false 8 112 108 true 5663490 read 2 true 101361 currently-reading 2 true 101360 to-read 9 false 183598 finished 4 false 362122 womens 3 false 362133 education 3 false 362135 spirituality 3 false 362134 childrens 2 false 362137 essentialsusan 2 false 362161 activism 1 false 763125 historyofreligion 1 false 5051634 ideas 0 false 362129 skimmed http://www.goodreads.com/book/recommendation/370310 Susan recommended the book The Metaphysical Club to Jessica

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]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/56389666 The Metaphysical Club (Paperback) by Louis Menand
bookshelves: currently-reading, ideas
17.5.09 - Just started the book. Have things really changed in 150 years? As I'm reading about William James, I'm shocked at the racism promoted as science in the 1800s, but I'm also struck by how the same debate really continues although quite veiled these days!

I'm also struck by how science through collecting and analyzing data was just beginning 150 years ago. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/56388564 to: Dreamhunter (The Dreamhunter Duet, Book 1) by Elizabeth Knox
bookshelves: childrens
From the lands downunder where dream time is part of the native cultural timescape, Dreamhunters creates a small island where only those who have the gift can gather dreams and bring them back. As dreamers, they sell the dreams for others to dream in dreaming theaters. The concept is refreshing. The relationship between cousins Laura and Rose is believable. Even the child's mixed resentment and adoration of their performing (dreaming) parents' lives is accurate.

Dreamhunters is the set up for Dreamquake. As a set up, it is slow and raises more questions than answers. I've been encouraged to read Dreamquake for the payoff ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/29339783 Marcel's review of The Gnostic Gospels
by Elaine Pagels

If you don't mind a little bit of dryness, Pagels' books are really great!

"When Jesus Became God" by Rubenstein is another fascinating look at the rise of Christianity and the Councils that defined Christian theology.
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/29059701 to: Making the Most of Shade: How to Plan, Plant, and Grow a Fabulous Garden that Lightens up the Shadows (Paperback) by Larry Hodgson
bookshelves: activism
What an amazing and very practical book. The book is beautiful to look at and easy to read. The information is extremely well-organized and practical.

I was able to make a list of perennial plants for a container garden, and know exactly what the plants' advantages and disadvantages are from water, propagation, to pests!

GREAT BOOK! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/29059522 to: The Luxe (Luxe, #1) by Anna Godbersen
My daughter really liked this book because of its solid research. There are no anachronisms in speech or behavior in this turn of the 20th century romance.

But, the story is not surprising. One can guess the denouement almost from the beginning. Secondary characters are more interesting than the primary characters
]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/29058991 to: The Rope Trick (Paperback) by Lloyd Alexander
I've started rereading Lloyd Alexander just because I wanted to read about characters who overcome in the face of adversity and who learn deep lessons. I wanted to read about endearing characters like Jericho:

"He was a large man, and if anybody in Lidi's audience got out of hand, Jericho had only to go and stand next to the trouble-maker, who immediately grew quiet. Jericho was a tiger when it came to protecting Lidid, but she was the only one. He had a secret. He was softhearted. He did everything he could to hide it eve avoiding sick dogs, stray cats, and wounded birds. He knew the world well enough to fear that this might be used against him."

One cannot fail with Lloyd Alexander's books. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/27246535 to: A Countess Below Stairs (Paperback) by Eva Ibbotson
Eva Ibbotson is known for her droll young reader pagan stories. For myself, she is a far better writer than Terry Pratchett (my opinion!). However, this book is outside of her usual stories. The Countess is indeed a Russian countess whose family left during the Russian Revolution. They find themselves without resources and means in England, hence, "the countess below stairs." Below stairs means a servant. Her story is delightful, always interesting, and Ibbotson's writing is not wasted on a very satisfying story. A good story for young readers from 11 - 16 and even for adults! ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/27246154 to: Revolution Is Not a Dinner Party (Hardcover) by Ying Chang Compestine
bookshelves: finished
This novel is loosely based upon the life of the author. Although intended for teen readers, it is an evocative and unsentimental look at growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China. The title "A revolution is not a dinner party" is a quotation from Mao. ]]> http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5953563 to: Unexpected Miracles: The Gift of Synchronicity and How to Open it (Paperback) by David Richo
bookshelves: spirituality
Syncronicity [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synchronicity]
is a Jungian concept in which "two or more events which occur in a meaningful manner, but which are causally unrelated. In order to be Synchronous, the events must be related to one another conceptually, and the chance that they would occur together by random chance must be very small."

I personally find the title as being "unfortunate" but the content really useful especially for those facing life choices and changes.

For example, Richo's Graceful Exits Have Dignity, lists important things to consider in looking at life change:
•I give much more than I receive.
•I do more and more and see the success of less and less.
•I feel that I am giving up something rather than giving and receiving something.
•My health is suffering because of the stress of staying.
•Even what I once like doing —and can do well—is now flat, stale, and uncomfortable.
•I am no longer effective
•My bliss and enthusiasm are gone.
•I no longer come up with creative ideas or even see alternatives.
•I have been doing too much for too long for too little appreciation.
•I work on changing things but nothing gets better.
•Things keep going wrong and never quite right themselves as I am left with my finger in the dike.
•The same ineffective pattern keeps repeating itself.
•Money or prestige has become my central or sole motivation for staying.
•I do not move on because I am afraid to risk a change.
•I have no assisting forces encouraging me to stay.
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