I was slightly surprised by the ending, but the last sentence gave me warm fuzzies.
*Honestly the story didn’t make me believe in God any more or less—it just made me more curious about other religions. My one relg. in America class wasn’t enough to satisfy my curiousity.
Favorite Parts and what not…
*“It’s imporatnt in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse.” (p 285)
I practised religious rituatals that I adapted to the circumstances- solitary Masses without priests or consecrated Communion hosts, darshans without murtis, and pujas with turtle meat for prasad, acts of devotion to Allah not knowing where Meccas was and getting my Arabic wrong. They brought me comfort, that is certain. But it was hard, oh, it was hard. Faith in God is an opening up, a letting to, a deep trust, a free act of love- but sometimes it was so hard to love. Sometimes my heart was sinking so fast with anger, desolation, and weariness, and I was afriad it was would sink ot the very bottom of the Pacific and I would not be able to lift it back up. (p208-9)
My favorite section of the book, well, to quote, would probably be…
“If you stumble at mere believability, what are you living for? Isn’t love hard to believe?’
‘Mr. Patel-’
‘Don’t you bully me with your politeness! Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe?’
‘We’re just being reasonable.’
‘So am I! I applied my reason at every moment. Reasons is excellent for getting food, clothing and shelter. Reasons is the very best tool kit. Nothing beats reasons for keeping togers away. But be excessively reasonable and you risk throwing out the universe with the bathwater.”
Overall I recommend the book. It’s very interesting- a little slow occassionally, but worth the read.
Having my english teacher’s book helped keep the book interesting. She had comments in the margins and notes in different sections. I am curious as to what more I’d pick up on if I read the book again… maybe when I have more time <3
