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Thursday, November 22, 2012
This Site Has Moved!
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Sunday, November 18, 2012
Is Our Constitution Still Relevant?
Government has always been vital as the backbone of human coexistence. Finding the perfect means to instill order in the population has been the goal of countless leaders. One prime example is the United States Constitution, a 225 year-old document that comprises the founding principles of one of the greatest democracies in history. Enacted in 1789, it still persists as one of the oldest written constitutions still in use.
Some argue whether such a time-honored document, originally constructed over 200 years ago, is still relevant in today's society. Although numerous amendments have been made—and the possibility of more arising is a likelihood—some still argue whether the American people can continue to coexist under a patchwork quilt of quick fixes. Indeed, the founding principles of our government still stand strong. It is not the root of the Constitution that has become outdated; it is the unchecked and wild growth of its many amendments that lead this epitome of freedom into increasing obscurity.
I firmly acknowledge the importance of the 27 amendments and their many essential revisions. I merely fear that they have not correlated with the social change in our nation, as they should. The Constitution of the United States established a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people," which was also expressed in the Declaration of Independence. This system was based on balance and attempted to involve citizens with government on an unprecedented scale. If our constitution is altered or amended without the the consent of the people, then a grievous blow has been struck to our nation's fundamental values.
The original intent of the Founding Fathers was to instill social harmony between government and population. Therefore, the Constitution must always—with no exceptions—reflect the mind of the people. This must be accomplished while still keeping the original integrity of the Founding Fathers intact. To accurately reflect the mind of the people, the Constitution must be open to change; it must continually adapt to the prevailing social outlook of society.
It is human nature to overlook change, especially social reform. If the United States Constitution is to remain relevant, the government should accept that society is fluid and always changing. Ideology should not be immortalized within the Constitution. Besides the rights and freedoms that were endowed to us at the time of the Founders, any ideology should be frequently amended to portray the mind of the people. The integrity of the Founding Fathers should be respected and adapted as society's needs evolve. Ensuring the evolutionary capabilities of the Constitution also ensures that original intent is upheld. The 27 Amendments have aided our government in modernizing its social policies, yet these 'patches' are only quick fixes. One step further should be taken to completely rebuild our founding document as an accurate portrayal of the American people.
Change is not a force to be feared, but embraced. According to Matthew 9:17 of the New Testament, "Neither do people pour wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." The world is in a constant and never-ending state of change. Nothing is permanent and everything eventually passes with time, including ideals. This is frightening to humans; the fact that our very thoughts, memories, and life will fade with time. Humans try to conform the world to their individual visions and immortalize the ideals they enforce upon others. The creation of government is a prime example of this situation. What every human fails to realize is that events will never pan out exactly as expected and will never remain permanent. This is the beauty of evolution, of change. The only foolproof way of ensuring a peaceful correlation between government and the people is by constructing a constitution that instills this beauty.
The Founding Fathers did not just intend to create a constitution that suited their time and era. They recognized societal evolution as something vital to the future of our nation and, in turn, created an amendable document to dictate the law of the land. But our Founders cannot ensure the modernity of the Constitution from their graves. Their words are not strong enough to secure the legacy of their original intent. As mentioned, nothing lasts forever, including ideals. It is the job of newer generations to secure the relevance of the Constitution. They are the fore-bearers of change and future reforms. Only the people of today can determine the social values of our civilization and our culture.
Our constitution is still relevant, but only just. Pressure from various advocates across the nation are calling for social reform of various scales. If a failure to heed the calls of citizens ensues, the Constitution of the United States of America will become close to dangerously outdated. We will find its irrelevance increasingly pronounced. This is my message to anyone with enough backbone to question precept: You have the right to dictate what is right or wrong. Inspiration can arise from our history, but only our hearts can truly determine what is best for modern society. This knowledge comes only by doing, not by the study of those who have already done. Our goal in life is to become trailblazers, and to forge ahead with our own modern ideals. So be a freethinker, and be original. Think for yourself and accept that times change. What was right for society 225 years ago may not be appropriate for today. I think the ultimate realization in life is when change is finally understood, and a modern generation is able to rise and follow their own hearts, not the heart of doctrine and creed.
Image courtesy of http://www.teaparty911.com/blog/a-tenth-amendment-constitutional-crisis/
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Rivers of Fire (Atherton #2) by Patrick Carman
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release: 2008
Image Source: BookCloseOuts
Other Titles in Series: The House of Power, The Dark Planet
Rating:
Characters- 17/20
Plot- 19/20
Writing- 19/20
Originality- 19/20
Recommendation- 20/20
Overall- 94/100 or A
Synopsis: Atherton was once a magnificent three-tiered world, but few of its inhabitants know the truth of its dark origin: it is a giant man-made satellite, created as a refuge from a dying Earth. Now this strange place is torn apart—its there lands, formally separated by treacherous cliffs, have collapsed and collided. But a gifted climber and adventurous orphan boy, Edgar, is determined to discover the secret of Atherton's survival, and he embarks on a life-or-death quest to find its mad maker.
Navigating Atherton's chaos is nothing less than harrowing. At the center, a former paradise is sinking and flooding. At the perimeter, a monstrous force is on the attack. Trapped between are two peoples, once at war, who now must combat the new foe together. And underground, the world is only more sinister. Here, Edgar's two friends, Samuel and Isabel, venture through dangerous realms, confronting deadly cave dwellers, rivers of fire, and waters of life.
Review: Rivers of Fire is the second installment of the Atherton Trilogy, and a truly gripping continuation of the events witnessed in the first book. Patrick Carman is an excellent storyteller, and his prowess has never fallen short—least of all now. If you are new to the series, or new to any of Carman's work for that matter, prepare yourself for an epic ride of discovery and adventure.
The world of Atherton is on a course of revolutionary happenings: everything is about to change. Readers of Atherton will almost certainly welcome Rivers of Fire as a satisfactory sequel. Most of the leading aspects of the story-line have waxed in quality, such as the readability and originality. The lack of strong character development was a slight downfall (similar to the first installment), yet better than I expected. Each personality was certainly vibrant and believable, with a nice well-rounded feel. The highlight of Rivers of Fire, as with any of Carman's books, was undoubtedly the spirit of adventure prevalent within a handful youthful protagonists. I am always enamored, riveted, and enthused by Carman's knack for revitalizing the child within. Tween fantasy geared toward 5-6th graders is definitely something special.
In this thrilling fantasy, Patrick Carman also weaves a voice of wisdom into the plot with the character Wallace. This kind and gentle sheepherder guides to people of Atherton in their struggles, particularly in uniting the two societies of Tabletop and the Highlands. The sad fact that—Spoiler alert!—Wallace dies makes him an immediate icon for the entire series. He is one of the characters I look up to most, after Edgar of course. On pg. 202 you can discover one of my favorite 'Wallace' quotes:
You must know your enemies to overcome them. That is the path of peace for every person, and it comes only by doing, not by the study of those who are already doing.To clarify the meaning a bit; Wallace was referring to one's inner enemies. Knowing and coming to terms with your own faults is the only way to find true peace of mind. Am I sensing a few Buddhist vibes here? Wallace also emphasizes coming to terms with your enemies in your own way. Studying the endeavors of those who have already embarked on this journey is fine, but true peace only comes by finding out the secrets on your own. You must follow your own heart, not the hearts of others. Be a trailblazer and find what works best for YOU.
Rivers of Fire is all about two unlikely groups finding common ground and uniting together to face the greater threat. As Atherton finally settles, a new order arises. The people stand united as one civilization, and all past discrepancies are as good as forgotten. Indeed, one could say the Atherton series has reached its conclusion. But you couldn't be further from the truth. The Dark Planet still retains its mysteries, and one book in the series remains. What happens next?
Overall Grade: A
Atherton: Rivers of Fire is a truly remarkable sequel to one of my favorite fantasies. Patrick Carman has instilled his name in the hearts of kids and young adults the world over and proven himself a master of children's fantasy. This novel is beautiful continuation of the Atherton series, chalk full of lurking mysteries, thrilling escapades, and simply-put wisdom. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Carman, Patrick. (2008) Rivers of Fire. United States: Little, Brown and Company
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Lowering the Wall by Gregg Ivers
Publisher: The Anti-Defamation League
Release: 1999
Genre: Political Opinion
With Lowering the Wall, Ivers has guided us through the disturbing evolution of the U.S. Supreme Court's standing on two of the most important concepts expressed in the Constitution: the freedom of religion and worship, and the separation of church and state. He repeatedly expresses his concern that during the 1980's, the Supreme Court began to noticeably depart from these vital constitutional values.
One point that was consistently stressed by Ivers, was the rise of religious fundamentalism, or the rigid adherence to a religion in American society. This rise in zealous activism occurred mainly under the presidency of Ronald Reagan. Indeed, many fundamentalists received the backing of the Reagan Administration in various pursuits to undermine the concept of the separation between church and state. A couple of these shifty endeavors included reintroducing prayer to public schools, and influencing the content of school curricula and textbooks. These rigid fundamentalists also sought to benefit from government support (i.e. monetary endorsement) in a plethora of ways, including religious displays at the public's expense. At the same time this was occurring, intolerance toward less mainstream religious practices grew. As one could reasonably infer, Ivers' feelings toward these happenings are in no way supportive.
Probably one of the more important aspects of Lowering the Wall was Ivers' analysis of the relationship between majoritarian religions and the court, particularly the Rehnquist Court. Indeed, the author brings attention to the indisputable fact that a certain deference has been shown toward mainstream religious practices. Sadly, this respect and acknowledgement has not been extended to many unorthodox or minority religions. Minority groups, such as Native Americans, Black Muslims and Jews were all "overlooked" by the current court of the 1980s, which intended to minimize the importance of their personal religious beliefs while grossly over-promoting the importance of counteractive government interests. The rise in mainstream religious fundamentalism was obviously highly suppressive toward those of the non-mainstream variety, and Ivers is only too quick to point this out.
In Lowering the Wall, Gregg Ivers places obvious emphasis on the biased nature of the courts in the 1980s. This political issue may be of no interest to some, but I find it a highly important matter, even today. Some may shrug this book off as a good example of liberal "nonsense," but I would dispute that claim. Ivers obviously favors the adherence of original intent, and who but the most staunchy of corrupt politicians could favor otherwise? At the time Lowering the Wall was published, Gregg Ivers was the Assistant Professor of Government at American University, and I am sure anyone who shrugs off his credentials is more than a little ignorant. This author provided highly legitimate sources to back his claims: direct accounts of the court cases concerning the scope of what his book covers. It is my hope that this author's writings continue to be read by interested individuals and persist long into the future.
Readers should approach this book hesitantly. Although dry, it is strongly opinionated. Ivers is very straightforward with where his allegiance lies when it comes to the political battlefield. The way Ivers explains the reasoning behind the turmoil of the 80s largely places Republicans at fault. In this case, I don't know If I could blame him. It is of my opinion that all religious beliefs and practices are equal, or in fact, one and the same. Different names have similar meanings, and diverse practices have origins akin. By law, in the United States, government is to give no preferential treatment to one religion over another. Religion cannot be endorsed, nor can it be condemned. I believe this entire system was based on balance, of which our founding fathers were the prime constructors. Irreverence or a failure to adhere to this concept can only lead to more turmoil, and disrupt the already precarious relationship between government and the people. I urge and implore the people of our nation to open their minds, to see the broader outlook. This is vitally important if we are to remain unified and stoic in the coming times.
Overall, Lowering the Wall is an excellent read for those whose hearts are set on politics. I found it interesting myself, but than again I am a bit of political speculator. Gregg Ivers is truly an intelligent individual, capable of expressing his opinions in a subtle, yet lustrous manner. Readers should strive to understand the connections Ivers frequently demonstrates, and understand the points he makes about the referenced court cases. All in all, I discovered this book to be well-rounded and quietly powerful.
Ivers, Gregg. (1991) Lowering the Wall: Religion and the Supreme Court in the 1980s. United States: Anti-Defamation League
Sunday, September 16, 2012
The House of Power (Atherton #1) by Patrick Carman
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Release: 2007
Image Source: Junior Library Guild
Other Titles in Series: The Rivers of Fire, The Dark Planet
Rating:
Characters- 17/20
Plot- 19/20
Writing- 18/20
Originality- 20/20
Recommendation- 20/20
Overall- 94/100 or A-
Synopsis: Dr. Harding is the futuristic mad scientist responsible for creating Atherton: a three tiered satellite world orbiting the fallen Earth. But those who live on Atherton don't know Earth exists or their role in trying to save it. Edgar, a gifted climber, is one of the first to discover the first of many startling revelations to come: the three tiered world of Atherton is collapsing. A dangerous world of strange creatures and hidden powers with a history locked inside the mad scientist, Atherton is much more than it appears at first glance.
Review: The House of Power is the first installment of the Atherton trilogy; written and imagineered by Patrick Carman. This first installment details the many dangerous and revolutionary events on the mysterious land of Atherton. The plot itself is fairly simple and decent, being a fantasy written with an adolescent audience in mind. A likable protagonist named of Edgar is presented whose various endeavors and exploits the story revolves around.
The fabric of The House of Power is rich and textured, and coupled with a breeze-to-read writing style, it should greatly appeal to younger readers. Upon starting the first chapter, I was pleasantly enthralled by a gentle mystery. The ingenious Dr. Harding is portrayed as a mad scientist, which subsequently offered a glimpse into his experiment gone wrong—Atherton itself. Indeed, the world Carman imagined is both beautiful and tragic, a success and a disaster.
The satellite world of Atherton was constructed in the 22nd century, following the environmental collapse of Earth. Overbearing pollution and technological dominance ravaged Earth for many years, until it became known as simply The Dark Planet. The original plan of Atherton was to be a refuge from The Dark Planet, but its prime creator, Dr. Harding, held secret intentions. He held specific notions how a new utopia should be created. The Doctor even developed strict guidelines on how the biological and socio-political environments should be structured. In turn, Atherton was constructed based on a three-tier layout. The top level, called the Highlands, was the location of the only water source in Atherton, and the ruling class of citizens. Next is Tabletop, the middle tier and home of the lower class. In Tabletop, the residents farm sheep, rabbits, and a certain hybrid of figs. Most of these resources sent to the Highlands. The third and final level is called the Flatlands. This dark and barren place is filled with mystery and intrigue. No one from the top two levels has ever been to the Flatlands, and any past records are nonexistent.
As you can see, a dynamic power-play is evident between the two classes of residents on Atherton. The Highlanders control the only water source, and in turn take advantage of the power to invoke harsh demands on the lower class. Tabletop struggles to cater to their lords and must contend with living in near-poverty and intensive labor. Later in the novel, readers should recognize the stirrings of discontent and rebellion as the two classes fall closer together than anyone could imagine. The mystery of Atherton is finally revealed, and mind-blowing is truly the only way to describe the surprises sure to come.
The House of Power is a quick, entertaining read sure to win the hearts of any audience. Adolescents and tweens will especially enjoy the high level of excitement and action within its pages. I tip my hat to Patrick Carman, who is a master at building enjoyable fantasies.
Overall Grade: A-
Atherton: The House of Power is a most interesting exploration of an alternative world—and the social relationships between its inhabitants. Despite Edgar's admirability, the characters of the book were lacking on a few fronts. Fortunately, the unique environment and well-rounded plot are plenty enough satisfy most readers.
Carman, Patrick. (2007) The House of Power. United States: Little, Brown and Company
Saturday, June 9, 2012
The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan
Publisher: Tor Fantasy
Release: 15 Nov 1990 (832 pages)
Image Source: Splash of Our Worlds
Other Titles in the Series: Check here
Rating:
Characters- 20/20
Plot- 19/20
Writing- 20/20
Originality- 19/20
Recommendation- 20/20
Overall- 98/100 or A+
The Wheel of Time turns and the Ages come and go, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth returns again. In the Third Age, an Age of Prophecy, the World and Time themselves hang in the balance. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.
Review: The Eye of the World has proven to be an in-depth, well thought, and breathtaking read. Robert Jordan has imagined a truly vivid world, where events seems to fly by at breakneck speed. Something about this book, maybe its tangibility, or the soul encased in its writing, will keep readers enthralled. As mentioned, this fantasy's plot is very fast paced, which greatly bumps up the excitement level.
Something truly astounding in my mind is the sheer detail Robert Jordan crafted into his novel. He seems to have an incredible eye for cause and effect relationships, which leads me to believe he would be a good historian. Indeed, reading The Eye of the World is a bit like reading history. In that sense, I could compare him to J.R.R Tolkien. Truly impressive work.
The Wheel of Time also incorporates a very detailed magic/belief system, unlike that of The Lord of the Rings. At the beginning of time, a Creator forged the universe and the Wheel of Time, which turns for eternity and weaves all lives. The wheel has seven spokes, and each represents an age. The magic in The Wheel of Time series is called the One Power. This form of magic is stemmed from something called the True Source, which powers the Wheel of Time. The One Power is dualistic, kind of like Yin and Yang, but instead is called saidin and saidar. Men are able to wield the saidin aspect of the One Power, and women the saidar. Not all people can use the One Power.
I found many similarities between Jordan's system of magic and eastern religions in our world. The Wheel of Time concept is derived from Hindu and Buddhist teachings, while the True Source and saidin and saidar are reminiscent of Taoism. All in all, it makes for an interesting book.
Truly, The Eye of the World is a spectacular read for lovers of fantasy epics. It is detail rich and very fast paced. Sometimes the plot may seem a bit predictable or cliche, but it is still satisfying nevertheless. I've heard that the series is long (13 books and still going) but I plan on reviewing every one in the coming months.
Overall Grade: A+
The Eye of The World combines the best of fantasy: a mysterious history, vibrant characters, and an intense plot. Readers should notice Jordan's eye for details and appreciate the incredible story he has woven. Anyone planning on reading the series is surely in for an incredible journey of 13 books. Personally, I can't wait to embark!
Jordan, Robert. (1990) The Eye of the World. United States: Tor Fantasy
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Ptolemy's Gate (Bartimaeus Trilogy #3) by Jonathan Stroud
Ptolemy's Gate by Jonathan StroudPublisher: Doubleday
Release Date: 2005
Synopsis Source: Amazon
Other Titles in Series: The Amulet of Samarkand (#1), The Golem's Eye (#2), The Ring of Solomon (prequel)
Rating:
Characters- 20/20
Plot- 19/20
Writing- 19/20
Originality- 18/20
Recommendation- 20/20
Overall- 96/100 or A
Synopsis: Three years have passed since the magician Nathaniel helped prevent a cataclysmic attack on London. Now an established member of the British Government, he faces unprecedented problems: foreign wars are going badly, Britain's enemies are mounting attacks close to London, and rebellion is fermenting among the commoners. Increasingly imperious and distracted, Nathaniel is treating Bartimaeus worse than ever. The long-suffering djinni is growing weak and vulnerable from too much time in this world, and his patience is nearing its end.
Meanwhile, undercover in London, Kitty has been stealthily completing her research on magic, demons, and Bartimaeus's past. She has a plan that she hopes will break the endless cycle of conflict between djinni and humans. But will anyone listen to what she has to say?
In this thrilling conclusion to the Bartimaeus trilogy, the destinies of Bartimaeus, Nathaniel, and Kitty are thrown together once more. For the first time, we will learn the secrets of Bartimaeus's past, and get a glimpse into the Other Place—the world of demons—as together, the threesome must face treacherous magicians, unravel a masterfully complex conspiracy, and defeat a formidable faction of demons. And worst of all, they must somehow cope with one another...
Review: The last book in a series always manages to woo me a bit. I may just be a sucker for profound endings, but I don't know. Ptolemy's Gate sure had this same effect on me. I found myself reading wantonly, like I used to do when I was little. The words flew by my eyes so quick, and I barely gave myself time to take notes for the review. Funnily enough, the notes I did take disappeared mysteriously a couple days ago. I'm winging it now that my precious scribbles are lost.
Anyway, back to the book. Ptolemy's Gate is the third and final installment of the Bartimaeus trilogy. It concludes the series nicely, and leaves readers with some interesting surprises. I found the entire series, but this novel especially, very ambitious. It attempts to mingle otherworldly and esoteric concepts such as space-time-continuums with a slew of true historical facts. All of this is laced with the usual sarcasm and satire of Bartimaeus, the quick-witted protagonist, The comical aspects of the dialogue are hilarious, as fans of the series already know.
Back to the esoteric topics—Jonathan Stroud obviously has an inspired interest in theoretical physics, and possibly the occult. He provides a very interesting description of the Other Place, the non-physical realm of demons and djinn. Here is a description from The Bartimaeus Trilogy Wiki:
The Other Place is a realm of chaos, in which there is no matter but infinite 'essence', which is described as a mass of swirling colours with no borders or boundaries, somewhere between gas and liquid. Time runs at a different rate in the Other Place compared to the human world, although it is not made completely clear in the Bartimaeus Trilogy exactly what relationship between the two timescales is.What really intrigues me is the so called 'essence.' Being a fan of the esoteric myself, I can only wonder as to what the author is alluding to. Another description offers some more insight:
In the Other Place, all demons are one, and so their collective essence is a single conscious entity. This allows demons to heal from damage sustained in the human world, while also putting the exact mechanics of the Other Place beyond reach of genuine human understanding. Human consciousnesses that visit the Other Place require something to focus their consciousness on and are able to impose their will to a certain degree on the essence of the Other Place, moulding it to specific shapes. Although demons are much better at this than humans, and it does not apparently cause them any harm. However, they prefer not to do it, and appear to actively resent outsiders attempting to impose order upon their realm.Make of this what you will. I found it highly interesting, and if a chance to interview the author pops up, I will question him about this. In a way, it kind of reminds me of Shamanism and how shamans work with consciousness to connect to the spirit world. While in this world, they consult with 'spirits' for aid in healing and medicinal purposes. Anyway, it's food for thought.
In Ptolemy's Gate, readers began to notice connections between the fact the Bartimaeus frequently takes on the figure of Ptolemy and Kitty's desire to see demons and humans coexisting. Readers become enlightened by the possibility of these two types of entities working together, for the greater good. Bartimaeus talks in awe about a human actually traveling to the Other Place. He explains how the Other Place is where spirits are free and permeable and basically twirl in kaleidoscopic beauty intermingling with forgotten fragments of a dream or bits of some long-lost memory.
Spoiler alert!
The series ended on a slightly surprising note (or not) with the death of Nathaniel. Nathaniel finally opened up and showed his true integrity towards the end of this final book. He saved Bartimaeus and sacrificed himself in the process to save those he loved most. To tell you the truth, it was a bit of a cliffhanger. There were a few loose ends that could have been tied up. I believe the author intended this.
Overall Score: A
All in all, Ptolemy's Gate is a satisfying conclusion to the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Jonathan Stroud portrays the best of character development in Nathaniel, and of course, captures the essence of Bartimaeus once again. Readers should find his descriptions of the Other Place from a demon's perspective interesting and maybe a tad beautiful. This is a fantastic book!
Stroud, Jonathan. (2005) Ptolemy's Gate. United States: Doubleday
Sunday, February 19, 2012
The Cloudy Corners of Creation by Mark Tate
Publisher: Outskirts Press.
Release Date: 2012
Image Source: link
Review: When I heard of this book, I knew I had to request a review copy. The Cloudy Corners of Creation is right up my alley; a book that comprises an open-minded take on spirituality and a speculative look at the paranormal and occult. Mark Tate is a brilliant author and human. He is strong and resolute in his faith, yet still sympathetic towards those of differing beliefs. He realizes that ignorance is not the path to tread and takes steps to learn from non-Christian sources. One quote from his book on page 71 proves how open he really is and gives insight on a momentous yet true vision:
At this point in time, what is most needed in this world is understanding between different spiritualities and religions of the truth of who and what they are, what they practice, and what they believe.
This truth rings clear throughout his book as Tate tries to uncover or at least bring attention to the cloudy corners of God's great creation. I can't commend him enough for his bravery of walking where other Christians fear to tread. I hope his actions inspire others to blaze their own trails and realize dogma can be interpreted in more than one way.
There was a tremendous amount of research put into this book, enough to satisfyingly back up the evidence Tate gives on the possible existence of the paranormal. The only criticism anyone could have is a lack of strong conclusion. Tate presents many questions in his book—with the support of strong evidence—but doesn't wrap it up in a superbly satisfying way. I personally don't consider this a failure. How else could one conclude a book on pseudoscience? Definite answers cannot be given. Instead, readers should look for insight that the author offers on spirituality and the fate of humanity. As he states on page 152:
...Perhaps God's voice is quietly being whispered through many diverse places by diverse peoples to warn the world—You have used and abused the poor, the needy—men, women, children—all created in the image of God—for all of human history. You have raped and pillaged the earth—given by God to humanity to care for—for hundreds of years. You have acted as though the most evil things—murder, rape, neglect of parental duty, civilization's laws, and your own consciences—taught by all religions—were approved by God or gods—you have made the end to be near—and it is...
If this message is to be taken literally, you will understand its foreboding nature. Humans have sinned nearly incessantly in all of recorded history. When Judgment Day arrives—if there is such a thing—our fate is sealed in a nice high quality envelope. Postage paid. Are we to pay for our misdeeds? Will God have mercy? Currently, faith is providing the only answer.
From reading The Cloudy Corners of Creation, I have learned much. I realize that we have to look at the unknown with both our eyes and our heart, and only then can understanding the truth become possible. I thank Mark Tate for this stunning realization.
All in all, as my first ever non-fiction review, things went pretty smoothly. The Cloudy Corners of Creation is an insightful read on the more speculative aspects of nature. Readers who are interested in the paranormal and occult with undoubtedly savor this. I look forward to a possible interview with the author which is always a plus. So until then, faithful readers, au revoir!
Tate, Mark. (2012) The Cloudy Corners of Creation. United States: Outskirts Press
Sunday, February 5, 2012
The Golem's Eye (Bartimaeus Trilogy #2) by Jonathan Stroud
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Release Date: 2006
Image Source: link
Other Titles in Series: The Amulet of Samarkand (#1), Ptolemy's Gate (#3), The Ring of Solomon (prequel)
Rating:
Characters- 20/20
Plot- 19/20
Writing- 19/20
Originality- 19/20
Recommendation- 20/20
Overall- 97/100 or A
Synopsis: At only fourteen, Nathaniel is a rising star: a young magician who is quickly climbing the ranks of the government. There is seemingly nothing he cannot handle, until he is asked to deal with the growing Resistance movement, which is disrupting London life with its thefts and raids. It's no easy task: the ringleader Kitty and her friends remain elusive, and Nathaniel's job — and perhaps his life — are soon at risk. As the pressure mounts, he is distracted by a new series of terrifying attacks in the capital. But is it the Resistance again, or something more dangerous still? To uncover the perpetrators, Nathaniel must take desperate measures: a journey to the enemy city of Prague and — worse — summoning once again the troublesome, enigmatic, and quick-witted djinni, Bartimaeus. Meanwhile, Kitty and her fellow rebels are planning their most daring exploit of all — one that will make their fortune and change the history of London forever.
A thrilling sequel to the best-selling Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem's Eye is a roller-coaster ride of magic, adventure, and political skullduggery, in which the fates of Nathaniel, Bartimaeus, and Kitty explosively collide.
Review: The Golem's Eye is a fantastic sequel to it's predecessor; The Amulet of Samarkand. It could very well comprise the heart of the Bartimaeus Trilogy. The fast-paced turn of events invokes the childhood glee I used to experience during all my reading endeavors. I enjoyed the return the protagonist—the sharp-tongued djinni that everyone should now be familiar with. Nathaniel was portrayed as slightly more aggressive than the previous novels, and his ambitions have anything but waned.
Since The Golem's Eye takes place a couple years after the events in Amulet, readers should note how character relationships have changed, along with the positions those characters now hold. Indeed, Nathaniel's increased aggression is probably the result of his rise to power in the government. He now holds commoners as beneath him—Although, hasn't he always? I found Nathaniel's antics hilarious as he continually proves his arrogance. His yearning for fame and recognition is pitying at times.
The character that truly struck me the most was probably Kitty Jones. She is both valiant and rebellious, but for the right reasons. Her truthful character is strong, a blockade of fortitude built by her past. She understands the nature of the commoner's position, and the many flaws in the dominance of the magicians in society. Kitty stands for what she believes in, and values her partners as both friends and comrades. I have more sympathy for her, than Nathaniel.
Also, the character Bartimaeus is becoming increasingly mysterious. As readers become more familiar with his humor and personality, they are undoubtedly curious about the djinni's past. Maybe we'll get some insight on these mysteries in the next book, Ptolemy's Gate.
Overall Grade: A
The Golem's Eye is a superb sequel to The Amulet of Samarkand. It is the cleverly engineered, second installment of the Bartimaeus Trilogy. Anyone should should love this, I definitely did. Readers should try to understand the motives behind both Kitty and Nathaniel. Finding out what drives them will lead to a richer experience while reading. Also, the perplexing mysteries of Bartimaeus are as great as ever, but one step closer to being solved. I bid you adieu an invite you to check out this excellent series (if you haven't already).
Stroud, Jonathan. (2006) The Golem's Eye. United States: Hyperion Books.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus Trilogy #1) by Jonathan Stroud
Publisher: Hyperion Books
Release Date: 2003
Image Source: link
Other Titles in Series: The Golem's Eye (#2), Ptolemy's Gate (#3), The Ring of Solomon (Prequel)
Rating:
Characters- 20/20
Plot- 19/20
Writing- 20/20
Originality-19/20
Recommendation- 19/20
Overall- 97/100 or A
Synopsis: Nathaniel is eleven years old and a magician's apprentice, learning the traditional arts of magic. All is well until he has a life-changing encounter with Simon Lovelace, a magician of unrivaled ruthlessness and ambition. When Lovelace brutally humiliates Nathaniel in public, Nathaniel decides to speed up his education, teaching himself spells way beyond his years. With revenge on his mind, he masters one of the toughest spells of all and summons Bartimaeus, a five-thousand-year-old djinni, to assist him. But summoning Bartimaeus and controlling him are two different things entirely, and when Nathaniel sends the djinni out to steal Lovelace's greatest treasure, the Amulet of Samarkand, he finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of magical espionage, murder, and rebellion.
Review: The Amulet of Samarkand is a quick, witty, and fast-paced fantasy. It is the first of the Bartimaeus trilogy, and in my opinion quite an eye-opener. I enjoyed this novel greatly, the wide palette of characters was quite striking. I particular enjoyed the thoughts of the lead character, a sarcastic and often narcissistic djinni. They were cleverly expressed in footnotes, which added to the character's. . . finesse I should say.
Jonathan Stroud has created a very interesting fantasy world. In fact, I would classify it as an alternative history. Taking place in London, the seat of the modern-day British Empire, the plot revolves around Nathaniel, a preteen magician. London is riddled with such magicians, who comprise the ruling class of society. They control every aspect of the government, and summon powerful spiritual entities to keep citizens in check. Nathaniel is apprenticed to a fairly low-ranking magician, who he often holds in contempt. His ambitions surpass anything his master has achieved.
A pretty good book in general, The Amulet of Samarkand is sure to give anyone a laugh. I myself enjoyed it greatly. There is much to uncover about the mysterious Bartimaeus, which I'm sure readers will do in later novels. I believe, after I've reviewed the entire series, I might send Stroud an email requesting an interview. I hadn't planned on requesting authors directly, but I'm very eager to have a conversation with this one.
Overall Grade: A
The Amulet of Samarkand is a good book for those who like sarcasm and often narcissistic characters. A fairly fast read, it's sure to appeal to most people and give anyone a chuckle. Bartimaeus is a particular interesting character, one I believe will develop over the course of the series. Jonathan Stroud is a great writer, and I hope he will continue being so into the future.
Stroud, Jonathan. (2003) The Amulet of Samarkand. United States: Hyperion Books.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Inheritance (Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Release Date: 2011
Image Source: link
Other Titles in Series: Eragon (#1), Eldest (#2), Brisingr (#3)
Rating:
Characters- 20/20
Plot- 20/20
Writing- 20/20
Originality- 20/20
Recommendation- 20/20
Overall- 100/100 or A+
Synopsis: It began with Eragon. . . . It ends with Inheritance.
Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now, the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.
Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chance.
The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to imagine. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaesia? And if so, at what cost?
This is the spellbinding conclusion to Christopher Paolini's worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.
Review: Reading the Inheritance Cycle has been a journey like no other. Truly a phenomenal and capturing series, it has forever established a spot in my heart. I will never lose the memories of thoughts I garnered from my first time reading it. Inheritance, the final chapter of the series, was a bittersweet conclusion. Truly one of the best books I've ever read, the ending saddened me. I was terribly reluctant to finish it. I feel as if a dear friend has been lost. . .
Despite my evident nostalgia, the tremendous positive feelings I experienced during this recent read evaporate any melancholy that could be lingering. Inheritance brought about the excitement and stay-up-late-to-read nights that any reader worships and yearns for. Indeed, you may be wondering why I rated this book so perfectly. The same happened with Brisingr—my honest reviewing skills have fallen short. I could not and will not find anything wrong with this novel. I love it so.
One of the main things that really struck me about Inheritance was Eragon and Saphira's round-world revelation. When the trio (Glaedr included) was traveling to Vroengard, the home of the ancient riders, they ran into a storm of colossal proportions. A description from page 471:
"Since dawn, the clouds had only increased in size, and up close, they were even more intimidating. Near the bottom, they were dark and purplish, with curtains of driving rain connecting the storm with the sea like a gauzy umbilical cord. Higher up, the clouds were the color of tarnished silver, while the very tops were a pure, blinding white and appeared as solid as the flanks of Tronjheim. To the north, over the center of the storm, the clouds had formed a gigantic flat-topped anvil that loomed over all else, as if the gods themselves intended to forge some strange and terrible instrument."
The storm continues to give Saphira problems. The wind continually tries to push her off course, while the rain is blinding and threatens to completely diminish what remains of visibility. Forced to rise above the storm, Eragon uses energy from Glaedr's eldunari to enact a self-preserving spell—one that preserves body heat and provides a stable atmosphere to breathe.
As they rise to a seemingly impossible elevation, the clouds thin and stars begin to appear. Eragon is enamored by the sheer beauty and colors of the twinkling lights. But even more amazing, as he finally lowers his gaze to the horizon, Eragon notices something unusual. Instead of the sky and sea meeting in a straight line—as they should—the juncture between them curved, like the edge of a huge circle.
"'The world is round,' he whispered. 'The sky is hollow and the world is round.'"
This revelation was momentous, a true milestone in the character development of both Eragon and Saphira. Such illumination can only result in a drastic change of mind-frame. Throughout the remainder of the novel, readers should note the effects this had on the actions and thoughts of both, especially in the effort of finding their true names.
The paths of both Saphira and Eragon to finding their true names was another momentous event in Inheritance. Much introspection was put into the effort as they both struggled to uncover their aspects, even flaws. It was a joyous event when Saphira finally found hers, yet dampened by Eragon's slight jealousy. Out of frustration from lack of insight, he decides to go for a walk.
Eragon is away for the remainder of the night. After clearing a rubble strewn courtyard in the ruins of Doru Araeba (the fallen city of the riders) he perches atop a stone pillar, simply ruminating. His ruminations lead him on an inner journey of self-reflection.
"Then, as the first rays of dawn brightened the eastern sky over the ancient island of Vroengard, where the Riders and dragons had once lived, he thought of a name—a name such as he had not thought of before—and as he did, a sense of certainty came over him."
". . . And then he gasped, and he found himself both laughing and crying—laughing that he had succeeded and for the sheer joy of comprehension; crying because all his failings, all the mistakes he had made, were now obvious to him, and he no longer had any delusions to comfort himself with."
"'I am not who I was,' he whispered, gripping the edges of the column, 'but I know who I am.'"
This is the ultimate personal enlightenment; finding who you truly are. All of your flaws, your mistakes, become evident when you truly realize your identity. After reading this, I wondered if it could happen in real life, an illumination of the highest. It is true that anything is possible.
All in all, reading Inheritance was a profound spiritual experience. Just as Eragon endeavored to find his true name, I delved into a deep state of introspection, finding comparisons in my own life to Eragon's revelations. I gained much from this novel, probably the most I've ever received from fantasy. Realizations into the true nature of freedom, justified leadership, and fear were only a few. The greatest and most profound would have to be a new outlook of self. I understand now, that we are always changing. Our identity does not remain fixed. Actions and decisions of the past determine who we are now. To me, this is sacred knowledge. Who we want to be in the future can only arise by working on our actions now, at this very moment.
Overall Grade: A+
A truly remarkable conclusion to Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle, Inheritance proves to a be more than any reader bargained for. Not that it's a bad thing. A thrilling, heart-grasping, and rich fantasy, Inheritance combines a fight for freedom and marvelous revelations of the self. Readers will enjoy the immense character development that took place in Eragon and his comrades. Indeed, finishing this series, understanding that it is finally over, may be a more than sad event for many.
Paolini, Christopher. (2011) Inheritance. United States: Alfred A. Knopf.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Interview with L.M. Aldrich
Published works: Legends of the Light Bearer: The story left untold
I would like to express my gratitude toward L.M. Aldrich for this enlightening interview. I am honored to have met her and been able to support her publication of Legends. Indeed, our acquaintanceship has evolved into a friendship, spurred mainly by our contact through email. I cannot begin to explain the inspiration and understanding I have received from L.M. We have much in common, but where I can only see one side of the coin, she is bold enough to go all the way. I have made a vow to help spread her wisdom to any interested ears. So please, take to the heart what she had courageously expressed.
Ty: If Legends of the Light Bearer became a bestseller, how do you think it would be received?
L.M: With passion, both positive and negative. I don't think it's a book that many will find ho-hum. Though I am certainly not the first to challenge conventional thinking, some may see Legends as a step too far. But as a perceptive reviewer recently noted, this book should be read with the heart, not the mind.
Ty: I know that spirituality has been a great driving force in your life. Do you believe it has the potential to change the world as well? Does faith alone take us all the way or should we strive to uncover the truth about what we know nothing about?
L.M: I try not to use the word belief, because like faith and free will, belief is a risky business if you've got it all wrong. I have met people of faith who don't adhere to a particular dogma, but simply walk in goodness. They exude such kindness and tolerance, such purity and peace, you just want them to hold you. To me, that is spirituality; that is wisdom. But blind faith to a doctrine or ideology is different. It is not only unworkable in a complex society, it is dangerous, and too often engenders hate. Nazi Germany is just one example. We come into this world wondering who we are and why we're here, and then we leave it to others to tell us. That maybe one reason we have continued to make the same mistakes, throughout human history. So, if we do nothing else, if it is our only reason for being, I think we should absolutely pursue the truth, until we all find a way to walk in the world without destroying it or ourselves.
Ty: In your opinion what is the true, inherent nature of man? Are we greedy and sinful, unable to change, or can there ever be a true salvation?
L.M: Well, Legends suggests that we are all misbegotten, which would explain a lot. But I am hopeful that we are merely lost. I have experienced the paranormal since childhood, and what it has shown me is that we are not our bodies. I've heard psychics refer to their ability as a gift, but I would say that the paranormal is our birthright. It is a manifestation of who we really are—spirit. Ghosts, astral travel, precognition, bi-location and a whole host of others tell us there is something more than this physical world, something beyond the laws of nature. With bi-location, for instance, in an instant, your consciousness is transported thousands of miles, and it could be any distance, because you travel faster than the speed of light, which physics is just beginning to show is a real possibility. So, if we were created in the image of God, I would say that the image of God is spirit. Though our bodies may do stupid, awful things, inside of us our spirit is divine. And from the moment we truly understand that and begin to live it, we save ourselves. Maybe God is waiting for us to find Him.
Ty: Extraterrestrials seem to be an important aspect of your book. If indeed, intelligent alien beings exist, should this be a humbling thought, or an empowering one? How do you you believe humanity would react to the undeniable evidence that this was indeed the case?
L.M: I have no idea how humanity will react, but I would anticipate both humbled in the knowledge that there is so much more to our story than we ever imagined, and empowered by the realization that we are so much more than we ever imagined. But most of all, I hope we keep in mind that they are us. If God is spirit, and spirit gives life to all things, then we are all the same, whether we reside in human bodies or alien. So we should not, we cannot relinquish our will to them out of either fear or awe.
Ty: Do you think our government is being completely honest with its citizens? What could they possibly be hiding from us?
L.M: Of course not! They lie about everything. In all of human history, no political, religious or financial institution has ever been completely honest. They inevitably devolve into cabals, with allegiance to self-interest, sustained by conspiracies. Right now, we are again standing on a precipice, because of all the lies and abuse of power. Democracy is perhaps the most enlightened vision of all time, but democracy was not meant to be a fiefdom, and slave labor cannot keep capitalism afloat. Like Rome, history is replete with the rise and fall of great civilizations, a never-ending story with one main character: greed, whether for wealth or power. At the end of every calamity, the survivors enjoy a brief moment of hope, and a collective will to overcome and prosper. Then, predictably, a few rise to the top, and the cycle begins again. Greed is a mental illness, no different than drug addiction. The afflicted will sacrifice family, friends and country for the next fix. And when that is not enough, they want to rule the world. However, in a democracy, it is not all their fault—we the people need to pay more attention. I for one am grateful for the 99%'ers.
On the other hand, if you're asking me if our government is being honest with us about ET's, of course not! For me there are only two possibilities, neither of which is very comforting. If the technology is ours, it would mean that at least since the 40s, our military, or a secret branch of our military, has had enough wealth, power and autonomy to work outside all branches of government, including the Executive branch, except for perhaps Truman and Bush Senior. But to what end? The technology was futuristic, even in the 40s, and what they have now is mindboggling. The only other possibility is aliens, although I don't happen to think they are extraterrestrial. If both possibilities are true, which I have a hunch they are, then why the truth remains hidden should be of paramount concern to all of us.
Ty: Is humanity becoming closer to God, or are we a doomed society that is deviating away from our spiritual force? Is their hope?
L.M: We cannot be apart from God, if we are a part of God. We can deny, we can ignore, we can chose not to care, but one day, we will be forced to face the truth. People who have a near-death experience are forever changed, because they actually experience who we really are. And when they try to describe the experience, they use only one word: love. When you are standing in the light, you realize that every cell, every molecule in your spiritual body is made of this purity, this clarity, this loving energy that provides structure to consciousness, and at the same time, is connected to everything there is. The feeling of belonging and acceptance is indescribable—the peace of it, the infinity of it, the absoluteness of it. You are part of everything and everyone, and it is all love. It is not a love directed at you. It is not a love you give. You are the love. You are the love. There is a feeling of promise, as though this experience is just a glimpse of things to come, and you understand with every fiber of your being that if there is a purpose to our time on earth, it is to bring that love into this world.
I have had a similar experience, and I was not dead or dying, I was merely praying. I prayed for one thing, understanding, and then I remained silent, and waited. I don't recall if it took days or weeks, but one night it simply happened: the tunnel, the light, and with it, understanding. Have you ever had a bubble of joy, a moment of such intense delight, you felt that every single thing was exactly as it should be? Well, that is what it feels like, but it is a bubble of joy you do not have to covet, because you know it is eternally yours; it is your natural state of being, forever. All I can say is: the human word, love, cannot contain the magnitude of meaning that comes from this experience, and if it can happen to me, it can happen to anyone.
There are also those who find themselves in hell, but it appears to be self-imposed, when they realize how far they've strayed, not from God, but from the perfection of who they really are. The contrast is so intense that even the most insignificant sin seems a chasm. It is painful to realize that you have sacrificed so much for so little. It also appears that your stay in hell is up to you. Forgiving yourself must come first, and that is not as easy at might sound.
In the Gnostic Scriptures, Jesus says that God is in you and all around you—God is everything there is. When we strip away these physical shells, we are standing in the kingdom of heaven. When you think of it that way, it is difficult not to see us here on earth as children, fighting over toys and who's the boss of me. It would be comical if it didn't produce so much suffering. There is now enough wealth and technology to ensure a comfortable life for everyone, and yet versions of commercials I saw as a child are still running: starving babies sitting in the hot Sahara sand. And there is the ever-present threat of a nuclear holocaust. But to answer your question, there is always hope, because even if we destroy ourselves, again, for better or worse, we are everlasting. I just wish we would try harder to get it right this time. Earth is a miracle, our existence on it is a miracle, and yet we treat both like yesterday's trash. Heaven may be our natural state of being, but I do not think there is a hell, only shame and sorrow for abusing such a gift.
----
If you enjoyed this illuminating interview, you may be interested in my review of Legends of the Light Bearer. If so, you can find it here.
Crisp, Ty (2012) Interview with L.M. Aldrich
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