FIRE
- Details
- Written by bunana
- Hits: 7827
When I was growing up, I saw this book on a shelf in the basement. I'd always thought to read it but never did. Until I was remided of it by listening to a Tim Ferriss podcast.
The story follows the life of Siddhartha from a youthful optimist, to a more elderly pragmatist. I found many of the chapters so familiar to situations in my life. Siddhartha fights with his father to leave home and strike out in a non-standard manner. His friend, Govinda, has similar, but not identical experiences. Again, very true to life. His life seems to arc as he learns and aspires. Then, as he ages, he chooses the 'easy' life. How many people go this route. Me included.
The story of Siddhartha's son was very thought-provoking. How easy it is to put blinders on someone's actions when that person is close to you. I wish there was a chapter reconciling Siddhartha to his father. I think that would have been telling.
For a story that's based in a culture that's half way around the world, Hesse brought home to me the universal struggles all men face. How to become a man, how to best aspire to what we can achive, what is important in life, and what can be discarded?
- Details
- Written by bunana
- Hits: 3278
This book was given to me by my brother Tom. He quite rightly judged is as a good read for me. It takes place in Charlottesville, VA, Washington DC, Breezewood PA, and other locations I'm somewhat familiar with. The author pays homage to science fiction authors (like William Gibson), and has the appropriate amount of detail for sporting events, J. R. R. Tolkein novels, firearms, computing and other technical studies.
The story's protagan\ist is Gibson Vaughn. his father was a chief-of-staff of an up and coming Senator, Benjamin Lombard. His father died unexpectedly which left an impact on Gibson. Gibson was a teenaged computer hacker and threatened to bring down the Lombard dynasty. He was arrested and given an option of jail or the Marines. He didn't go to jail. He's contacted by a group of people to find his old friend and Lombard's daughter -- Bear.
The chapters are short which keeps the pages turning. I found the characters very believable. The locations were familiar and well detailed. I could look forward to a sequel or another book by Mr. Fitzsimmons.
- Details
- Written by Matthews family
- Hits: 5070
User Rating: 5 / 5
We met at St. Ann's today due to the crazy amount of snow. School is cancelled tomorrow.
Mr. Matthews reviewed the readings regarding Epiphany (Micah and Matthew 2:1-12).
- Details
- Written by Matthews family
- Hits: 3061
Wisdom versus power, riches, ...
Opening prayer
Reading --came from the Twenty-eigth Sunday in ordinary time.
Wisdom 7:7-11 Solomon prays for Wisdom
Hebrews 4:12-13 -- The Word is omniscient
Mark 10:17-30 -- The rich man asks how to get to heaven
Reflection -- Of what does your wealth consist? How does your wealth server the poor? (Youth feeding the homeless, coaching)
Activity -- Review questions
How is God's word like a two-edged sword? (It is a challenge to keep God's word. It is a comfort to have a strong advocate.)
How is God's word like a guiding star? (It aids us in doing right)
Propose an ending for the story about the rich man who asked Jesus how to get to heaven? Did he give all his belongings away? Did he turn his back on the world?
Here's some questions from the quiz:
1. Fill in the blank, "It is easier for a camel to pass through _________________, than a rich man to get to heaven." (the eye of a needle)
2. God is omnipotent (powerful) and omnipresent (everywhere). What is the Latin word for "all knowing"? (omniscient)
3. Rather than riches, beauty, health, or power, what did Solomon prayed for? (Wisdom)
Page 1 of 2
- You are here:
-
Home
- FIRE