholar might have for today's society. But, of course, in the end it would be mere window dressing. The underlying issues are timeless and as relavant in 2011 as they were in 1958, not to mention 2000 years ago.
It's on my shelf... well, technically her shelf.
LibraryThing link
This is a challenging book on Mennonite ethics published in 1958. The challenge, of course, being all the little pricks to my conscience as Dr. Hershberger explained the way a Christian should live. Simply put, the book says that a Christian should be living a life of service to Christ--which works out in practical terms to putting the needs of others before yourself. Even if I don't agree with his every opinion as to how that should be accomplished, there are plenty of points on which he has something to say. But I did find the book to be more than just a big guilt trip. It was interesting to look at the topic of ethics from another tradition than my own. It was interesting to hear Menno Simons quoted with the same respect that I hear given to Martin Luther in my own church. Dr. H makes a good case for his beliefs and I had to turn some of those over in my mind a bit, examining my own positions on a couple of issues. It was also interesting to soak in a bit of the 1950s American atmosphere in which the book was written. I wondered what words a Mennonite scholar might have for today's society. But, of course, in the end it would be mere window dressing. The underlying issues are timeless and as relavant in 2011 as they were in 1958, not to mention 2000 years ago.
It's on my shelf... well, technically her shelf.
LibraryThing link
Labels: OnMyShelf
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Right Ho, Jeeves
by P.G. Wodenhouse
BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!! Now I know where John Cleese gets his material.
It's on my shelf.
LibraryThing link
BWAH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!!! Now I know where John Cleese gets his material.
It's on my shelf.
LibraryThing link
Labels: OnMyShelf
Monday, May 16, 2011
Neuromancer
Monday, May 09, 2011
Firefly: The Official Companion
by Abbie Bernstein, et al
This here book preceded the one I just read. (The previous Firefly book, I mean, not the Dorothy Parker one.) It, too, is a bit of merchandise, but this one has actual scripts from the television show surrounded by a lesser amount of fanboy stuff. That fact alone makes it worth seeking out at the next Library sale.
Check it out.
LibraryThing link
This here book preceded the one I just read. (The previous Firefly book, I mean, not the Dorothy Parker one.) It, too, is a bit of merchandise, but this one has actual scripts from the television show surrounded by a lesser amount of fanboy stuff. That fact alone makes it worth seeking out at the next Library sale.
Check it out.
LibraryThing link
Labels: CheckItOut
The Portable Dorothy Parker
by Dorothy Parker
Dorothy Parker is one of those writers I've heard about long before I've actually read their work. The lady definitely lives up to her reputation as a master of language and wit. The picture she paints of early 20th Century New York is fascinating, but her constant theme of irony and heartbreak gets tiresome after a while. So I took my time perusing this 544 page volume of poems and short stories. I'm debating whether to keep it or not. On one hand, I don't see myself pulling it off the shelf too often, but on the other, a short cutting poem might be just the thing to spice up an otherwise drab day.
LibraryThing link
Dorothy Parker is one of those writers I've heard about long before I've actually read their work. The lady definitely lives up to her reputation as a master of language and wit. The picture she paints of early 20th Century New York is fascinating, but her constant theme of irony and heartbreak gets tiresome after a while. So I took my time perusing this 544 page volume of poems and short stories. I'm debating whether to keep it or not. On one hand, I don't see myself pulling it off the shelf too often, but on the other, a short cutting poem might be just the thing to spice up an otherwise drab day.
LibraryThing link
Labels: OnMyShelf
Friday, May 06, 2011
Firefly: Still Flying
by Ben Edlund, et al
I have fallen so behind in cultural literacy. (Well, pop-cultural literacy, anyway.) 13 years of working second shift, two years of living overseas and various periods of overwork means I watch broadcast TV about once a year and read through a newspaper only somewhat more than that. So, there'sa number of things I've missed. One of them being the 2002 TV series Firefly. Oh, I heard a bit about it--a unique bit of science fiction with a dedicated fan base--but that was years after it had aired. I figured I should check it out, but it took me a while.
Anyhoo, it's now been checked out. Literally, as i borrowed the series from the Library. The first episode didn't blow me away like 2009's Star Trek reboot. But it did slowly seep into my heart. I started reaching for the next disc in the set like an addict and I ended up cancelling my library hold on the feature film, Serenity because I bought a used copy at Silver Platters. Get me fitted for a brown coat...
So why I am telling you all this in a book review blog? Well, hey, Firefly is a science fiction phenomenon and sci-fi phenomena (phenomenons?) mean merchandise... which,of course include books. Still Flying is pure fanboy material. Big glossy photos. Quotes from the actors and production staff. Behind the scene articles. I found myself enjoying it as much as I enjoyed the Best of Trek collections back in my Trekkie days. The book served to fill in some of the background of the series, its story and its production. Oh, and there's also three little short stories in the book as well. A nice little bit of dessert after devouring the DVDs. So if you've watched each episode of Firefly, have sat on the edge of your seat through Serenity and find yourself wanting more, you might want to do as I did and check this book out.
LibraryThing link
I have fallen so behind in cultural literacy. (Well, pop-cultural literacy, anyway.) 13 years of working second shift, two years of living overseas and various periods of overwork means I watch broadcast TV about once a year and read through a newspaper only somewhat more than that. So, there'sa number of things I've missed. One of them being the 2002 TV series Firefly. Oh, I heard a bit about it--a unique bit of science fiction with a dedicated fan base--but that was years after it had aired. I figured I should check it out, but it took me a while.
Anyhoo, it's now been checked out. Literally, as i borrowed the series from the Library. The first episode didn't blow me away like 2009's Star Trek reboot. But it did slowly seep into my heart. I started reaching for the next disc in the set like an addict and I ended up cancelling my library hold on the feature film, Serenity because I bought a used copy at Silver Platters. Get me fitted for a brown coat...
So why I am telling you all this in a book review blog? Well, hey, Firefly is a science fiction phenomenon and sci-fi phenomena (phenomenons?) mean merchandise... which,of course include books. Still Flying is pure fanboy material. Big glossy photos. Quotes from the actors and production staff. Behind the scene articles. I found myself enjoying it as much as I enjoyed the Best of Trek collections back in my Trekkie days. The book served to fill in some of the background of the series, its story and its production. Oh, and there's also three little short stories in the book as well. A nice little bit of dessert after devouring the DVDs. So if you've watched each episode of Firefly, have sat on the edge of your seat through Serenity and find yourself wanting more, you might want to do as I did and check this book out.
LibraryThing link
Labels: CheckItOut
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