Here is what I wrote here about Ninety-Nine Stories of God:
I really have no idea what to make of this book. Clearly creative, humorous and unsettling
Here is what I wrote here about Ninety-Nine Stories of God:
I really have no idea what to make of this book. Clearly creative, humorous and unsettling but not sure what it all adds up to. Absurdism? Ironic tour of the weirdness that is life? No idea.
I could say the same about this latest volume. But I seemed to be in more of an absurdist mood, or the ongoing conversation between Azrael and the Devil tied the stories together more, because I enjoyed this collection and read it nearly in one sitting.
That doesn't mean I could explain it any better...
But there is something engaging about how Williams highlights the absurd, mysterious and unknown in a poetic and minimalist way. I am guessing you either enjoy it or you don't....more
Brief but fascinating exploration of republicanism over against liberalism and issues like freedom, civic virtue and patriotism. A focus on classical Brief but fascinating exploration of republicanism over against liberalism and issues like freedom, civic virtue and patriotism. A focus on classical republicanism and particularly Italian authors, but very relevant today (outside of one odd mention of Bill Clinton).
Might need to read it again to really tie it all together....more
An entertaining and quick read, which is what I was looking for. Slavic mythology meets Chicago? Yup, sounded good. And I enjoyed it. But it did seem An entertaining and quick read, which is what I was looking for. Slavic mythology meets Chicago? Yup, sounded good. And I enjoyed it. But it did seem a little slight. Like you wanted to know more about the mythology and characters. This lack of details did help build suspense and tension but there is also a sense of just jumping into myths and language and culture with very little explanation. Would be interesting to learn more about this world and these characters....more
Read this thanks to NetGalley and Plough. It was interesting both in terms of content and visually but I am not sure I really understood some of the mRead this thanks to NetGalley and Plough. It was interesting both in terms of content and visually but I am not sure I really understood some of the musical ideas and elements. The publishers description is accurate: "paints an atmospheric portrait of a restless artist who does not shy away from confronting state control or his own internal contradictions." And that is really what came through to me, the sense that this remarkable artist was being smothered by the authoritarian politics and culture the Soviet Union imposed on Estonia. He was not free in his music, his faith, in the way he saw himself and the world and so the travails of any artist pushing the boundaries was compounded by the pressure of living under the weight of authoritarianism. This eventually led to his being forced to leave his country, his friends and the world he knew for an unknown future. That he was able to find such a future and become one of the most impactful musicians of his time is remarkable. And it is gratifying to know that he was eventually able to return home to Estonia. the story is likely most powerful for those interested in Estonia and/or music during this time but it is a reminder of the power of art and human creativity to break through the ugliness of tyranny....more
Really like the illustrations while the aphorisms/conversations are hit or miss. Some are worth thinking about, some are just trite but true while somReally like the illustrations while the aphorisms/conversations are hit or miss. Some are worth thinking about, some are just trite but true while some seem like Hallmark cards....more
Important and well done series of essays laying out what populism is and how it works and how classical liberalism is the better alternative and how iImportant and well done series of essays laying out what populism is and how it works and how classical liberalism is the better alternative and how it can be revived to provide for human flourishing. Outlines key arguments and notes important writers, thinkers and scholars and then make an argument of its own based on this history and information. Hard to think of an issue more relevant to our times....more
I am not sure I really understand this book. It was a quick read, which is one of the reasons I chose it, but it was hard to get a handle on. At time I am not sure I really understand this book. It was a quick read, which is one of the reasons I chose it, but it was hard to get a handle on. At time harsh and angry and at times mysterious and confusing; stream of conciousness and almost poetry. I mean, I get that it portrays the racism and sexism that the narrator encounters through life and the pressure she feels as an immigrant, etc. I while I might disagree to one degree or another about her views on colonialism, empire, etc. I understand that argument.
*****Spoilers*****
But is the story really that all this is too much and so the narrator is going to refuse treatment for cancer? And did she lie to her boyfriend about it? The book is only 100 pages but by the end the anti-colonialism is hard and clear but the cancer aspects were more fuzzy.
In the end, I found it tragic. This feeling that she had no choices, that she was forced to live in a world of constant pressure, low level aggression and disgust with the people around her. She seems unable to make genuine connections with other people and seems to view her life from a distance....more
A thoughtful exploration of the ways the internet shapes and forms us not just in its content but in form and design. My theology is a little differenA thoughtful exploration of the ways the internet shapes and forms us not just in its content but in form and design. My theology is a little different than the author's but theology in the doctrinal sense makes up little of the book. Instead it highlights the nature of online life and ways it might be impacting your life and thinking and living in ways you are not even aware of or thinking about.
This is an issue I have been wrestling with for many years and I still found wisdom and insight in this book. Worth a read for sure....more
I have really come to enjoy this series of novellas. Quiet and atmospheric but also seemingly historical and mythological. This one has more of a horrI have really come to enjoy this series of novellas. Quiet and atmospheric but also seemingly historical and mythological. This one has more of a horror bent at the end. But mostly it is fun to read how Vo spins out stories with the characters and settings she has developed. I need a short book as a palate cleanser and this worked perfectly....more
Picked this up in DC last summer and decided to actually read it rather than just flip through the photos. The Library of Congress is such an amazing Picked this up in DC last summer and decided to actually read it rather than just flip through the photos. The Library of Congress is such an amazing place and this a great reminder and guide to the beautiful art and craft that went into the buildings. Can’t wait to get back and see it again. ...more
I almost don't know where to start or how to review these two books. My daughter was a big fan of The Woman Warrior, which she read in high school, soI almost don't know where to start or how to review these two books. My daughter was a big fan of The Woman Warrior, which she read in high school, so when a local book club wanted to read I joined them. I found a used copy of the Everyman's Library volume which also includes China Men.
Neither book is an easy read although China Men probably more so than The Woman Warrior. An exploration of the experiences and thoughts of a first generation Chinese American are both fascinating and difficult, both heartbreaking and with a sort of dark humor. Add in the elements or fiction, folklore, history and memoir and it is hard to get a sure handle on what you are reading.
I'm glad I read these books if only for the exposure to the literary and cultural elements they contain. I am still unsure of my reaction or understanding of them however. But there is also a sense that I can't really fully understand it because the language, culture, experiences, etc. are just so different from my own. But it is a unique work and I am glad I have a better understanding of the author and her work....more
I enjoy "literary" espionage novels so was excited about this one but not sure the author quite pulled it off (at least for me). It is elegantly writtI enjoy "literary" espionage novels so was excited about this one but not sure the author quite pulled it off (at least for me). It is elegantly written and deals with some fascinating ideas surrounding family, spying, families, self-perception, etc. But it is so hazy and indirect at times it feels like you are just sort of drifting through the story; never getting a chance to really engage. I also didn't feel like the relationships were developed enough. There was more telling than showing when it came to personal interactions; if you stopped to think about it for any length of time much of the relationships and plot lines are rather unbleievable. I enjoyed it but when I finished I was vaguely unsatsifed....more
After hearing an author talk I read a translation of the Bhagavad Gita which then inspired me to read this book to get more context for the famous relAfter hearing an author talk I read a translation of the Bhagavad Gita which then inspired me to read this book to get more context for the famous religious text. I found the book fascinating and helpful in better understand the work, its context and history. I am hoping to return to other volumes in this series (Lives of Great Religious Books) but have a handful of editions from Books that Changed the World that I really should get to first......more
Another masterful book by Yuval Levin. The book lays out why a return to a Madisonian conception of politics, and the constitution, is necessary in ouAnother masterful book by Yuval Levin. The book lays out why a return to a Madisonian conception of politics, and the constitution, is necessary in our divisive and seemingly stalemated era. Levin clearly lays out how the founders wrestled with the idea of a republic in a large and growing nation and the constitution was structured to channel disagreement and revolve issue through the creation of large stable majorities in the legislative branch. He explains how a Progressive or Wilsonian perspective began to use impatience with the American system to warp and change politics. He does so not as an angry pugilist but as a calm analyst and thinker. He understands the problems and issues that underly the progressive perspective but ask the reader to better understand the unintended consequences of this change and how it has led in so many ways to our current problems. He calls for a return to constitutionalism rightly understood and a patient but firm move toward reform and repair.
It very much builds on his previous books in understanding the weakening of institutions and the differing approaches or understandings of American history and government. He is clearly a conservative but writes with empathy and understanding of those who differ from him. And he highlights the cultural and anthropological underpinnings of the American system and constitution. For Yuval reform must start with understanding and appreciating the constitution and working at shoring up our institutions as they were mean to be and the roles they were meant to play. That will in turn shape our culture in positive ways which will in turn strengthen our institutions.
This is no "light" or easy reading but anyone who care about American governance and political life would do well to read this book. No matter your political of philosophical leanings, these are ideas that should be wrestled with and a history we should reacquaint ourselves with as we seek to build a better America....more
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