February Book Club Reads

Zack Straker

February 26, 2020

Hello Shelly. I am very disappointed we will be unable to attend this meeting of the book club as we have been gifted a Journey that we couldn’t pass up.
I have however read both of the books. And I am hoping that it is ok to give my experiences here in the blog to be shared.
The books, as stated, I read them both.
First. Silence – In the Age of Noise. by Erling Kagge
I had huge expectations. Looking very forward to enlightenment from this , to me, unknown author on a great topic. Having read some of Jon Kabat Zinn’s work on Mindfulness, a perhaps, deeper appreciation of Silence was hoped for. I was deeply disappointed. There are lots of quotes from Others and a sharing of personal and family experiences that leads the writer to his personal connection to his Silence. I did not get any real better understanding of Silence in the Age of Noise.
I rate this book as a 4.5 out of 10.
Ah, Secondly.
The Course of Love – Alain De Botton.
Again unknown to me. First off. A Novel, Hmmm?
Perhaps in the possibility the characters are fictitious?or a Novel Idea?
Possibly the “Truman Show” under a narrative Dr’s ey?
This book did pull me. Often a bit to close to the bone for comfort. The analyst"s evaluations and comments after important intervals were, at times, the most interesting parts. I often viewed Rabih and Kristin as the lab Rats. Glad it wasn’t a clip of my life! A laugh here and there, perhaps again, from a personal glimpse into that time or event.
Yes, this is us. Or is it just a Novel?
I gauge a books merit on a couple of criteria.
(1) Did it entertain, or enlighten? Keep my interest?
(2) Was I moved?
(3) If a book is really good for me, I ask myself, "Who will I give this to
Though I struggled with this book, mostly for personal reasons, about half way through, I was asking myself, who’s getting this from Me???
So, I give this book a 7. No, an 11. No, an 8. Oh Hell 9!!!
Thanks to whom ever suggested it!
Zack

Terra

February 26, 2020

I ended up reading both books this month and I enjoyed them both, but The Course of Love was by far the book I could just not put down. The poetic interweaving of a fictional story with rich characters and the psychology of relationships was the perfect balance for both sides of my brain. Alain de Botton had a way of taking average people and turning them into unique characters you could relate to. I cannot wait to read more by this author.

Silence was a quick read, and I enjoyed it as well. It is a thought-provoking book that leaves you wondering how much room you allow in your own life for space and silence. The reflections from the author’s awe-inspiring trips add richness to the book.

I can’t wait for next month’s choices!