quote:

Originally posted by kendocubano:
Parenthetically, I've always thought he was an artist who reproduces poorly. If you haven't seen his works in person, I think you haven't really seen them. I know that's true for many (most?) artists, but I think its especially true for him.

I agree. In fact, it was after seeing some of his originals up close that I really fell in love. I've bought some prints, but you're right, there's a palpable vibrancy that's missing.

lots of World war Two nonfiction on my table lately. I read 250 or so books a year, hence it is difficult to remember what I read last week! Nonetheless I a grateful for the abundance of literature in our world.

Anybody remember "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance?" I loved it in college, and felt that there was a lot of truth in it. It seems a little trite to me now that I am re-reading it. I don't know if it's age related, or if it's dated. I was less educated about philosophy when I read it, and his characterizations of Buddhism, and Kant seem like hopeless oversimplifications. But I wonder if they are still reasonable introductions to both for people with some interest and limited backgrounds. Any thoughts?

Currently reading "Tree of Smoke." It was given a huge review in the NYT here. I'm about 1/3 of the way through, and it's a bit slow going. Seems very straightforward. I'll report back if anyone is interested.

god is not Great

I am reading it for its juicy shocking tidbits, as the arguments themselves were all part of my makeup from my early teens, tho' it helps to have the comfort of like minded folk now and again.
It gets lonely occasionally in a godless universe.
Hitchy can turn a phrase, thats for sure.

While I recognize the importance of the great minds taking this topic on, and taking religion to task, there are only so many of the books that I can read. I read Dawkins, Harris and Dennet in relatively rapid succession. I can honestly say that they encouraged me (in its literal sense of granting courage) and have made me more open and militant about my beliefs (lack of beliefs?). Dawkins, in particular, clarified to me that I don't have to respect religious beliefs, any more than I would respect the beliefs of someone who believes that the CIA is controlling their thoughts through radio transmission. Lest anyone accidently wander over to the book discussion (seems bleeding unlikely, though, doesn't it?) please note that I am expressing a lack of respect for the beliefs, not for the person!

However, I've come to the conclusion that these books were not really written for me. I've already thought these things through, in most cases years ago. These books are for intelligent, questioning younger people (eg., my son, and, eventually, my daughter), or for the intelligent, questioning religious. Hopefully, the books will server to shake them from their slumbers. And anything that forces people to think critically is a good thing. Question! Distrust! Antagonize "authorities"!

I never did start Concerning the Spiritual in Art, but I'm sure I'll get to it soon.

I am about to start reading No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy. I'm not really sure how I haven't already read this as he is probably my favorite living American author. I bought the book soon after it came out, but just never started it. It has been adapted for the screen by the Coen brothers and has received good reviews at many festivals. I came across it while looking for The French Lieutenant's Woman.

k/c: you are indeed right that for the mostly calcified and already set in their way types like me, the atheist tracts are not really necessary reading.
If I was 17 again tho', what a year I would be having! Dawkins, Dennett, Harris, Hitchens....E.O.Wilson is due to drop one too I hear.

PRG: I loved No Country for Old Men. A number of reviews seemed to be negative merely due to the material wandering into genre territory; god forbid McCarthy write something not uber-profundis!
Hope ya like it.

Now I'm onto Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell.

I am currently reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:
I am currently reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

reading it again or for the very first time?

quote:

Originally posted by The Friar:

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:
I am currently reading Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

reading it again or for the very first time?

I am sorry, I just saw this. This is my first time reading this book, Friar. I now have about 100 pages left.

But right now I am taking a break and reading The Great Waldo Search by Martin Handford.

quote:

Originally posted by FragileKidA:

But right now I am taking a break and reading The Great Waldo Search by Martin Handford.

First Harry Potter and now a Waldo book? Dude, are you devolving?

Just starting on The Onion Girl by Charles de Lint. I have three more de Lint novels waiting after this one (though they're going to be interupted by an occasional werewolf book).

Just started Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I already like it a lot more than the previous book, great from the start.

Goodness. Haven't you finished the damned thing yet?! You know you have about 10 more of those Harry Potter books to read before you find out if he died or not?

I am such an idiot, on September 30 I posted I was reading The Order of the Phoenix but no, that was wrong. I was reading Goblet of Fire, which I just finished yesterday and I just now started Phoenix.

Oooh!

Never mind.

Günter Grass...The Tin Drum

quote:

Originally posted by Sinister:
Günter Grass...The Tin Drum

Nice. Die Blechtrommel is a masterpiece. The film is also very good.

Do you plan on reading the rest of the Danziger Trilogie?

BTW, does anyone else find it strange that in German, "drum" (trommel) is feminine?

I loved this book. Turned me off to eel forever, though. At least until I discovered sushi!