Descartes' Bones by Russell Shorto

It has been quite a while since the last time I read a book through. This book, however, is difficult to put down. While waiting on my daughter to finish work I made a round at the local bookstore and this book caught my eye immediately. Of all the other books I flipped through, this one never left my hand. Summer reading to most my friends are hot little romances, or a light hearted feel good, but for me, summer fun reading is flavored with history and opens my mind to thought.

The description on the back of the book described Shorto's style of writing 'elegant'. After reading only a few pages I agree - he has an incredible smooth style that flows from paragraph to paragraph which was totally unexpected of a historical piece. I truly invite you to give the book a couple page read the next time you visit a bookstore.

Descartes was a mathmetician in the 1600's. At least he always returned to his love of math - some say it was because of the true proven values. It was not until later in life that he began publishing his thoughts about philisophical ideas and notions. Born in France, but died in Sweden, the two countries disagreed with where his bones should rest so they shared them. This book shares Shorto's perspective on the journey Descartes bones would take and show how this event, coupled with the man's thoughts and ideas on the belief that body and mind were two rather than one, affected, and probably began, the new modern age of the world.

Here are some of the discussion questions that I will try to answer while reading this book:

1.Descartes' Bones opens with this quotation from Shakespeare's Richard II: "What can we bequeath save our deposed bodies to the ground?" In the context of what we learn in Descartes' Bones, what do you think this quote means? Why did the author choose it?

2.What do you think of the author's conversational writing style, how he weaves his experiences and opinion into the narrative? Did it enhance your reading experience?

3.Before reading Descartes' Bones, what meaning did Descartes' most famous saying, "I think, therefore I am," hold for you? Did it change now that you've read the book? How?

4.What is your definition of philosophy? Is there a particular philosopher to whose theories you subscribe? What do you think of Descartes' disproved theory of dualism? Can you understand why it was accepted for so long?

5."Dr. Mennecier is what you would call a French intellectual….To many people…that would be considered a slur…but the term can also encompass a way of looking at the world that is becoming sadly rare—call it a serious commitment to idiosyncracy,". How does Descartes embody this description by the author? What about the author himself? How would you describe someone with a "commitment to idiosyncracy?" Is that a good or bad trait?

6."The prevailing wisdom in neuroscience and philosophy is that Descartes was dead wrong. Mind and body—mind and brain—aren't fundamentally different at all." What do you make of this statement from the Preface, that such a revered figure in science such as Descartes was ultimately wrong? Does the fact that dualism was debunked make you question the accuracy of Descartes' other teachings?

7.The author poses many questions about what he terms the "perennial conflict between faith and reason." To you, what comprises this dispute? Why has it persisted through centuries?

8."[Descartes] wanted to reorient the way people thought,". How are people influenced? Do you think it's really possible to alter the way a person actually thinks? If so, how would one go about doing so?

9.The author describes the great lengths to which opponents of Cartesianism went to prevent its ideas from being spread. Why was Cartesianism considered so dangerous?

10."In the prevailing modern view, faith has no business meddling in astronomy or biology." Do you agree with this statement from Chapter Two? Considering debates like those between believers of Darwin's theory of evolution and those of intelligent design, how does religion factor into these ideas?

11.The author describes the saga of Descartes' bones as a metaphor for modernity. Do you agree with his characterization?

12.In Chapter Six the author explains his obsession with the tale of Descrtes' bones by stating that we as human beings "are all detectives" and "we crave closure." Do you agree? Why is the story of Descartes' bones so interesting to Russell Shorto, and to others? To paraphrase the book's descriptive copy, why should anyone care about the remains of one long-dead philosopher?

The Shack by William P. Young (Spoiler)

WOW!!! That's it! Just kidding. (grin) I read and heard the reviews, but never imagined I would be as moved as I was reading this work of art. When I read that folks were laughing and crying while reading the book together I actually rolled my eyes in doubt with thoughts of overkill. This is simply a gorgeous read. My good friend Andi suggested that I read this book as her mum picked the book up and had heard smashing reviews.

How did reading this book affect your faith?
I felt differently about this book as opposed to The Christmas Sweater because I felt as though I could identify with certain aspects of this story. Many moons ago I stopped identifying with organized religions, and religious affiliations, for one reason or other. Mack reminded me of some of the people I have encountered who have trouble understanding the concept of sharing a casual, intimate, relationship with God. As a little girl I remember talking to Jesus as if he were my very best friend, and God not far removed. No one ever fussed or challenged me for relating so casually to 2/3 of Trinity, but instead of true acceptance I felt a definite steering to the formal, or more reverent state of worship.

While I was touched deeply by this story, I cannot confess it left me pulling on my boots and heading down to town's chapel seeking forgiveness for my wicked ways, It has given me pause to think of the wall between me and God, and Jesus. For years I have turned my back on group religion. I become particularly edgy when a conversation turns religious as my relationship with God is most often very differently enjoyed than those whom I'm speaking so there is relatively no common connection. I believe I have inadvertently given others the impressions that I don't believe in God. The walls surround me to keep my relationship with God ours. I like the way I relate, and want to protect that sacredness. Does it change, challenge, strengthen your image of God? It does neither, particularly. I've always been secure with my perception of God. Why is God portrayed as a woman, what reasons does God give Mack? Perhaps, to aid the reader of breaking free of any preconceived notion/idea/perceptions of who or what God is. Maybe the author chose how to depict God based on his theory of the opposite image his audience most likely perceives. Sometimes having my perceptions completely obliterated is the only way to the center of my reasoning. The introduction of Papa rips me up with laughter through, and through. I love how God is portrayed in this book. I can totally picture the image of God/Papa as the author describes Her.

These are some of the other questions I'd like to answer tomorrow. I'm just plan tuckered at the moment.

Does the idea of God a character in the book, or God's first-person voice, bother you...or does it work within the context of The Shack's story?
It works for me, and I think it does so because the author is not trying to write a non-fiction work. He caught my attention with his creative forethought. I will be interested to hear other responses.

Why did God let Missy die? Do you think The Shack answers convincingly the central question of theodicy, the existence of evil—or why, if there is a God, bad things happen to good people?

Young has been criticized for advocating lawlessness (p. 122) ...or universalism (p. 225)? Do you think that is a fair or unfair criticism?

Many readers find the first 4 chapters of The Shack almost too painful to read. Could they have been written in a way that would be less painful—without changing the book's message?

Does the book's ultimate message satisfy you? Is it possible to let go of control and certainty in life? Is it possible to live only in the present?

The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck (Spoiler)

A library book that I never remember placing on hold, but decided there must have been a good reason for my order. I thought I would read this little book in one evening, but was happiest when I discovered there was a little more depth to the content than I initially expected.

Lately I have read books that supposedly take place in the Pacific Northwest, and have discovered that knowing the areas where the stories take place adds a nice familiarity. It felt as though I were from Mount Vernon while reading The Christmas Sweater.

I enjoyed the story, for the most part. I did not care much for the trickster ending, and I could not identify with Eddie, the main character. I know what it feels like to lose someone very dear to your heart, but have never held such darkness and anger inside. I had a tough time getting through the pages of Eddie's turmoil over his mums death - especially, how he treated his grandparents.

All in all I would rate the book a 3.75 of 5 stars. It was beautifully written and explored moral territory that will have you exploring your own heart and soul; it will make you want to hug your parents for a long, long, time.

Sandman by Neil Gaiman

This is a fabulously creative comic book series that I was turned onto by a past mate. I never read comic books, but these intrigued me from start to finish of the ten volume set. The artistry in every volume amazed me, too. I think what kept me reading was the concept of The Endless, the thought that the Sandman and his brothers and sisters take human form and that the Sandman really is the Master of Dreams. Here is a summary of the series:

Neil Gaiman's The Sandman was launched in 1989. This extremely popular series was bound into ten collections. Following Dream of the Endless, also known as Morpheus, Onieros and many other names, we explore a magical world filled with stories both horrific and beautiful.

What do you need to know to enjoy the series? Only that there are seven brothers and sisters who have been since the beginning of time, the Endless. They are Destiny, Death, Dream, Desire, Despair, Delirium who was once Delight, and Destruction who turned his back on his duties. Their names describe their function and the realms that they are in charge of. Several years ago, a coven of wizards attempted to end death by taking Death captive, but captured Dream instead. When he finally escapes he must face the changes that have gone on in his realm, and the changes in himself.