This is Alpha, the first-born, when he was 2YO.
This is Beta, the second-born, when he was about 2YO.
This is Gamma, the third-born, when he was about 18MO.
Spring Book Thingy 2013
May
23
2013
Normally, I do my book review post in mid July, after we have gone on vacation. That’s because I don’t normally read full-length books until summer vacation – that’s when I make time for that.
Since we had a spring-break vacation this year, I got to read a couple books earlier in the year.
First book: “Legal Fables” by Ray O. Sage.
This book doesn’t quite qualify because it is not a novel. There is no story; rather, it is a collection of short stories. Each chapter tells how someone (humorously named) has or gets into legal trouble and concludes with a moral (usually that one should consult a lawyer in that situation).
The book was amusing and somewhat educational, especially if you want to know about wills and trusts.
Next book: “I Am Half-Sick of Shadows” (a Flavia de Luce mystery) by Alan Bradley.
If you are not familiar with Flavia de Luce, stop reading this blog, go to your library, and check out the whole series.
If you don’t want the whole series, get the first book (“The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie”). I liked all of them except for the second one (“The Weed that Strings the Hangman’s Bag”).
“I Am Half-Sick of Shadows” was good. I recommend it.
Next book: “Speaking From Among the Bones” (a Flavia de Luce mystery) by Alan Bradley.
“Speaking From Among the Bones” was better than the previous book. It would have been my favorite of the whole series except for the ending. I think it’s not a spoiler to say the book ends, but the story doesn’t. In other words, the author may as well just put a giant “To Be Continued…” at the end of the last chapter of this book.
The mystery part of the story is concluded quite nicely and neatly, but the larger themes that run through the series are not concluded. In fact, they become more complicated. I assume it is being setup for a good conclusion in a later book (next book is scheduled for 2014). But it does leave a dissatisfied taste in one’s brain after finishing the book. Your alternative is to wait until the series is done before you start reading it.
Next book: “The Trials of Lance Eliot” by M.L. Brown.
I read this book last year (read my review of Lance Eliot), but I read the Kindle version. Now I finally have the paperback version.
Again, the main problem with this book is that it needs a sequel to resolve some questions. The series is supposed to be a trilogy, but the other two books are not done yet. So you can either order “The Trials of Lance Eliot” now, or wait until the trilogy is complete.
Last book: “Quitter” by Jon Acuff.
I wasn’t originally planning to read this book, but it was a gift so I didn’t want to be rude.
Why was I not going to read this book? Because I’m content. The types of people who want to read this book might call it complacency rather than contentment.
According to the book, I fall into the group of people who believe the “This job just funds my real life” myth. But it works. And I will probably be content until it doesn’t work.
I want to like the book, and I want to heartily recommend it to other people. But that’s because I have a connection with the author, not because of the book itself. The book was fine; I didn’t dislike the book. For people who are not content with where they are in life, this book should be a good help. I’m just not at a stage in my life where I appreciate the book as much as other people do. Sorry for the lackluster review, Jon.
Then the book will be given to the one who is illiterate, saying, “Please read this.” And he will say, “I cannot read.”
Isaiah 29:12
This little article thingy was written by Some Guy sometime around 6:05 am and has been carefully placed in the Life category.
May 23rd, 2013 at 9:24 am
Thanks again for reading and posting about PaPa’s book!
As to Quitter – I can see why someone in your shoes may not be as excited about it. If I read it again today, I might be in the same spot. It definitely hit me in the gut when I first read it, though. I liked that it wasn’t a ‘just follow your dreams’ book. It was how to transition responsibly in light of family, bills and other responsibilities.
The part I struggled with (and still do) is finding what my ‘dream job’ even is. If I don’t figure that part out before retirement, then I guess…I’ll just retire and not worry about it.
May 23rd, 2013 at 12:10 pm
You can retire happily knowing that you at least made it into the book, on the page titled Quitter 100.
May 24th, 2013 at 9:38 am
As always, I appreciate the shout out to dear old Lance Eliot. Thanks for mentioning the book!