Lets talk about our May & June book decision...

Chris OConnor

Everyone

I think very few people are reading and discussing this last book. Maybe we should have a discussion about what we can do to pick a really good book for our next reading period. That is what this thread is for...not just for posting book titles.

My opinion is that there has never been a better time to read and discuss current events as they pertain to the crisis in the middle east. From terrorism to simply how the arab mind works would be fascinating. We could find a book about the Talibans rise and fall...or about the Israel vs Palestinian issue. It seems that with a war going on this subject would be a great focus for us. Please let me know what you think!

Chris

Chris OConnor

Does anyone want to get involved in this discussion or should I just pick a book on my own?

Chris

NaddiaAoC

Chris,

I'm not sure that a book on the Middle East is really what I want to read, but I think it would be a good subject to read and discuss. I would be in favor of a book on that subject. For some reason I just haven't been in much of a mood to read a lot lately so it's hard for me to come up with something, but I'll keep thinking about it and post another suggestion if I come up with one.

Cheryl

arcAngle

In the newsletter you mentioned reading a Dawkins selection, which would be great. I really enjoyed Climbing Mount Improbable and Unweaving The Rainbow especially, and would love to discuss these books. However, any book by Dawkins is fine with me.

Also, you mentioned Pinker. I've yet to read him, but he's been on my read list forever, and wouldn't mind bumping him up a bit.

Alternatively, may I suggest a Feynman book? Something along the lines of The Pleasure of Finding Things Out would make interesting conversation, as the book discusses attitudes rather than straight science. Also, the book is a series of very short essays, so squeezing in reading time would probably be fairly easy.

I also enjoy exploring history and, as you've suggested, now is as good a time as any to take on understanding the ideas of the Middle East. I do prefer reading the history of a region before trying to understand the current situation, as that gives me more of a background or foundation to work with, but I'm not rigid about that stance. Along those same lines, I would be interested in learning about the history and ideas of the conflict in Ireland.

Lynne

stevepainter

I've had the same problem - I was just speaking with a friend (trying to convince her to join us here) about reading books and how sometimes I just don't seem to be in a book reading "mood".

I find the current selection fascinating, however I also find myself not in that book reading mindset currently. I sincerely doubt I'll complete the book before the end of the month.

So far though, I'd have to say that the Joshi book suffers from the fact that it doesn't really inspire me to discussion. One of the reasons I had proposed The Lucifer Principle last year was because I thought it would spark discussion. I didn't agree with all of it but it made me think about things that I didn't always think about.

In that vein, I'd have to say that I really enjoy Feynan. The Pleasure of Finding Things Out was great. I'd gladly read another book that he authored (or that one again). From a practical standpoint, a Dawkins book would also be wonderful - especially considering that Chris may have an opportunity to invite him to our chat.

I think the main underlying issue is that a "good book" does not always equate to a good book for discussion.

Steve

Edited by: stevepainter at: 4/10/03 2:31:24 pm

Chris OConnor

Good point guys.

I'm on the way out the door right now, but hope to see some of you tonight in our chat where we can discuss this in more detail.

Chris


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