Today is a hodge podge of topics, but there you have it. I'm working on breaking from the whole trend of order and cohesiveness that has been ingrained in me since my formative years in high school, if not sooner.
Recently I was introduced to a fantastic picture book, You've Got Dragons, by Kathryn Cave. This book came along at just the right moment for me. At first, you read it and you think it's about a kid who wakes up to find there is a dragon in his life. But, as you keep reading, you discover it's not about a kid. It's about you. And I hope when you read it, you are dragon free, but if not, this will give you hope. Don't be fooled by the books appearance or location in the children's picture book section at the library. This is very much a book for everyone.
I also finished reading Small Gods by Terry Pratchett. This is a great book for thinking about religion and faith, and there are some very profound statements and ideas. Now, I'm very committed to my faith, which teaches me that truth can be found in many places. And there were some good truths in this book. I don't know what Pratchett's view on religion and faith and God is, but I do know mine. And, when I have the opportunity to see other people's views, it makes me reflect on my own. I have found that it doesn't change my view, but reinforces my belief and shows me how to not get caught up in meta-religion. I think that is a good term for what takes place in Small Gods. Pratchett doesn't describe it that way, but that is what it is. Meta-religion. A religion about the religion, if you will. (Don't worry, it will make sense if you read the book). I have enjoyed Pratchett's books, and while I haven't read an overwhelming amount of them, this one is now one of my favorites.
My sister is getting ready for a lengthy road trip with her family and I was recruited to help find some audiobooks for their trip. I've also been able to pick out a book for all of my nieces and nephews to read while they are camping for a week. I think I have found one--The Squire's Tale, by Gerald Morris. It's a terrific book--funny, characters you can appreciate, a bit of poking fun. Anyway, I had a lot of fun playing librarian and selecting books that would satisfy two adults and at least three kids, hopefully 4, ranging from ages 7-12 (and possibly age 5). Made me feel like I had a skill, or talent. Not that I think it is a special skill. I'm pretty sure anyone could do it, but I had a good time, and it was great to see the kids get excited. I guess that's part of the point of this blog--to get people excited about books and to spread the news about good ones. Well, at least good ones I've read. I like to give authors a boost--they work hard and deserve a plug.
Anyway, that's it for now, but I'll come up with something good for next week. In the meantime, grab a book and go outside and enjoy some sunshine.
No comments:
Post a Comment