Books I Read -- 2014
Just thought I'd keep a running tally of books I've read. I use "2014" loosely here, it's pretty much the time ranging from after my NUF graduation until now. Favorites are in bold.
Confessions, Saint Augustine
I decided to read this because it's a Classic, and yay free e-book. I'm totally bolding Book XI, the chapter where he waxes eloquent about the concept of time and space. I so wanted to be able to drag him out of his time and be like: Here's Brian Cox, or: Here's Michio Kaku. Or heck: Here's the Doctor, take a spin in the TARDIS with him *g*
Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling, Andy Crouch
This is one of many books on calling and vocation that I read during my post-graduation (i.e., unemployed) months. I particularly liked Crouch's discussion on gesture vs. posture: a gesture is giving someone $1 on the subway train; a posture is developing a mindset of giving, from sharing time and resources to actively engaging in work (the "giving" of your skills and talents) that seeks to alleviate poverty.
The End of Poverty, Jeffrey Sachs
I made it through about 2/3 of the book. I really like Jeffrey Sachs -- the way he explains his ideas and otherwise complex economic concepts clearly, his passion, and his belief in a better world. It's a good book, but being written pre-2008, it felt outdated given the post-financial crisis world we're now in.
Every Good Endeavor, Tim Keller and Katherine Alsdorf
I read this with my job search group. Very good, practical advice on how to integrate one's beliefs with work, not in the sense of forcing water to mix with oil but how to actually live out one's calling through active, fulfilling work.
The Fabric of this World, Lee Hardy
A book on calling, career choice, vocation, etc. I also read this during the months when I was job searching. I liked the historical exposition on the development of the modern concept of (economically and productively efficient) work. The application part is also good, but no new ideas in the sense that I've explored many of these concepts before.
Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service, Mary Poplin
Pretty much what the title says. Poplin is an academic who spent one of her sabbaticals in Calcutta volunteering at the Mission of Charity. She writes as someone who has had the privilege of observing and getting to know, however briefly, Mother Teresa. I heard her at a lecture last year and bought the book. Her book made a deep impression. Very thought provoking.
Les Misérables, Victor Hugo
Yes, I revisited the Brick after having first read it at 15. Still love it. Still love Jean Valjean. But this time, I find myself completely drawn to Javert. Oh those two. Can't they see how much they need each other seriously my new OTP are similar in their differences?
The Letters of Vincent van Gogh
Oh, VINCENT! He's already one of my absolute favorite artists. This book made me love him as a person. Just... I wish I have a blue box that can take me to meet him.
Mother Teresa: The Private Writings of the "Saint of Calcutta"
I'm fascinated with Mother Teresa. This book gives me a feast into her inner thoughts, so much so that I wish the editor/narrator -- obviously a fanboy himself -- would draw back more from his commentary.
Sherlock Holmes: the Hound of the Baskervilles, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
A great mystery featuring my favorite detective OTP. This one was a very enjoyable read. Made my subway trips a lot more exciting :)
George MacDonald books:
The Princess and the Goblin
The Princess and Curdie
The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories
I went on a binge of children's books. These are great. I read them all pretty much in one go, within days of each other.
On deck to read: David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell
On order from library: Good Omens, Neil Gaiman & Terry Prachett (I know, should have read this ages ago...)
Confessions, Saint Augustine
I decided to read this because it's a Classic, and yay free e-book. I'm totally bolding Book XI, the chapter where he waxes eloquent about the concept of time and space. I so wanted to be able to drag him out of his time and be like: Here's Brian Cox, or: Here's Michio Kaku. Or heck: Here's the Doctor, take a spin in the TARDIS with him *g*
Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling, Andy Crouch
This is one of many books on calling and vocation that I read during my post-graduation (i.e., unemployed) months. I particularly liked Crouch's discussion on gesture vs. posture: a gesture is giving someone $1 on the subway train; a posture is developing a mindset of giving, from sharing time and resources to actively engaging in work (the "giving" of your skills and talents) that seeks to alleviate poverty.
The End of Poverty, Jeffrey Sachs
I made it through about 2/3 of the book. I really like Jeffrey Sachs -- the way he explains his ideas and otherwise complex economic concepts clearly, his passion, and his belief in a better world. It's a good book, but being written pre-2008, it felt outdated given the post-financial crisis world we're now in.
Every Good Endeavor, Tim Keller and Katherine Alsdorf
I read this with my job search group. Very good, practical advice on how to integrate one's beliefs with work, not in the sense of forcing water to mix with oil but how to actually live out one's calling through active, fulfilling work.
The Fabric of this World, Lee Hardy
A book on calling, career choice, vocation, etc. I also read this during the months when I was job searching. I liked the historical exposition on the development of the modern concept of (economically and productively efficient) work. The application part is also good, but no new ideas in the sense that I've explored many of these concepts before.
Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service, Mary Poplin
Pretty much what the title says. Poplin is an academic who spent one of her sabbaticals in Calcutta volunteering at the Mission of Charity. She writes as someone who has had the privilege of observing and getting to know, however briefly, Mother Teresa. I heard her at a lecture last year and bought the book. Her book made a deep impression. Very thought provoking.
Les Misérables, Victor Hugo
Yes, I revisited the Brick after having first read it at 15. Still love it. Still love Jean Valjean. But this time, I find myself completely drawn to Javert. Oh those two. Can't they see how much they need each other seriously my new OTP are similar in their differences?
The Letters of Vincent van Gogh
Oh, VINCENT! He's already one of my absolute favorite artists. This book made me love him as a person. Just... I wish I have a blue box that can take me to meet him.
Mother Teresa: The Private Writings of the "Saint of Calcutta"
I'm fascinated with Mother Teresa. This book gives me a feast into her inner thoughts, so much so that I wish the editor/narrator -- obviously a fanboy himself -- would draw back more from his commentary.
Sherlock Holmes: the Hound of the Baskervilles, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
A great mystery featuring my favorite detective OTP. This one was a very enjoyable read. Made my subway trips a lot more exciting :)
George MacDonald books:
The Princess and the Goblin
The Princess and Curdie
The Light Princess and Other Fairy Stories
I went on a binge of children's books. These are great. I read them all pretty much in one go, within days of each other.
On deck to read: David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell
On order from library: Good Omens, Neil Gaiman & Terry Prachett (I know, should have read this ages ago...)