Remember The Lost
Another Look
Ever had one of those experiences that made such an impact that you just had to go back and do it again, and each time the experience was just as exhilarating as the first? Like going to the State Fair and riding that one ride that just had to be ridden again and again (to the dismay of the wallet)?
I've read books that have called me back again and again. No matter how many times I've read them, despite how much I know what's going to happen when I turn the page, these books have called out to me over the years and will never grow old.
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is the first book to which I refer and one primary reason the book intrigues me is because I hold the opinion that Charles Dickens is the father of science fiction. Despite its' brief and simple story, the tale is packed with imagery that deserve another look. For example, why does a man who clings to his riches live in the servant quarters of the mansion? Dickens does not tell us this outright, but rather shows us in the early scene when the old miser arrives home and settles down for the night--and bells begin to ring.
The second book is Ray Bradbury's book, "The Illustrated Man". One may not realize at first but the two books discussed here have a few points of interest, namely that one very well could not have happened without the other. What I mean to say is that Dickens is more than the father of science fiction, he is specifically the father of time travel.
Bradbury gave us an amazing collection of short stories all hanging within the framework of another short story. And each story takes place in a different setting, in a different time--my most favorite being "Kaleidoscope".
In the comments below, take moment to mention the books you like--namely, the one you just can't put down!
I've read books that have called me back again and again. No matter how many times I've read them, despite how much I know what's going to happen when I turn the page, these books have called out to me over the years and will never grow old.
"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens is the first book to which I refer and one primary reason the book intrigues me is because I hold the opinion that Charles Dickens is the father of science fiction. Despite its' brief and simple story, the tale is packed with imagery that deserve another look. For example, why does a man who clings to his riches live in the servant quarters of the mansion? Dickens does not tell us this outright, but rather shows us in the early scene when the old miser arrives home and settles down for the night--and bells begin to ring.
The second book is Ray Bradbury's book, "The Illustrated Man". One may not realize at first but the two books discussed here have a few points of interest, namely that one very well could not have happened without the other. What I mean to say is that Dickens is more than the father of science fiction, he is specifically the father of time travel.Bradbury gave us an amazing collection of short stories all hanging within the framework of another short story. And each story takes place in a different setting, in a different time--my most favorite being "Kaleidoscope".
In the comments below, take moment to mention the books you like--namely, the one you just can't put down!
Popular posts from this blog
The Smooth-flowing Life
Legend has it that the astronomer Ptolemy (1st century A.D.) suggested that falling stars were caused by the gods moving in the heavens, thus knocking stars out of their places. Somehow people reasoned that that if the gods were moving, they must be getting close to earth so they would lift their "prayers" or "wishes" (literally, "desires") whenever they saw the stars falling in hopes the gods would notice and grant a favorable answer. But how does one wish on falling star? Once you see it, it's gone before the wish or prayer can be made! The answer is simple: meteor shower. That's how to get your wish. Mrs. Ann Hodges had a wish fall right into her lap. Sort of. In 1954 Mrs. Hodges was sleeping on the couch when a 8 1/2 pound meteorite fell through her house and into her living room where it bounced off the radio and struck her left hip leaving her with a bruise. Not sure what she was wishing, but that's not how to do it. Epictetus hel
A Reflection in Plato’s “Republic” Book 2
Early in Book 2 of Plato’s “Republic,” the discussion turns into the story of a man named Gyges who finds a ring that makes him invisible. Using the powers of the ring, he reports to the court of his king, seduces the queen “and with her help conspired against the king and slew him, and took the kingdom.” What would happen if there were two rings, one worn by an unjust man and the other by a just man? The story attempts to make the case that a just man will act unjustly if given the opportunity to think he is doing right, if only by himself. But what if he doesn’t? What if there was no ring, and what if there was a perfectly unjust man and a perfectly just man and both had everything they needed in life? The unjust man must cover his steps in order to be distinguished and succeed. In the eyes of others, he appears to be just. But what about the just man, who appears to be unjust? “They will tell you that the just man who is thought unjust will be scourged, racked, bound-will have hi
Three New Additions To My Desk
Actually, it’s an ad-duck-tion. I missed the perfect opportunity to say, “and they’re in a row, too!” Silly goose.