I expected just a dry reference manual, which this book mostly is, but it also contains a heartwarming section on the (intangible) gifts of parenthood. Boosted my spirits on a sleep-deprived day. ]]>
Though geared toward fathers, I was at alternately disturbed and amused to see how true the sentiments all seemed to me as a new mother. Some profanity that bothered me. Funny, but at times darkly so. A quick read. ]]>
A light read; a bit silly and predictable with plot and dialogue, as are most stories Weyland tends to write. But it seemed worth it to read this story because it just takes a couple hours to breeze through and there are admirable themes like repentance and standing up for what's right, justice vs. mercy, etc. This book is a good read for people who don't mind an ultimately cheesy, if uplifting story. ]]>
Courtney
added a quote:
"I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain illusions about freedom plague them both." — Yann Martel
"I know zoos are no longer in people's good graces. Religion faces the same problem. Certain illusions about freedom plague them both." — Yann Martel
Courtney
added a quote:
"To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation." — Yann Martel
"To choose doubt as a philosophy of life is akin to choosing immobility as a means of transportation." — Yann Martel
Quality writing, plot, characters and themes. Well worth the read, though it wasn't as much a book about God as I thought it promised to be...? Well-researched and integrated ideas about major world religions, zookeeping, etc. I felt intrigued by the story from beginning to end--the twist/alternate ending is keeping me awake at night wondering! Can't wait to discuss at bookclub.
I wanted to add a couple favorite quotes from the book:
"For the first time I noticed [...:] that my suffering was taking place in a grand setting. I saw my suffering for what it was, finite and insignificant, and I was still."
"Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to belief, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe?"
And this quote made me smiley, for some reason: "Turtles were an easy catch indeed, as the survival manual said they were. Under the 'hunting and gathering' heading, they would go under 'gathering'."
Poor turtles.
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Seems well-written for an audience of both doctors and laypeople alike. As a non-doctor, I found the anecdotal illustrations the author told particularly engaging (similar to short mystery/suspense stories) though some of the technical explanations of disease and treatments made my eyes glaze. I especially liked how the book recounts questions patients should ask doctors, in order to help the doctor think better--doctors are, after all, subject to the human tendency to have off and on times where their brains are less effectively engaged for one reason or another. It makes sense that both patient and doctor can influence each other, resulting in either more negative or more positive outcomes.
I will be searching for a new pediatrician when we move in a couple months, and plan to use the guidelines the authors suggests for finding one who seems like a good match. Some of what to look for: the doctor should be focused/attentive during even routine visits (i.e. isn't too busy/distracted by overscheduling and does not seem driven by the clock); should have a warm, outgoing manner; takes time to ponder questions/raises issues previously not considered; and makes eye contact while speaking/listening--does not try to simultaneously talk and type on the computer. ]]>
Written by the same author who did Big Fish. I didn't like that movie, as I found it a tad too surreal for my tastes, and thus would probably never have picked this similarly surreal book up without my book club's invitation. Furthermore, there were several times throughout the reading when I wondered if the book warranted my continued attention due to it containing a smattering of objectionable language and a theme of examining sexuality in small town culture. But after finishing the story and discussing the its merits and weaknesses with a few friends, I feel like overall it could be called an uplifting read. There was admirable writing--times where I noted absolutely delightful wording and phrases, as well as characters who showed traits worthy of emulation, and an ending that makes the reader continue to contemplate truth and self-knowledge long after the book cover closes. I would have wondered if the author was trying too hard to be "deep" except for the fact that he is obviously concerned with the idea of "truth" and therefore would not likely have been so self-betraying as to write in anything but sincerity. ]]>
Dave's values are simple and wise; he even includes scriptures and parables to teach his message of frugality and sound money management, which resonates with me in a beautiful way. In fact, I agree with him 95%. My only area where I would part ways with his message is regarding student loans; Dave seems to argue that student loans are never justified--he states that education is not a necessity, and a person should put it off, seek scholarships, etc. or forego education entirely if the funds are not available. I would counter Dave--though it is true that most students these days in the US take on excessive debt in their pursuit of higher education, sometimes it can be a necessary and wise tool and even prove itself the only method for lifting cycles of poverty. For example, my church instituted a perpetual education fund over the past decade to offer low-interest loans to people in developing countries--who could then obtain necessary training and education to lift themselves out of their heritage of struggle. Anyway, other than that point regarding educational debts, I find Dave's book entirely helpful and have re-read it several times over the past few years whenever I wanted to rekindle my commitment to provident living. My husband and I find comfort and peace in living the principles Dave points out, because they are based in time-honored truths. ]]>
I always wondered if writers could narrate from a perspective of the opposite gender successfully, and though I am female myself, it seemed Olive Ann Burns managed to portray pretty accurately the inner clockworkings of a southern country boy. I laughed, I cried, and bonded with each of her characters by the time I finished this book. Can't wait to read the sequel! ]]>