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1LillianRodriguez
I'm going to take note of which books I've read. I'll give a brief review as I finish each book from now on. Also I'm going to list plays I've read. I want to enjoy the ride this year...
JANUARY
1. Helen of Troy By Bettany Hughes
2. The Wisdom of Insecurity By Alan W. Watts
FEBRUARY
3. Twilight, By, Anna Deveare Smith - A Play
JANUARY
1. Helen of Troy By Bettany Hughes
2. The Wisdom of Insecurity By Alan W. Watts
FEBRUARY
3. Twilight, By, Anna Deveare Smith - A Play
2LillianRodriguez
4. Just Another Soldier By, Jason Christopher Hartley
Reading this book gives a noncombatant an intimate view of the Army's day to day life in Iraq. Jason's writing style is harsh, and brutally honest about others as well as himself. Which of course lends to an interesting and enlightening read that forces some introspection on the reader as well. Basic Info about the book- created from a series of blog entries posted while Jason was a soldier in the US Army in Iraq, year 2oo4. A lot of controversy surrounded the blog and he was forced to take it down a couple of times by the Army, but now it is accessible to everyone in this book. Read it.
Reading this book gives a noncombatant an intimate view of the Army's day to day life in Iraq. Jason's writing style is harsh, and brutally honest about others as well as himself. Which of course lends to an interesting and enlightening read that forces some introspection on the reader as well. Basic Info about the book- created from a series of blog entries posted while Jason was a soldier in the US Army in Iraq, year 2oo4. A lot of controversy surrounded the blog and he was forced to take it down a couple of times by the Army, but now it is accessible to everyone in this book. Read it.
3LillianRodriguez
MARCH
5. Giovanni's Room By, James Baldwin
An intimate look at a mans struggle to understand a love labeled as impure by the society he lives in and longs to be accepted by. His heart is always at the brink of exposing him as an emotional creature, but his mind seems to pull away from anything that smells of confession. It is a powerful novel that explores the pain of always being an individual in spite of being part of the ebb and flow of society.
5. Giovanni's Room By, James Baldwin
An intimate look at a mans struggle to understand a love labeled as impure by the society he lives in and longs to be accepted by. His heart is always at the brink of exposing him as an emotional creature, but his mind seems to pull away from anything that smells of confession. It is a powerful novel that explores the pain of always being an individual in spite of being part of the ebb and flow of society.
4LillianRodriguez
6. No Death No Fear by Thich Nhat Hanh
This is a life changing book. If you are interested in overcoming your fear of death, or if you are interested in helping someone you know who might soon be dying please check this book out of the nearest library or buy it. He describes the Buddhist idea that we are all part of the same life energy, and so we cannot DIE and be CREATED- we instead find ourselves manifesting in different ways at different times. It may sound strange, but Thich Nhat Hanh's philosophies do not attack religion instead they act as a healing balm to the heart and soul in this chaotic world.
This is a life changing book. If you are interested in overcoming your fear of death, or if you are interested in helping someone you know who might soon be dying please check this book out of the nearest library or buy it. He describes the Buddhist idea that we are all part of the same life energy, and so we cannot DIE and be CREATED- we instead find ourselves manifesting in different ways at different times. It may sound strange, but Thich Nhat Hanh's philosophies do not attack religion instead they act as a healing balm to the heart and soul in this chaotic world.
5LillianRodriguez
7. Dune Messiah By, Frank Herbert
This is the second book in the "best science fiction series" by Frank Herbert. This book was even more interesting than the first one- which is a good sign, considering there are six total. Herbert really is a masterful story teller, weaving history, prescience, science, religion, and imagination into a powerful saga taking place on the fictional planet Dune. It is interesting to see how the science fiction genre can serve to discuss human flaws, and patterns of behavior, in a non threatening manner, by talking in the language of fiction.
This is the second book in the "best science fiction series" by Frank Herbert. This book was even more interesting than the first one- which is a good sign, considering there are six total. Herbert really is a masterful story teller, weaving history, prescience, science, religion, and imagination into a powerful saga taking place on the fictional planet Dune. It is interesting to see how the science fiction genre can serve to discuss human flaws, and patterns of behavior, in a non threatening manner, by talking in the language of fiction.
6LillianRodriguez
APRIL
8. The Philanderer - By, George Bernard Shaw
An amusing commentary on marriage, and the new 'feminist' attitudes. The Manly women vs. the feminine women. It seems by the end of the play, no ideology is proved or disproved, but rather Shaw has made fun of the whole situation. Marriage is funny, and hopeless, and being a strong woman and allowing oneself to possess love is equally as funny. The play is an exploration of ideas in a playful, teasing manner. He published it in a collection called, "Plays Unpleasant", which is telling. He intended it as a critique of capitalism, and to increase awareness about social problems. Which, I suppose, in this play would be, the crisis of the definition of man and woman with the rise of feminism?
9. Predictably Irrational- By, Dan Ariely
A delightful book that exposes how completely irrational we all are. Enough said. All right, I'll explain a little more... We all think were making perfectly rational decisions, but actually we spend a lot more money, and cause ourselves a lot more pain than is actually necessary, all because of preconceived notions we have. One- that it is less painful to pay only our portion of a dinner bill. When we go out to eat w/ a group of friends, it would be a lot simpler if one person picked up the check, and then (hypothetically) the next time another friend would pick up the check. If we were to do this, instead of each person feeling the pain of reaching for their wallet, the pleasure factor at the table would be greatly increased. As (3/4) of the friends would be completely pain free. For more excellent, mind opening examples such as these, please, read the book.
8. The Philanderer - By, George Bernard Shaw
An amusing commentary on marriage, and the new 'feminist' attitudes. The Manly women vs. the feminine women. It seems by the end of the play, no ideology is proved or disproved, but rather Shaw has made fun of the whole situation. Marriage is funny, and hopeless, and being a strong woman and allowing oneself to possess love is equally as funny. The play is an exploration of ideas in a playful, teasing manner. He published it in a collection called, "Plays Unpleasant", which is telling. He intended it as a critique of capitalism, and to increase awareness about social problems. Which, I suppose, in this play would be, the crisis of the definition of man and woman with the rise of feminism?
9. Predictably Irrational- By, Dan Ariely
A delightful book that exposes how completely irrational we all are. Enough said. All right, I'll explain a little more... We all think were making perfectly rational decisions, but actually we spend a lot more money, and cause ourselves a lot more pain than is actually necessary, all because of preconceived notions we have. One- that it is less painful to pay only our portion of a dinner bill. When we go out to eat w/ a group of friends, it would be a lot simpler if one person picked up the check, and then (hypothetically) the next time another friend would pick up the check. If we were to do this, instead of each person feeling the pain of reaching for their wallet, the pleasure factor at the table would be greatly increased. As (3/4) of the friends would be completely pain free. For more excellent, mind opening examples such as these, please, read the book.
7LillianRodriguez
MAY
10. Children of Dune- By, Frank Herbert
Just finished this one! Very intriguing book filled with philosophical insight. Frank Herbert creates a dynasty in a powerful science fiction saga, that continuously inundates the reader with enlightening morsels of thought. I will include a quote I found particularly striking- and there are many.
"Because I know this planet. You don't understand? Think how it is. Beneath the surface there are rocks, dirt, sediment, sand. That's the planet's memory, the picture of it's history. It's the same with humans. The dog remembers the wolf. Each universe revolves around a core of being, and outward from that core go all of the memories, right out to the surface." - The character speaking goes on to describe how the human is formed much as the planet is, revolving around a core being, and building upon memories.
Striking material.
10. Children of Dune- By, Frank Herbert
Just finished this one! Very intriguing book filled with philosophical insight. Frank Herbert creates a dynasty in a powerful science fiction saga, that continuously inundates the reader with enlightening morsels of thought. I will include a quote I found particularly striking- and there are many.
"Because I know this planet. You don't understand? Think how it is. Beneath the surface there are rocks, dirt, sediment, sand. That's the planet's memory, the picture of it's history. It's the same with humans. The dog remembers the wolf. Each universe revolves around a core of being, and outward from that core go all of the memories, right out to the surface." - The character speaking goes on to describe how the human is formed much as the planet is, revolving around a core being, and building upon memories.
Striking material.
8LillianRodriguez
11. The Square By, Marguerite Duras
This novel follows a conversation between a man and a woman on a bench in a park. They talk about their lonely ways, and each seems to taunt the other, daring the other to break their patterns and habits. It could be seen as a symbol for the nature of romance. You want to be with one another to escape the loneliness, and yet a part of you still clutches on to that singular identity. It is a short meditative reflection on the psychological underpinnings of everything we say to one another. Worth the read!
This novel follows a conversation between a man and a woman on a bench in a park. They talk about their lonely ways, and each seems to taunt the other, daring the other to break their patterns and habits. It could be seen as a symbol for the nature of romance. You want to be with one another to escape the loneliness, and yet a part of you still clutches on to that singular identity. It is a short meditative reflection on the psychological underpinnings of everything we say to one another. Worth the read!
9LillianRodriguez
JUNE
12. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept By, Paulo Coelho
This novel showed the beauty of being able to let go of ego a little, and embrace the vulnerability of love. Coelho says it's a novel about forgiveness, I think not only of the other but also of yourself. To forgive yourself, and love yourself in order to connect with others. I find his books are often spiritually encouraging, although I was raised on Amar Chitra Katha and tales of Hindu gods and goddesses so the mysticism of the books are less foreign to me and I derive pleasure out of the reminder of the positivity of spirituality rather than regarding the writing as a sort of revelation. I am grateful I have so many of his books left to read!
13. The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window A Play By, Lorraine Hansberry
This play is a quick read, as we flow through the drama Hansberry has created to articulate the intellectual struggle of the middle class 'revolutionaries'. The characters are 'bohemians' who think life away and are afraid of the imperfection of action. It ends on an inspiring note, hence differentiating itself from Chekhov. Although the similarities as far as comedy infused with middle class morality conflicts abound. More people should read this play- it'd be great if schools made this play a requirement as well as A Raisin in the Sun- which I read in high school. It had the longest run on Broadway for the year it was on, and garnered many rave reviews. Hansberry wrote it while she was battling cancer.
12. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept By, Paulo Coelho
This novel showed the beauty of being able to let go of ego a little, and embrace the vulnerability of love. Coelho says it's a novel about forgiveness, I think not only of the other but also of yourself. To forgive yourself, and love yourself in order to connect with others. I find his books are often spiritually encouraging, although I was raised on Amar Chitra Katha and tales of Hindu gods and goddesses so the mysticism of the books are less foreign to me and I derive pleasure out of the reminder of the positivity of spirituality rather than regarding the writing as a sort of revelation. I am grateful I have so many of his books left to read!
13. The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window A Play By, Lorraine Hansberry
This play is a quick read, as we flow through the drama Hansberry has created to articulate the intellectual struggle of the middle class 'revolutionaries'. The characters are 'bohemians' who think life away and are afraid of the imperfection of action. It ends on an inspiring note, hence differentiating itself from Chekhov. Although the similarities as far as comedy infused with middle class morality conflicts abound. More people should read this play- it'd be great if schools made this play a requirement as well as A Raisin in the Sun- which I read in high school. It had the longest run on Broadway for the year it was on, and garnered many rave reviews. Hansberry wrote it while she was battling cancer.
10LillianRodriguez
14. God's Ear A Play By, Jenny Schwartz
I never thought I'd see so many cliche's in one play... but it's intentional. The play delivers as many commonly said one liners as it can stuff into it's characters mouths. It centers around a mother and father who are having trouble coping with the death of their son. So they speak in easy phrases, that hide the deeper anguish they are feeling. It made me hear life differently afterwards. I notice where we conveniently place one liners and homilies, it helps us communicate in an effective way. Or does it? Worth. A. Read.
I never thought I'd see so many cliche's in one play... but it's intentional. The play delivers as many commonly said one liners as it can stuff into it's characters mouths. It centers around a mother and father who are having trouble coping with the death of their son. So they speak in easy phrases, that hide the deeper anguish they are feeling. It made me hear life differently afterwards. I notice where we conveniently place one liners and homilies, it helps us communicate in an effective way. Or does it? Worth. A. Read.
11LillianRodriguez
AUGUST
15. American Gods By, Neil Gaiman
Someone asked me what the book was about when I was ~50 pages into it. I told them, I honestly don't know, but I do know that you should read it. Neil Gaiman takes you on so many surprise turns in this book, I just never knew what was going to happen next. It also (warning!) made my dreams more outlandish. He is a masterful story teller.
Basic plot- it follows a battle between the gods, of modern and ancient American myth and culture - through the eyes of the mere mortal Shadow. You come to love Shadow, and it gets harder and harder to put the book down. The conclusion was satisfying and I definitely
recommend it.
16. Money Shy to Money Sure By, Olivia Mellan
A lot of excellent advice for women terrified in taking control of their finances, or simply curious to begin that process of financial independence. So many great tips and pointers. The only warning I would give is take the investing advice in stride, because our economy is incredibly shaky compared to when the book was written. But it's a great first step to becoming an empowered woman in charge of her finances.
15. American Gods By, Neil Gaiman
Someone asked me what the book was about when I was ~50 pages into it. I told them, I honestly don't know, but I do know that you should read it. Neil Gaiman takes you on so many surprise turns in this book, I just never knew what was going to happen next. It also (warning!) made my dreams more outlandish. He is a masterful story teller.
Basic plot- it follows a battle between the gods, of modern and ancient American myth and culture - through the eyes of the mere mortal Shadow. You come to love Shadow, and it gets harder and harder to put the book down. The conclusion was satisfying and I definitely
recommend it.
16. Money Shy to Money Sure By, Olivia Mellan
A lot of excellent advice for women terrified in taking control of their finances, or simply curious to begin that process of financial independence. So many great tips and pointers. The only warning I would give is take the investing advice in stride, because our economy is incredibly shaky compared to when the book was written. But it's a great first step to becoming an empowered woman in charge of her finances.
12LillianRodriguez
17. Closer A play by, Patrick Marber
Well I saw the movie prior to reading the play, which was unfortunate b/c I kept seeing Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman playing out the roles. Unfortunate b/c I enjoy inventing how the characters look and sound in my head. This play is an exploration of the negative side of attachment and love, and how we lie to one another almost out of compulsion, and how we really do not know what's best for us. We fall in love w/ our illusive understanding of the reality of a person, and then we wind up disappointed. It's about four souls constantly disconnecting, or misconnecting with one another. If this sounds like your cup of tea, read it. If not, I can say it is written really well, so if you enjoy wit, and a sense of detachment, dig in.
Well I saw the movie prior to reading the play, which was unfortunate b/c I kept seeing Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman playing out the roles. Unfortunate b/c I enjoy inventing how the characters look and sound in my head. This play is an exploration of the negative side of attachment and love, and how we lie to one another almost out of compulsion, and how we really do not know what's best for us. We fall in love w/ our illusive understanding of the reality of a person, and then we wind up disappointed. It's about four souls constantly disconnecting, or misconnecting with one another. If this sounds like your cup of tea, read it. If not, I can say it is written really well, so if you enjoy wit, and a sense of detachment, dig in.
13LillianRodriguez
18. Blasted A play by, Sarah Kane
Not sure I would recommend this one. A lot of crudity, but that is famously her style. Brutal, vicious examination of base human behavior. Explores the violent, and disturbing aspects of being a human. Peek your interest?
19. Little Bird A play by, Mary Gallagher
An exploration of what it's like to be tight knit, and to know too much about one another. Family crisis', hidden love, personal decisions and how they effect others- all these are explored in this play.
Not sure I would recommend this one. A lot of crudity, but that is famously her style. Brutal, vicious examination of base human behavior. Explores the violent, and disturbing aspects of being a human. Peek your interest?
19. Little Bird A play by, Mary Gallagher
An exploration of what it's like to be tight knit, and to know too much about one another. Family crisis', hidden love, personal decisions and how they effect others- all these are explored in this play.
