Mark's #36 - Amped by Daniel Wilson (2012)

Set in the near future, Amped portrays a world where neuro-technological advances enable humans to perform super human feats by unlocking and empowering their own brains through computer modular implants.  Those that get this procedure done (for a wide variety of reasons and abilities) are considered "Amps". Meanwhile, there are those of the "pure human" kind that resent the increased abilities and opportunities afforded to these "Amps".  Led by an anti-amp crusader senator, legislation, prejudice, and widespread mistreatment of amps begins to ensue. The premise of the book caught my attention, especially given my focus on dystopian future novels this year and my interest in the effects of technology on culture and society.  I had high hopes for this book, and was glad when I was able to check it out online for free from my local library.  Unfortunately, I'm not sure if it was the author or the reader (probably both), but the overall feel of the book seemed overly Emo/hipster/99%er to me.  It was interesting enough for me to finish... but just barely.

I would only recommend this book to people who are very much into sci-fi technothrillers, or perhaps Emo teens full of angst against 'the system'.  Otherwise, if you're looking for good, well researched, technothrillers, stick with the master of the genre - Michael Crichton.

JRF's # 20 - Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian

 

I've taken a liking to seafaring fiction and thought I would give this classic series a crack.  I was not disappointed.

Master and Commander is the first in a 21 book series by Patrick O'Brian that follows Jack Aubrey, a rash young captain in the British Royal Navy.  Taking command of his first ship, a small sloop, Aubrey has the daunting task of assembling, feeding, training, disciplining, and leading his crew, all the while navigating the warship-strewn Mediterranean sea and even more treacherous world of British Naval politics.

At many times I found myself comparing the book to Star Trek.  Just as the strength of Star Trek does not lie in special effects or action sequences but in the dynamics between the crew and the underlying social commentary, so also Master and Commander find its' strength in the relational dynamics between captain and crew, the friendship between Jack and Stephen the academically minded (think Spock) ships' doctor, the competition between Aubrey and his peers, the disdain between Jack and his authority, and the mutual respect between the enemy navies of the British, Spanish, and French.  There is much here to learn about leadership, friendship, and relationships.

I look forward to continuing the adventure that Jack and Stephen began in Master and Commander.

Here are a few quotes to get a gist of the language and themes of the book:

"Patriotism is a word; and one that generally comes to mean either my country, right or wrong, which is infamous, or my country is always right, which is imbecile."

"I know few men over fifty that seem to me entirely human: virtually none who has long exercised authority."

"by learning to obey, they are also taught how to command."

David’s #3: Run! 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss

Ultramarathon man Dean Karnazes’ third book is a compilation of short stories from various races, events and experiences over the years. There are a few heartwarming moments and bits of inspiration scattered throughout, but overall the book is pretty boring and does not live up to its potential. Dean has shown us in his previous books that he can write gripping stories recounting his many running exploits, such as racing through the Gobi desert and across Antarctica, both of which are mentioned here.  But the constant highs and lows are missing this time.  His previous books naturally stirred up admiration, a desire to hit the trails, and revealed the depth of his drive, character, and passion, as a man, accomplished runner, and family man. “Run” on the other hand tries too hard, and at the same time doesn’t. The stories are rather bland, end before they get good, and try to force emotion and life lessons. If you’re looking for an adventurous page turner or some inspiration to get off the couch and go for a run, skip this one and opt instead for “Ultramarathon Man” or “50/50”.

Mark's #35 - Don't Waste Your Life by John Piper (2003)

As this is not the first time I've read Don't Waste Your Life, I wondered if reading this book again would be beneficial in any way.  As it turns out, I underestimated the book and its impact on my life and soul. Before Crazy Love, before Radical, this book was written to inspire a generation of Christ-followers to radical and joyful risk for the glory of Christ.   As the title suggests, this is Piper's passionate plea to make our lives count for eternity.

As I finished the book today, and the second-to-last chapter about world missions, I realized how deeply Piper's teachings and thoughts have penetrated and shaped my own thinking and teaching.  I am grateful for any reminder to live for what matters for all of eternity, as this world and its stuff pulls like gravity to distraction and a wasted life.

If you haven't done so, make Don't Waste Your Life a priority on your reading list.

Here's Lecrae's rap by the same title to spur you on: http://youtu.be/7RWEllqh5J0

Apologia - September 2012 - Thinking About Fiction

In September, we'll be reading and discussing fiction in our monthly Apologia discussion.

Read the article and three short stories and join us!

Here's all of the readings condensed into one pdf:

Apologia, September 2012

Here's the links to each of the readings:

1. Why Christians Should Read Fiction-- Tim Challies has a very helpful interview here with Russell Moore on the value of reading fiction—including what to avoid and what he recommends. http://www.challies.com/interviews/fiction-literature-an-interview-with-russell-moore
2. “Good Country People” by Flannery O’Connor http://ayersamazingwiki.wikispaces.com/file/view/Good+Country+People+Full+Text.pdf
3. “A Good Man is Hard to Find” by Flannery O’Connor  http://pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~surette/goodman.html
4. “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson http://www.americanliterature.com/Jackson/SS/TheLottery.html

Ron’s #24: Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

Before you judge the inclusion of a graphic novel here, know that this is over 400 pages of powerful, unique storytelling that happens to be in the graphic novel format. When it came out in 1985, it was one of the first stories that took a different look at superheroes and comic books. Without Watchmen, there would be no Dark Knight.

The story takes place in an alternate 1985 America, where we won the Vietnam War and Richard Nixon is still president. There are no humans with super powers, only masked crime fighters—adventurers—who help clean up the streets. After the Keene Act, vigilantism is declared illegal, and the heroes retire or go to work with the government. One of these is Edward Blake (the Comedian), whose less-than-honorable ways have made him a successful soldier-for-hire. Another is Dr. Manhattan, the only person with real super powers. Dr. Manhattan works for the U.S. government, and keeps a check on the approaching Soviets by tipping the balance of power in America’s favor.

The story opens with Rorschach, an illegal crime fighter with an heightened sense of justice, searching for answers in the murder of Edward Blake. He uncovers a plot to kill the former adventurers in an attempt to remove Dr. Manhattan, and perhaps to have world-conquering implications.

There are many layers to this excellent story: the comparison to this America to the actual 1985’s America; the story-within-a-story about the Black Freighter; the question on what heroes do when they are done saving the world; and, the most interesting to me, Rorschach’s moral justice versus the other characters. The character is perhaps one of the most compelling characters, both good and depraved in the same man. His mask is Rorschach inkblots, black and white with no place for gray.

If you are interested in the graphic novel format, I’d suggest giving this a go. It is a real page-turner.

Here’s a trailer for the movie version that came out in 2009. It’s a pretty good movie, albeit quite violent.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3orQKBxiEg