Reading Log 2010 - February

I plan to read a bit this year...


Say You're One of Them by Uwem Akpa
First book finished on this trip.

Writing skill and my interest level 10/10, for a light, fun read 2/10 - don't read this book when you're looking for a bit of light entertainment!
Comment: gripping, eye opening, another view of horrific cultural civil wars in Africa, made up of 4-5 short stories from the viewpoint of children. Finished in 5 days - rare for me!

I know this much is true by Wally Lamb
This is a very interesting book.  
I learnt a few things:  

I got an insight of Schizophrenia (particularly with twins) and mental disability.  Dr Patel the psychiatrist is a new (if fictional) mentor for me – she’s patient, authentic, unreactivateable, loving and insightful.  I also learnt that ‘The Act of Contrition’ has ‘I firmly resolve to……amend my life’, as it’s last line. I like that.  A declaration to transform.  Confession isn’t just an offload/apology of/for sins as I’d thought.

I also liked, “forgive them father for they know not what they do”.  That’s often quite true and useful.  And lastly, “Einstein didn’t start speaking until 5 yrs old, “up until then I’d seen nothing worth commenting on”.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
First published 1960.  Pulitzer prize 1961.  Academy award winning film.  A Classic.  Regarded as a masterpiece of American Literature.  Well I agree – it was really good!

I love this quote from the Dad, Atticus Finch said to Jean Louise (Scout) Finch:  You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb into his skin and crawl around in it”.