Tuesday, October 24, 2017

How to Think By Alan Jacobs



 http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9780451499608?width=125&alt=no_cover_b4b.gif
This book will make you think, as the title of the book suggests.  Like some of the author’s other books this one is also very enjoyable to read and entertaining. Thankfully it is not about dusty old ancient logic or what appears to be symbolic logic in today’s world.  The main goal or purpose of the books is to work on becoming a more thoughtful person and more of a member of a community.  The idea of "thinking for yourself" is not a supported concept with the author.  He provides detailed evidence that we really think as a community.  The authors observations bring up culture, political and religious topics that identify key words that relate a person then to a group.  He uses the term Inner Ring to reference the group.  This is based on writings from C.S. Lewis.  The Inner Circle normally does not lead to discussions with others who do not share your view point.  The author uses excellent reference materials like "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People are Divided by Politics and Religion" by Jonathan Haidt and "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman along with many other references.  This book builds on an interesting topic that everyone should read a least twice.


I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.  

Thursday, October 12, 2017

Noelle by Greg Kincaid


http://images.randomhouse.com/cover/9781524761196?width=450&alt=no_cover_b4b.gifThe author takes several tough topics like the breaking of Christmas traditions, what to do with a shelter dog that appears to be untrainable, a young man with a learning disability and a young family being broken up right before Christmas.  The author takes you thought topics that will make you think differently about what tradition really is and going beyond your comfort zone to achieve what you feel is ethically and morally right.  Not to mention a mischievous dog that provide a great deal of comic relief.  The story brings to light what is important to each person’s life be it family needs, personal survival, or delivering a message that has been lost many years ago.  This could easily be another traditional Christmas Story much like A Christmas Coral by Charles Dickens.  It brings a well-meaning story to light for all to enjoy.  A book I would highly recommend for this coming Christmas season.  


I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review.