The Garden of Eden

I like to read. It is my favorite way to fall asleep......please don't get me wrong, I like to read.

Last night I finished reading Ernest Hemingway's final piece of unfinished literature The Garden of Eden. The book revolves around the relationships of 3 individuals and how their lives become entangled then very twisted. Like all Hemingway books, his writing of dialogue and his ability to step deep into the minds of his characters makes this book a very quick read.

His subject matter was different from his other books I have read and threw me for quite a loop. I was unprepared for the non-graphic unpacking of the main characters' intimate relationships and their acts of manipulation. Also this book lacked what I enjoyed most about his other novels, Toreadors and war. In turn, it only highlighted a short fishing and hunting trip. In opinion, Hemingway's intent was simply to illustrate the complexities of human relationships.

The book was good. It was a side of Hemingway I had not grasped in his other novels. I am sure what came to the forefront in The Garden of Eden resides behind the bullfights and gun fodder of his others. I will read him differently.

Middle Class

A quote from a book I just finished...Generation X

You see, when you're middle class, you have to live with the fact that history will ignore you. You have to live with the fact that history can never champion your causes and that history will never feel sorry for you. It is the price that is paid for day-to-day comfort and silence. And because of this price, all happinesses are steril; all sadnesses go unpited.

Tags: Generation X, Middle Class, Douglas Coupland, Quotes

Hurt

Chap Clark's 2004 book Hurt is my first attempt at a 'Book Promotion'. Due to my own lack of discipline and tendency to lean towards media as my source of entertainment, it took me about 2.5 months to finish. Yet this is not a reflection on the quality of book, but on the reader.

As an individual who felt included in the cross-section of people he is writing about, I found myself remembering grade school through his critical eyes. Different aspects of my existence in those times began to make more sense. Yet, the book is geared to those involved in Youth Advocate professions and for most of us the book simply puts into words what we have been observing.

The book hinges on 4 factors. First, that adults believe life is different for youth but can't explain why, hence believe the fantasy little has changed. Second, that academics debate about what is different but little research has been done. Third, that the mission of organizations originally established to empower youth have lost their vision and are now systematically abandoning them. Finally, that youth are desperate for adult care, compassion, and most importantly rebuilding trust. By the way Hurt is written by a Christian man, but attempts to be as objective as possible and leaves out a faith response until the last 2 chapters.

In my opinion this book is a must read for those involved in Youth Advocate professions.

Tags: Book Promotion, Chap Clark, Book Review, Youth Ministry, Millenials