So, I read a few stinkers in 2020 also. Here's the worst of the worse... The Soul of an Octopus, Sy Montgomery. I'm not sure what genre to put this in. Nature? Romance? The author somehow combines scientific and experiential narrative regarding octopuses with uncomfortable erotic imagery. So weird. What cool things I learned about … Continue reading Worst Books of 2020
Best Books 2020
I did not read as much in 2020 as I thought I would. In part, I'll blame it on mental fatigue and in part on picking very long books! Here's the best, and worst, books I read this year in various categories with one or two sentence reflections. Best Fiction Frankenstein, Mary Shelley. Pride/hubris leads … Continue reading Best Books 2020
City of God, Book 15: Urban Sprawl in the Two Cities
I'm convinced writing these summaries is beneficial, but I'd have been done with Augustine's tome long ago if I wasn't writing these. But I am benefiting from writing these, if for no one but myself. Book 15 traces the progress of the two cities, the "two societies of human beings, one of which is predestined … Continue reading City of God, Book 15: Urban Sprawl in the Two Cities
City of God, Book 14: Sin and God’s Purposes (or Sex without Lust)
Book Fourteen was interesting, awkward, and incredible. Augustine reminds the reader that God created mankind from one man for a reason (he could have created millions of humans on Day Six, but he didn't). In part, this was so "the human race should not merely be united in a society by natural likeness, but should … Continue reading City of God, Book 14: Sin and God’s Purposes (or Sex without Lust)
City of God, Book 13: Better than Adam ever was
Book 13 is given to the topic of man's mortality and the nature of death. Augustine dissects the difference between angels and men, "The condition of human being was such that if they continued in perfect obedience they would be granted the immortality of the angels and an eternity of bliss, without the interposition of … Continue reading City of God, Book 13: Better than Adam ever was
God Entranced 