Engaging, thought-provoking
587353
Engaging. A complex tale spins out from what had started as fanciful children's play, revealing along the way the complex, unsettling life that existed under Stalin's rule. With each short chapter, I wanted to know what happens next. Though this is a very different style of writing, it reminded me of Ursela Hegi's Stones From The River in how it conveys in a very powerful way the nuances of lies and pretense by which normal citizens become complicit in the totalitarian rule that destroys them.
3357566
"My Father and Other Liars" is a thoughtful book full of twists and complex characters. The way author Geoff Le Pard develops characters to be both flawed and evocative is becoming a hallmark of his writing. The suspense in the book rises from a multitude tensions at the heart of which is political intrigue in regards of the use of stem cells in research. One of the thought-provoking aspects of the story is the crossroads between theology and science. It's handled in such a way as to be believable and not offensive (unless one has a highly sensitive nature in regards to religion used as a medium in fiction). The author even shares (at the end of the book) how he developed his fictional theology. Another tension arises from the idea of adult orphans and those who have absentee-fathers or poor relationships. It's a theme that crosses global borders just as the book itself is set in England, America and Nicaragua. The pace is steady and picks up so that it is hard to deny the next chapter. This is the second published novel by Geoff Le Pard and while it is different from his first, "Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle," his voice comes through as a writer and someone I will continue to follow as a reader.
2199657
As other reviewers have noted, this book is difficult to summarize. Prof. Cowen insightfully touches on topics ranging from Adam Smith, to contemporary classical music, to facebook. Unlike some books that present one idea in the introduction, then repeat it endlessly, nearly page in prof. Cowen's book contains something new and thought-provoking. I found it difficult to put down.

Most exciting for me was the idea that internet, far from making us more impatient, may allow us to assemble long and valuable narratives from 'small bits'. This idea changed how I think about my time spent online. Rather than feeling vaguely guilty about the time I 'waste' reading blogs, I am thinking about the stories that each individual blog post adds to.

Cowen's notes that the internet (and computers, ipods, etc.) are exceptionally good at helping us to organize information. Intriguingly, Cowen argues that this may in a positive sense be making us all more autistic. Far from a being a distraction, the internet may be enabling us to appreciate culture in individual ways that were not previously possible. (For the economists out there, you need to read the book to see how much of this is explained by the most important theorem you've probably never heard of: the Alchian-Allen theorem.)

Whether or not you agree with all of Cowen's arguments, this book is likely to make you see the world - and yourself - differently. Highly recommended.
2217851
I read this quickly - but I wonder if there is any other way to read it, as the writer, speaking in first person, draws in the reader with blatant, challenging comments and thought-provoking questions that bring you front and center to face the narrator - Christian - whether you want to or not.  As a result, the reader is oftentimes swept up in the "ramblings" - which, despite the implication of the title, are actually fairly cohesive and reflective thoughts that will - through witty and at times raw self-assessment - provoke the reader into reading more.  All in all, I found this to be a well-presented work that does - purposefully - read in a slightly flawed, journalistic way.  Experiences are relayed through Christian's eyes and perceptions, and as such the story feels warped appropriately because it's only the one involved viewpoint.  The effect is very believable, and the conviction of the tale in first person makes it seem very much like Poe or Rice, with leaner prose and perhaps a bit more self-awareness.  Christian is not a hero, exactly - he's just a guy whose decisions - and ultimately those closest to him - have taken what could be a gift and made it into a low-grade level of hell.  Because of Christian's flaws, I didn't find myself feeling sorry for him - instead I was much more interested in finding out how he could maintain such a calm demeanor about the whole affair.  Ultimately, this is a tome of how to live with yourself - by yourself - for eternity (if you stop and think about that, you'll see the vaguely horrific implications of an eternity with just yourself for lasting company).  And while I feel the echoes of Rice and Poe, I don't feel like the author is aping either one - there is a distinct and wry sense of humor that permeates this writing that keeps it from darkening too much, and though I spent a few hundred pages with Christian and his thoughts, the author has kept him ultimately an enigma while still inspiring the urge to learn more.  Well done.  Looking forward to more in this series.
3595676
An enjoyable and thought-provoking read with an intentionally provocative title. The author approaches weighty material in a forthright, head-on style and has some very interesting takes and thoughts on serious subjects. Some fun pop culture references thrown in for good measure, for example, "[When Moses] came back with the first set of tablets, he found the Israelites partying like it was 1999 BC . . . [h]e went bridezilla and broke the tablets and had the Israelites kill 3000 of their brethren." I found this book to be high energy, well-intentioned and engaging. The author is clearly a widely-read individual.
3388727
This was a thought, fun, thoroughly imaginative concept, and the author nailed it: balancing genres and important issues into an engaging read that's suitable for younger people as well.
218488
Ms. Bolz-Weber has written a thoughtful and engaging book here.  I found her style to be jarring and entertaining - although she reminds us just a little too often about how different she is from other pastors and religious thinkers - fact is, sometimes her thinking is so startlingly original that we don't need those reminders!  I particularly enjoyed the chapter where she discusses the Beatitudes - but there is a lot of other good thinking in this book too.  "Accidental Saints" is a terrific little collection of meditations that will challenge you even if you aren't particularly religious.
1789167
Spirited Ageing is the latest of Juliet Battens accessible and thought provoking books. Written in her usual engaging style, this volume weaves in the observations and voices of many ordinary (and therefore inspiring) ageing interviewees. It provides a spacious read where there is plenty of opportunity to pause and wonder, compare ones own thoughts, and stretch a bit to consider other perspectives. To this end, Juliets style of citing and endnoting helpfully enables different some readers to stay focused on her own narrative, while others can go fossicking in relevant endnotes and bibliography (if so inclined).
Perhaps one of the most striking features of this book is the topical divisions that allow readers to consider different themes depending on what is engaging their interest at the time. For sure, the ten chapters have a fluent logic if read in order, but equally, I found myself dipping backwards and forwards at times to read the material in an order that was relevant to me (and my friends and family) across various months this year.
Finally, the mix of physical, emotional, spiritual and practical content enables this book to offer something to everyone who chooses to contemplate what spirited ageing may mean for them. And the reflection points and exercises provide options for readers seeking structured or creative ways to engage their own ideas and thoughts on the topics. As with her previous Growing into Wisdom, I am sure many readers will find themselves relishing and revisiting Spirited Ageing over and again throughout their own journeys, and the paths of ageing taken by others they love and cherish.
881266
Christine Mason's Indivisible is reflective and thought-provoking book that engages its reader in the emotional and intellectual journey of connection. Her prose are well crafted and the messages, stories and questions that get raised will have you on an internal exploration that will influence how you act and react in the world. A must read for conscious community.
2699474
A touching and deeply engaging story. The plot itself requires suspension of disbelief (as many novels do) but the execution is thoughtful. Higashino depicts the complexity of human emotions and family relationships very well and in a thought-provoking manner.

I expected a mystery novel, but the central mystery introduced at the beginning (why the bus crashed) turns out to be not so important. This isn't a bad thing; I got a richly woven tale that left me thinking a lot about some of its themes, like identity, social conformity, second chances.
1266196
Good, thoughtful book about a difficult problem. I found myself engrossed in a world very different from my own. I breezed through this book, found it compelling and engaging and ended wondering how I would have dealt with these issues.

A far more affecting and positive book that A Separate Peace.
1888948
An important must-read book that is informative, thoughtful and utterly engaging.
2652028
Not only a story within a story, but thought provoking
1085729
I just finished reading "Credere" and am pleased that this novel offers readers a provocative view of what potentially lies beyond our 'transitions' into the 'other side'.

I specifically liked the points regarding how we take our 'propensities' with us for additional reflection and hopefully resolution. I loved the metaphor of demolishing and then rebuilding a more resilient and sturdy school--which included each character reflecting on their personal shortcomings. As a Colorado native, I also liked the reference to the Ute Mtn Ute tribe later in the story.

I noted strikingly familiar themes and even direct parallels from "The 5 People You Meet in Heaven" and the poignant 1990's comedy-video with Meryl Streep "Defending Your Life" (which included multiple life-reviews when reaching 'heaven'). The lessons the 'Credere' characters learned in the story offer an expanded, more heart-felt way to deal with one another and most importantly with themselves. I noted just about every vice, short-coming, and addiction was addressed in the story.

Spiritual writing--even fiction--is a powerful, transformative opportunity for the author to explore personal beliefs. It's exciting because often the writer, if paying close attention, can experience an epiphany in philosophical awareness even while writing!

My spiritual perceptions are different from the author's (i.e. mine are more aligned with Anita Moorjani's non-fiction, near-death-experience account, "Dying to Be Me", which dissolves retribution of 'hell' in the consciousness of pure Love.) However, I truly feel we ALL are expanding our perceptions of the nature of personal reality--and that EVERYONE is correct...for themselves.
2630061
Raised Christian, I am drawn to debates surrounding the holy bible: creationism versus evolution, science versus religion, etc. Tenets of the faith are central to my world-view, although I cannot converse intelligently about scripture, so I find fictionalized discussion highly alluring (ala Dan Brown). Why not wrap it in story, as the bible does, as do the sacred documents of all religions?  And along comes Lex Allen. In NO HEAVEN, Allen explores the return of Jesus to earth today, not to save us, but to correct some grievous past errors and reset the directional progress of mankind. It is a highly entertaining story and will appeal to readers of all faiths.

Hailing from a parallel universe, Jesus is known as Eloah. He is not a god, nor the son of God, but simply a product of an advanced race possessing advanced powers. Appearing first in Cologne and simultaneously Washington, D.C., Jesus quickly convinces his chosen team of humans to accompany him and assist his mission. Allens characters are well developed, empathetic, and totally suited to his story: centrally, theres a tough-guy mouthpiece for religion skeptics, a theology academic enduring a crisis of faith, and a budding filmmaker seeking clarity of vision. Both inventive and plausible. Oh, and there's that magician in Vegas, who has everybody fooled, shadowing their quest, intent upon disrupting it.

NO HEAVEN is book one of a trilogy. Mr. Allen does a great job introducing questions necessary to alter mankind's course of faith, and wraps it all in a captivating, speculative adventure. Thought provoking, without being heavy-handed or contrary, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Bring on books two and three!
890364
All People's Lives Matter is well-written read which tackles various views of people with distinct and insightful set of stories which didn't fail to open my perspective more to the reality of life's equal inconsistencies. It awakens the awareness for our society's issues such as sociopolitical, racial and even individual distresses.

At first, the interconnected plots and POVs were quite confusing to sort out. But as I delve deeper into the web of intricately stitched stories, the plot was utterly engaging and I just had to absorb all the realizations and perceptions presented. One of the characters, Holly, was an eye-opener to the concept of the fact that truly, everything will not usually happen as to what you expected it to be. The more important value is to accept changes and transform into something better amidst the unfamiliar environments.

McCoy's profound approach made his work unique and relatable. The characters outlooks were well-constructed and seemingly realistic persons you meet everyday wherein I felt that I was with them all the while they were facing their struggles. His writing was so transparent and reflected the reality of now. I recommend this for every reader out there who's in dire need of something substantial and agreeable.
2204483
I was recommended this book by an acquaintance and was certainly not disappointed. The first-person narration provided an easy entree into topics that were both familiar and foreign. I look forward to passing on this sincere and thought-provoking book to friends!