Tuesday, February 16, 2010

February (Part 3) Voice in the Wind (#1 in the Mark of the Lion series)


I first heard of Francine Rivers my junior of high school, a family friend recommended Redeeming Love to me. Redeeming Love has since become one of my top 5 books, one that I have read and read and read again. Francine Rivers began her career as a Romance novelist before becoming a Christian, this style of writing can still be found throughout her books (just look at the book cover!). I tried additional Francine Rivers books (The Atonement Child) but none were quite as satisfying as Redeeming Love. I finally decided to give Francine Rivers another try and purchased the first book in this Trilogy. A Voice in the Wind takes place in Rome after Jesus Christ was crucified, it follows the story of Haddash, a young girl stripped of her freedom and family when Jerusalem was taken over by Rome. After Haddash's journey from Jerusalem she ends up the slave of a wealthy Roman family, chosen to serve the spoiled but beautiful young daughter. Haddash's journey as a slave witnessing the constant downturn in morality and decisions made by this affluent family reflects her inner-struggle to serve in love and stay true to her faith while abstaining from the sinful nature of Rome. The book reflects love outside of romance commenting on the role of servant-ship and love through grace. While set in ancient Rome the story has a strong modern day appeal in the description of the amoral world of promiscuity, drunkenness, idols and greed, it causes you to stop and wonder "is this the world I live in?" Between the Gladiator fights, festivals, love stories and inner struggles this book was a page turner, I finished it in less than week. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of #2 and #3 in my mailbox to continue on this journey...

Friday, February 12, 2010

February (Part 2): Rich Dad, Poor Dad


There are many of those books floating around on how to make money, spend money, invest money...mostly it's a lot of fluff. Rich Dad, Poor Dad was recommended to me by my dad and brothers as something that changed their way of thinking. The book really challenged the reader to understand accounting and how money works - this I applaud. Too many authors focus on what the person can do for their money versus what their money can do for them. The book was broken up into multiple "lessons," each built onto the previous. While I think an updated book based on the market today (versus in the 90's when the book was published) would be much more applicable and some of his examples seemed a little "too simple" for what an average investor could do; I do believe the basic understanding is important. Learn how money works, taxes work, learn to think like a rich person before you become a rich person. Isn't that true of most things in life? Want to be promoted? Already perform at the level you want to be promoted to. It's important to look at it as mind over matter, we have the power within us to change our life, our jobs, our finances. You don't have to become a millionaire (and frankly, you probably won't) but you can at least allow your money to work for you.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

February (Part 1): The Catcher and the Rye



I've been on this kick of reading all the books I should have read in high school but for one reason or another am only now discovering. The next book on that list was Catcher and the the Rye, a book thrown into the spotlight once again with the recent death of its author J.D. Salinger. The timing of this read-through could not have been better - after finishing this book I have read article after article about the crazy recluse Salinger became. In fact one of my favorite articles comes from Slate "My Adventures Answering J.D. Salinger's Mail," (http://www.slate.com/id/2243299/pagenum/all/) which looks at J.D. Salinger in his later days from an employee in his publisher's office. I can see why Catcher and the Rye is idolized in such a way, it is unique and offers a perspective we have all had at least once (or should at least consider having at some point). My heart broke for Holden each time he got "depressed," offering an authentic view of the world and its harsh truth often revealed. Being surrounded by phonies, questioning the purpose of school and responsibility in general lead to an entertaining point of view on the occurrences in your own life. Is this book my new favorite classic? No. Did I enjoy it and find it to live up to its reputation? Yes. If you haven't read it - it's time.