books I finished last year

It has been nearly a year since I posted a reading report. And it has been just about as long since I read a few of these books. Consequently, the following reviews will be brief, but will be comprised of the gems that have stuck with me from each. Better late than never, right?

Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

It took me a while to get into this biography, but I found it very inspiring. I admire people who throw their whole hearts into their situation, particularly when that situation isn't something they would have chosen for themselves. Here is a man who saw a need and went at it full boar. I also really REALLY like the idea of fighting terrorism with education as well as equal educational opportunities for girls. Mortenson has started quite the movement. You can read about it here.

The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger

When Salinger died last January there were a lot of biographical and editorial segments done about him on the podcasts I listen to. Catcher in the Rye is a book I have heard about forever but had never read. I knew that it was the handbook for every serialistic creep and outcasted teenager out there, but didn't know a thing about what it was actually about. Reading the book was interesting. Stylistically it is a masterwork. Written in stream of consciousness the reader is given full access to Holden. It felt like having a 200 page conversation with somebody. The book is completely laced with (unemotional) profanity. The story itself is quietly tragic. I'm glad I read it as an adult. I have often wondered why a person will completely self-destruct when presented with an opportunity to prove him/herself. Holden, the protagonist, argues that he doesn't care, and that he doesn't believe in proving himself to 'phonies.' What I read between the lines was a lonely boy who doesn't like himself and can't believe that anybody else would. He dismisses nearly every genuine feeling he has and talks himself out of any intimate connection. And yet his dream is to be the 'catcher in the rye' the man who keeps all the playing children from getting too close to the cliff. He wants to protect and to be admired. I felt like I came to understand a few people in my life a lot better by seeing the world through Holden's eyes. It is certainly not a read for everyone. I am astounded that there are teachers out there who encourage putting this book in the hands of middle schoolers. I think most of the high schoolers that pick it up are not equipped with the life experience to properly understand it. (Hence the handbook statement before...) I don't think I'll ever pick it up again, but I'm glad I read it.

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

This is one of my favorite books and I hadn't read it for 5 or 6 years. I picked it up in the midst of our hectic relocation last summer and finished it at the hospital just an hour before we had our Eden. Everytime I read this book, I take something new. This latest read was particularly well timed. Towards the middle of the book , there is a discussion about the scene that takes place in the Garden of Eden. It is pointed out that in the original Hebrew text, God uses the word timshell (translated thou mayest) as he gives instruction to Adam. He gives Adam the freedom to choose. This is a huge theme throughout the book, in fact the last word of the book is timshell. It was a good reminder to me during last summer that even when I feel that so many things are not in my control that I always have a choice.

Wind, Sand, and Stars, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I became familiar with Saint-Exupéry in my collegiate French classes reading Le Petit Prince in its original text. I had no idea how many other works he had published. In the college of humanities alumni magazine that comes from time to time, there is a book recommendation page, and this book was highlighted by several contributors. I ordered it with some birthday money and Cori was the first to read it. He was moved and really enjoyed it. I had a similar reaction to the book. It is the memoir (and we don't know how exactly autobiographical it is, some of the stories are pretty incredible) of Saint-Exupéry's experiences as a French mail currier after the war. Though he is always talking about planes, pilots, and the elements that have to be respected by both, you can't help but feel that the subject matter is so much more universal. The translation is gorgeous. There were several passages I read over and over because the language and imagery are so beautiful. With the help of all the great aviator to gospel comparisons we get from President Uchtdorf, this book read as a very spiritual metaphor to me.