What a book, what a read and what an individual. What a story.
This is one of those stories that really does challenge everything that you believe about yourself, and about others. It also challenges how you think you would react in terrible circumstances. It really was an amazing read, and I would love to meet the author, one day. He rocks.
In this book, Nando accounts first hand the hardships encountered by a football team that had crash landed in a remote spot in the Andes. Here is the overview (from http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9781400097678)
In the first hours there was nothing, no fear or sadness, just a black and perfect silence.
Nando Parrado was unconscious for three days before he woke to discover that the plane carrying his rugby team, as well as their family members and supporters, to an exhibition game in Chile had crashed somewhere deep in the Andes. He soon learned that many were dead or dying—among them his own mother and sister. Those who remained were stranded on a lifeless glacier at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, with no supplies and no means of summoning help. They struggled to endure freezing temperatures, deadly avalanches, and then the devastating news that the search for them had been called off.
As time passed and Nando’s thoughts turned increasingly to his father, who he knew must be consumed with grief, Nando resolved that he must get home or die trying. He would challenge the Andes, even though he was certain the effort would kill him, telling himself that even if he failed he would die that much closer to his father. It was a desperate decision, but it was also his only chance. So Nando, an ordinary young man with no disposition for leadership or heroism, led an expedition up the treacherous slopes of a snow-capped mountain and across forty-five miles of frozen wilderness in an attempt to find help.
Thirty years after the disaster Nando tells his story with remarkable candor and depth of feeling. Miracle in the Andes—a first person account of the crash and its aftermath—is more than a riveting tale of true-life adventure: it is a revealing look at life at the edge of death and a meditation on the limitless redemptive power of love.
Overall, 4.95 out of 5, the highest rating yet. It was a great book.
Showing posts with label 52 weeks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 52 weeks. Show all posts
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Book 26 - LIKE A SAMURAI: The Tony Glynn Story, by Fr Paul Glynn SM
Can you believe it - we are now over half way through the year, and this is book 26, half way through the blog challenge. Bring it on. Yee Hah.
Another amazing book, and another amazing story of an inspirational individual.
Father Tony Glynn made a real difference throughout his life, which was dedicated to better relations between Australia and Japan. He not only focused on that relationship, but also the one between Buddhists and Christians, and he was wise enough to see the unique qualities in both.
Also, would you believe that my great Uncle, Father Guinea, was featured in the book - imagine that.
Anyway, here is a great review that I found on the book.
LIKE A SAMURAI: The Tony Glynn Story, by Fr Paul Glynn SM
Here is a review by Tim Cannon, which can be found at: http://www.ad2000.com.au/articles/2009/jul2009p17_3092.html
Many readers will be familiar with Fr Paul Glynn, an Australian Marist priest, and author of such titles as Song for Nagasaki and Smile of a Ragpicker. Fr Glynn spent some 25 years in post-WWII Japan, and his latest offering tells the less widely known story of his older brother Tony, also a Marist priest, who spent the greater part of his life in Japan.
Like a Samurai: The Tony Glynn Story is the biography of an authentic missionary of the modern era. Today Japan remains a predominantly Buddhist nation, with only 0.7% of the population identifying as Christian, the bulk of them Catholic. When a 25- year-old Fr Tony Glynn first set foot on Japanese soil, Catholics were even fewer in number. During their time in Japan, the Glynn brothers were true pioneers on a daunting cultural and spiritual frontier.
It was there that Fr Tony built a parish, literally from scratch, which, by the time of his death, was enthusiastically attended by hundreds of parishioners each week, and was renowned for its charitable works and the unfathomable generosity of its cheery Australian parish priest.
This is a rollicking tale, and a wonderfully vivid example of just what can happen when Christians place their lives in God's hands and unabashedly seek out His will. Indeed Fr Tony's story is in no small way reminiscent of the missionary adventures of St Paul, and as this commemorative "year of St Paul" draws to a close, readers young and old will no doubt draw inspiration from this modern exemplar of daring and enthusiastic ministry.
In addition to his work in Japan, Fr Tony's efforts would eventually lead to a pioneering mission of Christian reconciliation back in Australia, as well as in New Zealand, in the aftermath of a war which had yielded a bitter crop of resentment on all sides.
The seeds of this remarkable story were being sewn even before Tony Glynn was born. Thus the author commences with a fascinating account of Fr Tony's Irish ancestry, and of the family's experiences settling in Australia several generations prior to Tony's birth.
The centrality of the Catholic faith to the lives of Tony's parents (and certain other relations) is shown to be of vital importance to the fruition of many graces - including several vocations to the priesthood and religious life - among Tony and his siblings.
Providential encounter
Tony's path to Japan was forged by a providential encounter in the seminary with Fr Lionel Marsden, an Australian military chaplain who had been taken prisoner by Japanese forces during the war. "Padre" Marsden's brutal experiences had eventually led him to resolve to return to Japan after the war to establish a Marist mission, and to preach Christ's gospel of love and forgiveness. It was a mission which very much appealed to the young Tony Glynn, and shortly after his ordination, he departed for a new life in Japan.
Throughout the book, Tony's magnetic personality, his energy and enthusiasm, his can-do attitude, and his infectious and often self- deprecating sense of humour shine through. As the author frequently notes, these personal qualities, coupled with a deep devotion to personal prayer, the Mass, and genuine service to others, enabled Fr Tony to achieve the unachievable.
The book details Fr Tony's many remarkable achievements: building a parish from the ground up in a foreign land, and without a penny in the bank; running fund- raising drives in the USA; establishing goodwill exhibitions of Japanese art in Australia and New Zealand; and pioneering a reconciliation effort between the Australian people and the people of Japan.
The book's cover features a picture of Fr Tony Glynn bearing two armfuls of samurai swords. These were taken from slain or captured Japanese soldiers by Australian and New Zealand forces during the war, but which were to be returned to the families of the Japanese soldiers as a gesture of reconciliation.
His close work with Buddhist spiritual leaders in Japan, and his openness to the goodwill of all he encountered, invariably drew more and more people to his humble but widely renowned parish.
There is a certain earthy humility which pervades the pages of this book, and which is persistently apparent in its subject, Fr Tony Glynn. I never met the man, but having read Like a Samurai, I feel as though I have. When an ordinary bloke like Tony Glynn opens his heart and his life to God, the mind boggles at the sheer extraordinariness of what he can achieve.
Overall, a good read, 4.25 out of 5.
Another amazing book, and another amazing story of an inspirational individual.
Father Tony Glynn made a real difference throughout his life, which was dedicated to better relations between Australia and Japan. He not only focused on that relationship, but also the one between Buddhists and Christians, and he was wise enough to see the unique qualities in both.
Also, would you believe that my great Uncle, Father Guinea, was featured in the book - imagine that.
Anyway, here is a great review that I found on the book.
LIKE A SAMURAI: The Tony Glynn Story, by Fr Paul Glynn SM
Here is a review by Tim Cannon, which can be found at: http://www.ad2000.com.au/articles/2009/jul2009p17_3092.html
Many readers will be familiar with Fr Paul Glynn, an Australian Marist priest, and author of such titles as Song for Nagasaki and Smile of a Ragpicker. Fr Glynn spent some 25 years in post-WWII Japan, and his latest offering tells the less widely known story of his older brother Tony, also a Marist priest, who spent the greater part of his life in Japan.
Like a Samurai: The Tony Glynn Story is the biography of an authentic missionary of the modern era. Today Japan remains a predominantly Buddhist nation, with only 0.7% of the population identifying as Christian, the bulk of them Catholic. When a 25- year-old Fr Tony Glynn first set foot on Japanese soil, Catholics were even fewer in number. During their time in Japan, the Glynn brothers were true pioneers on a daunting cultural and spiritual frontier.
It was there that Fr Tony built a parish, literally from scratch, which, by the time of his death, was enthusiastically attended by hundreds of parishioners each week, and was renowned for its charitable works and the unfathomable generosity of its cheery Australian parish priest.
This is a rollicking tale, and a wonderfully vivid example of just what can happen when Christians place their lives in God's hands and unabashedly seek out His will. Indeed Fr Tony's story is in no small way reminiscent of the missionary adventures of St Paul, and as this commemorative "year of St Paul" draws to a close, readers young and old will no doubt draw inspiration from this modern exemplar of daring and enthusiastic ministry.
In addition to his work in Japan, Fr Tony's efforts would eventually lead to a pioneering mission of Christian reconciliation back in Australia, as well as in New Zealand, in the aftermath of a war which had yielded a bitter crop of resentment on all sides.
The seeds of this remarkable story were being sewn even before Tony Glynn was born. Thus the author commences with a fascinating account of Fr Tony's Irish ancestry, and of the family's experiences settling in Australia several generations prior to Tony's birth.
The centrality of the Catholic faith to the lives of Tony's parents (and certain other relations) is shown to be of vital importance to the fruition of many graces - including several vocations to the priesthood and religious life - among Tony and his siblings.
Providential encounter
Tony's path to Japan was forged by a providential encounter in the seminary with Fr Lionel Marsden, an Australian military chaplain who had been taken prisoner by Japanese forces during the war. "Padre" Marsden's brutal experiences had eventually led him to resolve to return to Japan after the war to establish a Marist mission, and to preach Christ's gospel of love and forgiveness. It was a mission which very much appealed to the young Tony Glynn, and shortly after his ordination, he departed for a new life in Japan.
Throughout the book, Tony's magnetic personality, his energy and enthusiasm, his can-do attitude, and his infectious and often self- deprecating sense of humour shine through. As the author frequently notes, these personal qualities, coupled with a deep devotion to personal prayer, the Mass, and genuine service to others, enabled Fr Tony to achieve the unachievable.
The book details Fr Tony's many remarkable achievements: building a parish from the ground up in a foreign land, and without a penny in the bank; running fund- raising drives in the USA; establishing goodwill exhibitions of Japanese art in Australia and New Zealand; and pioneering a reconciliation effort between the Australian people and the people of Japan.
The book's cover features a picture of Fr Tony Glynn bearing two armfuls of samurai swords. These were taken from slain or captured Japanese soldiers by Australian and New Zealand forces during the war, but which were to be returned to the families of the Japanese soldiers as a gesture of reconciliation.
His close work with Buddhist spiritual leaders in Japan, and his openness to the goodwill of all he encountered, invariably drew more and more people to his humble but widely renowned parish.
There is a certain earthy humility which pervades the pages of this book, and which is persistently apparent in its subject, Fr Tony Glynn. I never met the man, but having read Like a Samurai, I feel as though I have. When an ordinary bloke like Tony Glynn opens his heart and his life to God, the mind boggles at the sheer extraordinariness of what he can achieve.
Overall, a good read, 4.25 out of 5.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Book 25 - The Time of my Life - Patrick Swayze
Growing up, I loved Patrick Swayze. He was the man - from Roadhouse to Ghost, to Dirty Dancing to Next of Kin, they were all great in their own way. The man could act, dance and appeared to be living the dream.
What was amazing was that he was always destined for greatness. His mother named him Patrick, as she thought his name would look good on a billboard. Imagine that. His mother was a dance instructor, and that is where Patrick learnt the art of dance, and met his life long love Lisa Niemi. She is extremely attractive, and the pair looked like the perfect couple. She also followed a career in dance, though appeared to take the support role, and let Patrick take the lime light.
Patrick Swayze was a fighter, he suffered major injuries during his dancing and acting career, which did not stop him one bit. He trained and worked with significant pain. He also suffered the pain of alcoholism, he lost his father (which was extremely tough) then he lost his battle with cancer.
You know, this was one of the most motivational books that I have read as part of this blog. Patrick Swayze never gave up, never did things in halves, never lost his sense of family (or earthy things - the pair loved horses) and he never lost his sense of fighting when the chips were down.
He and Lisa Niemi spent time on the bread line, they fixed furniture to make ends meet, they separated for a period, and they, sadly, never had kids. They had a great life, though, and one that gave us all joy and happiness. It was an amazing journey, and one that I loved. It is time to pull out Road House again and watch him go around with Sam Elliot, including getting stitched up without pain killer. You know, if that was real life, especially after reading the book, it is not a stretch to imagine him doing that.
The blurb from the book reads:
"In September 2009 movie star Patrick Swayze lost his long and bravely fought battle against pancreatic cancer. Dedications soon came flooding in from Swayze's many friends in film and television as well as from his legions of adoring fans. His was a life richly led and this memoir, completed just weeks before his death, is a testament to the strength and passion of this remarkable man. It was January 2008 when Patrick Swayze was given the worst news of his life. What he hoped was just a stomach ache was actually stage four pancreatic cancer. This book isn't just the story of Patrick's fight against cancer. In the public eye from the early 1980s, this is the story of a remarkable life and career. Intended as a low budget, straight-to-video production, Dirty Dancing became a cult hit and remains one of the most enduring films of the 80s. Ghost cemented Patrick as a hugely bankable star, in a role that has had a considerable cultural impact. Most recently Patrick returned to the public's adoring arms in TV's The Beast. This book will chronicle Patrick's personal life, too -- including his treatment for alcoholism following the death of his father and sister's sudden death. What remained a constant in Patrick's life was his marriage and Patrick and Lisa's love story is inspiring, honest, heartfelt and transcends the typical celebrity marriage. This is a book that anyone who has faced cancer or a terminal illness can turn to: Lisa and Patrick have shown the world that cancer isn't just a diagnosis given to one individual, but a disease that can bring a household together or pull a family apart. Bold, honest and inspiring, Patrick Swayze's memoir is the story of a remarkable man's life and career and of his refusal to give up without a fight."
A 4.75 out of 5 for me for this one. Loved it. Loved the fight, loved the spirit, loved the ups and downs and loved the down to earthiness of this man, who the world will miss.
What was amazing was that he was always destined for greatness. His mother named him Patrick, as she thought his name would look good on a billboard. Imagine that. His mother was a dance instructor, and that is where Patrick learnt the art of dance, and met his life long love Lisa Niemi. She is extremely attractive, and the pair looked like the perfect couple. She also followed a career in dance, though appeared to take the support role, and let Patrick take the lime light.
Patrick Swayze was a fighter, he suffered major injuries during his dancing and acting career, which did not stop him one bit. He trained and worked with significant pain. He also suffered the pain of alcoholism, he lost his father (which was extremely tough) then he lost his battle with cancer.
You know, this was one of the most motivational books that I have read as part of this blog. Patrick Swayze never gave up, never did things in halves, never lost his sense of family (or earthy things - the pair loved horses) and he never lost his sense of fighting when the chips were down.
He and Lisa Niemi spent time on the bread line, they fixed furniture to make ends meet, they separated for a period, and they, sadly, never had kids. They had a great life, though, and one that gave us all joy and happiness. It was an amazing journey, and one that I loved. It is time to pull out Road House again and watch him go around with Sam Elliot, including getting stitched up without pain killer. You know, if that was real life, especially after reading the book, it is not a stretch to imagine him doing that.
The blurb from the book reads:
"In September 2009 movie star Patrick Swayze lost his long and bravely fought battle against pancreatic cancer. Dedications soon came flooding in from Swayze's many friends in film and television as well as from his legions of adoring fans. His was a life richly led and this memoir, completed just weeks before his death, is a testament to the strength and passion of this remarkable man. It was January 2008 when Patrick Swayze was given the worst news of his life. What he hoped was just a stomach ache was actually stage four pancreatic cancer. This book isn't just the story of Patrick's fight against cancer. In the public eye from the early 1980s, this is the story of a remarkable life and career. Intended as a low budget, straight-to-video production, Dirty Dancing became a cult hit and remains one of the most enduring films of the 80s. Ghost cemented Patrick as a hugely bankable star, in a role that has had a considerable cultural impact. Most recently Patrick returned to the public's adoring arms in TV's The Beast. This book will chronicle Patrick's personal life, too -- including his treatment for alcoholism following the death of his father and sister's sudden death. What remained a constant in Patrick's life was his marriage and Patrick and Lisa's love story is inspiring, honest, heartfelt and transcends the typical celebrity marriage. This is a book that anyone who has faced cancer or a terminal illness can turn to: Lisa and Patrick have shown the world that cancer isn't just a diagnosis given to one individual, but a disease that can bring a household together or pull a family apart. Bold, honest and inspiring, Patrick Swayze's memoir is the story of a remarkable man's life and career and of his refusal to give up without a fight."
A 4.75 out of 5 for me for this one. Loved it. Loved the fight, loved the spirit, loved the ups and downs and loved the down to earthiness of this man, who the world will miss.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Book 24 - Raising Boys
Raising Boys, by Steve Biddulph, is an absoutely must read for any parents of young males.
I really learnt so much from this book, with the one major thing being that ADD could also be a case of DDD (dad deficit disorder - now that was an enlightening point - I need to be home more - very close to my heart).
Apparently, "Raising Boys has created shifts in how parents understand the development and needs of boys from birth to the teenage years. It covers both the social forces and the biological and hormonal forces that make a boy what he is, and how to use these to help boys be safe, caring, energetic, and in love with life."
"Boys worldwide have three times the death rate of girls, and are disappearing from higher education, while girls do better and better. This book is incredibly timely, and much loved by parents.
The three stages of boyhood. What mothers can do. What fathers can do. What if you are a single mother ? Finding a boy-friendly school. Boys and sport. Boys and sex.
Ideal for mothers who are just not sure if they understand boys. For fathers who want to play an active role in raising their son."
Again, and finally, this is a great book, and one that explains so many of the issues that we face as parents (actually of both boys and girls). It tackes the touch stuff, like homosexuality, and the soft stuff, like puberty and masdurbation. Very enlightening, and my wife and I are applying the messages already.
Anyway, if you are raising kids, get this book.
4.5 out of 5 from this little no-one who is critiquing books for the 2010 calendar year.
I really learnt so much from this book, with the one major thing being that ADD could also be a case of DDD (dad deficit disorder - now that was an enlightening point - I need to be home more - very close to my heart).
Apparently, "Raising Boys has created shifts in how parents understand the development and needs of boys from birth to the teenage years. It covers both the social forces and the biological and hormonal forces that make a boy what he is, and how to use these to help boys be safe, caring, energetic, and in love with life."
"Boys worldwide have three times the death rate of girls, and are disappearing from higher education, while girls do better and better. This book is incredibly timely, and much loved by parents.
The three stages of boyhood. What mothers can do. What fathers can do. What if you are a single mother ? Finding a boy-friendly school. Boys and sport. Boys and sex.
Ideal for mothers who are just not sure if they understand boys. For fathers who want to play an active role in raising their son."
Again, and finally, this is a great book, and one that explains so many of the issues that we face as parents (actually of both boys and girls). It tackes the touch stuff, like homosexuality, and the soft stuff, like puberty and masdurbation. Very enlightening, and my wife and I are applying the messages already.
Anyway, if you are raising kids, get this book.
4.5 out of 5 from this little no-one who is critiquing books for the 2010 calendar year.
Book 23 - The Shack
This book really is a great read, and I would recommend it for everyone on the planet to have a read of. It is written by William P. Young, and it was published in 2007. It became a best seller in 2008, and you can see why, when you read it.
I actually really believed it was a true story, but it is a novel, apparently. I got some information from Wiki, below ...
The novel is all about Mackenzie Philips, a father of five, called "Mack" by his family and friends. Mack is set up as a friend of the authors, and the book is focused on an event that occurred after Mack took his three youngest children on a camping trip to Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Oregon, stopping at Multnomah Falls on the way. Two of his children are playing in a canoe when it flips and almost drowns Mack's son. Mack is able to save his son by leaving his youngest daughter Missy alone at their campsite. After Mack returns, he sees that Missy is missing. The police are called, and the family discovers that Missy has been abducted and murdered by a serial killer known as the "Little Ladykiller." The police find an abandoned shack in the woods where Missy was taken, but her body is never found. Mack's life sinks into what he calls "The Great Sadness."
At the beginning of the book, Mack receives a note in his mailbox from "Papa," saying that he would like to meet with Mack on that coming weekend at the shack. Mack is puzzled by the note - he has no relationship with his abusive father after Mack leaves home at age 13. He suspects that the note may be from God, whom his wife Nan refers to as "Papa."
Mack's family leaves to visit relatives and he goes alone to the shack, unsure of what he will see there. He arrives and finds nothing, but as he is leaving, the shack and its surroundings are supernaturally transformed into a lush and inviting scene. He enters the shack and encounters manifestations of the three persons of the Trinity. God the Father takes the form of an African American woman who calls herself Papa, Jesus Christ is a Middle-Eastern carpenter, and the Holy Spirit physically manifests itself as an Asian woman named Sarayu.
Mack tells the story of the time that he shares speaking with, dining with, and learning from Jesus, God and the holy spirit. There are some great interactions.
It is really a powerful book, and there is one part that was quite amazing, where Mack is weeding a garden with the Holy Spirit. It turns out that they are in Macks soul, cleaning it up. Amazing stuff, and just one of the phenomenal little quirks in the book. The big one is really about forgiveness ...
In summary, the book explains what I really thought to be unexplained, in many ways. The author is am amazing chap, to be able to articulate the messages, as he has done. Very clever, very insightful.
Look, I must say, though, that my wife read this book, and loved it passionately, and I read 'The Five People you Meet in Heaven' first. We each liked the book we read first more than the preceding book, so that was interesting. The Shack was great, but I preferred the former, even though they really were about different messages and story lines.
Anyway, a great read, and highly recommended. 4.5 out of 5 from this little book critic.
I actually really believed it was a true story, but it is a novel, apparently. I got some information from Wiki, below ...
The novel is all about Mackenzie Philips, a father of five, called "Mack" by his family and friends. Mack is set up as a friend of the authors, and the book is focused on an event that occurred after Mack took his three youngest children on a camping trip to Wallowa Lake near Joseph, Oregon, stopping at Multnomah Falls on the way. Two of his children are playing in a canoe when it flips and almost drowns Mack's son. Mack is able to save his son by leaving his youngest daughter Missy alone at their campsite. After Mack returns, he sees that Missy is missing. The police are called, and the family discovers that Missy has been abducted and murdered by a serial killer known as the "Little Ladykiller." The police find an abandoned shack in the woods where Missy was taken, but her body is never found. Mack's life sinks into what he calls "The Great Sadness."
At the beginning of the book, Mack receives a note in his mailbox from "Papa," saying that he would like to meet with Mack on that coming weekend at the shack. Mack is puzzled by the note - he has no relationship with his abusive father after Mack leaves home at age 13. He suspects that the note may be from God, whom his wife Nan refers to as "Papa."
Mack's family leaves to visit relatives and he goes alone to the shack, unsure of what he will see there. He arrives and finds nothing, but as he is leaving, the shack and its surroundings are supernaturally transformed into a lush and inviting scene. He enters the shack and encounters manifestations of the three persons of the Trinity. God the Father takes the form of an African American woman who calls herself Papa, Jesus Christ is a Middle-Eastern carpenter, and the Holy Spirit physically manifests itself as an Asian woman named Sarayu.
Mack tells the story of the time that he shares speaking with, dining with, and learning from Jesus, God and the holy spirit. There are some great interactions.
It is really a powerful book, and there is one part that was quite amazing, where Mack is weeding a garden with the Holy Spirit. It turns out that they are in Macks soul, cleaning it up. Amazing stuff, and just one of the phenomenal little quirks in the book. The big one is really about forgiveness ...
In summary, the book explains what I really thought to be unexplained, in many ways. The author is am amazing chap, to be able to articulate the messages, as he has done. Very clever, very insightful.
Look, I must say, though, that my wife read this book, and loved it passionately, and I read 'The Five People you Meet in Heaven' first. We each liked the book we read first more than the preceding book, so that was interesting. The Shack was great, but I preferred the former, even though they really were about different messages and story lines.
Anyway, a great read, and highly recommended. 4.5 out of 5 from this little book critic.
Book 22 - Tombstone
Tombstone is a town that I have always been fascinated by. It was founded in 1878, when a struggling prospector found silver in the jagged mountains of Arizona. Within a year the town of Tombstone was filling up with merchants, tradesmen, gamblers, whores, and gunslingers, and was what I imagine to be a wild west town.
In this book, Matt Braun hypothesises that "the Earp family came to Tombstone - five brothers with their women and their wives and along with Doc Holliday and a band of thieves, Wyatt Earp treated the Arizona territory as his personal stomping grounds."
Now, I am not sure that I completely believe this side of the Tombstone story. Matt is convinced, though it is the only book, or text, or even movie, or anything else, that depicts Wyatt Earp in this way. Yes, Wyatt Earp, his brothers, and Doc, were all rat bags and were wrapped up in gambling and all sorts of money making schemes, but I am not sure that they were into stage robberies and other things that Matt says there were.
Then, there was the legend of the OK Corral shootout.
In this book, private detective Luke Starbuck was sent to Tombstone to find the truth. And when he got there, Starbuck's mission turned into one burning, personal obsession: to kill Wyatt Earp. See, Wyatt lived to a ripe old age, though this book says that Luke Starbuck was intent on killing him, hunted him, etc. It also says that Wyatt never remarried after he left Mattie Blaylock, which we know to be incorrect, as he married Josephine Marcus.
Really, on reflection, I am not sure if Matt is trying to tell us a true story, here, or if it is all a made up yarn. See, the other thing is, Luke Starbuck, at the end of the book, is all upset that he has not become a famous house hold name, like Wyatt Earp did. Sounds far fetched.
Anyway, overall, the book was not a bad read. It was sort of a 'dime novel'. It has 20c on the front of it, so I am guessing that I bought it on the cheap somewhere.
I love the story of Tombstone, and the Tombstone movie, where Kurt Russell and Val Kilmer are the main actors, is still one of my all time favourites. Great movie - if you haven't seen it - get into it, quickly. I suppose I was a little disappointed that this book did not have the same story line as the movie, and proposed theories that I really thought were a little out there. Anyway, Matt appears to be a good writer, though, and overall 3.5 out of 5 for this one. Not a bad read.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Book 20 - Have a Little Faith - Mitch Albom
Well, another book from Mitch out of the way. I think I have read them all, now. This one also did not fail to disappoint. It was a great read, and one that has caused me to think deeply about my life, my faith and my legacy.
There were so many great features of this book, though the one that stands out for me was when he asks his Rabi about happiness, and what really does it mean to be truly happy. The reply that he got was simply "to be grateful, when you are grateful, you are happy". Love it. How simple, but how true.
Now, again, as with my last blog, I am going to use the blurb from Mitch's web site, to tell the story of the book, but before I do that, here is a message that I sent Mitch, to say hi, and to say thank you ...
Hi Mitch,
I am an Aussie who picked up one of your books in a second hand shop in Perth (Tuesdays with Morrie). I read it in a day, as I have all of your other books, which I purchased as soon as I had read the first one. I have loved all your books, and I just wanted to say thank you for all of the stories, for the challenges, for the stimulation and for the tears.
You are an amazing author, and you have some great stories to tell. Keep up the great work, and I wish you all the best.
PS, I just finished reading Have a Little Faith, and like the others, it was a great read. It has prompted me to spend more time with my parish priest and to discuss the finer points of the teachings of my faith.
Thanks again. Love your work.
I hope to receive a reply.
Here is the blurb about the book:
Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.
Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.
Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.
As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.
In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.
Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.
4.75 out of 5 again, just go and read it.
I will let you know if Mitch replies.
See you soon.
Jimmy A
There were so many great features of this book, though the one that stands out for me was when he asks his Rabi about happiness, and what really does it mean to be truly happy. The reply that he got was simply "to be grateful, when you are grateful, you are happy". Love it. How simple, but how true.
Now, again, as with my last blog, I am going to use the blurb from Mitch's web site, to tell the story of the book, but before I do that, here is a message that I sent Mitch, to say hi, and to say thank you ...
Hi Mitch,
I am an Aussie who picked up one of your books in a second hand shop in Perth (Tuesdays with Morrie). I read it in a day, as I have all of your other books, which I purchased as soon as I had read the first one. I have loved all your books, and I just wanted to say thank you for all of the stories, for the challenges, for the stimulation and for the tears.
You are an amazing author, and you have some great stories to tell. Keep up the great work, and I wish you all the best.
PS, I just finished reading Have a Little Faith, and like the others, it was a great read. It has prompted me to spend more time with my parish priest and to discuss the finer points of the teachings of my faith.
Thanks again. Love your work.
I hope to receive a reply.
Here is the blurb about the book:
Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.
Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.
Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.
As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.
In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.
Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.
4.75 out of 5 again, just go and read it.
I will let you know if Mitch replies.
See you soon.
Jimmy A
Book 18 - The Damage Done: Twelve Years of Hell in a Bangkok Prison
Well, book 18 done, and I have got three to four books that I have read and that I have not done the blog for yet. I am actually nearly half way there.
This book really is quite a moving read. What is quite strange to me is that I never ever really cursed or attacked Warren Fellows (the author and the subject of the book) in my mind or from a moral perspective. See, the book is about his journey through the Thailand prison system after being caught with drugs the same country.
Yes, he was a drug trafficker. Yes, many people would have suffered due to the drugs that he sold. Yes, maybe I should be more morally judgemental on Warren and, like many of the other (somewhat pathetic) critical assessments of his book, attack him and vilify him for selling drugs.
I have questioned myself over this very sensitive issue, and wonder if I am not normal, or I am too understanding, or if I maybe am too soft, to be able to look past the fact that he was a drug dealer and did time for his crime. Strangely enough, and on further reflection, I am quite comfortable with the fact that I just enjoyed the book, at most times I felt sorry for his suffering, and thought that maybe he paid for his crime, well and truly (and maybe many times over).
Then, I wonder if it is because I have never been touched by drugs. I have no-one in my family that is addicted to drugs, and it has never been a part of my life. I have never been around it, I always said no to the idiots that took drugs, and my life has been one of predominantly clean living. I wonder if the people that write the sort of blogs, as shown below, about this book, are from drug affected families, or the like, or are reformed addicts themselves, and are venting their own anger at a book and at a system that they are a part of. Look, I don't know that to be the case, but have a read of just this one, below, from http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews33486.html:
I have been to Thailand 10 times in 12 years and have only ever found the Thai people friendly and kind. Why? Because I have never done anything illegal. I have just read the book THE DAMAGE DONE 12 YEARS IN A BANGKOK JAIL by Warren Fellows and why yes the conditions in Thailand jails in 1978 were horrific and disturbing I still find it difficult to feel that this man deserves the praise he is given by many. People have seemed to have over looked that he was guilty and knew the consequences of ...
Or, is it jealousy ... is it that Warren has got a story to tell, and that he is able to share his story candidly, get some exposure for it, and this makes people a little envious. Who knows, and really, who cares. Enough about Warren Fellows, and onto the book review.
In many ways, and on many levels, you would not be a very compassionate human being if you did not at some point feel some sympathy for the position Warren Fellows found himself in. He experienced the worst of life, what he saw in some of those prisons can only be described as grotesque, gruesome and even sick. He saw death, he saw suffering, he saw insanity, and he was brutality. Actually, in jail, he became a drug addict himself, obviously something that I wouldn't condone, but in the circumstances could understand. Thailand prisons appear to be horrible places.
Look, if you get a chance, have a read of the book, it is quite a good read, I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed reading about how the human spirit can overcome even the most trying circumstances. There was a point in the book where Warren asks God "when will you stop this, how much more do you want me to see" (or something similar). The old proverb, we are never sent more than we can handle, comes to mind, so I can only presume that Warren Fellows is viewed by our creator as someone with broad shoulders. It was not actually Warren's story that you will be touched mostly by, as you read the book, it is the story of his close friend, who Warren implicated in this whole affair and who's shoulders weren't broad enough to carry the load ...
In summary, the book is about a 4.25 out of 5, very good, without being great.
Let me say that I would never condone anything illegal, I would never take or sell drugs, and I really do deplore people that do. I have kids that I hope will stay away from that scene. Warren Fellows paid for his crimes. I hope he lives a long and happy life after what he has had to endure.
This book really is quite a moving read. What is quite strange to me is that I never ever really cursed or attacked Warren Fellows (the author and the subject of the book) in my mind or from a moral perspective. See, the book is about his journey through the Thailand prison system after being caught with drugs the same country.
Yes, he was a drug trafficker. Yes, many people would have suffered due to the drugs that he sold. Yes, maybe I should be more morally judgemental on Warren and, like many of the other (somewhat pathetic) critical assessments of his book, attack him and vilify him for selling drugs.
I have questioned myself over this very sensitive issue, and wonder if I am not normal, or I am too understanding, or if I maybe am too soft, to be able to look past the fact that he was a drug dealer and did time for his crime. Strangely enough, and on further reflection, I am quite comfortable with the fact that I just enjoyed the book, at most times I felt sorry for his suffering, and thought that maybe he paid for his crime, well and truly (and maybe many times over).
Then, I wonder if it is because I have never been touched by drugs. I have no-one in my family that is addicted to drugs, and it has never been a part of my life. I have never been around it, I always said no to the idiots that took drugs, and my life has been one of predominantly clean living. I wonder if the people that write the sort of blogs, as shown below, about this book, are from drug affected families, or the like, or are reformed addicts themselves, and are venting their own anger at a book and at a system that they are a part of. Look, I don't know that to be the case, but have a read of just this one, below, from http://www.reviewcentre.com/reviews33486.html:
I have been to Thailand 10 times in 12 years and have only ever found the Thai people friendly and kind. Why? Because I have never done anything illegal. I have just read the book THE DAMAGE DONE 12 YEARS IN A BANGKOK JAIL by Warren Fellows and why yes the conditions in Thailand jails in 1978 were horrific and disturbing I still find it difficult to feel that this man deserves the praise he is given by many. People have seemed to have over looked that he was guilty and knew the consequences of ...
Or, is it jealousy ... is it that Warren has got a story to tell, and that he is able to share his story candidly, get some exposure for it, and this makes people a little envious. Who knows, and really, who cares. Enough about Warren Fellows, and onto the book review.
In many ways, and on many levels, you would not be a very compassionate human being if you did not at some point feel some sympathy for the position Warren Fellows found himself in. He experienced the worst of life, what he saw in some of those prisons can only be described as grotesque, gruesome and even sick. He saw death, he saw suffering, he saw insanity, and he was brutality. Actually, in jail, he became a drug addict himself, obviously something that I wouldn't condone, but in the circumstances could understand. Thailand prisons appear to be horrible places.
Look, if you get a chance, have a read of the book, it is quite a good read, I enjoyed it, and I enjoyed reading about how the human spirit can overcome even the most trying circumstances. There was a point in the book where Warren asks God "when will you stop this, how much more do you want me to see" (or something similar). The old proverb, we are never sent more than we can handle, comes to mind, so I can only presume that Warren Fellows is viewed by our creator as someone with broad shoulders. It was not actually Warren's story that you will be touched mostly by, as you read the book, it is the story of his close friend, who Warren implicated in this whole affair and who's shoulders weren't broad enough to carry the load ...
In summary, the book is about a 4.25 out of 5, very good, without being great.
Let me say that I would never condone anything illegal, I would never take or sell drugs, and I really do deplore people that do. I have kids that I hope will stay away from that scene. Warren Fellows paid for his crimes. I hope he lives a long and happy life after what he has had to endure.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Book 14 - Tuesdays with Morrie - an old man, a young man and life's greatest lessons
Finally, after 14 books, I have found one that I just could not put down. It contains 189 pages of great reading, and I got through it in one day. Not only could I not put it down, but I thought it is potentially the best book that I have ever read (now, I tend to say that a lot, if you know me), but this one is just a pearler, and I would encourage you to get out and get yourself a copy. Then, take on board Morrie's thoughts and implement them into your own life. In short, Morrie rocks. He was a fantastic individual, and he had some great messages for the world. Here is a summary of the book.
Mitch Albom was a university student and under the tutor of a career professor, Morrie Schwartz. Morrie was a Sociology professor, and was well versed in all things to do with interpersonal relationships. Morrie used to take the time to speak with his students, to make sure they were wall coping and to ensure that they had all understood the messages that he wanted to impart on them. Mitch, on graduating, had developed a close relationship with Morrie, and e gave Morrie an embossed brief case as a thank you gift, when he graduated from college. He also said that he would keep in touch - which unfortunately, he never did.
It was not until about 20 years later, when Mitch was about 37 (my current age), that he again made contact with Morrie. Mitch saw an interview on Television with Morrie, and the interview was about how Morrie had contracted ALS (a degenerative disease), and how the disease would, over a period of about 5 year, take Morrie's life in a slow, very painful and very inhumane way. The disease kills muscles and nerves, so it slowly stops the body from functioning. It starts in the lower limbs and works its way up, until it gets to the lungs and stops them from functioning. Death then comes quickly.
So, in the ensuing 20 years, Mitch had become very successful, as a journalist, and when he saw the interview, he contacted Morrie to request an interview. From that first interview, Mitch travelled the 700 miles (one way) to chat with his old mentor on Tuesdays for the coming months, up until Morrie finally passed away. Mitch spent the last few months with Morrie, who was always extremely positive about life, and felt himself lucky to have had such a great life and a great family (a loving wife of nearly 50 years and two sons who adored him). He needed constant care, though was always smiling.
Mitch used to meet Morrie on Tuesdays during college, when he was working on his thesis, and again they were meeting on Tuesdays. Morrie said that they were 'Tuesday people', as they functioned better on Tuesdays. Morrie loved the idea of writing a book from the Tuesday discussions and even allowed a tape recorder to be used, so that Mitch would not forget anything.
Every Tuesday, they covered a different topic, from family, to emotions, to fear of aging, to forgiveness, and a range of other important life issues.
Over the course of 14 visits, Morrie slowly passed away, and Mitch slowly got life messages that he could not have got elsewhere. Now, I won't try to give you all of Morrie's messages here, as I won't do them justice, but one that jumped out at me was how Morrie "mourned his dwindling time, but cherished the chance it gave him to make things right".
Finally, Morrie passed away, although he had his funeral while he was still alive (very unique). Morrie wanted to be buried in a nice spot, under a tree, and he asked Mitch to come and visit him. He said that Mitch would be able to do all the talking then, and Morrie would listen. On his first visit to Morrie resting place, Mitch spoke to Morrie ... "I tried doing that in my head and, to my happiness, found the imagined conversation felt almost natural. I looked down at my hands, saw my watch and realized why. It was Tuesday."
Look, this was an amazing book - if you only read one book in your life, make it this one. It was amazing.
5 out of 5 from Jimmy for Tuesdays with Morrie. Loved it.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Mitch Albom was a university student and under the tutor of a career professor, Morrie Schwartz. Morrie was a Sociology professor, and was well versed in all things to do with interpersonal relationships. Morrie used to take the time to speak with his students, to make sure they were wall coping and to ensure that they had all understood the messages that he wanted to impart on them. Mitch, on graduating, had developed a close relationship with Morrie, and e gave Morrie an embossed brief case as a thank you gift, when he graduated from college. He also said that he would keep in touch - which unfortunately, he never did.
It was not until about 20 years later, when Mitch was about 37 (my current age), that he again made contact with Morrie. Mitch saw an interview on Television with Morrie, and the interview was about how Morrie had contracted ALS (a degenerative disease), and how the disease would, over a period of about 5 year, take Morrie's life in a slow, very painful and very inhumane way. The disease kills muscles and nerves, so it slowly stops the body from functioning. It starts in the lower limbs and works its way up, until it gets to the lungs and stops them from functioning. Death then comes quickly.
So, in the ensuing 20 years, Mitch had become very successful, as a journalist, and when he saw the interview, he contacted Morrie to request an interview. From that first interview, Mitch travelled the 700 miles (one way) to chat with his old mentor on Tuesdays for the coming months, up until Morrie finally passed away. Mitch spent the last few months with Morrie, who was always extremely positive about life, and felt himself lucky to have had such a great life and a great family (a loving wife of nearly 50 years and two sons who adored him). He needed constant care, though was always smiling.
Mitch used to meet Morrie on Tuesdays during college, when he was working on his thesis, and again they were meeting on Tuesdays. Morrie said that they were 'Tuesday people', as they functioned better on Tuesdays. Morrie loved the idea of writing a book from the Tuesday discussions and even allowed a tape recorder to be used, so that Mitch would not forget anything.
Every Tuesday, they covered a different topic, from family, to emotions, to fear of aging, to forgiveness, and a range of other important life issues.
Over the course of 14 visits, Morrie slowly passed away, and Mitch slowly got life messages that he could not have got elsewhere. Now, I won't try to give you all of Morrie's messages here, as I won't do them justice, but one that jumped out at me was how Morrie "mourned his dwindling time, but cherished the chance it gave him to make things right".
Finally, Morrie passed away, although he had his funeral while he was still alive (very unique). Morrie wanted to be buried in a nice spot, under a tree, and he asked Mitch to come and visit him. He said that Mitch would be able to do all the talking then, and Morrie would listen. On his first visit to Morrie resting place, Mitch spoke to Morrie ... "I tried doing that in my head and, to my happiness, found the imagined conversation felt almost natural. I looked down at my hands, saw my watch and realized why. It was Tuesday."
Look, this was an amazing book - if you only read one book in your life, make it this one. It was amazing.
5 out of 5 from Jimmy for Tuesdays with Morrie. Loved it.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy A
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Book 12 - Worthless - Marilyn Hardy
Marilyn Hardy is one tough woman. She has had one of the hardest life you will ever read about. But, in saying that, she is very happily married now, she is healthy (ish) and she is comfortable in life. Her third and current husband is a self employed plumber, who loves her dearly.
So, born in England, she was born to a miner and a house wife. She had a very tough, and a very poor, upbringing. She craved love from her mother, which she never received, and who disowned her, and her siblings later in life. She never ever got her mother's love, or her mother's affection, which hurt Marilyn badly. Marilyn did, though, get that love from her father, though he was a hard worker in the underground mine and it was her mother that she spent most time with.
Now, she worked very hard to support her mother, especially during times when her mother was bed ridden with illness, which was regularly during her childhood. Marilyn really did do it tough. She was sexually molested by a young male at about the age of 11. Her mother scorned her for being 'dirty'. Her father never found out to support her. Very sad.
As she grew, she finished school, she married, and was happy. That was, until her husband started beating her, after drinking heavily. Actually, both of her first two husbands were viscous alcoholics. She was beaten badly, though through all that, and through three pregnancies, she managed to qualify as a nurse. Marilyn ended up working in a mental home, were she was assaulted by one of the patients. That really rocked her.
Marilyn struggled financially to raise her kids. She was severely poor. She struggled to put food on the table. She went to bed hungry regularly, though she managed to raise happy, healthy kids. She has a very happy family, given all that she has been through.
From a health perspective, she has had more issues that are worth mentioning here, from heart problems, to a twisted bowel, though it appears that she is over most of her challenges. Go girl.
Perhaps the most tragic issue in her life has been the loss of her teenage nephew, who was killed in a car accident. Very sad. Her sister and family had moved to Australia, of all places, and Marilyn travelled home for the funeral. Again, a tragedy.
In saying all that, this is a book that will just keep you reading. It is hard to put down, and you will really support Marilyn on her journey through life. She is a real trooper, and she should be proud of what she has achieved in life. Her kids love her, she is close to her siblings and she is happily married. Very inspirational.
A 4.25 out of 5 for this one.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
So, born in England, she was born to a miner and a house wife. She had a very tough, and a very poor, upbringing. She craved love from her mother, which she never received, and who disowned her, and her siblings later in life. She never ever got her mother's love, or her mother's affection, which hurt Marilyn badly. Marilyn did, though, get that love from her father, though he was a hard worker in the underground mine and it was her mother that she spent most time with.
Now, she worked very hard to support her mother, especially during times when her mother was bed ridden with illness, which was regularly during her childhood. Marilyn really did do it tough. She was sexually molested by a young male at about the age of 11. Her mother scorned her for being 'dirty'. Her father never found out to support her. Very sad.
As she grew, she finished school, she married, and was happy. That was, until her husband started beating her, after drinking heavily. Actually, both of her first two husbands were viscous alcoholics. She was beaten badly, though through all that, and through three pregnancies, she managed to qualify as a nurse. Marilyn ended up working in a mental home, were she was assaulted by one of the patients. That really rocked her.
Marilyn struggled financially to raise her kids. She was severely poor. She struggled to put food on the table. She went to bed hungry regularly, though she managed to raise happy, healthy kids. She has a very happy family, given all that she has been through.
From a health perspective, she has had more issues that are worth mentioning here, from heart problems, to a twisted bowel, though it appears that she is over most of her challenges. Go girl.
Perhaps the most tragic issue in her life has been the loss of her teenage nephew, who was killed in a car accident. Very sad. Her sister and family had moved to Australia, of all places, and Marilyn travelled home for the funeral. Again, a tragedy.
In saying all that, this is a book that will just keep you reading. It is hard to put down, and you will really support Marilyn on her journey through life. She is a real trooper, and she should be proud of what she has achieved in life. Her kids love her, she is close to her siblings and she is happily married. Very inspirational.
A 4.25 out of 5 for this one.
Until next time, keep reading.
Jimmy
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