Friday, April 28, 2017
The Sociopath Next Door - Martha Stout
Stout provides an accessible analysis for readers who are unfamiliar with the topic. She explains what sociopathy is and perhaps why some people are sociopathic. With the three composite cases, readers are given insight into their thoughts, motivations, and behaviors. She also provides some ideas on how to identify those who may be sociopathic and how to deal with their behavior. She also concludes why having a conscience is better than not having one.
Since I've already read on the topic, I didn't find anything new in this piece; however, it was an easily digestible read with little technical jargon. For those who are unfamiliar with the topic and want to learn more, I would recommend this piece for insight and understanding. For those already familiar, I would say look elsewhere.
Friday, April 21, 2017
Age of Ra - James Lovegrove
While I have mixed feelings about the story itself, I loved Lovergrove's style. Lovegrove's ability to create tension and maintain a steady stream of ups-and-downs for the reader is the best part of this book. The alternating point of view between David on earth and how the events effected the heavens reminded me of the Greco-Roman mythology retellings in film. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Readers should be warned of scenes involving torture, child abuse, and survival before deciding to read this work.
Books in the Series:
Age of Zeus
Age of Odin
Age of Aztec
Friday, April 14, 2017
Caesar's Messiah: The Roman Conspiracy to Invent Jesus - Joseph Atwill
With visual charts, lists, and a large section of citations readers will find it easy to follow Atwill's train of thought as they read. Perhaps one of the best parts of this book is that Atwill does not reference texts that are outside of the reach of the layman, as many authors who approach this subject do. He references out-of-copyright texts that any person can get a hold of to check his work.
I found Atwill's theory interesting, but with all of the references it took me a while to wade through the entire book. For those who are willing to put in a little bit of work themselves, I think this is a fascinating read. And while it may not convince readers, it is certainly an idea worth entertaining.
More by the Author:
Updated Edition
References:
The War of the Jews
The New Testament (KJV)
Related Reading:
Cleopatra to Christ - Ralph Ellis
Jesus Never Existed Kenneth Humphries
Pagan Christianity
Friday, April 7, 2017
My Neighbor Totoro (Novel) - Tsugiko Kubo, Hayao Miyazaki
While this novelization largely follows the film when it comes to its story line, there is an added episode where the two sisters go back to visit their relatives in Tokyo, which demonstrates how much the girls have changed because of their new lifestyle. Some of the events unfold a little differently, such as Mei's discovery of Totoro and when Satuski seeks out Mei at the end.
There are some things that aren't explained in the Disney dub of the film, the version I am familiar with, that are explained in the book. Such as why the dustbunnies/soot sprites leave after the bathtub scene. Or how both Satuski and Mei are both associated with the month of May.
Those familiar with the film may find this novelization charming, but I didn't feel the novelization conveyed the same amount of magic as the film version.
More in the media:
My Neighbor Totoro Blu-Ray
Art of My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro Picture Book
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