The Silmarillion by J.R.R Tolkien

When I consider the works and life of J.R.R Tolkien, I cannot think of any other writer that has been as creative and extensive in the literary world that they create.  (The man single-handedly invented multiple written and spoken languages for the races in his stories.)  I have previously read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and they are a few of my favorite books, but I have always been hesitant to approach The Silmarillion.  It has a reputation for being a difficult read.  Now that I have read it, I can see why many people are of that opinion, and while this book will not appeal to most people I would definitely recommend it to a committed few.  Here is why (or why not):


First of all, if you are expecting this novel to be like Tolkien's other stories, wise up.  This is not a focused tale that follows a few central characters.  The Silmarillion is more like a chronicle of the history of the world that Tolkien has created; It covers from the beginning of time to the end of The Lord of the Rings.  Tolkien himself may as well be the creator mention at the beginning (Eru), because this entire world of Middle-Earth sprung from his vast imagination.  The Silmarillion is much more a mythology and history than dramatic narrative.  So, most people who read this book expecting an exciting adventure story are obviously disappointed because it is not that at all.  While there are a large number of wonderful tales expressed in this book, there is not a central protagonist as one might expect in a typical adventure novel.  However, the scope and depth of the history and mythology that Tolkien has created for Middle-Earth is staggering.  I could not help but marvel at his vision as I was reading.  There is so much detail in the book that it is obvious that it took him decades to concoct the material for this epic book.


Secondly, if you are daunted by large numbers of names and unfamiliar geography and family histories (for instance the book of genesis), then you will not like the beginning of The Silmarillion.  There are a vast number of characters introduced (some of whom you never hear from again) and the ones that are represented are often only in the story for a brief period.  But once again, the scope of Tolkien's vision while sometimes confusing, is spectacular.  I can't imagine the amount of time it must have taken him to create roles for the literally hundreds of characters in this book, not to mention the detailed geography, or his invented languages which he seamlessly flows into the character's names and lands.


So, in summation, if you are not familiar with Tolkien's other works, don't read this.  Go read The Hobbit; it is a great, adventure tale and a good introduction to the world that he has created.  But, if you have read and enjoyed his other books and can appreciate great mythology then you will love this book.  I did.


I give it 4 out of 5 stars with a caveat that it is definitely not for everyone.  :-)


Favorite quote:  
"Last of all Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed; and it is sung that the axe smoked in the black blood of the troll-guard of Gothmog until it withered, and each time that he slew Húrin cried: 'Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again!' Seventy times he uttered that cry; but they took him at last alive"


The Silmarillion


The Hobbit


The Lord of the Rings

Stuff White People Like by Christian Lander

my rating

What I learned from this book:  I am white.  You might say to me, "Aren't you 24 years old?  You should have figured that out by now."  That is true and of course I knew that ...you jerk.  However, until I read this man's blog & book, I never understood the vast depths of my white-ness.

Note: it should be stated (although obvious) that this book explores quirky and/or strange things that Christian Lander has observed in white culture a.k.a stereotypes.  But these stereotypes are not intended to be negative just humorous.  It does NOT say that these preferences are exclusively "white" or that every Caucasian loves all of the things that he mentions.  Plus, keep in mind that he is a comedian, so cut him some slack.

Anyways, some of my favorite Stuff White People Like:

• Indie Music - "If you mention a band that you like and the other person has heard of it, you lose."
• Wes Anderson Movies - "If they don't get the joke and other white people are laughing, they'll all join in.  It's pretty much the case that if one dude with glasses laughs, the entire theater will be in stiches within 15 seconds."
• Arrested Development - "Even though white people prefer to say that they don't watch T.V. one thing that they agree on is that Arrested Development was the best show ever."
• Bicycles - "Bike shops are almost entirely staffed and patronized by white people."

The only problem that I have with the book is that he often confuses "white" with being a southern Californian or a liberal.  I wish he had more expansive commentary on other white areas of the country (i.e. Texas or Minnesota).  But, whatever; it is all in good fun.

Hilarious book.  Good coffee table book for sure.

Recommended to:  White people and/or people with a sense of humor when it comes to race relations

Buy:  Stuff White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions

The Shack

The Shack by William P. Young


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Disclosure: I must admit that, in general, I am skeptical of Christian fiction and pop novels in Christian culture. (Note: I am not referring to fiction that espouses or alludes to Christian beliefs and/or stories, but rather, fictional representations of God and/or spiritual encounters)

Anyways, I was given this book as a gift from a relative of mine about 6 months ago. He had read it and said that he really enjoyed it. I had also heard it mentioned a number times amongst some of my Christian friends and the plot sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a chance. The header of the book reads: "Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity." In a nutshell (no spoilers), the main character "Mack" experiences a great tragedy in his life and his faith in God is shaken as a result. Throughout the novel, the main character's interactions and conversations with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, his friends and family helps him sort through and better understand his “Great Sadness” and suffering in light of a loving God. Although, the book itself is truly moving and the depth of the content is admirable, I was disappointed with the way that God was represented. As a result, I would not recommend it to most people although it might be an interesting read for someone who is strong in their understanding of the character of God.

First of all, let's talk about the story itself. Admittedly, the content is both difficult and moving. The characters are presented well and their sorrowful situation can definitely be identified with and demands sympathy. I actually got a little misty at one point while reading it. As far as the structure and writing goes, it is not particularly eloquent, but it is clear enough and it the story does not drag. The most engaging parts of the novel are Mack's direct interaction with God, and while this is the most engaging portion of the story, it is also the most difficult for me to accept. If the divine beings (trinity) in the novel were instead presented merely as other characters giving there perspective concerning the character of God, I think I would have been more accommodating to the content.

HOWEVER, when it comes to God, I have a hard time tolerating anyone claiming to speak directly for Him or especially “as” Him. One of my biggest pet peeves when I am driving down the interstate here in the bible belt is when I see a billboard for a church that says something like:

“Haven't seen you in a while” - God
or
“Blah, blah, blah, blah” - God

It doesn't really matter what it says unless it is a direct verse from the bible. What I am trying to say is, those people have no right or authority to speak directly as God! In the same way, I have trouble allowing Paul Young the freedom to present and speak as these “God” caricatures in this novel. God is presented as an Aunt Jemimah-ish cookie making person, Jesus as a young, fun loving buddy, and the Holy Spirit (or Sarayu) as a mystical, gardening Asianish woman. So, first of all I have a little trouble with God being presented in so light a fashion. But the main thing I have a problem with here is that Mack has extended made-up dialogue with “God” in these three forms for chapters and chapters. To his credit, I can tell that the author genuinely tries to present the trinity (some character qualities at least) as it is revealed through scripture, but just like the billboards I mentioned earlier, who is Paul Young to speak as God or even on his behalf??? Like I said, if these were merely other characters in the novel that happened to possess qualities that were similar to the characteristics of God as revealed through scripture, I would be more accommodating, but they are not.

These things being said, there are some very good qualities to this book. The themes that the novel approaches are deep and these themes are rewarding exploration for those who honestly seek to understand and have a relationship with God. Young approaches the theme of human suffering in a unique and compelling way, and I appreciate the loving and gracious quality of God that he presents. There are certainly less “fuzzy” characteristics of God that need to be understood as well, but this is a small novel so it makes sense that he cannot broach every theological subject all at once.

Unfortunately, while the premise and theme of The Shack is both interesting and challenging, the suspect quality of the way God is presented combined with a lack of scriptural reference, and very little mention of salvation makes this novel one that I would rarely recommend. I do not regret reading it, but I probably will not read it again.

LEAST favorite line: "Nobody wanted God in a box, just in a book. Especially an expensive one bound in leather with gilt edges, or was that guilt edges?" (doesn't make sense contextually; the author is just trying to be clever. fail.

Recommended reading:

The Bible
Attributes of God by Arthur Pink

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