read every book I own

For a while I wasn’t in the mood to read, but now I am back into it. I have renewed interest in this goal.

When my neighborhood was having yard sales I set out some books I didn’t want anymore with a sign saying free. Twenty books were taken. Twenty less books towards this goal. I had read some of the ones I set out though.

I think I may give away some books. Just now, looking for something to read, I realized that I do not care to read many of the books I have acquired over time. I’d much rather go to the library and choose something that is of more interest to me presently.

I just unpacked my books today, and realized once again how many unread treasures I have. I need to stay away from the bookstore and the library for a while so I can focus on what I already have.

I have decided that it is okay to own books I haven’t read. That way there is always a book waiting for me to discover it.

I truly enjoyed House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danelewski. The book is complex while remaining accessible (unlike Ulysses which I am still trying to slog through). I love the psychological aspect of how the house changes depending on who is in it, similar to how this book changes depending on who is reading it I am sure. My favorite part was the appendix with letters to Johnny from his mother. I felt such a strong bond to Johnny. This is the first time in a long, long while that an author has been able to draw me so completely in that I feel emotional about the characters. I look forward to reading this book again.

Now that I finally have a set of bookcases and my books are all in one place I decided to see how many books I have to read to fulfill this goal. First, let me explain that an old friend of mine was a librarian and when she passed away I went to her estate sale and bought all of her books. I have already given away several of them. I counted all of my non-reference books and there are 295. Out of the 295 I have read 48! So to finish this goal I must read 247 books!!! Needless to say this goal is going to be on my list a long time.

Perpetual Peace is an essay containing Kant’s political philosophy. I own a small hardcover edition that I read the other day. If you visit the link you may read it online. In his definitive articles of perpetual peace he states that:
The Civil Constitution of Every State Should Be RepublicanThe Law of Nations Shall be Founded on a Federation of Free StatesThe Law of World Citizenship Shall Be Limited to Conditions of Universal Hospitality
I plan on learning more about Kant for my goal related to philosophy.

I recently finished reading Prayer Can Change Your Life by Dr. William R. Parker & Elaine St. Johns. This is of the self-help genre, beginning with a discussion about an experiment in prayer therapy that was conducted in 1952. In the experiment there were three groups: (1) Therapy only, (2) Prayer only, and (3) Prayer and Therapy. The group who experienced prayer therapy had the most improvement. The book goes on discuss the importance of honesty (honesty with self, honesty with God, and honesty with others). It explains how we need to deal with causes and not just symptoms of our problems. Most of our problems come from 4 areas: fear, guilt, feelings of inferiority, and misdirected love (hate). The author recommends regular prayer morning and evening that is honest, positive, and receptive. Here are 10 principles the author suggest for a more fulfilling life:
1) Pray the last thing at night before going to sleep
2) Pray the first thing in the morning
3) Pray for the world
4) Pray for others
5) Pray for our enemies
6) Ask ourselves daily what we truly desire
7) Each day try at some period to be honestly alone with self and God (meditate)
8) Each day try at least once to be consciously with people (or one person)
9) Determine daily in one specific area to affect your environment instead of reflecting it
10) Each day say a definite “no” to some activity, and a definite “yes” to another.

Here is a quote I like from the book:
”...until faith is adequate we can begin right where we are and pour forth our problems, our shortcomings, our desires and dreams as best we can before a God of Love enthroned within us, inviting Him to fill the void, take over our lives, remove our shortcomings, to direct, guard and guide.”

Sound familiar? This book was in Dr.Bob’s library.

I liked this book and I aim to put the principles mentioned into practice.

1) The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

A very interesting perspective on the obstacles and distractions that believers encounter.

2)Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Someday I’ll be able to cite his name without looking it up. :) This book was excellent. I love the movie as well (dare I say more so than the book?). I think Edward Norton was perfect for the role.

3) Diary by Chuck Palahniuk

I enjoyed this book but I don’t think it is one of his best works. So far the recurring theme I find in his books is the concept of tearing things down to build them up, destruction as a means of rebirth, cutting yourself open in order to heal…
Is there a sophisticated term for this type of concept?