"Men have passed on the knowledge of how to mix cement, lay brick, splice a line, navigate a ship, make steel, and dozens of other crafts, yet in politics, statecraft, and social relationships we continue to repeat old mistakes."
Chapter 30, Page 211.
This hit me as truth. You know, you can feel in your heart when something is true, and this rang true for me. Why is that? Why is it that we continually make mistakes that have been made in the past? Isn't that what's happening today? All great powers grow, prosper, become prideful, and fall. I feel that the United States of America is no different.
Why don't we learn?
Why are physical tasks easier to pick up from past generations than mental/emotional beliefs? Is it because these things are closer to our hearts? Do we feel "outdated" if we believe things that past generations believed?
The Founding Fathers of this country were inspired to write the things they did in their documents. The constitution is that way for a reason. Sure, little things might be altered (slavery, women's rights, etc.) but the base of the law should remain the same. If it doesn't, we are in trouble. And that will only be the beginning.
It truly saddens me that we are living in a time where basic truths are scoffed at as being judgmental. Where the family unit is being torn apart from all sides. If we don't stand strong, we will surely fall.
But then, there is always hope. Us little people may not be the politicians, but if we will take the time to listen, and educate ourselves, then (and ONLY then) we can elect those individuals who will have the courage to fix what is going on in our world today.
That's what I'm doing. I hope you are too. We're the only ones who can begin the change.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world."
-Mahatma Gandhi
>>stepping off the soapbox<<
The Page Traveler
P.S.
>>back on the soapbox for a minute<<
I spoke with Turner about this. He helped me come to the conclusion that there is really only one reason why this cycle continues throughout all ages of time. The only thing we have in common with those of past generations, all the way back to Adam and Eve, through Noah, and even the time of Christ, is God, and Satan. God blesses us when we are righteous, and we prosper. Then Satan steps in, and begins tearing down the righteous ideals of Manhood and Womanhood, thereby tearing the family unit apart piece by piece and bringing the fall of that nation.
His tactics are always the same. The only way we can stand against them is to follow God.
>>stepping down now<<
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
The Lonesome Gods, by Louis L'Amour
In a sixty-one-chapter-long book, I am currently in chapter twenty. I was genuinely excited to read this, because I remember seeing my mother reading Louis L'Amour books constantly when I was young. In fact, the copy I am reading, I got from her. I didn't really know what to expect, except that it would probably be a cowboy/westerny book; which it is. I'm just getting into the meat of the story, and I am really enjoying it. There are a lot of little pearls here and there, and L'Amour writes beautifully. It is very obvious that he did his research. He knew this western country.
This is the story of a boy who has lost his mother to death, and his father is heading that way too. The two of them head west, to try their luck with a grandfather who hates the boy's father because he eloped with the grandfather's daughter... I really hope that makes sense. See, Zachary Verne (the father) was a sailor, of a different social class than the Don (grandfather). But Zach fell in love with the Don's daughter, Consuelo, and they eloped. They fled into the desert and went east. The Don sent men after them, but they rarely came back, because Zachary had the help of the local Indians and outlaws to keep him and Consuelo safe. They had a son. This boy, whose name is Johannes Verne, narrates the story. He is only six years old when we meet him.
There is one event that I'd like to discuss here, though it will take a bit to explain. When Johannes and his father get near Los Angeles where the grandfather lives, they are told that he is waiting for them, and wants to kill them both. So they stop and take lodging in a deserted house in the middle of the desert dunes. After a few months, the grandfather learns they are there and comes for them.
They are ambushed. Zachary pushes Johannes out of the way instead of drawing his pistol, and gets shot because of the delay. He is killed instantly, plus some of the men come over and shoot his dead body even after the deed is done - which is horrendous to me. But the thing that happened next is what interested me. The group of ten men take the boy deep into the desert. The following comes straight from the book:
..............................................................
"Here," the old man [grandfather] said. "Leave him. He is of my own blood, after all. If he dies --"
"Kill him now," the younger man said. "Leave him dead."
"I will not," the old man said stubbornly. "Leave him. Let the desert do it. I will not destroy my own blood even if it is mingled with that of scum. Leave him."
The man with the scarred nose pulled me free of the saddle and dropped me, then sharply turned his horse so that it would trample me, but I rolled away, then ran and hid among some stones.
"Leave him!" the old man said impatiently.
They started off, and filled with anger, I stood up among the rocks. "Goodbye Grandpa!" I shouted.
He winced as if struck, and his shoulders hunched as from a blow. He started to turn, but the young one said, "It is an insolent whelp! Like the father!"
They rode away, and I was alone.
..........................................................................
Okay. Two things here.
First, I want to try to understand the grandfather's logic in leaving the boy deep in the desert. He obviously has some sense of family loyalty, considering he says that he will not destroy his own blood. But isn't he guilty of that anyway? I mean, leaving someone in the desert to die IS murder! did he think he was being merciful by not doing it himself, or having one of his men do it? It doesn't make sense to me. I mean, obviously, I wasn't brought up the way this man was, so I have no idea what thoughts he had as he was taking his own grandson to his death. Just because you didn't pull the trigger, doesn't mean you weren't responsible for his death. If I were in the grandfather's shoes, the thought of this poor boy wandering the desert until he starved to death would haunt my every step. Especially knowing that he was my grandson, and that I was responsible; that I could have prevented it, and I didn't.
Which leads me to the second point. We see the intense reaction that the grandfather had to being called "Grandfather" by Johannes. I think this is a good indication that he (the grandfather) actually does feel some small amount of remorse for this act. He feels justified logically, but his heart is telling him that what he's doing is wrong. The younger man (who we don't know any more about than this) seems more bitter against Johannes and his father even than the Don. Which makes me wonder who he is. Up to this point, we don't know of any other children that the Don had, but I suppose he may be a brother to Consuelo, or perhaps the man that Consuelo was supposed to marry before she eloped with Zachary. Either way, you can tell that he has more baggage than the Don in this situation, and he uses that to his advantage as much as he can. The Don has some feeling for the boy, whether he admits it or not. We can tell by his physical reaction that it is there.
Luckily, Johannes was taught a great deal about the desert on the trip west from his father and others, so he is able to survive for a day or two before running into some outlaws who respected his father. They give him water and take him back to the deserted home in the dunes, and the story moves on.
I truly feel for this poor boy. He's nearly seven-years-old, and he is now orphaned, has very little money, and few friends of his own, though many who knew his father, which is what I think will save him.
All in all, I am enjoying this very much. Though there are a lot of chapters, the story moves fairly quickly. I haven't hit a boring spot yet.
As you may have noticed, I have taken off the dates from the book list. I wanted to read quickly through the first few books, but now I feel like taking my time, and really getting into the story a little deeper. I will still only really delve into one or two little parts of story in each post, as I did here, so my posts won't be too long :-)
Congrats if you read this whole thing. I'm proud of you.
Cowboys and Indians,
The Page Traveler
This is the story of a boy who has lost his mother to death, and his father is heading that way too. The two of them head west, to try their luck with a grandfather who hates the boy's father because he eloped with the grandfather's daughter... I really hope that makes sense. See, Zachary Verne (the father) was a sailor, of a different social class than the Don (grandfather). But Zach fell in love with the Don's daughter, Consuelo, and they eloped. They fled into the desert and went east. The Don sent men after them, but they rarely came back, because Zachary had the help of the local Indians and outlaws to keep him and Consuelo safe. They had a son. This boy, whose name is Johannes Verne, narrates the story. He is only six years old when we meet him.
There is one event that I'd like to discuss here, though it will take a bit to explain. When Johannes and his father get near Los Angeles where the grandfather lives, they are told that he is waiting for them, and wants to kill them both. So they stop and take lodging in a deserted house in the middle of the desert dunes. After a few months, the grandfather learns they are there and comes for them.
They are ambushed. Zachary pushes Johannes out of the way instead of drawing his pistol, and gets shot because of the delay. He is killed instantly, plus some of the men come over and shoot his dead body even after the deed is done - which is horrendous to me. But the thing that happened next is what interested me. The group of ten men take the boy deep into the desert. The following comes straight from the book:
..............................................................
"Here," the old man [grandfather] said. "Leave him. He is of my own blood, after all. If he dies --"
"Kill him now," the younger man said. "Leave him dead."
"I will not," the old man said stubbornly. "Leave him. Let the desert do it. I will not destroy my own blood even if it is mingled with that of scum. Leave him."
The man with the scarred nose pulled me free of the saddle and dropped me, then sharply turned his horse so that it would trample me, but I rolled away, then ran and hid among some stones.
"Leave him!" the old man said impatiently.
They started off, and filled with anger, I stood up among the rocks. "Goodbye Grandpa!" I shouted.
He winced as if struck, and his shoulders hunched as from a blow. He started to turn, but the young one said, "It is an insolent whelp! Like the father!"
They rode away, and I was alone.
..........................................................................
Okay. Two things here.
First, I want to try to understand the grandfather's logic in leaving the boy deep in the desert. He obviously has some sense of family loyalty, considering he says that he will not destroy his own blood. But isn't he guilty of that anyway? I mean, leaving someone in the desert to die IS murder! did he think he was being merciful by not doing it himself, or having one of his men do it? It doesn't make sense to me. I mean, obviously, I wasn't brought up the way this man was, so I have no idea what thoughts he had as he was taking his own grandson to his death. Just because you didn't pull the trigger, doesn't mean you weren't responsible for his death. If I were in the grandfather's shoes, the thought of this poor boy wandering the desert until he starved to death would haunt my every step. Especially knowing that he was my grandson, and that I was responsible; that I could have prevented it, and I didn't.
Which leads me to the second point. We see the intense reaction that the grandfather had to being called "Grandfather" by Johannes. I think this is a good indication that he (the grandfather) actually does feel some small amount of remorse for this act. He feels justified logically, but his heart is telling him that what he's doing is wrong. The younger man (who we don't know any more about than this) seems more bitter against Johannes and his father even than the Don. Which makes me wonder who he is. Up to this point, we don't know of any other children that the Don had, but I suppose he may be a brother to Consuelo, or perhaps the man that Consuelo was supposed to marry before she eloped with Zachary. Either way, you can tell that he has more baggage than the Don in this situation, and he uses that to his advantage as much as he can. The Don has some feeling for the boy, whether he admits it or not. We can tell by his physical reaction that it is there.
Luckily, Johannes was taught a great deal about the desert on the trip west from his father and others, so he is able to survive for a day or two before running into some outlaws who respected his father. They give him water and take him back to the deserted home in the dunes, and the story moves on.
I truly feel for this poor boy. He's nearly seven-years-old, and he is now orphaned, has very little money, and few friends of his own, though many who knew his father, which is what I think will save him.
All in all, I am enjoying this very much. Though there are a lot of chapters, the story moves fairly quickly. I haven't hit a boring spot yet.
As you may have noticed, I have taken off the dates from the book list. I wanted to read quickly through the first few books, but now I feel like taking my time, and really getting into the story a little deeper. I will still only really delve into one or two little parts of story in each post, as I did here, so my posts won't be too long :-)
Congrats if you read this whole thing. I'm proud of you.
Cowboys and Indians,
The Page Traveler
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Laddie; The End
I plan on coming back to this book in the future, and spending more time on it. My instructions were to read it in a week, so I did my best, but I definitely want to delve deeper into it. I read it so fast I couldn't hardly think. I didn't like the ending very much, but the rest of it makes up for it in a way. There were many beautiful moments of inspiration from Little Sister, as well as many of the other characters throughout the story.
One that comes to mind,that I would really like to share, is towards the end when one of the sisters (Shelley) is heartsick from having lost the love of the man she adored. Twice before in the story, Little Sister had been planning to go to the very top banister of their barn, to the window facing east ('where Jesus used to be' she says), and give a prayer to end all prayers. But twice before, the thing the'd planned on praying for happened before she got the chance to pray about it! So she decides to pray for her sister Shelley to get her love back.
The way she prayed was absolutely astounding. For a child to have done the very thing I have been working to train myself to do for a few years! Before she prayed, she stood 'looking at the top of the world', and she let her thoughts go. She thought of how much she loved Shelley, and wanted her to be happy, and of how happy she had been when she'd had that love, and how different she was now, and how every person in the family would give anything they had to make her back the was she was before, and Little Sister just kept thinking and imagining how happy Shelley would be if this man would only come back into her life.
Then she started praying. But I want to focus on the first part. I've learned a lot in the recent years about the Law of Attraction; that our thoughts govern our lives. He who has complete control over his thoughts has complete control over his circumstances. This is a perfect example! Little Sister knew what she wanted, and took the time to think it through in detail. She knew, and acknowledged in her prayer, that the Lord knew best, but she only wanted what would make Shelley happy! After her prayer, Little Sister simply stood in adoration of the sunrise she was witnessing. And before she knew it, she felt, as sure as the sun on her skin, that the man would be coming. From there she went and told Shelley not to worry, but that he would come.
This is the part where I have trouble. I think things through, and I pray and I get that confirmation, and then I begin to doubt. That doubt creeps into my mind and my heart like a spider, and spins it's web all over my poor dreams. But Little Sister is an inspiration to me! In all her actions, she is sure! She knows that he will come! This is the point of things like 'vision statements' and 'dream boards', to provide inspiration and motivation that our dreams and righteous desires can come to pass. And sure enough, the day hasn't passed before they receive notice that the man in question is searching for Shelley.
If only we all had the faith of a child!
Why do you suppose we don't?
What is it about life and it's experiences that cause adults to lose some of their love of life and trust in God? (or fate, or whatever you choose to call it...) Perhaps some discussion on this point? I am very curious to hear what others think.
For myself, I think I suffer most from fear, of various kinds. Mostly fear that I am not worthy of the blessing I request. Also fear of failure, or of losing, or of having to sacrifice something, etc. I won't go into detail, because I'd really like to hear your thoughts.
Please share, and invite others to do so as well.
Looking forward to your thoughts,
The Page Traveler
P.S.
I will be starting in on The Lonesome Gods tomorrow (2/18/11).
One that comes to mind,that I would really like to share, is towards the end when one of the sisters (Shelley) is heartsick from having lost the love of the man she adored. Twice before in the story, Little Sister had been planning to go to the very top banister of their barn, to the window facing east ('where Jesus used to be' she says), and give a prayer to end all prayers. But twice before, the thing the'd planned on praying for happened before she got the chance to pray about it! So she decides to pray for her sister Shelley to get her love back.
The way she prayed was absolutely astounding. For a child to have done the very thing I have been working to train myself to do for a few years! Before she prayed, she stood 'looking at the top of the world', and she let her thoughts go. She thought of how much she loved Shelley, and wanted her to be happy, and of how happy she had been when she'd had that love, and how different she was now, and how every person in the family would give anything they had to make her back the was she was before, and Little Sister just kept thinking and imagining how happy Shelley would be if this man would only come back into her life.
Then she started praying. But I want to focus on the first part. I've learned a lot in the recent years about the Law of Attraction; that our thoughts govern our lives. He who has complete control over his thoughts has complete control over his circumstances. This is a perfect example! Little Sister knew what she wanted, and took the time to think it through in detail. She knew, and acknowledged in her prayer, that the Lord knew best, but she only wanted what would make Shelley happy! After her prayer, Little Sister simply stood in adoration of the sunrise she was witnessing. And before she knew it, she felt, as sure as the sun on her skin, that the man would be coming. From there she went and told Shelley not to worry, but that he would come.
This is the part where I have trouble. I think things through, and I pray and I get that confirmation, and then I begin to doubt. That doubt creeps into my mind and my heart like a spider, and spins it's web all over my poor dreams. But Little Sister is an inspiration to me! In all her actions, she is sure! She knows that he will come! This is the point of things like 'vision statements' and 'dream boards', to provide inspiration and motivation that our dreams and righteous desires can come to pass. And sure enough, the day hasn't passed before they receive notice that the man in question is searching for Shelley.
If only we all had the faith of a child!
Why do you suppose we don't?
What is it about life and it's experiences that cause adults to lose some of their love of life and trust in God? (or fate, or whatever you choose to call it...) Perhaps some discussion on this point? I am very curious to hear what others think.
For myself, I think I suffer most from fear, of various kinds. Mostly fear that I am not worthy of the blessing I request. Also fear of failure, or of losing, or of having to sacrifice something, etc. I won't go into detail, because I'd really like to hear your thoughts.
Please share, and invite others to do so as well.
Looking forward to your thoughts,
The Page Traveler
P.S.
I will be starting in on The Lonesome Gods tomorrow (2/18/11).
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Laddie; Extending Deadline
Just to let everyone know, I haven't been at my best this week, and have not been able to finish, or even progress much with Laddie. I'm giving myself until Tuesday night, so we'll see how that goes.
I would like to say, however, that it hasn't only been life and a sick son that's gotten in the way of my reading this book. I stopped the other day right in the middle of a three-page-long description of the meadow/orchard that this little girl was walking through. Now, I like descriptive authors, but I prefer concise descriptive authors. I don't like descriptions that take me four days to push through. Now,if I hadn't stopped there, I could've probably read through it quickly, just skimming it. As it was, every time I went back to it, I read six or eight lines and got bored. This is why I still haven't finished The Lord of the Rings. Too many words people! Come on, if you find the right words, then you end up not needing so many. Take C.S. Lewis, for example. He did not write with a typewriter. He wrote with a pen that he had to dip into the ink. He could only write five or six words at a time, and so he chose them carefully. If you read his works, they are not lengthy, but they are full of rich, vivid description. The way this author (Stratton-Porter) writes, is lengthy.
Once I got back into the flow, I was okay, but I don't feel the draw to read that I've had with the other books. I feel like, if I don't finish, I won't really care. Which makes me wonder, if this is a "classic", and has come to me so highly recommended, why am I not enjoying it? I think the answer might be, that I am a very imaginative person, and I like to be able to form my own scenery. Then again, I don't really mind so much description, when it's done clearly. I feel like her descriptions are too much, and yet, lacking somewhat as well. You see, when I read a book like The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, or The Belgariad Series by David Eddings, these guys are descriptive, and they leave no room for error in understanding their scenery. They give you maps for crying out loud! This book, doesn't do that. It give as much detail, but still leaves me hanging, in that there is so much I know is there, but I don't know where it is! There are trees, and a makeshift pulpit, and a stream, and a barn, and woods, and two sides to the orchard, and flowers, and grass, and neighbors, and a road, and I don't know where it all goes! Every time I read about something new, the whole area changes. It's driving me bonkers.
After reading what I just wrote, Turner says to me that my real problem is that i am having trouble stretching my imagination to fit her descriptions. The exercise of thinking through someone else's mind by reading, is one I hope to repeat. I will finish this book, and I will most likely enjoy it, it's only a matter of stretching my mind to fit.
Anyway, I am now at the beginning of Chapter five, of eighteen total chapters, so I hope to finish by Tuesday evening.
...and chickens, and sisters, and fairies, and ducks...
The Page Traveler
I would like to say, however, that it hasn't only been life and a sick son that's gotten in the way of my reading this book. I stopped the other day right in the middle of a three-page-long description of the meadow/orchard that this little girl was walking through. Now, I like descriptive authors, but I prefer concise descriptive authors. I don't like descriptions that take me four days to push through. Now,if I hadn't stopped there, I could've probably read through it quickly, just skimming it. As it was, every time I went back to it, I read six or eight lines and got bored. This is why I still haven't finished The Lord of the Rings. Too many words people! Come on, if you find the right words, then you end up not needing so many. Take C.S. Lewis, for example. He did not write with a typewriter. He wrote with a pen that he had to dip into the ink. He could only write five or six words at a time, and so he chose them carefully. If you read his works, they are not lengthy, but they are full of rich, vivid description. The way this author (Stratton-Porter) writes, is lengthy.
Once I got back into the flow, I was okay, but I don't feel the draw to read that I've had with the other books. I feel like, if I don't finish, I won't really care. Which makes me wonder, if this is a "classic", and has come to me so highly recommended, why am I not enjoying it? I think the answer might be, that I am a very imaginative person, and I like to be able to form my own scenery. Then again, I don't really mind so much description, when it's done clearly. I feel like her descriptions are too much, and yet, lacking somewhat as well. You see, when I read a book like The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, or The Belgariad Series by David Eddings, these guys are descriptive, and they leave no room for error in understanding their scenery. They give you maps for crying out loud! This book, doesn't do that. It give as much detail, but still leaves me hanging, in that there is so much I know is there, but I don't know where it is! There are trees, and a makeshift pulpit, and a stream, and a barn, and woods, and two sides to the orchard, and flowers, and grass, and neighbors, and a road, and I don't know where it all goes! Every time I read about something new, the whole area changes. It's driving me bonkers.
After reading what I just wrote, Turner says to me that my real problem is that i am having trouble stretching my imagination to fit her descriptions. The exercise of thinking through someone else's mind by reading, is one I hope to repeat. I will finish this book, and I will most likely enjoy it, it's only a matter of stretching my mind to fit.
Anyway, I am now at the beginning of Chapter five, of eighteen total chapters, so I hope to finish by Tuesday evening.
...and chickens, and sisters, and fairies, and ducks...
The Page Traveler
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Laddie; First Reactions
Well friends, I'm afraid life has gotten the better of me this week, and I haven't been able to read much. I may need to extend the date on this one. My poor little son has had a fever since Monday night. It may just be teething, but it's down to 97 today, so hopefully he's getting better.
As far as Laddie goes, I like it. What I've read of it, at least. The young girl who narrates it is very much like Anne of Green Gables, though she doesn't talk quite so much. But she has a lot of imagination, and a great capacity to love.
My favorite part of the story so far, has been the first Sunday that we see them in church. Beginning on page 43 (in chapter 2), one of the brothers gets up in front of the congregation and starts reciting scriptures. The verses he recites, that he chose because they are short, also apply to many people in the congregation. Such as, "Give not sleep to thine eyes nor slumber to thine eyelids." as he looks at a man in the congregation who is sleeping. He does thirteen of these, most more offensive than this one, and it is pretty funny :-) When the boy is finished, his father calls the congregation to prayer, kneels, and prays out loud,
"Our Heavenly father, we come before Thee in a trying situation...
Thy word of truth has been spoken to us by a thoughtless boy,
whether in a spirit of helpfulness or jest, Thou knowest.
Since we are reasoning creatures, it little matters
in what form Thy truth comes to us;
the essential thing is that we soften our hearts for it's entrance,
and grow in grace by it's application.
Tears of compassion such as our dear Savior wept
are in our eyes this morning as we plead with Thee
to help us to apply these words to the betterment of this community."
More than the entertainment I got from the verses being read, this sweet prayer by the father made my heart melt. How humble, and wise, to go in public prayer and help everyone see that, no matter what, truth is truth. It's application is far more important that being bitter of the way it was given. If we all could be like this father and son, I think there would be much fewer offenses. The boy didn't mean to offend anyone, he was just looking for short verses to memorize, and then they all seemed to apply. It ended up being one of the best and happiest days they'd ever had in their congregation.
Why is it that some people take offense so easily at things like this? Is it because they think children have less authority than adults? Would they still be offended if an adult did that publicly? Would it make a difference if it were done privately? I wish I knew. Definitely good food for thought though.
Other then that, the little sister telling the story does a very good job of being descriptive of the landscape, as well as the people and behaviors. Apparently, the author grew up in a very similar situation. She had made a comment saying that three-fourths of the book is absolute truth from her own childhood experiences. I find that incredible, because it seems like such a fun way to live.
I will do my best to finish before Saturday, but it may not happen. I'll keep you informed.
Silly and sickly boys,
The Page Traveler
As far as Laddie goes, I like it. What I've read of it, at least. The young girl who narrates it is very much like Anne of Green Gables, though she doesn't talk quite so much. But she has a lot of imagination, and a great capacity to love.
My favorite part of the story so far, has been the first Sunday that we see them in church. Beginning on page 43 (in chapter 2), one of the brothers gets up in front of the congregation and starts reciting scriptures. The verses he recites, that he chose because they are short, also apply to many people in the congregation. Such as, "Give not sleep to thine eyes nor slumber to thine eyelids." as he looks at a man in the congregation who is sleeping. He does thirteen of these, most more offensive than this one, and it is pretty funny :-) When the boy is finished, his father calls the congregation to prayer, kneels, and prays out loud,
"Our Heavenly father, we come before Thee in a trying situation...
Thy word of truth has been spoken to us by a thoughtless boy,
whether in a spirit of helpfulness or jest, Thou knowest.
Since we are reasoning creatures, it little matters
in what form Thy truth comes to us;
the essential thing is that we soften our hearts for it's entrance,
and grow in grace by it's application.
Tears of compassion such as our dear Savior wept
are in our eyes this morning as we plead with Thee
to help us to apply these words to the betterment of this community."
More than the entertainment I got from the verses being read, this sweet prayer by the father made my heart melt. How humble, and wise, to go in public prayer and help everyone see that, no matter what, truth is truth. It's application is far more important that being bitter of the way it was given. If we all could be like this father and son, I think there would be much fewer offenses. The boy didn't mean to offend anyone, he was just looking for short verses to memorize, and then they all seemed to apply. It ended up being one of the best and happiest days they'd ever had in their congregation.
Why is it that some people take offense so easily at things like this? Is it because they think children have less authority than adults? Would they still be offended if an adult did that publicly? Would it make a difference if it were done privately? I wish I knew. Definitely good food for thought though.
Other then that, the little sister telling the story does a very good job of being descriptive of the landscape, as well as the people and behaviors. Apparently, the author grew up in a very similar situation. She had made a comment saying that three-fourths of the book is absolute truth from her own childhood experiences. I find that incredible, because it seems like such a fun way to live.
I will do my best to finish before Saturday, but it may not happen. I'll keep you informed.
Silly and sickly boys,
The Page Traveler
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Chosen - Final Thoughts
There's one thing I can say, for me, this was a crazy read. I don't mean "bad" crazy, just "wow, I'm not used to this" crazy. I really enjoyed it! I actually read it very quickly. It only took me about 2 days from start to finish, because I just couldn't put it down.
I think the thing that 'urked' me more than anything, was how completely unpredictable it was. Every time I thought something was going to happen, it didn't. I'm so used to writers like J.K. Rowling, who, when they put a detail into a book, it is there for a purpose. It's foreshadowing something, it makes a connection of some kind. Here, that wasn't the case.
For example: when Danny's eyes begin to hurt from all the reading he is doing. I thought, is Danny going to go blind? Will that be his 'punishment' for hitting Reuven in the eye with the baseball? (Even though it was as much Reuven's fault as it was Danny's.) Also, when Danny's sister defends Reuven from her father's rage -- her father! That is huge! She stood up to her father for him! And she ends up marrying someone else. That, at least, was a little more resolved than the first example. And another, was when Danny kept telling Reuven he wanted to talk to him about Freud. I never got to hear that conversation! I like their conversations, I was looking forward to it, and it never came. Things like that are the reason I feel mixed up about this book; the things I wanted closure in, didn't get resolved.
Now, on the other hand, there are some amazing little gems all throughout this amazing work.
One part I particularly enjoyed, was the Gematriya section. On pages 127-134 Danny's father is speaking to his congregation, and goes into the Gematriya; the numerical value of letters and words in the Hebrew alphabet. I took the time to write out the words and their values, to make sure his math was correct in every instance (except the one he did wrong on purpose). It was fun :-)
On pages 170-171, Danny teaches me how to really truly study! I went through public education without knowing what it meant to 'study'. Studying for me was looking back over the pre-test or the 'test review'. I don't think my teachers ever expected anything more from me or my classmates. But to see how Danny studies Freud, how he used to study Talmud, is an eye opener for me. I wish that I had 'studied' this book! (As it was there were a lot of words I looked up using Google text.)
At the bottom of page 204, Reuven's father says something that I found insightful and felt to be true. He is looking weak, and when Reuven expresses his concern, his father quotes the Lord speaking to Moses as he is about to die, saying, "You have toiled and labored, now you are worthy of rest." On this subject, Reuven's father goes on to say,
"I learned a long time ago, Reuven, that a blink of an eye in itself is nothing. But the eye that blinks, that is something. A span of life is nothing, but the man who lives that span, he is something. He can fill that tiny span with meaning, so it's quality is immeasurable though it's quantity may be insignificant. Do you understand what I am saying? A man must fill his life with meaning, meaning is not automatically given to life. It is hard work to fill ones life with meaning. That I do not think you understand yet. a life filled with meaning is worthy of rest. I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here."
I loved that quote. I can understand why it frightened Reuven, but for any who believe, as I do, in life after death, and the eternal nature of the family, it was so very moving to see a father doing all he could to get meaning out of his mortal life, so that when he returns to his Father, in Heaven, his Father will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord." (Matthew 25:21) And he shall rest from all his labors. I think the Lord must be pleased with those who try to put meaning into their lives; who help others, and stand up for good and righteousness.
I really did love reading this book. I felt a desire to better myself, and to make sure I always tell the ones I love that I love them. I learned a great deal, I laughed, I cried, I grew to love the characters and have concern for their welfare.
And that is what makes a book, a classic.
Starting now, the book is Laddie: A True Blue Story. Please join me.
Until next time,
The Page Traveler
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Chosen Chapters 8-18
First of all, I must say that I have very mixed feelings about this book.
Just wanted to get that out there.
I'm probably going to post a bit now, and a bit more later, after I've had some time to think about it all. I read it fairly quickly, all things considered, and I feel like it's a story that takes some digestion, so I'll just give my initial reactions and thoughts for now.
So much of the language and customs are foreign to me, that I find myself reading past things to get to other things. I will say this, I got hooked. The characters are the heart of this novel. My favorite sections are the interactions between Reuven and Danny. Their conversation and friendship is so profoundly genuine, it makes me want that kind of relationship for myself. But, having a husband who works and goes to school full time (and has a drill sergeant for a calculus teacher) makes for sporadic short, and simple conversations. All conversation is good, but lengthy, deep conversations are nourishment for the soul.
On the topic of souls, I will admit that I cried when Reb Saunders spoke to Danny through Reuven at the end there, but I side with Reuven and his dad in that silence is no way to raise a child. I understand that Danny's father didn't really have a choice at the time, he needed his son to understand pain, and that was a sure fire way of doing it. I was as angry as Reuven must have been with Reb Saunders for what he had done. My tears came because of my sympathy for Danny and the pain he went through all those years.
Now that I think about it though, Reb Saunders, Danny's father, must have been in pain also. I can't imagine not speaking to my children for years except in study....
The way I see it, the main theme of this story is friendship; that it is not always easy, and sometimes can hurt, but being, and/or having, a truly great friend is one of the greatest accomplishments one can have in life.
It's late, and I really want to think about this more. There are so many layers to think through, I'm not sure I'll be able to get through them all before Saturday.
Saturday evening marks the start of the next book: Laddie: A True Blue Story by Gene Stratton-Porter.
Digging deep,
The Page Traveler
P.S. Can anyone tell me why the author called this book, The Chosen? I have a few theories, but if anyone knows exactly why, like if the author made a statement or something, I'd really like to know.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Chosen Chapters 1-7
I thought I was doing so badly with only being in the second chapter, then I realized that the chapters in this book are much longer than those in AoGG.
So, I'm about halfway through, and although I've come far, I still kind of feel like the book is just getting started. It's almost like I'm waiting for the plot to finally show itself. So far it's almost been a day-to-day journal entry for the main character. The characters are pretty good, Danny, Reuven, and Reuven's father being my favorites. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying it, it's interesting to me to see the differences of application when it comes to the Jewish religion. My religion is so standard all around the world, that it's hard to imagine two congregations living so close together and being so very different. I guess technically they're not the same religion though, they make the distinction of the Hasidic sect as opposed to Reuven's, for which I can't recall the label.
As I think over what I have read so far, the first event that jumps to my mind is when Danny comes to visit Reuven in the hospital. Anyone can relate to Reuven's reaction. Knowing that he could lose his sight makes him feel vulnerable, and afraid, and he lashes out. Of course, I sided with him on that one. The description of Danny's face right before Reuven got hit was pretty frightening to me, so I felt like Danny did what he did on purpose. But, listening to Reuven's father a bit later, I felt the same guilt I think Reuven must have felt. Of course Danny hit it like that. Reuven knew he would, and yet he didn't duck because of his pride. Technically, knowing what he knew, it's his own fault that he was injured.
I had a similar experience with this type of situation recently. Someone offered to print some papers for me, and said it would be done that night so that my husband could come pick them up the next day. Well, husband forgot, so it was two days later that he got there to pick up the printed papers. I had texted to make sure the person would be home, and was told that everything would be ready when my husband got there. This was important to me, because I'd had experiences with this individual in the past when he/she had not come through, and I did not want my husband to be inconvenienced in his doing me a favor. Well, that's exactly what happened. My husband arrived, the papers were not printed, and he ended up sitting around for about two hours, waiting for it to get done. Time when he could have been working on his school work. As it is, he is now behind on his calculus homework and is spending every moment he can to catch up. Now, was I upset? You bet! Was it my own fault for not making absolutely sure that it had already been done before my husband got there? Yes. I could try to push the blame off, but I know that ultimately I could have done more to make sure that the situation was avoided.
It's a rough position in which to be; knowing that if only Danny hadn't done what he did, Reuven would be fine, and also knowing that if only his pride hadn't chosen that moment to show itself, he would be fine.
As Danny continues to visit Reuven, and vice versa, they grow together. They find each other easy to talk to, and become friends. It's funny, because they seemed so different at first, but we come to realize that they are very much the same. They both have aspirations, they both have troubles. And now they have someone in whom to confide.
Danny's father is a frightening man to me. I'm with Reuven in that I don't really know what to make of him. The little brother of Danny seems frightened by just about anything and, from the descriptions given, he may be slowly dying. I haven't met Danny's sister yet, only heard her mentioned in passing. I just finished where Reuven returns very late from the Shabbat evening services at Danny's synagogue, and Mr. Malter sends him straight to bed.
Even though I still feel like there isn't really a plot, I find myself enthralled with the characters and wanting to keep reading to find out what the point of the story is. The fact that nothing has really happened since Reuven got hit, is getting me impatient to know what the next big event is.
My thoughts on chapters 8-18, and the book as a whole, will be up sometime Saturday.
Read on, friends, read on,
The Page Traveler
So, I'm about halfway through, and although I've come far, I still kind of feel like the book is just getting started. It's almost like I'm waiting for the plot to finally show itself. So far it's almost been a day-to-day journal entry for the main character. The characters are pretty good, Danny, Reuven, and Reuven's father being my favorites. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying it, it's interesting to me to see the differences of application when it comes to the Jewish religion. My religion is so standard all around the world, that it's hard to imagine two congregations living so close together and being so very different. I guess technically they're not the same religion though, they make the distinction of the Hasidic sect as opposed to Reuven's, for which I can't recall the label.
As I think over what I have read so far, the first event that jumps to my mind is when Danny comes to visit Reuven in the hospital. Anyone can relate to Reuven's reaction. Knowing that he could lose his sight makes him feel vulnerable, and afraid, and he lashes out. Of course, I sided with him on that one. The description of Danny's face right before Reuven got hit was pretty frightening to me, so I felt like Danny did what he did on purpose. But, listening to Reuven's father a bit later, I felt the same guilt I think Reuven must have felt. Of course Danny hit it like that. Reuven knew he would, and yet he didn't duck because of his pride. Technically, knowing what he knew, it's his own fault that he was injured.
I had a similar experience with this type of situation recently. Someone offered to print some papers for me, and said it would be done that night so that my husband could come pick them up the next day. Well, husband forgot, so it was two days later that he got there to pick up the printed papers. I had texted to make sure the person would be home, and was told that everything would be ready when my husband got there. This was important to me, because I'd had experiences with this individual in the past when he/she had not come through, and I did not want my husband to be inconvenienced in his doing me a favor. Well, that's exactly what happened. My husband arrived, the papers were not printed, and he ended up sitting around for about two hours, waiting for it to get done. Time when he could have been working on his school work. As it is, he is now behind on his calculus homework and is spending every moment he can to catch up. Now, was I upset? You bet! Was it my own fault for not making absolutely sure that it had already been done before my husband got there? Yes. I could try to push the blame off, but I know that ultimately I could have done more to make sure that the situation was avoided.
It's a rough position in which to be; knowing that if only Danny hadn't done what he did, Reuven would be fine, and also knowing that if only his pride hadn't chosen that moment to show itself, he would be fine.
As Danny continues to visit Reuven, and vice versa, they grow together. They find each other easy to talk to, and become friends. It's funny, because they seemed so different at first, but we come to realize that they are very much the same. They both have aspirations, they both have troubles. And now they have someone in whom to confide.
Danny's father is a frightening man to me. I'm with Reuven in that I don't really know what to make of him. The little brother of Danny seems frightened by just about anything and, from the descriptions given, he may be slowly dying. I haven't met Danny's sister yet, only heard her mentioned in passing. I just finished where Reuven returns very late from the Shabbat evening services at Danny's synagogue, and Mr. Malter sends him straight to bed.
Even though I still feel like there isn't really a plot, I find myself enthralled with the characters and wanting to keep reading to find out what the point of the story is. The fact that nothing has really happened since Reuven got hit, is getting me impatient to know what the next big event is.
My thoughts on chapters 8-18, and the book as a whole, will be up sometime Saturday.
Read on, friends, read on,
The Page Traveler
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Are You Reading?
I have started reading The Chosen by Chaim Potok, and I'm only in the second chapter!
Aaaggghh!
I've gotta get back on the ball if I'm gonna finish by Friday...
So far, it's a great book, but I'm still waiting to feel like I'm really into it, ya know? The style is so different from that of AoGG's author. It's not bad, just very different. Plus there are a lot (like, a LOT) of words that I have to look up, because it talks about Jewish customs and stuff, which I know very little about. It's been educational in that sense at least :-)
I'll let you know more when I get further into it.
Reading away,
The Page Traveler
Aaaggghh!
I've gotta get back on the ball if I'm gonna finish by Friday...
So far, it's a great book, but I'm still waiting to feel like I'm really into it, ya know? The style is so different from that of AoGG's author. It's not bad, just very different. Plus there are a lot (like, a LOT) of words that I have to look up, because it talks about Jewish customs and stuff, which I know very little about. It's been educational in that sense at least :-)
I'll let you know more when I get further into it.
Reading away,
The Page Traveler
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