Books to Read That May Be Worth Your Time

The Reluctant Fundamentalist – Author M. Hamel – An insight into the unhappy outcomes of those who believe and try to spread fundamentalism whether in the MidEast or the U.S.A

The Ghost Map – Author Steven Johnson – The Story of London’s Most Terrifying Epidemic – and How It Changed Science, Cities and the Modern World. This author reminds the reader of past health catastrophes and how and why many greater catastrophes may and will, strike again. He gives some important messages about what cities can do to stop epidemics from spreading and reminding us of the most terrifying catastrophe that there is no solution to – nuclear death and destruction.

“The Power of Play” – how spontaneous, imaginative activities lead to happier healthier children - Author David Elkind. Dr. Elkind reminds of that this society is structuring too much of our children’s learning and reminds us that children start out learning by playing without much structure and should continue to have play and imagination be continued thru into their formal schooling and entire lives.

“What Came Before He Shot Her” – Author Elizabeth George. The title aroused my curiosity because it sounded like a stupid novel. Instead, this fiction describes what happens too much of the time when kids are born into a family with no father and a mother more interested in herself than her family. The author weaves a tale of “how and whys” kids get involved in situations and lifestyles far beyond their ability to comprehend outcomes. Far too many kids cannot overcome the circumstances detailed in this book (and in real life) or to develop the ability to cope when they do not have some fairly strong family ties for support, good role models and proper guidance. It describes how society’s failures lead kids into gangs that eventually have the power to control the thoughts and actions of young people. The book describes why “snitching” happens; it’s called other names in other countries but the meaning is the same. Well, just read the book as it will well be worth your time.

If you are interested in how religious landscapes are changing, read “God Needs No Passport” by Author Peggy Levitt. It gives facts and figures and details different approaches to traditional religion. The book also describes the effect that immigration has had on religious groups and in this country. There are more than 10,000 denominations in the U.S., most purporting to worship one God, many times an interpretation of a God of their own choosing.

For some light reading, try ‘Goodnight Texas” by Author William T. Cobb or “Body Surfing” by the always interesting Author Anita Shreve.

Much of what I read makes me want to blog continuously but as I’ve said many times, it takes too much of my energy to compose, edit and publish.

What I do write, you can criticize. Better yet, create your own blog site and give me your address so I can read your full views on positions. When you attack me personally on my own blog site, you may recall I am not a pacifist.