I’m still on the fence between two classes for the fall. For today, though, I think I’ll probably do something I’m not very accustomed to – doing something I want to do, only because I want to do it. The following is my semi-meaningful analysis of 2 of the required readings for the class.
Ishmael by David Quinn
I would have to say – this is the most thought-provoking book I have ever read. Never have I felt more tugged through a book by only the promise of knowing some kind of meaningful conclusion about life. As far as fictional value goes – it lacks. But I think that’s the point. Or maybe it doesn’t and I’m a horrible critic. Throughout the story, the author uses the same basic form of question/answer type writing – digging you deeper and deeper into a crack Quinn has made in the center of the Earth. Maybe the consistency is what makes his conclusions so easy to digest. The book discusses the implicit meaning behind “Mother Culture” and what she tells us as a species bent on self-destruction. It poses a lot of difficult questions - why is it possible for those inside our ‘civilized’ culture to speak with calm and poise about our impending doom? What keeps us devestatingly sedated under the impression that we have done this to ourselves? How did we come to be this way? This book is fantastic. 5 Stars!
Illusions of a Reluctant Messiah
What does it mean to be “Messiah”? Is it possible that this person contains the mystical energy of the heavans – or is there something behind a curtain in each person’s life, that most have not yet discovered? What if we could pull back the curtain? What would we be capable of? This one is relatively short, but meaningful. It doesn’t necessarily have any kind of important events – only a story line that gives the characters a place to discuss the inner workings of being a modern-day Messiah. The book is beautifully constructed. 4.5 stars – just because I like a book that really sucks me in. I do have to say though – it does inspire a much more “optimistic” life view – whereas Ishmael kind of leaves you, having fallen over the edge of the Earth, with no where to go. If you’re looking for something feel good and spiritually awakening – this one is a great read.
