Cloud & Townsend - Safe People

Another brilliant book by Townsend and Cloud (also wrote Boundries and Hiding From Love). I borrowed this off of Sam who got it off Alecia, so it's doing the rounds.

A lot around relationships (friendships). I was surprised actually about how much I was challenged by it. Interesting stories throughout that effectively illustrate what they are trying to say. Which leaves me wondering/knowing who are the safe people I associate myself with and if I myself am one.

Steinbeck, John - Of Mice and Men

Pulled it off the shelf last night in order to continue my reading some classics fest. Read it in one shot.

Slightly disturbing ending. The build up in it is fantastic {spoiler} first the dead mouse, than the puppy, then the girl... it still creeps up on you and slams you in the face when you realise what's happened. You feel desperately sorry for Lennie - not at all angry for what he's done. The George's action on dealing with him throws some very interesting questions up around ethics.

Smalley & Trent - The Blessing

Not wholely relevant, but prompted some interesting questions about how we can impact others. Particularly when it comes to meaningful touch which is something I generally avoid. Worth a read, but an old book (as old as me in fact). The Blessing is by Gary Smalley (the Love Languages guy?) and John Trent.

Fitzgerald, E Scott - The Great Gatsby

It's been sitting on my floor for a while now. Astounding book! Had me verbally exclaiming over numerous parts (I think it got me to swear). Completely unlike anything I've ever read. Rip-roaringly facinating. Such deceit and such loneliness.

Carroll, Lewis - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

I've had this (dif. cover) pocket sized copy of Alice in Wonderland sitting around my room for months now. I intended a long time ago to read it as it was a classic I know a lot about but have never really sat down to see properly for myself.

How insanely clever it is. Appealed very much to my humor in all it's use of words and double meanings.

It's unbearably hot today so I lay on the floor of my room and finished it off, such a good way to pass time.

McCall Smith, Alexander - The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency

I've had my eye on this in Dymocks for ages and when I came across it in a rare trip to the Library I borrowed it. Which reminds me, it should probably go back very shortly.

It was quite different to anything I've ever read. Writen differently and took a little to grow on me, but it kept me curious and turned out to be one of those beautifully quaint, carefully funny, unique books. I now just have to track down the rest of the series.

To give a brief idea, the story is about a female detective (Precious Ramotswe) in Botswana and all the adventures/mysteries she attempts to solve, a lot based on her luck on stumbling across things relevant to other cases.

Well worth my time.

Lewis, C.S - Prince Caspian

I was thoroughly confused a good part of the time while reading this as I was thinking about the movie and getting it mixed up with The Silver Chair which I'd forgotten existed.

Not one of my favourite Narnia books. Found it a bit boring really.

Miller, Donald - Blue Like Jazz

I'd had my eye on it for ages after Warwick read some out in our Youth Ministry class. Yesterday I found it in Word for $10 and with a further 20% off... well, $8!!! Which says two things, I can do a bit of basic maths, and I got a bargain for a very good book.

Yes thats right, alas I have read it already, which is precisely why I don't buy new books too often. This is a keeper though. Very easy to read (due to the fact that I like the way it is written) it is quite conversational, a lot of stories and thoughts around all areas of life.

The subtitle is somewhat like: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality.

I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn't resolve. But I was outside the Bagdad Theater in Portland one night when I saw a man playing the saxophone. I stood there for fifteen minutes, and he never opened his eyes.
After that I liked jazz music.
Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself. It is as if they are showing you the way.
I used to not like God because God didn't resolve. But that was before any of this happened.

This book is partially autobiographical, it reads (haha) very much like a well thought out blog might. It would probably not appeal to super conservatives, or those deeply involved in church structure. If you want a laugh, to be made to think and have a few dollars and a few hours - do go get yourself a copy.

There are quite a few people I want to give this one to.

Lewis, C.S - The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe

Well, having just seen the movie and having a good recollection of the old one, I didn't have to concentrate too hard reading this.

It did clarify a few things for me, dropped a few coins in the slots that the movie left and reminded me of all the new movie actually missed out that I quite liked from the old.

Well I can finally say I've read it, and I know better the readability level for all those falling for buying books new needing reccommendations for their nephews and grandchildren.

CS Lewis has done a clever thing in writing a story like this one.