Do children serve any purpose in life besides the obvious propagation of the species? Obviously, we need children in order to make adults. But, do these societal leeches serve any purpose before weaning themselves of the bloodstream of the community and becoming productive members of it? Nathaniel Hawthorne’s story (using the word "story” loosely) “Little Annie’s Ramble” argues they do. After a pointless ramble with a kid in tow, Hawthorne concludes with … [Read more...] about Do We Need Children?
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Escaping
Michael Chabon’s, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. This book won the Pulitzer, which is not necessarily a recommendation. But, in this case, the award is fully merited. I really enjoyed reading this book. In the realm of modern fiction, it’s a star. Michael Chabon’s, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalierand Clay. This book won the Pulitzer, which is not necessarily a recommendation. But, in this case, the award is fully merited. I really enjoyed reading this book. In the … [Read more...] about Escaping
Some Books are Just Awful
Sometimes, I despair. Sometimes, I read a book that is just thoroughly bad. Unbelievably bad. As in, how-does-something-like-this-get-published? bad. And moreover, how in the world does someone who writes this book get a contract to write seven more books after this one? The book: Christmas is Murder, by C.S. Challinor (which I sure hope is a pen name because surely nobody would want to be known as the person who wrote Christmas is Murder). First: … [Read more...] about Some Books are Just Awful
Why Does the World Exist?
Why Does the World Exist? by Jim Holt. In this case, the title is not deceptive; it is exactly the subject of the book. Holt poses the question and then travels around, Socrates-like, to assorted people who think they can answer the question. Nobody has a very satisfying answer. Why Does the World Exist? by Jim Holt. In this case, the title is not deceptive; it is exactly the subject of the book. Holt poses the question and then travels around, … [Read more...] about Why Does the World Exist?