Angles of Qutaybay

Stairs of Qalat Qutaybay

Qalat Qutaybay was constructed in Alexandria, Egypt following a Byzantine raid on the port.  I do not know the year.  This impressive castle guarded the mouth to the harbor until the advent of modern warships.  It is now a tourist attraction.  I will be posting several more impressions of Qalat “Castle” Qutaybay.

“Angles of Qutaybay” is copyright 2009 Jeffrey M. Hopkins.  Photograph was taken with Leica M3, Leica Summicron 50mm, Ilford Delta 100 film.

Jeffrey M. Hopkins is the author of Broken Under Interrogation, a novel which lays bare the American Dream.  The emperor has no clothes indeed.

Review: read on before you react

I know it’s tough: you’ve spent years writing, editing and honing your first book, which you believe in utterly. Maybe you’ve collected a few (hundred) rejection slips, maybe you just decided that since Faber and Faber aren’t interested, you’ll self-publish. You’ve scoured the typesetting for typos and agonised over the book cover. You know getting reviewers to look at self-published work is hard, but you believe in your book so you take the plunge, send out review copies, type the title of your book into a search engine and discover….

a review!

But don’t break open the champagne quite yet. It might be better to read the review first. And read the review properly. And read it again just to check. And whatever you do, do not fire off a response.

Pause. Reviewers often have limited space to write a review. Some poet who objected to the review I’d written, kindly sent an example of what he considered a review should be. Problem was, his example was actually a 2,500 word critical essay and impossible for me to reproduce in a 50 word review. A review is not generally an essay. A review is a short response to a book that gives the review reader enough information to decide whether or not they want to read the book.

Reviewers often have limited time to actually read. Life, family, jobs, other writing commitments have a habit of stealing time for reviewing. With many years (often decades) of reading experience behind them, reviewers can skim a book and form an opinion. I can generally tell from the blurbs and any listed publishing credits whether I’m going to find any decent poems in a collection or not. Reviewers are often giving up time to review and aren’t always paid. On Me and My Big Mouth, Scott Pack took the trouble of giving a brief comment on a book he didn’t have time to give a fuller review.

The author complained. An author complaining about a positive comment is going to get short shrift from any reviewers reading Scott Pack’s blog. Believe me, reviewers read more reviews than authors. Also believe me that some comment is better than no comment.

Don’t complain, unless the review is factually inaccurate or contains typos. Enjoy the fact that someone bothered to look at your book and comment on it. They might not bother next time.

The Bibles: Customs in the Near East (Part 5)

The Bibles: Customs in the Near East (Part 5, March 25, 2009)

 

 

Note:  The Bibles are not famous for historical accuracies; they were not written by the dozens of scribes for that purpose.  The Bibles are excellent sources as repositories of the customs and traditions in the Near East which are still practiced for over five thousand of years.  It has been said that if Abraham and his generation were resurrected they will feel perfectly at home and go about their daily routines and tasks as if they have just waken from a dream. 

 

Since time immemorial the Near East was famous for exporting olive oil, grape wine and dried figs.  No wonder that grape vine, olive trees and fig trees are the symbols of prosperity and shade in this region where it does not rain for straight seven months. The coastal regions of the Levant imported all kinds of grains, especially, wheat and lentil. 

 

When Jesus mentions “The product of grape vine” is meant wine; though grapes were customarily dried (zabeeb) in abundance.  Kids would always carry handful of raisins in their oversized pockets as sweet and also to bribe other children; when long caravans of camels arrive at the market place, kids would bribe the conductors with raisins for a ride to the wells.  Women would get frustrated because camels drank most of the well and the women had to dip their buckets far deeper.  Grape vines were used as aphorism such as “I am the vine and you are its branches” or “Your wife is like a fecund vine around your house. Your sons like olive trees around your dinner table”.  The Prophet Micah said “They will sit under the vine and the fig tree and nothing will scare them”

The ceremonies of grape pressing by men’ and boys’ feet lasted days and nights until the juices were flowed to special receptacles of stones and clay. The press was made of a large stone vat set up on the roof of the house with a certain incline for the flow of the juice. The settled grape juice (rawook) was drunk by the poor people who could not afford wine “the (poor) pressed and felt thirsty”.  The rawook would then be boiled at various degrees; sour wine was preferred by men but sweet wine needed high boiling temperature because preferred by women. When the juice was destined to prepare molasses “debs” then white clay was added to the grapes before pressing for more efficient filtering of organic components.  Isaiah (Ashaya) said “Why your robe is reddish and your cloth looking as you were pressing grapes?”

Nowadays, the national drink is arak or ouzou in Greece and it is basically the condensation of the boiled grape juice through alembics; it is called “mtalat” when the process of condensation is performed three times for a content 97% alcoholic.

 

The houses in the Levant used to be of just one large room where the entire slept and ate in the winter season; the adjacent split room or a basement sheltered the chicken, goats, cows, or donkey.  The rest of the dry seasons that extended for over 7 months the main meeting place was the roof top; a makeshift tent of dangling grape vines and dry branches, and called “alyyeh”.  The roof was built with supporting tree trunks at three feet intervals and cross branches with no gaps and then 12 inches of dirt rolled over by a cylindrical stone at every season.  Official announcements or the arrival of caravans or any kind of major warnings such as the voices of field keepers (natour) were done by climbing a roof. Jesus advised his disciple to announce the Good News from the roof tops so that every one should hear the message clear and sound; that is what Peter did.  Families would go up to the roof tops to pray and cry and the new comer Hebrews didn’t like this custom of the Land.

When a paraplegic was dangled from a roof top for Jesus to heal the friends dug out the dirt and removed a few branches and made enough space (kofaa) then placed the sick man on a blanket with the four corners attached to a rope.

 

Jesus said “I am the good shepherd who is ready to sacrifice for his sheep”. The shepherding was the oldest and most common job in the Levant and people learned leadership, and enjoyed freedom and solitude.  The shepherd, during the extended dry season, would lead his flock “the blessed ones” to the upper lands for grazing by mid March as the sheep or goat gave birth.  The shepherd would carry the new born and the mothers would follow him, confident in her shepherd.  The shepherd would arrange a stockade (hazeera) of stones about 5 feet high and top it with brambles and sleep at the entrance in a makeshift tent with his dog. “The truth is anyone who does not enter the stockade by the entrance is a thief; the shepherd enters from the door and the sheep hear his voice and their names and they go out to graze” because the stockade could be climbed with minor scratches. By mid October, the shepherd dismantles his stockade and moves his flock to lower altitudes where the sheep are horded in a one room basement (mrah) with no windows; Isaiah said: “My residence was dismantled and taken away from me as the shepherd tent”

Shepherding requires skills in tight passageway amid the orchards that were not usually fenced.  The shepherd had to pay for whatever the sheep ate if he was unable to control his flock; the town people would not let the shepherd cross the village if they could not trust his guiding skills.  The flock trusted the shepherd because he would ward off wolves and hyenas and even follow the scavenger to its lair to retrieve the sheep or part of it and return it to the flock if alive. Jesus said: “A shepherd would leave his flock to go after the lost sheep”. The flock is not afraid of narrow hazardous paths taken by the shepherd “the shadow of death valley” because it trusts its leader.

Book Review: Hebrews: Ancient Encouragement for Believers Today

In short, I highly recommend Edward Fudge’s new commentary on Hebrews.  I have found it intellectually rigorous, exegetically responsible, theologically rich and pastorally sensitive.

I review this book from the perspective of one who has taught Hebrews on numerous occasions in both academic and congregationalsettings.  In my own ministry I have attempted to do what Fudge proposes to do in this book: to marry the head, the heart and the hands of the interpreter as well as those of his/her audience.  That is, I, along with Fudge, propose to bring both intellectual rigor and spiritual vitality to the exegetical task.  In Fudge’s language, this is a “bridge commentary” for the “serious Bible student who seeks scholarly content in non-technical terms” (p. 19).  It is an attempt to do in print what all of us who are confessing Christian exegetes ought to do with our lives: to allow and foster and seek a dynamic relationship between the life of the mind and the life of faith.  In this effort I congratulate him, because in my estimation he has done very well.

The book is arranged in a straightforward and simple way.  He has divided the text of Hebrews into 48 pericopae.  This alone betrays careful thought and analysis of the letter and comparison of a vast amount of literature and commentaries (no two commentators divide Hebrews in quite the same way).  Each pericopae forms the basis for a chapter of the book and contains a title, the text, a “Why and Wherefore” explanation and commentary proper under the subtitle “Unpacking the Text.”  I find this arrangement most helpful and natural for thorough exegesis in narrative form such as Fudge proposes.  As I read the thought occurred to me over and over again: Edward Fudge has not only studied Hebrews, he has taught Hebrews.

His exegesis is based on the Greek text, but the absence of Greek in this case is a plus since a majority of his intended audience likely do not have the capacity to grasp these sorts of technical grammatical discussions. Instead, Fudge has compiled (from KJV, ASV, RSV, NASB, NIV, NKJV, NRSV, ESV and HCSB) what he terms The Common Version.  No matter what version of the Bible is used by members of a Bible class, there will be substantial agreement between it and the text used in this commentary.

The introductory chapter is brief and addresses only the most essential information preliminary to exegesis.  Since many of the introductory matters concerning Hebrews are hypothetical, there is no real loss in Fudge’s brevity; it is adequate for the task at hand.  His bibliography is substantial and reflects his wide reading across denominational and confessional lines.  He has interacted with critical, mainstream Protestant, conservative and moderate evangelical as well as Catholic monographs and periodical literature.  By my count there are 51 monographs, 83 articles and 25 other reference works.   He has examined much of the relevant literature on Hebrews published in English this century.  Of these there are 27 items from authors of Stone-Campbell persuasion.  There are, however, some omissions of Churches of Christ scholarship from his bibliography: Burton Coffman, George DeHoff, E. M. Zerr are commentators widely read in Churches of Christ but not found here.  Also of significance is R. H. Boll’s short monograph.  Missing are the Annual Lesson Commentary notes on Hebrews, the 2006 Freed-Hardeman Lectures (particularly Jack Lewis’ and Kevin Youngblood’s chapters), and the Transforming Word Commentary just out from ACU Press.

I read in detail his exegesis of these pericopae: 1.1-4; 4.14-16; 5.11-6.3; 6.4-12; 7.1-3 and 12.18-24.  Fudge has provided for us a responsible historical-critical exegesis grounded in the language and structure of the text, sensitive to the social and rhetorical situation in life of the authors and recipients (as far as is known or hypothesized) and, furthermore, one that is pastorally sensitive in its application of the message of the text.  Fudge examines well both what it meant for the original author and recipients and he attends to what this text means for Christians today.

Where the text is ambiguous, Fudge trusts his readers enough to let them know such.  When the text is open to a possible interpretations, Fudge fairly presents options in clear terms.  Whether or not one agrees with specific points of interpretation, it will be clear that he is fair to the evidence and supports his conclusions with exegesis and theology.  As I read, I noted that in those places where I disagreed I felt compelled to “search the Scriptures more diligently.”  I am not at all surprised this book has received favorable reviews across a wide Christian spectrum.  Fudge has done his homework and is fair to the evidence; he also has something to teach us, and does so with clarity, candor and earnest spiritual concern.

I am pleased to recommend it; and I shall be pleased to use it as the Lord gives me opportunity to teach and preach from Hebrews in the future.

In the Land of Invisible Women

 

Title: In the Land of Invisible Women

Author: Dr. Qanta Ahmed

Pages: 464 pages

Genre: Memoir

Rating: 5/5

I was a little hesitant to pick up In the Land of Invisible Women when I first saw it in the book store based on the title and image on the front cover. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you’ve also been bombarded with the typical veiled and mysterious women gazing out from magazines and book covers. I’m sure you’ve also heard time and time again about how Muslim women are abused, mistreated, without rights, etc. Upon closer inspection I realized it was written by a Muslim woman, so I gave in and picked it up, and I’m glad I did.

In the Land of Invisible Women is the memoir of a Pakistani, British-born, American trained doctor, Qanta, and her time living and working in Saudi Arabia. Coming from a moderate Islamic background, and raised in the West, life in the Kingdom came as quite a shock to her.

Although written by a Muslim woman, I still expected it to be about how Saudi women are helpless and need to be liberated by the West. It wasn’t that at all. Qanta encounters many strong, highly intelligent and diplomatic women while in the Kingdom and learns to appreciate and attempts to understand all the struggles they go through in order to get to where they are. In the Land of Invisible Women is also about a personal journey she goes through to learn more about her religion and become a better Muslim.

It is to be expected that Qanta would encounter several controversial issues while living in Saudia, one of which was the issue of veiling. Upon her arrival she was immediately confronted with the issue of wearing the hijab and abaya. She was reluctant at first, unable to understand the point of it, seeing it as only a symbol of oppression:

“This veiling was an anathema to me. Even with a deep understanding of Islam, I could not imagine mummification is what an enlightened, merciful God would ever have wished for half of all His creation. These shrouded, gagged silences rise into a shrieking register of muted laments for stillborn freedoms. Such enforced incarceration of womanhood is a form of female infanticide.”

Later she comes to realize how it is as much a symbol of oppression as it is a symbol of feminism and liberation for many women:

“In some respects the abbayah was a powerful tool of women’s liberation from the clerical male misogyny. I would be reminded of the abbayah as a banner for feminism time and again as I encountered extraordinary Saudi women who would work alongside me.”

One of the most uplifting and interesting parts of her memoir was the chapters in which she describes going on hajj - the pilgrimage to Mecca. She had never planned on attending while in the Kingdom, but made a last minute decision to go. It is here that the reader not only gets an intimate glimpse at the rites involved in hajj, but also Qanta’s biggest transformation:

“I stepped forward lightened, free, absolved. In a cast of millions, in that moment of electric intimacy, my Maker welcomed me. Like the Prophet had said, “If you take one step toward God, He takes ten steps towards you. I could feel him hurtling towards me, a colossal, joyous Father. I stood before Him, at last, His child.”

But Qanta doesn’t just address religious issues. In the Land of Invisible Women is filled with Saudi culture, which seems to often be very conflicting and always caught between tradition and modernization. She discusses the life women lead behind closed doors and out of the abaya. She addresses the prevalent racism against people of darker skin in the Kingdom, and how it even rears its ugly head while on hajj. There are also many encounters with the religious police, which some live in fear of. But Saudi society is not just made up of orthodox, oil rich, racists. Saudi society is incredibly and delightfully diverse.

I found Qanta’s writing to be descriptive, insightful, and easy to understand, but at times it did seem like she was being a little over-dramatic. I also felt that she introduced several characters, only to drop them from the story completely and sometimes re-introduce them several chapters later. It made it difficult to keep up with who was who. She also discontinued some of the very interesting story-lines, like her very innocent love affair (if you could even call it that) with one her superiors only to conclude several chapters later.

I really enjoyed In the Land of Invisible Women and was very pleasantly surprised by it. I have no way of knowing if it accurately represents Saudi culture and society, but it doesn’t paint Saudi women as ignorant and helpless, and it doesn’t demonize Saudis in general. It depicts a Saudi Arabia much different from that seen on CNN. And as a Muslim, I feel that she accurately represented Islam as a merciful and peaceful religious, despite some of the ultra-orthodox crazies she had to deal with.  Qanta is intuitive and highly intelligent as well as observant, which makes her the perfect person to deal with the numerous complex issues that popped up in this book.

Review: <em>Go to the Net</em>

Go to the Net

Go to the Net: Eight Goals That Changed the Game

by Al Strachan

In my sophomore year of college, I took a year-long history class that many might consider unconventional. It was broad, beginning with the ancient Greeks in August and finishing with twentieth century America in early May. As you can imagine, our trip through time was quick: the goal was not to learn about people and places (though we did), but to understand how and why history is written.

The biggest lesson was this: historical accounts are never objective. Every story has two sides (at least), and every historian writes to communicate something. No historical account is ever “just the facts”; it’s always, “Here are the facts, and this is what they teach.” If you pretend that history is objective, then you may misunderstand its lessons or worse, blindly accept false ones.

Which brings us to Go to the Net. I’m convinced that if hockey is still around in 100 years, and if people want to understand what hockey was like at the turn of the twenty-first century, this book will prove invaluable. It’s unashamedly subjective and charts a storyline that not everyone would agree with, which is pretty much why I think that it’s a book every hockey fan should read.

Written during the infamous 2004-05 NHL lockout, Strachan’s book is as much diagnosis as it is history. His diagnosis is generally subtle—his goal is not to solve the NHL’s problems. However, he clearly believes that the storyline of Canadian hockey from the 1970s to the 2000s offers lessons that cannot be ignored.

Yes, Canadian hockey. Strachan is, after all, a Canadian journalist who is primarily concerned about the state of Canada’s game. What he charts here is its growth from a lesser-skilled game relying too heavily on violence (the kind that Bobby Clarke fabulously displayed in the 1972 Summit Series). Each goal marks a pivotal moment—some disappointing, some joyous, but all full of backstory and significant context. These are only eight goals, but they are eight goals that tell an awful lot about Canadian hockey’s ups and downs, and give some insight into its future.

Perhaps I’m making this book sound too lofty. That’s really the last thing I want to do. Go to the Net is a simple book in the best possible sense. It’s meant for the average hockey fan, not scholastic types. Strachan does provoke thought and ask some wonderful questions, but he’s primarily telling stories. What’s more, he writes as an observer—he witnessed most of what he describes in this book and managed to interview people like Don Cherry and Scotty Bowman (among others) to fill out what he didn’t.

You may disagree with Strachan’s conclusions. If you’re American, you may be annoyed by his Canadian focus (though he’s not one to take pride in being not-American). But I’m willing to bet that you’d still find this book entertaining and still find his questions worth pondering.

January Books...

I’ve read more books this month than I thought I had, and coupled with the lack of reviews in February (I wrote one and it was posted in March) I decided to do mini reviews of all the books I’ve read so far this year. starting with January’s books.

I still vow to do real reviews in the future for some of these, but I wanted to quickly share my feelings about them.

1. Fantasy Lover - Sherrilyn Kenyon 
   
   

   I love short cute little romances (as I’m sure you’ll notice) and this one was pretty amusing as far as romance novels go. It was a re-read so I got to pick up on little things I missed the first time around. There’s a full review here.

2. Dead After Dark - Sherrilyn Kenyon, JR Ward, et all (1-4)
   
   

   Another romance novel, but this one has four short stories from four different authors. Kind of like a Whitmans Sampler. Cool idea too, I wish other genres would pick up on the success. This is the book I blame for getting me to read book #3.

3. Lover Awakened - JR Ward (1-8 )
   
   

   This is book #3 in the JR Ward series of vampire smut novels. It is what it is, ok? A spade. A damn sexy spade. I read this series out of order… In fact I might do a whole post on the ramifications of that because it was really… interesting.Ok, so more to the point,tThis book broke my heart. The main character is so hopeless, but you as a reader want there to be hope. But he’s totally through with everything… except there’s this hot chick in his bed and… well you get the idea. All romance novels end on a happy note, so you can guess where it ends up. ^_^ That’s what I like about them, they never end in tears.

4. Nymph - Francesca Lia Block (1-10)
   
   

   This is just a small collection of somewhat erotic stories by my favorite author when I was younger. I re-read it to see if it was as racy as I remembered… not really. I think it gets explicit once in the entire book. JR Ward is ruining me.

5. Book of Shadows - Cate Tiernan (1-11)
   
   

   More Young Adult books… I promise I read more grown up books later this month! This is a witch book, a young girl finds herself in a coven and is also secretly the daughter of one of the most powerful witches around (well, you know, not any more…) As far as YA goes its pretty good, the story was engaging enough to keep me interested for four books… but my overall thought (as with most YA books) is that all the complex, natural emotions aren’t explored deeply enough.

6. The Coven - Cate Tiernan (1-11)
   
   

   Same series as the last book, it got a little more interesting in this book, another fake love triangle is added and I found myself reading just to see what drama would explode from that… but was dissapointed when it became rather obvious that the love triangle was more of a you’re-boyfriend-is-evil-and-I-wish-you’d-figure-it out” thing.

7. The Alchemist -  Paulo Coelho (1-11)
   
   

   See? I promised grown up books… I did a full review of The Alchemist so you should check that out if you haven’t already… The book was overwhelming, powerful and insightful. A must read for everyone, seriously.

8. Lover Eternal - JR Ward (1-13)
   
   

   Book 2 in the series by JR Ward… told you I read them out of order… wait till you see what I did in February and March with this series. This book’s main man has a nasty side that manifests as a dragon (facepalm) who pretty much eats everything, even his friends. Cause you know… its hungry. The dragon is tamed by the books main woman - shocker, I know. Its the most adorable story I’ve ever read though, and even though its seriously cheesy, it makes me squee inside. And outside too. *Squeee!*

9. Blood Witch - Cate Tiernan (1-14)
   
   

   More of that YA witch series. I honestly can’t remember what happened in which book, but I think the BFF tells the protaganist that her boyfriend, the antagonist, is evil in this one. And… well… I think we all know what happens when anyone tells us our SO is evil… even when its true. So she helps him commit some crimes and only then does she start to think he might be a little off in the head. I made it through one more of these before I just couldn’t handle it anymore…

10. Night Pleasures - Sherrilyn Kenyon (1-21)
    
    

    More re-reads… I sort of seeped into this challenge didn’t I? The next book makes up for it I think… Anyway, this is one of my favorite Dark Hunter books and is technically the first in the series. Vampires, Greek gods… it honestly can’t get any better. Oh! And sex… ok I was wrong. ^_^ This book follows the story of a Greek general who now hunts psuedo-vampires for some of the Greek gods. It was an excellent introduction into the series and mythology as well as being a great book on its own.

11. Watchmen - Alan Moore (1-25)
    
    

    This book sort of hits you like a lead brick. Possibly the best social commentary since Animal Farm - and Moore did it with pictures. Watchmen is about an alternate history where we actually won in Vietnam and Nixon is still in office (in 1985 when it was published) and super heroes are 100% real and 100% outlawed. Zack Snyder pretty much sumed it up when interviewed about the movie adaptation, “Superman doesn’t care about humanity, Batman can’t get an erection and the bad guy wants world peace.” Yup. That’s it.

12. The Looking Glass Wars - Frank Beddor (1-30)
    
    

    This one also has a full review, but to sum up, its the “real” story of Alice in Wonderland. The way Frank Beddor tells it, Alice (actual name: Alyss) became lost in our world and the Lewis Carol tale is a garballed version of Alyss’ actual life. The imagination involved in creating the world within is truly astounding. I’ve been recomennding it to anyone who has an “overactive imagination” like Alyss and I.

Next time February’s books!!

PIAF

PIAF by Simone Berteaut

Edith Piaf was a female music icon of the 40’s and 50’s.  Simone Berteaut maintained that she was Edith’s half-sister, although there is speculation to the accuracy of this claim.  When Simone was 14 years old and Edith was almost 16, they met for the first time.  It is believed that they remained inter-woven into each others lives for almost 30 years.  Piaf by Simone Berteaut, was first published in 1970, seven years after Edith’s death.  In her book, Simone’s opening soliloquy reveals her confession,

“For you Edith I have written this book faithfully, without cheating; it contains your laughter and your tears.  Since you died I have been waiting for you to take my hand, but God, the way is long!”

Having spent her formative years in an insalubrious environment, Edith was raised in a brothel by her biological grandmother.  These childhood experiences were the shaping influences that permeated her decision making, life choices and ultimately resulting in an early death. 

Small in stature and plain in appearance, Edith was discovered busking on the streets of Paris.  She quickly gained popularity through her regular singing recitals at the nightclubs of the day.  Her first manager launched her new persona by changing her name to Piaf, which means “The Little Sparrow”.  Her distinctive voice and lyrics resonated with melancholic heartbreak, attracting and repelling the Epicurean’s of French society. 

Emulating her childhood examples it was no secret she shamelessly swathed herself with a legion of men.  Having developed a number of quirks, she loved to knit and more so for her lovers.  Each of them would receive hand-knitted items as tokens of her love and affection.  Sooner or later her lovers would have to succumb to blue suits and crocodile leather shoes, another fetish of hers.  Known for her superstitious rituals, she often held a little rabbit’s foot for luck and from her very first stage appearance until her last, she always performed in a simple black dress.

But fame and fortune came at a high price.  Demanding work schedules, illness, two car accidents and a life characterised by controversy, decadence, hedonism, indulgence, pleasure and pain led to alcohol abuse and later in life morphine addiction. 

It is believed that Edith herself confessed that her licentious lifestyle wore her body out.   She died on the French Riviera in 1963, at the young age of 47.   

 

Top 15 Reading for Every High School & College Ministry

In addition to Top 10 Reading for Every Christian, here is my list of Top 15 Reading for Every High School and College Students:

• How To Read A Book, Mortimer J. Adler & Charles Van Doren
• Jonathan Edwards’ Resolutions And Advice to Young Converts, Stephen J. Nichols
• Why Read the Puritans Today?, Don Kistler
• Love Your God With All Your Mind, J.P. Moreland
• Don’t Waste Your Life, John Piper
• An Unexpected Journey: Discovering Reformed Christianty, W. Robert Godfrey
• The Mortification of Sin, John Owen
• Practicing Proverbs: Wise Living for Foolish Times, Richard Mayhue
• Humility: True Greatness, C.J. Mahaney
• Essential Truths of the Christian Faith, R.C. Sproul
• Lifeviews, R.C. Sproul
• The Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards
• Think Biblically: Recovering a Christian Worldview, John MacArthur
• Hard To Believe, John MacArthur
• Relativism, Francis J. Beckwith & Gregory Koukl

Revolutionary Road - the Novel

Sadly, the film Revolutionary Road made a brief appearance at the cinemas near us but I missed it.  I did finish reading the book, which is excellent.  I’m guilty of romanticizing the 1950s and this novel offered a different perspective from the rosy glow that is present in so many works about the post-war period.  The movie previews came out before I read the book and I couldn’t picture anyone but Leonardo di Caprio and Kate Winslet as the main characters, Frank and April Wheeler.  I don’t know if Richard Yates meant for April to be a sympathetic character…I certainly didn’t find her very endearing.  All of the characters in the novel seem rather unlikeable, though I did feel for Frank who just seemed exhausted, confused, and at a loss on how to deal with his wife.

It’s the kind of book that leaves you wondering about the unhappiness and anxieties that lies beneath the surface of relationships all around us.  And, as consumerism continues (seemingly unfazed by the recession), it’s a reminder that life with the Jones may not be as dazzling as it appears.

Book Review: Shetland Lace Knitting

Actually, Shetland Lace Knitting from Charts, to give it the full title, by Hazel Carter. I bought this on a whim from Schoolhouse Press, not knowing at all if it would be useful. It’s a self-published book, 49 pages including references, comb bound with sturdy paper covers. Although it was first published in 1987, it was reprinted in 1997, so I don’t know how older copies might look.

The charts are hand-drawn, but then again, I somehow doubt that there was software available back then for typesetting symbols in a chart. They are clear, and for the most part use the same symbols in general use today. There’s some discussion of materials commonly used, and a paragraph about Shetland and the landscape. Most of the illustrations are what appear to be photocopies of lace, where the lace was most likely put right on the glass of the copier. There are a few photographs, but on the whole I find that the photocopies are of more use than the photographs.

The number of stitch patterns shown here is much less than in HK, but then again this is only 49 pages long in total. The ones included are various diamonds, lace hole patterns, and ferns, among others, as well as the Shetland Twins and some patterns commonly used for shawl centers. In addition, there are guidelines for how to design and work lace items: a stole, a christening robe, a square shawl, and so on. Perhaps the most useful page, though, is page 42 (in my copy), where the same square shawl is shown before and during blocking / dressing. Every knitter who looks at her unblocked work and says “Oh, it looks terrible!” should be reassured by the before-and-after difference.

I’m very glad I bought this book, it’s not necessarily the first one I reach for when I have a question or want a stitch pattern, but I like it and I plan to keep using it. My advice? buy it if you like Shetland lace!

The Earth, My Butt, & Other Big Round Things

 

 

Fifteen-year-old Virginia Shreves has a larger-than-average body and a plus-size inferiority complex. She lives on the Web, snarfs junk food, and follows the “Fat Girl Code of Conduct.” Her stuttering best friend has just moved to Walla Walla (of all places). Her new companion, Froggy Welsh the Fourth (real name), has just succeeded in getting his hand up her shirt, and she lives in fear that he’ll look underneath. Then there are the other Shreves: Mom, the successful psychologist and exercise fiend; Dad, a top executive who ogles thin women on TV; and older siblings Anaïs and rugby god Byron, both of them slim and brilliant. Delete Virginia, and the Shreves would be a picture-perfect family. Or so she’s convinced. And then a shocking phone call changes everything.

This book right here changed my life. The main character remained me so much of myself and how she decided to change, made me want to change myself. Everyone should read it, It’s AWESOME. =]

Dean Koontz: False Memory

“Some people are afraid of what they might find if they try to analyze themselves too much, but you have to crawl into your wounds to discover where your fears are. Once the bleeding starts, the cleansing can begin.” - Tori Amos, 1963

So, I had just finished reading another mystery novel, written by New York Times best-selling author, Dean Koontz. “False Memory” typically reminded me of my first introduction to Psych. class a few semesters ago, in which we discussed the various mechanisms of the psychological mind.  This book mainly deals with the neurological profile of Martine Rhodes and her husband, Dustin, who in an attempt to solve the inexplicable mental events occurring in their subconsciousness, tries to solve the ‘brainwashing’ scheme behind their sudden onset of panic attacks and unexplainable lapses of time. The re-owned psychiatrist, in this case referred to as the antagonist of the plot, is Dr. Mark Ahriman. Throughout the novel, the story slowly unravels to the reason behind his manipulative, mind control conspiracy.

Martie’s friend, Susan Jagger, suffered a major case of agoraphobia, which deterred her from escaping her haven of refuge. According to my knowledge of neurologic mind control, there is such a thing as hypnosis (commonly termed as hypnotism, which dates back in 1842 by a man named James Braid, “The Father of Modern Hypnosis”) As the mystery progressively unfolded, Martie soon came into realization that she, too, is being programmed into a mental surge of mind control. I found it quite absorbing to read about how these medical research tactics can be use to access certain mental aspects of the human mind to recover skills and memories… although, in this case, lose complete consciousness of reality. The character, Dr. Ahriman, used his knowledge of ‘brainwashing’ (which was evident in the book, Manchurian Candidate) to erase all of Susan’s and Martie’s memories in order to corrupt them into human play-things as means of satisfying his sexual desires.

This was seen evident when Ahriman torturedly used a type of hynotic haiku to set them up into a trance by reciting a few words… causing them into a relapse of mesmeric sleep. While they are under the control of the ‘handler’, they are only told what to do and cannot oppose or answer any question, unless commanded to do so.  The mind-controller can, therefore, provoke them to commit suicide, and other mental atrocities, as well has possessing  neuro phobias which were programmed into their minds without the knowledge of it being implanted into their consciousness.

Having previously taken several psychology courses, I was mesmerized at how complex a human mind actually is. Although I have my own personal uncertainties about hypnotic practices, I often wondered, though, if there are any truths behind the power of vocalization (which I think correlates with mental hypnosis) Let’s assume, for instance, two political figures in a race for high office… they are both widely educated and have the same background and knowledge of societal agenda… in your observation, why do you think that one of them can easily capture the complete attention of the audience just by mainly inscribing a few encouraging words? Is it because of the sincerity of tone and the seriousness of how the words were expressed? Or possibly… just possibly… the use of vocalization has a certain effect in catching the undivided attention of the generalized public? I believe this goes in truth to certain professors… some can be deemed boring, even if the lecture topic itself was interesting, and some profs. can be quite intriguing, perhaps maybe because of particular use of “words” they use…

I guess we’ll never know if such such things does occur in everday life. But one thing I know is for certain… words can be a powerful weapon.

[REVIEW] The Declaration - Gemma Malley

Gemma Malley

The Declaration

Bloomsbury (UK: 5th May 2008; CA: 12th August 2008; US: September 2008; AU: October 2008)

Buy (US) Buy (UK) Buy (CA)

Children are NOT the future in Gemma Malley’s futuristic YA, The Declaration.

It’s 2140, and Anna has been raised in Grange Hall as a Surplus - she wasn’t legally allowed to be born. If she’s to have any future at all, it’s to serve as a housekeeper. Indeed, Anna’s a Valuable Asset, though Surpluses aren’t supposed to have self-worth.

But Peter has arrived at Grange Hall from the Outside. He claims to know Anna’s parents, and that they want her back. Then why has she lived here for as long as she can remember? She’s content to be Useful, but as Peter shares his experience of life Outside, Anna yearns for more. But neither is to be released anytime soon, and the House Matron is plotting Peter’s demise.

Mostly the novel doesn’t feel like it’s set in the future. Technology (minus medical stuff) is much how it is today, so really all that’s different are the political/social aspects. But these form the story’s themes, and it’s no surprise that the author has a degree in philosophy and has been a journalist.

Though most characters are annoying, the real drawing card is the concept and its exploration. Dark, dour and definitely believable, The Declaration is an intelligent and thought-provoking read for those not afraid to take a good hard look at society - both now AND in the future.

Book note: New Deal or Raw Deal? by Burton Folsom, Jr.

The January Imprimis had two articles in it, one by Rush Limbaugh, and one by Burton Folsom, Jr., author of New Deal or Raw Deal?: How FDR’s Economic Legacy Has Damaged America. I hadn’t heard of the book before I got the Imprimis, but after reading Folsom’s piece I decided to order a copy.

The first three chapters, I wasn’t sure I was going to get my money’s worth - but then it got really interesting, and eye-opening. Overall, I found it well-written and well-end-noted, and I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in history, government, ethics (or the lack of same), or economics.

Here’s the article that led me to buy the book, reprinted by permission from Imprimis, a publication of Hillsdale College:

Do We Need a New New Deal?

Burton W. Folsom, Jr.

Charles F. Kline Chair in History and Management,Hillsdale College

Author, New Deal or Raw Deal? How FDR’s Economic Legacy Has Damaged America

The following is adapted from a speech delivered on January 9, 2009, in Washington, D.C., at a seminar sponsored by Hillsdale’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship.

THE NEW Deal has probably been the greatest political force in America during the last 100 years, and Franklin D. Roosevelt has probably been the most influential president during this time. In our current economic crisis—which some have compared with the Great Depression—many critics are calling for more federal programs and a “New New Deal.” There are three reasons we do not need a New New Deal from President Obama in 2009.

First, the federal programs in FDR’s New Deal did not lower unemployment. Sure, the Works Progress Administration built roads, the Tennessee Valley Authority built dams, and the Civilian Conservation Corps planted trees. But every dollar that went to creating a federal job had to come from taxpayers, who, by sending their cash to Washington, lost the chance to buy hamburgers, movie tickets, or clothes and create new jobs for restaurants, theaters, and tailors.

What’s worse, some New Deal programs had terrible unintended consequences. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration, for example, overhauled agriculture by paying farmers not to produce on part of their land. After farmers took the federal dollars, the U.S. developed shortages of the very crops taxpayers were paying farmers not to produce. By 1935, for example, the U.S. was importing almost 35 million bushels of corn, 13 million bushels of wheat, and 36 million pounds of cotton. Simultaneously, we had an army of bureaucrats in the Department of Agriculture to inspect farms (and even to do aerial photography) to ensure farmers were not growing the crops we were importing into the country.

Second, the taxes to pay for the New Deal became astronomical. In 1935, Roosevelt decided to raise the marginal tax rate on top incomes to 79 percent. Later he raised it to 90 percent. These confiscatory rates discouraged entrepreneurs from investing, which prolonged the Great Depression.

Henry Morgenthau, FDR’s loyal Secretary of the Treasury, was frustrated at the persistence of double-digit unemployment throughout the 1930s. In May 1939, with unemployment at 20 percent, he exploded at the failed New Deal programs. “We have tried spending money,” Morgenthau noted. “We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work. . . . We have never made good on our promises. . . . I say after eight years of this Administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started. . . . And an enormous debt to boot!”

Third, the New Deal divided and politicized the country in tragic ways. Those who lobbied most effectively won subsidies and bailouts even if their cause was weak. Others, who had greater needs, received nothing. Walter Waters, who led a march of veterans on Washington, lobbied successfully for a special bonus for veterans, whether they had been in battle or not. When asked why veterans—instead of longshoremen or teachers—should receive a special bonus of taxpayer dollars, he said, “I noticed, too, that the highly organized lobbies in Washington for special industries were producing results: loans were being granted to their special interests. . . . Personal lobbying paid, regardless of the justice or injustice of their demand.”

Thus, as money became available, those with effective political lobbies won the subsidies and others, who sometimes had more just causes and greater need, received little or nothing. In the case of the veterans, in 1936 they won a $2 billion federal bonus—a sum exceeding six percent of the entire national debt at the time. Teachers, by contrast, were less effective lobbyists and won almost no federal subsidies. Silver miners, led by Senator Key Pittman of Nevada, won a silver subsidy that paid almost $300,000 a day each day for 14 years, but coal miners were left out.

In another example, under Presidents Hoover and Roosevelt, Illinois lobbied effectively and won $55,443,721 under the first federal welfare grant while Massachusetts received zero federal dollars. Without federal money for welfare needs, Massachusetts valiantly raised its own funds to secure what Illinois extracted from Washington. The Boston Civic Symphony repeatedly gave concerts to benefit the jobless. City officials and teachers raised money and took pay cuts. Massachusetts Governor Joseph Ely believed that no state should receive federal aid and that private charity was the best charity; that federal relief ruined both taxpayers and those in need. “Whatever the justification for relief,” Ely said, “the fact remains that the way in which it has been used makes it the greatest political asset on the practical side of party politics ever held by an administration.” Ely added that “millions of men and women . . . have come to believe almost that there is no hope for them except upon a government payroll.”

Federal dollars always become political dollars, and the Democrats moved to use federal money to gain votes at election time. In Pennsylvania, Joseph Guffey, the successful Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in 1934, ran a campaign ad that said, “Compare this $297,942,173 contributed by Pennsylvania to the U.S. U.S. Treasury with the cash and credit of $678,074,195 contributed to Pennsylvania by the Roosevelt Democratic administration.” Vote Democrat, Guffey and others proclaimed, and the federal faucet will keep running. James Doherty, a New Hampshire Democrat, said, “It is my personal belief that to the victor belong the spoils and that Democrats should be holding most of these [WPA] positions so that we might strengthen our fences for the 1940 election.” One WPA director in New Jersey—a corrupt but candid man—answered his office phone, “Democratic Headquarters.”

If history is a guide, we have every reason to believe that if President Obama institutes a New New Deal, then universal health care, federal bailouts, and jobs stimulus programs will be costly, will be politicized, and will fail.

Thoughts on "The Shack"

 “The Shack” centers on a protagonist named Mack, and his face-to-face encounter with God.  All three members of the Trinity are present, and God the Father is symbolized by an African-American woman, Jesus as a middle-eastern carpenter, and the Holy Spirit as a small Asian woman named Sarayu.  He spends the weekend in fellowship with God, talking about things such as God’s nature, and all the painful details of Mack’s recent past. 

     Theologian Norman Geisler and pastor Mark Driscoll are among the book’s most prominent critics, while those who praise it include Eugene Peterson.  Some say the book contains many dangerous heresies, and that it is only “Biblically illiterate” Christians who give it a foothold in Christian culture.  Others say that “The Shack” is the best book since the Bible.  Will it really, “do for our generation what John Bunyan’s ‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ did for his,” as Peterson suggests?

 

Objections 

 

-To portray the Father in the form of any created thing is making a graven image, in violation of passages like Exodus 20:4, 22.  Critics who claim this seem to forget that Jesus himself used symbolic language, representing the Father as human!  Consider the parable of the prodigal son, in which God is represented as a human father, or the parable of the talents, in which he is represented as a human master.  The issue lies not in portraying God in human terms, but in then worshipping that image instead of the real God, who is greater than any image man can conceive of. 

 -The fact that all three members of the Trinity wear scars through their wrists is another manifestation of a heresy called modalism: the idea that all three members of the Trinity died with Christ on the cross.  But again Young makes his intentions clear: the scars are once again a literary device, designed to make the point that all three members experienced Christ’s pain as he died, not that they died with him.  It is surprising that critics who are steeped in a Bible that frequently uses parables, symbols, and poetry would criticize Young for doing the same thing!

-Young takes focus away from Scripture, and even commits blasphemy by emphasizing other ways of experiencing God.  Young writes, “no one wanted God in a box, just in a book.”  Young’s assertion is that the church has limited God to a single revelation (the Bible) and forgotten about others such as revelation through nature (Romans 1), or the favoured emergent realm of “experience.”   “The Shack” should be only a starting point, a look at God’s other revelations, not at the expense of the Bible, but perhaps one that precedes and flows into a love of Scripture.  Young never claims to have written a comprehensive account of the Christian experience in all its stages!

-”The Shack” presents a view of salvation that does not specify Jesus as the only way to Heaven. 

     1) Those who make this claim misread Young.  It appears that the passages in question are meant to be interpreted differently.  This is difficult to expand on without taking up a lot of space, but read them for yourself, and be willing to consider more than one interpretation.

     2) Even if Young were an inclusivist, that would not be grounds to throw away his work.  C.S. Lewis, one of the most respected Christians of the last century, embraced a brand of inclusivism, and very few, even of those who are not inclusivists, would advocate that we throw away his works.

 

Dangers

 

-Young does not have much experience with writing or theology, so some of his ideas are poorly communicated, and may be taken the wrong way.   On issues like inclusivism, it would be easy to become confused: some passages give such impressions, and readers have to look pretty hard to discern the author’s intent.

 

-Young’s picture of God does not seem to account for His holiness or justice.  Geisler may have a point in saying that “The Shack” presents a “lop-sided view of God as love but not justice.”   Young’s picture of God is helpful in many ways, and is a good starting point, but there does seem to be something left lacking.

     “The Shack” does indeed have the power to do great things for our generation, as Peterson hopes.  In a culture that has trouble with the institutional church, Young liberates God from the stereotypes.  He portrays God as a god too big to stay in our boxes for long, and refreshes the soul struggling with the idea of an austere, judgmental, rule-making, white male god who only cares that we are “born again;” who has a certain disregard for the poor and underprivileged, and who wants us to say a “sinner’s prayer” instead of establish a genuine, meaningful relationship.   Alan Jacobs says that Christians should, “read with intelligent charity.”  People like Geisler, Roach, and Driscoll read with an excess of attentiveness, and neglect to be charitable, realizing that Young is using imagery and metaphor.  Those who are quick to hail ”The Shack” as the best book since the Bible, on the other hand, exercise charity, but perhaps fail to be discerning and discover those places where Young’s ideas are expressed less accurately than we might hope.  A correct reaction to “The Shack,” I would suggest, is one that tries to balance the two extremes: we must be charitable towards Young, and thankful for the many places his books is helpful, but not forget to identify the dangers a radical acceptance of all his ideas might entail.  In short, there’s no need to “stay out of ‘The Shack,’” but we should take care not to be so enamored with the wealth of new ideas and rich imagery that we forget to be discerning!

Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

Battle on and off the field, with sword and fan, with might and manners…

It begins in a cold and shabby tower room, where young Countess Meliara swears to her dying father that she and her brother will defend their people from the growing greed of the king.  That promise leads them into a war for which they are ill-prepared, a war that threatens the homes and lives of the very people they are trying to protect.

But war is simple compared to what follows, when the bloody fighting is done and a fragile peace is at hand.  Although she wants to turn her back on politics and the crown, Meliara is summoned to the royal palace.  There, she soon discovers, friends and ememies look alike, and intrigue fills the dance halls and the drawing rooms.  If she is to survive, Meliara must learn a whole new way of fighting - with wit and words and secret alliances.  In war, at least she knew whom she could trust.  Now she can trust no one…

This edition of Crown Duel was originally published as two separate books, Crown Duel and Court Duel, although author Sherwood Smith had always though of them as one story.  A additional short story is included at the end.

I found Meliara to be a great character.  She is prickly, stubborn, brave and loyal and makes mistakes that could have terrible consequences.  But she is intelligent and smart, and when she realises just how ignorant she is, she takes steps to educate herself.  Part of her personality is that she cares about how people see her, which makes her very self-defensive.  I could really relate to that!

In the second half of Crown Duel, I really liked that Mel recognised her ignorance of how to behave at Court,  faced her fear of ridicule and went to the Court because she felt it was the right thing to do.  This second part of the book was the best in my opinion, I enjoyed seeing Mel’s personal growth and her interactions with people whose motives she could not discern.  I loved how she grew more confident in how to behave at Court, but did not copy others, instead approaching her problems and solving them in a forthright and unusual manner,  That manner was entirely consistent with her personality and not just an action imposed by the author to make Mel be an unusual character.

Crown Duel is a thoroughly enjoyable character driven YA* fantasy.  I found it on Pollyanna’s Booklist, and it is well worth reading.

* YA is Young Adult - a genre where some of the best fantasy is being published these days.

The Comfort Of Strangers - Ian McEwan - A Review

It is normally said of doctors that in their journey to becoming what they are, they have a mandatory quota of patients who become sacred offerings before the god of their professional competence. Looks like writers too follow this path. In the case of a writer’s journey it is the valuable readers time that gets mounted on the sacrificial altar. Why do I say this? Over the weekend I read an Ian McEwan’s earlier novel viz. “The Comfort Of Strangers“  and felt it was an effort  and time misspent. Without a doubt McEwan is a favourite writer of mine and I consider him to be one of the best today. Yet I could not get to see anything worthy of an elevated read in this book of his.

The book is set in an unnamed but popular tourist city in which Colin and Mary are spending their holidays. Mary is married with two children but estranged from her husband and Colin her lover. In their time in the city they meet up with a bizarre couple - Robert and Caroline. Robert spent a significant part of his childhood in England and is the son of a diplomat. He grows up in a utterly male dominated family in which women are treated as second rate subjects. These ethos get reflected in his relationship with Caroline whom he treats with utter contempt. Added to this is the sexual perversity of their relationship which is adds an ineluctable degree of horror. Robert and Caroline have reached a stage of perversity where the joy in physical relationship goes beyond infliction of pain and tends towards derving satisfaction in killing and death. It is at this stage in their relationship that Robert and Caroline meet the attractive Colin and Mary. Robert uses his trademark forcefulness and hints of violence in subjugating their new found friends. In the process Colin is killed by Robert for the satisfaction of Caroline with Mary as the drugged witness to this murder. Prior to the killing Caroline does explain to Mary in fair amount of detail their motivation. But it is too late for the explanation is immediately followed by the murder. Both Robert and Caroline escape and Mary is left distraught. That in sum the plot of the book

While McEwan does a brilliant job in building an atmosphere of macabre, alarm and the impending disaster, this entire verbal effort becomes effective only when the reader on his part is willing to very generously suspend her disbelief. That to me is definitely not a sign of either elevated writing or a enjoyable reading experience. Viewed from this angle “The Comfort Of Strangers” is a very poor read despite my admiration for McEwan as a writer of very evolved capabilities. One thing is for certain: I would not recommend this book of McEwan to anyone who wants to get introduced to his oeuvre -  for there are gems of his which are worth spending a reader’s valuable time, money and effort

Mongolia Monday- "Required" Reading, Part 2

Last week, we started with personal accounts by people who had lived in Mongolia as journalists or as a teacher. This week, it’s three selections from one of my favorite genres- travel writing. I’ve had some fun and “interesting” times on my travels and folks back home here in northern California think I’m very brave and adventurous. That’s as may be, but let me tell you, these books will put my travels into perspective in a hurry.

The first two, written about ten years apart, are the result of actually doing what a fair number of adventure travelers have probably considered or wish they had done: follow in the “hoofsteps” of Chinggis Khan’s Horde and travel across Mongolia by horse.

First up. Tim Severin:

Tim Severin has made a name for himself re-creating famous journeys of the past and then writing compelling, informative and sometimes humorous  books about what happened. I first found some of them on a remainder table in an English bookstore and have since read as many as I can get my hands on. A few examples: his first foray was to cross the Atlantic in the same kind of small leather boat that St. Brendan used when he supposedly made the same trip (The Brendan Voyage). Another was to have a traditional wooden Arabic ship called a “dhow” constructed so he could retrace the voyages of Sinbad (The Sinbad Voyage). He has also traced the route of the Crusaders from Bouillon in France to Jerusalem. In 1987-88. On horseback. By which time there were somewhat different obstacles to overcome than the ones the original Crusaders faced.

Severin’s journey across Mongolia took place in 1991, when the country was in dire economic straits from the withdrawal of the Soviets and was beginning to create a new government and civil society from ground zero after 70 years of socialism. He had been asked to help a group of Mongols travel the route of the Mongol Empire’s amazing overland communication system that made it possible for messages to cross 2/3s of the known world, from Mongolia to the Danube in about two weeks. The grand plan for this journey involved riding, in stages, a distance equivalent to that between Hong Kong and London, around 6,000 miles. He jumped at the chance because “Here was the most wonderful opportunity for me to travel freely inside Mongolia, not just as an outsider following his own program, but in the company of Mongols who were committed to rediscovering their own history. It was an opening no Westerner had ever been offered before.”

After trip preparations that became a small sage in themselves, the expedition was on its way. “At first the ride was exciting and spectacular. There was the constant rumble of 100 sets of hooves, the shouts of the herdsmen, the mob of horses surging forward….and the sheer exhilaration of riding at a fast pace across unspoiled countryside…..Sure enough, after three or four hours, the well-remembered riding aches and pains set in…The hammering, jarring flat run of the Mongol horses was as excruciating as ever….I understood why the Mongol dispatch riders had found it necessary to strap up their bodies in tight bandages…..”

The account of the trip then moves forward, interspersed with lots of information about Mongolian history and culture. Obviously, highly recommended, as are the next two.

In Search of Genghis Khan, Cooper Square Press, 2003

Stanley Stewart caught the Mongolia bug and nurtured the idea of going there for 25 years. In his 2002 book, In the Empire of Genghis Khan, Stewart, having made his way from Istanbul through Kazakhstan, finally finds himself being served dinner in a ger near the town of Bayan-Olgii in far western Mongolia. “Sated with sheep guts, we settled into after-dinner chat. Bold explained that I intended to ride across Mongolia to Qaraqorum, the ancient capital, then beyond to Dadal, the birthplace of Genghis Khan. Batur looked for me a long time without speaking. The plan was obviously too outlandish to merit comment…Batur saw no reason to try to dissuade me. Events would soon take care of that.”

As you might imagine, I really liked this description of the horses: “The relationship of Mongolian horses to the wild Przhevalsky’s horse of these regions has yet to be conclusively established (it has since been demonstrated that the domestic and wild horses diverged about 500,000 years ago) but presumably they share the same parole officer. They looked like the outlaws of the equine world….What they lacked in stature they made up for with attitude. They had carried the hordes of Genghis Khan to the gates of Vienna….Now they milled about on the slope below the ger, snorting and pawing the ground, a rabble looking for excitement and hostages. “

Interestingly, both Severin and Stewart describe the morning process of saddling the horses as “a rodeo”.

Aided by a succession of patient interpreters, who changed out at each stage of the trip, Stewart makes his way across the vast empty interior of Mongolia. Well, not quite. “In Outer Mongolia, my social calendar was packed. Lunch invitations, drinks parties and dinner engagements came thick and fast. There were times when crossing the Mongolian steppe felt like a royal tour of which I was the unlikely focus.” All to say that, after a thousand years, the traditional customs of Mongolian hospitality are alive and well. I can personally vouch for that.

In The Empire of Genghis Khan, The Lyons Press, 2002, 2000

In their 2004 book, Long Way Round, Ewan McGregor (yes, that Ewan McGregor) and his good friend Charley Boorman decide that their lives will not be complete unless they ride their motorcyles from London to New York - by way of Europe and Central Asia. A four month jaunt of 20,000 miles, as it turned out. The reason I include their book on this list is that not only did they travel through Mongolia, but that out of all the countries they visited it was the one that grabbed McGregor and hung on.

Having finally made it to and through a border crossing in the far west that was normally only open to Russian and Mongolian goods vehicles “we rode into Mongolia, turned a corner and ran straight into a herd of yaks….” And a few minutes later, “We pulled into a clearing, where our local fixer, Karina, had been waiting for four days. She was very excited to see us and tied blue ribbons (actually blue scarves called “khadak”) to our bikes, a Mongolian shaman tradition used to bestow good luck on babies and vehicles”.

The book is largely excerpts from the diaries they both kept and, as many of you know, they were also accompanied by a small film crew. Ewan and Charley quickly find out that in most of Mongolia the word “road” doesn’t mean the same thing as it does in the west. Mongolia is not a country where you fly in, grab a rental car and head off into the countryside. Unless you have a GPS and are willing to spend a lot of time trying to puzzle out which of the endless braid of dirt tracks is the one you want, because there are no road signs. None. Not that you are all alone out there on the steppe. “At the top of the first pass, we came across a nomad on horseback with three camels and a couple of dogs. He was a stunning man, fine-featured and handsome, proudly sitting bolt upright on his horse. In the traditional garb of pointed leather herdsman’s boots, a Mongolian hat and several layers of heavy woolen clothing, he was grazing his camels at the top of the mountain. He looked so perfect and so at home in his surroundings that it could have been a hallucination.”

They do, of course, make their way to Ulaanbaatar, where they had made arrangements with UNICEF to visit some of the street children and also a center that has been set up to help them. “The conditions in which these children lived, even in a proper centre, hit me like a sledgehammer. A four-year-old girl was lying on the floor with her head against the wall. Her legs were withered and weak and she was trembling. It broke my heart to see her in such distress, so in need of love and attention, but so alone. I spent quite a lot of time with her, stroking her hair, touching her face and playing peek-a-boo with her. And then we had to leave. I hugged as many of them as I could, said goodbye and got into a car”. (Spoiler alert: I believe that after the trip, McGregor went back to Mongolia, adopted the girl and took her home to England with him, may great blessings be upon him.)

Finally, their journey took them north out of Mongolia and into Russia and Charley observed, “…I’d come to love Mongolia. It had been hell at times (Did I say that this isn’t the easiest place to travel?), but some part of me had actually relished the misery. I’d enjoyed meeting people along the road and I’d been blown away by the helpfulness of complete strangers. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

McGregor noted that “Riding across Mongolia had been incredibly demanding, but it had offered everything I’d been looking for on the trip, a pastoral paradise full of curious, open-hearted people who welcomed me into their homes because I was a passing traveler, not because I was Obi-Wan Kenobi on a bike…It had been like riding through the pages of National Geographic.”

Long Way Round, Atria Books, 2004

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If you are interested in learning more about the street children and how they are being helped, visit the website of the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation at www.cncf.org.

——

Next week: More books about the land and people of Mongolia.

Motif Tsunagi (Crochet Motif)

This post is for Beata, darling, I wish I had the time to copy and upload every single photo from this Japanese crochet book.  After visiting your site for the past few years I’ve enjoyed so very much your lovely crochet flower creations, but could never figure out how to join these things of beauty together until I found this book.  For anyone who would like to try to find it on Amazon.com the ISBN number is 978-4-277-17215-8.  The publisher is Ondori.  If you can read crochet symbols, no Japanese language skills necessary!

The Sunday Salon ~ I'm Loadin' Up the ARCs for April!

Good Morning and Happy Sunday everyone

I’ve been busy reading and working hard to catch up with myself, and I’ve finally managed to be on track to accomplish my goal of 75 books by December 31st. I’m even a little ahead with 21% of my reading complete while there’s only 19% of the year spent. I read Wuthering Heights, The Appeal, Heart-Shaped Box, and Derailed this past week, and started The Book Thief Saturday evening. I doubt I’ll be breaking any reading records this week, though, since I have two dentist appointments, a choir concert, and a school meeting to go to, not to mention a serious need for spring cleaning, laundry, gardening, dishes and spring cleaning. I hope to at least get through Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, though.

All this frenzied reading, though, has made me remember all the ARCs and other books I’ve committed to reviewing… about 35 books. I dug them all out of Mt. TBR today and stack them in the Books on Deck shelf which is now making me a little claustrophobic sitting between the two: Imposing and collapsing Mt. TBR to my left and towering and condemning Books on Deck to my right. My plan is to declare April as ARC month… and probably May and half of June, too. I’ve been feeling a bit irresponsible with all those books just sitting around and waiting on me to fulfill my committment. And now I feel a bit better.

So, should I thoroughly shame myself by posting the list of the books I owe reviews for? Books that have been sitting on Mt. TBR, gathering dust, and being passed over and forgotten?

*sigh* full-disclosure and acknowledging my problem and all that, in no particular order:

1. Any Given Doomsday by Lori Handeland ~this is an LT ER book, and I can’t remember when I got it.

2. Memoirs of a Fortune Teller and Vigilante Witch Hunter by Gary Turcotte. I received these books recently, and the second is the sequel book to the first.

3. An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken

4. The Tutu Ballet by Sally O. Lee

5. Mischief Maker’s Manual by Sir John Hargrave

6. The Forbidden Daughter by Shobhan Bantwal. This is an unbound galley I received after a cold request. I have trouble in and of myself with an unbound galley, like it’s not a real book. Anyone else have that problem?

7. Stealing Athena by Karen Essex. Yes, I really HAVE had it THAT long.

8. The Power Makers by Maury Klein

9. I, Robot by Howard S. Smith

10. The Spirit of the Place by Samuel Shem. What? I thought I read that one…

11. The Aviary Gate by Katie Hickman

12. Surviving Ben’s Suicide by C. Comfort Shields

13. Guernica by Dave Boling

14. So Long at the Fair by Christina Schwarz. I don’t think I got this book in lieu of a review, I think I won in on a blog contest.

15. First Daughter by Eric Van Lustbader.

16. The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale

17. The Art of Listening by Seth Barnes

18. Operation Blue Light by Phillip Chabot

19. When a Man Loves a Woman by LaConnie Taylor-Jones

20. My Father’s Paradise by Ariel Sabar

21. Shadow of Colossus by T. L. Higley

22. Zoe’s Tale by John Scalzi

23. Schooled by Anisha Lakhani

24. The Mysterious Receding Seas by Richard Guy

25. The Good Thief by Hannah Tinti . Yes, like I said… I have had them THAT long… I’m a bad, bad kitty.

26. Red Letters by Tom Davis

27. Blue Genes by Christopher Lukas

28. The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis

29. Swimming With Strangers by Kirsten Sundberg Lunstrum

30. Forbidden Tales: Sword by Da Chen

31. The Icy Hand: Something Wickedly Wierd vol 2 by Chris Mould

32. The Terminal Spy by Alan S. Cowell

33. Nation by Terry Pratchett

34. The Organ Grinder and the Monkey by Sam Moffie

35. Last Night I Dreamed of Peace by Dang Thuy Tram

ok… I think that’s it… for now… but I know I have a few more on the way. SO… any suggestions on how to organize this list? Any books I should read right away? Were there any that you particualarly liked or wanted to know about? HELP ME!!!! :-p

ARC Reviews

I’ve been home sick for several days, and have been reading alot of the ARC’s I brought home from the conference. ARC’s (Advanced Reading Copies) are given out by publishers so that librarians could read them and decide which books they’d like to purchase for their own libraries.

Several of the ARC’s I’ve read over the past few days are for high school. I will recommend them to my local high school librarian, and didn’t write a review for them. However, I have found some really good ones suitable for Middle School in the pile that I will be purchasing for the Pollard library. Below are several reviews for these books. I will post more as I finish reading them.

ARC: Also known as Harper by Ann Haywood Leal

Harper Lee Morgan was named for the main character in “To kill a Mockingbird,” her mother’s favorite novel. Sometimes, Harper wishes her life was like the book. She loves to write poems, and has been looking forward to the annual poetry contest at school. Before her father walked out on her, her little 6 year old brother Hemingway and her mother, he used to tell her that her poems were no good and she shouldn’t bother writing anything, and wouldn’t give her permission to be in the contest. Harper’s life changes when her mother can’t pay the rent and they’re thrown out of their house. She’s now homeless, and when her mom loses her job and has to take more time to look for one, Harper has to leave school to take care of her little brother. It seems like her dreams of reading her poetry are dead forever.

 

ARC: Escape under the forever sky by Eve Yohalem

Lucy’s mother is the U.S. Ambassador to Ethiopia. Since her mother spends so much time at business dinners, Lucy spends all her days alone – hating that she doesn’t get to have any adventures or enjoy the sights of Ethiopia. One day, she decides to sneak away with her friend and is kidnapped. She has to use her knowledge of animals and all she knows in order to survive those who want to kill her.

 

ARC: Jane in bloom by Deborah Lytton

No one ever pays attention to Jane, because she’s just boring and plain. Her sister, Lizzie, is beautiful, popular, and always at the center of attention. However, when Lizzie dies, a part of Jane dies with her. Jane finds that it’s even harder to live without her sister than it was to live with her. Through her sadness, Jane learns to see life in a different way and learns how to live once again.

 

ARC: Sloan sisters by Annabelle Vestry

Sheila and Lola feel like their lives have been ruined. Sheila is obsessed with fashion, while Lola is the ugly duckling of the family, but their lives changed when they are forced to leave their friends and life in London because their supermodel mom is marrying an American. Meanwhile, their new stepsister to be, Cate, is the supermodel of NYC and, as far as she’s concerned, nobody is going to take away that title. Andie wants to be her sister’s shadow. Between the four of them, life in NY will never be the same again. Do their parents really want to bring them together forever?

 

ARC: Academy 7 by Anne Osterlund

Aerin has escaped 6 years of brutal slavery on another planet. Dane has an angry father who’s a General in the Alliance but hates his own son. The two of them meet when they’re accepted to the prestigious Academy 7 school. There, while learning how to stay safe, they become friends, and soon begin to fall for each other. They also find themselves mixed up in a secret that’s so dangerous it could affect their entire universe.

 

ARC: Flygirl by Sherri L. Smith

Ida Mae Jones loves to fly planes, and wants to join the new WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) group organized by the Army, however, they only accept white women. Ida Mae has always had doors slammed in her life because she’s African American but, since she looks white, she decides to “pass,” (pretend to be white) so that she can live out her dream to fly while also helping to win the war. While she’s working as a WASP and changing the way men see women during World War II, Ida Mae learns some things about herself, what it really means to be true to oneself, and what it means to be African American in 1940’s America.

 

The Arrival - magical mystery tour with bite

Red Leap’s production of The Arrival, Auckland March 2009

I’ve just been to see The Arrival a new production that’s had its world premiere at this year’s Auckland Festival.

The Arrival is a piece of physical theatre and interpretive dance created by Kate Parker and Julie Nolan with assistance from leading New Zealand dance muse Michael Parmenter (described as Movement Consultant in the programme) and set to haunting music by Andrew McMillan.

The production is based on a comic novel by Australian writer and illustrator Shaun Tan, but if you’re thinking Watchmen you’re way off.

Tan’s work is allegorical, deep and humorous. He writes about social dislocation, colonialism, memory and depression. The Red Leap Theatre’s adaptation of the story is faithful, innovative and well-crafted.

Illustrations from Shaun Tan's The Arrival

The Arrival tells the story of an immigrant’s struggle to come to terms with a new and strange land. He has fled what seems to be a war zone and left behind his wife and child. He is bewildered by all the new sights, sounds, smells and rituals of the land he arrives in and as the narrative unfolds he begins to adapt, learn the language and make friends.

A simple tale, but one rich in symbolism. The costumes, faithful to the book, are reminiscent of post WWII refugees, sort of middle 20th century proletarian shabby-chic. At the same time there’s a vaguely contemporary feel that invokes the Balkan wars and the Middle Eastern conflicts of recent years.

Because The Arrival started life as a graphic novel it has no dialogue. Some briefs snips of speech are included in the production, but not in any recognisable language. I think I recognised a few words of French, but spoken with an accent that would kill the heart of an Alliance Francais professuer. There’s an angular and almost Slavic tone to the made up tongue. Luckily there’s not too much talking. In this case actions speak louder than words.

One aspect of the book that is rendered extremely well on stage is the range of phantastical creatures that our arrivalist encounters. They are rendered as puppets manipulated by the actors without any self-consciousness and they are delightful. They are manipulated with vigour and charm, particularly the large sperm-like creature (see illustration above) that behaves remarkably like a demented dog.

The puppets and the set (all designed by Simon Colement, Jessica Verryt and the 2Construct company) are an integral part of this production and very well done. They transform the simply dressed and well-lit space of the Civic theatre into a horrifying war zone, the rolling deck of a ship, a bewildering modern city, an apartment, a park and many other evocative spaces. It’s all done with the slide of a few well-made flats, boxes and jigsaw-like concertina constructions.

The story and the “play” (hardly seems an adequate description) are full of emotion and I couldn’t help thinking that it stands as a neat metaphor for much of the world’s horror that we see around us. People are displaced, are made into refugees, by circumstances beyond their control. They face uncertainty, their own fears and the deeply-felt loss of loved ones in a desperate bid to find a new, better life.

Ultimately Tan’s story is uplifting, the family is re-united and our arrivalist has found a new life, new friends (including the strange creatures) and he even learns to like to disgusting foreign food.

Well done New Zealand and hearty congratulations to everyone associated with this production.

PS: as we left the theatre, Moac said, “I want that dog,” meaning the puppet. Please let me know if any of the creatures can be bought when the production is finished.

The Syrian Christ (Book Review)

The Syrian Christ (Book Review, March 12, 2009)

 

In 1916, Abraham Mertie Rihbany published “The Syrian Christ”; eleven editions have so far been printed.  This manuscript was a compendium of articles submitted to the Atlantic Monthly from 1914 to 1916.  Rihbany wrote: “When I read the Bible I have the distinct impression that I am reading a fresh letter arriving from my parents and relatives in Lebanon”; thus he undertook to explain to the western Christians the customs and traditions of the civilization in the Levant (Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria) that are almost unchanged since Christ and an exhaustive explanation of the written and verbal style of the Bible. 

The target audience is the American Christian (mostly among the Protestant sects) who tends to accept every word in the Bible integrally without much openness, analysis, or comprehension of the customs and traditions of the Levant that are described in the Bible. The purpose is to describe the environment and daily life in which Jesus lived, grew up, roamed, was nurtured, and the language (Aramaic), the maxims, the aphorisms of “The Sacred Land” that Jesus spoke. It was the author’s premise that assimilating the Syrian customs and traditions allows the western Christians to comprehend the verbal imageries of the Bible and appreciate their real values and how the multitudes of stories start to make sense.

 

The verbal and written style in the Levant is characterized by direct pronouncements expressing feeling and describing what is seen and heard.  The sentences are not encumbered by prefixes such as “I think”, “I believe”, “I am not sure”, “It is possible”, “There might be other versions”, “I might be wrong”, “It is my opinion”, or what the western writers have adopted from the Greek rational style.  The style in the Levant sounds of utter confidence, categorical, and conveying the total truth but it does not mean that the people cannot discriminate or feel the variations and uncertainties.  The writers in the Levant simply feel that all these attachments are redundant since it is a fact of life that nothing is categorical or certain; thus, superfluous additions disturb the flow of thoughts and the ideas that need to be conveyed.  Consequently, the author feels that the western readers of the Bible should tone down their uneasiness with “outrageous” direct pronouncements and sentences in the Bible.

 

The manuscript is of six chapters in 187 pages.  The first chapter is about Jesus the Syrian man, his birth, the star, obedience to parents, holyday and Eucharist.  The second chapter is on the Levant verbal style, the daily parlance, the curses, love of the enemy, “the untruthful eastern person”, impression when challenged by professionalism, speaking in maxim and aphorism, and swearing. Chapter three is on bread and salt, the sacred food, “our daily bread”, “forcing invitation to eat”, “retarding a leaving guest”, and family reunions.  Chapter four is on boarding and sleeping overnight, the “souk”, the rooftop of the house, the grapevine and garden, and the shepherd.  Chapter five is on the sisters of Marie and Martha, women in the Levant, Saint Paul and women, Jesus and his mother, and “a gentle woman”.  Chapter six is called “here and there” in the Bible.

 

You will realize that the custom was, especially for widows, to be persistent in their demands, sit by the judge feet and keep urging him until the judge relents and gives in.  The custom was for a traveler to stop at the main Carrefour of a town and wait for the first passerby to invite him to stay the night and be fed; if the wait was prolonged then the town would be blemished of infamy for centuries. The custom was to refrain from sharing “bread and salt” until the conversation settle all the differences and the parties are satisfied that they are friends and loyal. You will learn that visiting a shrine of a Saint was targeting a specific demand; the mother or the family would sleep overnight and sometimes for many days until the Saint or his “ghost” shows up to deliver the good message. The author explains the external form of patriarchal attitude and the internal customs within a family; the custom of keeping doors open until the time to go to bed.  People in the Levant know the cause and effects of phenomenon but they also believe that if God wishes then the effects will not take place no matter what. This is a far cry of the western mind that insists that God has nothing to do with errors or failures and some other supplementary causes have to be investigated when the appropriate effects do not materialize.

 

(All these customs and traditions of the Land in the Levant were practiced thousands of years before Judaism came to be.  The Jewish religion adopted the customs of the land and wrote in the same style of imagery, maxims, and aphorism. The original manuscripts describe accurately the culture of the land and in the same style even though a few wrote4 in Greek, the language of the highly literate of the period. The writers of the Bible and the New Testaments were people of the land and spoke in the language of the land. Thus, it would be beneficial to be cognizant of the culture and civilization of the land in order to fully appreciate Christianism and the teaching of Jesus. The Bible is a wonderful source for learning the customs of the Land if read to that purpose)

 

Note 1: I read the Arabic translation by Ussama Ajaj Al Mohtar ISBN: 9953-417-05-9. When I get hold of the original English version then I might have another go for a thorough detailed review.

 

Note 2: The author Abraham Metrie Rihbany was born in 1869 in the village of Chouwir in Lebanon, one of 11 kids. He integrated a Protestant school in Souk al Gharb in 1886 and was appointed to teach the elementary classes for 3 years in order to cover the expenses. He immigrated to the USA in 1891 and contributed in editing the first Arab daily in the USA “Kawkab al Shark” (The Eastern Planet). Rihbany ventured into a new job of talking in churches in the evening about the “Sacred Land” for contributions. He was selected to represent the Syrian associations in the USA to the Peace Conference held in Paris in 1919. Abraham Rihbany met with the delegates and King Fayssal for 4 months and published a book on that event “Wise Men from the East and from the West” in 1922.  In 1918, Rihbany published “America Save the Near East” urging the USA to deny France and Britain any mandate status over the States in the Levant and warned on the organized Zionist movement to settling in Palestine.  Rihbany published eight books in total among them “Militant America and Jesus Christ” in 1917 and an autobiography “A Far Journey” in 1913 after he visited Lebanon with his wife in 1898.  Rihbany died in 1944; he was 75 of age.

 

Note 3:  Tourists to the Levant, visiting the urban centers, might not recognize the basic characteristics shared by the population.  Whatever differences seen by tourists are at best skin deep.  The behaviors of the urban citizens are basically the same as in the villages regardless of the verbal proclamations and intentions expressed to the contrary. , March 12, 2009)

 

 

 

 

 

In 1916, Abraham Mertie Rihbany published “The Syrian Christ”; eleven editions have so far been printed.  This manuscript was a compendium of articles submitted to the Atlantic Monthly from 1914 to 1916.  Rihbany wrote: “When I read the Bible I have the distinct impression that I am reading a fresh letter arriving from my parents and relatives in Lebanon”; thus he undertook to explain to the western Christians the customs and traditions of the civilization in the Levant (Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria) that are almost unchanged since Christ and an exhaustive explanation of the written and verbal style of the Bible. 

The target audience is the American Christian (mostly among the Protestant sects) who tends to accept every word in the Bible integrally without much openness, analysis, or comprehension of the customs and traditions of the Levant that are described in the Bible. The purpose is to describe the environment and daily life in which Jesus lived, grew up, roamed, was nurtured, and the language (Aramaic), the maxims, the aphorisms of “The Sacred Land” that Jesus spoke. It was the author’s premise that assimilating the Syrian customs and traditions allows the western Christians to comprehend the verbal imageries of the Bible and appreciate their real values and how the multitudes of stories start to make sense.

 

The verbal and written style in the Levant is characterized by direct pronouncements expressing feeling and describing what is seen and heard.  The sentences are not encumbered by prefixes such as “I think”, “I believe”, “I am not sure”, “It is possible”, “There might be other versions”, “I might be wrong”, “It is my opinion”, or what the western writers have adopted from the Greek rational style.  The style in the Levant sounds of utter confidence, categorical, and conveying the total truth but it does not mean that the people cannot discriminate or feel the variations and uncertainties.  The writers in the Levant simply feel that all these attachments are redundant since it is a fact of life that nothing is categorical or certain; thus, superfluous additions disturb the flow of thoughts and the ideas that need to be conveyed.  Consequently, the author feels that the western readers of the Bible should tone down their uneasiness with “outrageous” direct pronouncements and sentences in the Bible.

 

The manuscript is of six chapters in 187 pages.  The first chapter is about Jesus the Syrian man, his birth, the star, obedience to parents, holyday and Eucharist.  The second chapter is on the Levant verbal style, the daily parlance, the curses, love of the enemy, “the untruthful eastern person”, impression when challenged by professionalism, speaking in maxim and aphorism, and swearing. Chapter three is on bread and salt, the sacred food, “our daily bread”, “forcing invitation to eat”, “retarding a leaving guest”, and family reunions.  Chapter four is on boarding and sleeping overnight, the “souk”, the rooftop of the house, the grapevine and garden, and the shepherd.  Chapter five is on the sisters of Marie and Martha, women in the Levant, Saint Paul and women, Jesus and his mother, and “a gentle woman”.  Chapter six is called “here and there” in the Bible.

 

You will realize that the custom was, especially for widows, to be persistent in their demands, sit by the judge feet and keep urging him until the judge relents and gives in.  The custom was for a traveler to stop at the main Carrefour of a town and wait for the first passerby to invite him to stay the night and be fed; if the wait was prolonged then the town would be blemished of infamy for centuries. The custom was to refrain from sharing “bread and salt” until the conversation settle all the differences and the parties are satisfied that they are friends and loyal. You will learn that visiting a shrine of a Saint was targeting a specific demand; the mother or the family would sleep overnight and sometimes for many days until the Saint or his “ghost” shows up to deliver the good message. The author explains the external form of patriarchal attitude and the internal customs within a family; the custom of keeping doors open until the time to go to bed.  People in the Levant know the cause and effects of phenomenon but they also believe that if God wishes then the effects will not take place no matter what. This is a far cry of the western mind that insists that God has nothing to do with errors or failures and some other supplementary causes have to be investigated when the appropriate effects do not materialize.

 

(All these customs and traditions of the Land in the Levant were practiced thousands of years before Judaism came to be.  The Jewish religion adopted the customs of the land and wrote in the same style of imagery, maxims, and aphorism. The original manuscripts describe accurately the culture of the land and in the same style even though a few wrote4 in Greek, the language of the highly literate of the period. The writers of the Bible and the New Testaments were people of the land and spoke in the language of the land. Thus, it would be beneficial to be cognizant of the culture and civilization of the land in order to fully appreciate Christianism and the teaching of Jesus. The Bible is a wonderful source for learning the customs of the Land if read to that purpose)

 

Note 1: I read the Arabic translation by Ussama Ajaj Al Mohtar ISBN: 9953-417-05-9. When I get hold of the original English version then I might have another go for a thorough detailed review.

 

Note 2: The author Abraham Metrie Rihbany was born in 1869 in the village of Chouwir in Lebanon, one of 11 kids. He integrated a Protestant school in Souk al Gharb in 1886 and was appointed to teach the elementary classes for 3 years in order to cover the expenses. He immigrated to the USA in 1891 and contributed in editing the first Arab daily in the USA “Kawkab al Shark” (The Eastern Planet). Rihbany ventured into a new job of talking in churches in the evening about the “Sacred Land” for contributions. He was selected to represent the Syrian associations in the USA to the Peace Conference held in Paris in 1919. Abraham Rihbany met with the delegates and King Fayssal for 4 months and published a book on that event “Wise Men from the East and from the West” in 1922.  In 1918, Rihbany published “America Save the Near East” urging the USA to deny France and Britain any mandate status over the States in the Levant and warned on the organized Zionist movement to settling in Palestine.  Rihbany published eight books in total among them “Militant America and Jesus Christ” in 1917 and an autobiography “A Far Journey” in 1913 after he visited Lebanon with his wife in 1898.  Rihbany died in 1944; he was 75 of age.

 

Note 3:  Tourists to the Levant, visiting the urban centers, might not recognize the basic characteristics shared by the population.  Whatever differences seen by tourists are at best skin deep.  The behaviors of the urban citizens are basically the same as in the villages regardless of the verbal proclamations and intentions expressed to the contrary.

button hairclips + magnets + more

I’m getting excited about my two upcoming button book events here in Portland — the supplies I’ve ordered are arriving and I’ve been making my sample magnets and hairpins to show… so I thought I’d try picnik-ing* a a little invite!

And as I’ve been getting everything ready, I was thinking that it would be more fun if I could share the up-for-grabs free project with people who aren’t close enough to stop by Powell’s or Bolt and make one in person there. So I’ve added a little bonus to my Etsy shop: if you buy a signed copy of Button It Up, I’ll include a little bonus crafty pack of an assorted buttons grab bag and two blank hairclips to make your first project!

The buttons will be a random mix, not the exact ones I used for the project, so you can make a couple of hairclips and add the rest to your collection… or use some favorites of your own for the clips, and keep the bonus ones for another project!

Anyway, if you’re in Portland I’d love to see you, and if you are not, I’d be happy to send you a little project pack to make yourself some pretty things at home.

Speaking of pretty things, my lovely friend and contributor Amanda Blake Soule (who made this gorgeous Buttony Fabric Cuff and wrote the wonderful book The Creative Family) posted all about her super-fun Tuesday this week…

…she made these fun button projects using some favorites from her collection!

I absolutely love the earrings, and the magnets are awesome — such great combinations. These are the very first Button It Up projects I’ve seen out in the world, which is so cool! I have a huge soft spot for fun, simple projects that just let the buttons shine — the ones you don’t have to order anything special for, or run out to get those last few crucial things, or spend any money at all… you just find that little window of time and put something cool together. A huge thank-you to Amanda for her sweet and generous review post, and for sharing her photos with me!

If you make something you like, I’d love to see it — please add it to the Button It Up flickr pool!

*I’m pretty much a scissors-and-gluestick type, but flickr and picnik have totally transformed my world. Love them!

Book Reviews/Testimonials

REVIEW FOR LATEST BOOK, CREATE CHANGE NOW , TO BE RELEASED MAY 2009!

• “Cari La Grange Murphy has written a Spiritual Encyclopedia! Everyone interested in spirituality or inner contentment will greatly benefit from this book. Covering every topic, from the inner workings of the mind to spiritual purpose and awakening, Cari leaves no stone unturned or experience uncovered. This is truly a great celebration and teaching from one who is obviously awake and living in joy!”~ Joyce Kino, MA, LPC, counselor
• "La Grange Murphy puts a life-coach at the palm of your hand." ~ Jennifer Davenport

 

• “Cari’s latest book is in a day-to-day devotional format. Having devoured everything else she has written; I didn’t hesitate to pick this up. Well, get ready to be illuminated every single day. I expect to wear the pages of this book out over the next years.”  ~ Caroline Bristol  

• “I will buy this book for many friends. This book connects the gap that exists between my soul and my ego. Cari’s words help me to reconnect with my inner yearnings to be whole, to be free, and to have peace at last. I am so grateful that this book came along when it did. It has changed my life!” ~ Conway Grant

•  “Simply said, this book is amazing. It is straight from the mouth of God. I have purchased this book for many friends in need of spiritual inspiration. I am about to buy another copy for myself, since I have almost worn out the original. If the current day’s reading does not resonate, ask God to show you something else, flip the pages and you will read what your soul needs. This is my favorite book! It will be yours too!”Jessica Emery, Interior Designer 

 

• “Every time I read the author’s words, they awaken me in a new way. It’s as though each message I read is so connected and appropriate for each day. Reflecting on the words in this book has helped me through some very hard times! I feel able to start my day with joy and peace after reading a message each morning. I do it every day now! Through this book, Cari La Grange Murphy is my counselor, my spiritual advisor, my guru, and my mentor. I am so thankful for her timely words of wisdom that touch my heart and open my eyes in great new ways. My life is so much healthier and balanced as a result! I’ve bought copies for all my friends…it’s the greatest gift, but this time I’ll buy a new one for me!”  ~ Nicole Bigelow

• “I began reading this book on a day when my mind was troubled about so many things. There were no clear answers and no clear direction. Making things worse was the fact that my decisions were at the root of many of my problems. Normally, I have answers for everyone else. Today, I found none for myself. When I began reading this book, it was just out of curiosity. I’m so grateful that I did. The messages on the pages met me where I was and inspired me to move forward with clarity and confidence. Thanks, Cari!” ~ Donald Patten, pilot

• “This unusual and highly useful blend of direct spiritual illumination and keen psychological insight and experience has led to something entirely new in inspirational and spiritual literature. This book offers particularly valuable pointers for the growing numbers of soul seekers and finders who have had significant spiritual reminders, glimpses or awakenings yet have been puzzled by the complexity of modern living. The language is clear and easily accessible. I highly recommend purchasing a copy for yourself and your loved ones."  ~ Bryan Willis, MD

•   “An incredible book for spiritual inspiration and practice. It answered so many questions and tied up so many loose ends, with clarity and gentle guidance. An absolute must read for a contemplative soul!” ~ Travis Leeks, PhD

• “The author has tackled a difficult subject (how to improve one’s life without being overwhelmed by the perceived enormity of it all) in a caring, clear and concise manner. The one hundred selected topics are handled with a deft, common sense touch that exudes vitality and encourages the reader to keep transforming herself through a steady succession of daily life lessons. Truly a book that will be useful all of one’s days!" ~ Jeff Gordon, investment banker  

 

•   “This book is absolutely the best thing I have ever read in my entire life! I kept tearing up because everything I read summed up the past year of my life. I’ve practically gone through every message presented in the book, and I kept saying, ‘Oh my God, I just went through that!’ This book will be life changing for so many! It was absolutely amazing to read. Thank you, Cari, for giving the gift of your words to me. I plan on sharing this with my friends and family. This will be the best gift for anyone and EVERYONE!”
  
   Shabana Aziz

 

• “Cari did it again! I don’t even get out of bed in the morning without reading an excerpt from this book! It helps put into perspective a multitude of negative thinking and speaking patterns and teaches us how to re-language ourselves so that we can manifest in our lives all the joy, abundance, and happiness that we desire (and deserve). Everything we need or want we already have within, we just need to tap into our inner abundance. Thanks to Cari and all of her inspirational books, I have tapped into my inner light and now allow it shine for all to see. I would recommend this book to everyone.”  ~ Rose Petersen, life coach

• “This book is very inspiring and it gives spiritual uplifting and spiritual meaning about the real sense of our existence in this world. You can open the book to any chapter on any given day and find a pure nugget of wisdom to apply throughout your day. As I further commit to applying the knowledge gained from reading this book, I notice what a tremendous impact it has already made in my life. I feel more confident about my decisions and my choices. The author and her heart felt words have changed my life and I believe they can change yours too!” ~ Annie Hubbard, wife and mother extraordinaire

• “Cari’s book can be likened to ‘minerals for the spirit’ where she walks and guides the reader, like contemplative stroll at the beach, with a close and talkative friend. Cari imparts both passion and transformation in a loving and readable manner. Each time I read through a passage, I found I was changed both emotionally and spiritually. Cari guided me through simple suggestions that empowered me daily. One of Cari’s many excellent points conveys the message that you are the one who can change your life. Having this insightful book has added great value to my daily living, and it’s given me another way to gain self awareness and make significant changes in my life.” Luke Hartsuyker , software analyst
  
  
• “This book is exceptional! Cari has such a skillful and sensible way to say anything! Each and every one of the messages touched me in more than one way! Choose a page at random, and you can quickly find thoughtful words of encouragement, inspiration, and motivation! I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants a practical resource to jump start their day. This is a valuable and lasting gift to any reader, it should be kept close by, and you will find that soon it will be well worn!”  ~ Nancy Comer

 

•   “This book is a wonderful inspiration for those who think they don’t need any support, but if they read it their life will continue to improve in wonderful ways. For those who are struggling but desire reinforcement and encouragement, it is very positive. I read it after Hurricane IKE devastated Houston, Texas, in 2008, when I had time to think about my personal life. This book really helped me organize my priorities. Cari pulls it all together so you can pick up, move forward, and strive to be a productive and happy person. It is truly a book to take you forward through life in a wonderful and joyous way.” ~ Carolyn Messner
  
  
• “This book is a true gem. I thought all devotional type books were about the same, but this one has been invaluable for me. Cari hits the target wisely every time. I am blessed and uplifted each time I read it. I hate to start my day without it.”  ~ Nigel LeFlore, MD
  
  
• “This book has inspired me in profound ways. I have found so many of the messages applying whole heartedly to my life. I have retyped and copied many of Cari’s quotes and taped them to my refrigerator or put them on my bulletin board at work. This is a book I needed years ago. It has given me insight and inspiration on so many different levels. Since I bought, I have yet to put it down. I’m always reading this book. I have become much more pleasant in certain circumstance because of the insights I gained here. I would give this book a whopping five stars!” ~ Marybeth Kenton
  
  
• “Food for the soul! GET THIS BOOK! We need inspiration like this in all our lives…THIS BOOK IS A TRIPLE HITTER!!! Since the day I purchased this book, I have read one message daily and faithfully applied it in my life. My life really has transformed! Yours can too!” ~ Nandi Allen
  
  
• “This book has such power. I believe it is filled with just the greatest messages for any situation. This is a must have for anyone who needs a little motivation once in awhile. And I think that’s everyone! There are two recommended methods for using this book. One is to follow along from one chapter to the next. The other is to just open it up and see what happens; I do this a lot, and every page I have read spoke to my heart and to whatever was going on in my life. GO GET THIS BOOK AND GIVE A COPY TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!” ~ Teresa Grable, teacher
  
  
•   “This book is the ultimate how-to to improve your consciousness book. I even refer it to my clients. It’s really a blueprint for reaffirming or correcting thought patterns. For myself, I’ve highlighted points crucial for my life and refer when necessary. I can’t begin to express the impact this book has made upon my life and continues to do so. The author explains how our thoughts and perceptions can literally alter our life. Happiness, peace, and fulfillment all require cultivation, something we must actively choose every moment of everyday.”  ~ Linda Kramer, PhD, family counselor
  
  
• “This book has entirely changed my life, my perspective, my attitude, and my feelings about me and others! I could go on and on. This is something that I cannot stop talking about. Anyone who is lost, confused about life, who sometimes feels unsure about themselves or others, depressed, or just doesn’t feel like life is much ‘fun’ anymore…..read this book! It will completely empower you! My hope is that everyone can read this book so that they may be as incredibly happy with themselves and their lives as I am today!” ~ Phyllis Kaspi
  
  
• “Cari La Grange Murphy offers her readers a valuable opportunity for honest self-reflection. This book can easily serve an empowering impetus for change and positive transformation. You can pick it up on a daily basis and find something that will awaken your spirit and cause you to view the world inside you and around you with new eyes. Cari is a gentle soul who cares deeply about people and the world. She has shared with us some of her deepest convictions through her soulful words. She has a way with words that draws you in and she very simply shares her messages of peace and love. I have recommended this book to many friends and family and have purchased several to give away as gifts. You won’t regret this purchase.” ~ Jonathan Boyko, MA, LPC, marriage, and family therapist
  
  
• “I was truly moved by the messages in this book. They are very insightful and help to keep things in perspective for me. I’ve read it twice already and had to purchase a second book just to give away! It’s so important to realize we’re more than this one person here on earth; we’re only part of a whole. So, when we strive to come into balance and harmony with ourselves we are affecting those around us, as well. To cultivate a better life for yourself now and your future, buy this book!” ~ Joanna Collingsworth
  
  
• “This jewel of a book is indispensable! I keep this wonderful little book at my bedside and wouldn’t think of traveling without it. The subjects (chapters) indicated in the table of contents make it easy to find concise help for issues that may cause anxiety and/or frustration in one’s daily life. It’s a real treasure!” Matthew Spellman, MSW
  
  
• “Yet another inspirational book written by Cari La Grange Murphy! If you have the courage to face yourself and grow, this book is for you. Cari has blessed us with clear, concise, and no-nonsense messages that inspire her readers to live with purpose and direction. Her words always serve as an impetus—they give me the passion and motivation to make necessary changes in my life. Personally, her words gave me the clarity I needed to make some transformative decisions within days of reading her book. I feel refreshed and better able to respond to the myriad of challenges that I’m faced with on a daily basis. This is a must read for anyone wanting to live courageously and consciously in a sincere effort to become the very best they can be.” ~   Dr. Camille Hampton, author

 

• “Cari has chronicled many insightful affirmations, as well as daily doses of encouragement. Her book is a perfect panacea for the ills that we face in these challenging times.”  ~ Dr. DaVida Paris, Life Enrichment International, Inc.
•   “In her latest book, Cari La Grange Murphy offers deeply significant and transformative doses of passion and inspiration to readers of all ages and from all walks of life. Cari never fails to uncover the truth and convey its message to her audience. The daily messages contained in this book are designed to help us deal with the everyday perils of life that can unconsciously keep us bound in fear and pain. This is a must have for anyone wanting peace, harmony, and success in their day to day lives. I enthusiastically endorse this book and encourage everyone to have a copy!" Glenn Brandon Burke, MA Ed., motivational speaker, author, mentor
•   “Cari La Grange Murphy does a beautiful job of offering inspiration and guidance on living a rewarding and healthy life. She reminds us that happiness starts with changing our perceptions and reactions in order to allow ourselves to create all that can be.”
• Gabriella Hartwell, intuitive relationship life coach, spiritual teacher, and author of You Find Your Soul Mate When You Let Go of Searching.www.emergingsoul.com
  
  
• "This work is an incredible compilation of contributions to the field of human growth and human potential. It is wonderful to be able to access just what is needed in the moment to support and guide one’s particular enfoldment in the world. Everyone who is interested in actualizing their potential should own a copy."  - Dr. Jeanine Austin, coach for Women Worldwide,  http://www.simplydivinesolutions.com
• “Cari’s book will enable you to align your thoughts, actions, and feelings with your purpose and goals. This is a must read that will make you feel enriched and empowered." - Lydia Proschinger, Brussels, Belgium, life pro coach, author
• "This book is a must have for your daily dose of truth! We love it!”  -Traci L. Irons and Tracy D. McMahan, Dynamite Awareness, TNT  

• “Everyone will eventually face a crossroad at some point in their life that impacts their daily living – whether spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or physically. Create Change Now by Cari La Grange Murphy is a very good inspirational book that offers key concepts for those who believe their daily living is on a road to nowhere. It inspires them to move beyond their fears, alter their direction, and transform their life. Cari reminds us that the one thing we have is the power to choose. I particularly enjoyed the topics that focused on ‘your internal beauty regimen, revelations about one’s body, finding balance through breathing, success begins within, rising above life’s issues, and the true meaning of abundant living’. All of the topics ministers to one’s soul and provides direction to a road filled with peace, joy, strength, courage, confidence, and discernment. To name a few, Cari’s book provides antidotes for forgiveness, resolving conflict, a different perspective on prosperity, and diminishing the disorder in our lives. She skillfully conveys how our decisions in life and our reactions to life determine how successful we are with loving others, embracing meaningful relationships, and discharging the toxic ones, refraining from judging others, and taking personal responsibility. Cari’s book will motivate the reader to rise up against life’s adversities and uncertainties, take possession of their power, and pursue their destiny. This book is uplifting, filled with much wisdom on maximizing one’s life, and highly recommended. Great job, Cari Murphy! Continue to live your purpose, and pursue your destiny; YOUR DESTINY IS GREATNESS!”  ~ Bridgette L. Collins, author of Destined to Live Healthier: Mind, Body, and Soul.