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End of summer books You are in: surefish > faith > Books of the Month Date: 28 August, 2008
Charlotte Haines-Lyon reviews a number of books that bridge the gap between summer and autumnClick on the title of the book to buy a copy from amazon.co.uk and part of the sale will go to Christian AidA Long Retreat Over the summer I often enjoy a good biography or memoir. This year's choice has been the compelling offering from the ex-Jesuit Andrew Krivak. The established poet and sea lover, beautifully details the six years or so he spent in formation as a Jesuit. Far from the often saccharin Christian memoirs and biographies, Krivak has pulled off an elegant epic about a quest for truth, love and God. Guilt He has avoided Catholic stereotyping as guilt features little, and a genuine desire to understand “Where is God in all of this?” pervades. His recounting of studying the spiritual classics, inspired me to revisit writers that were gathering dust such as Thomas Merton and Augustine not to mention Ignatius. No word is wasted, the book itself providing a lyrical retreat for the reader alongside Krivak's sojourns in the beautiful landscapes of Pennsylvania, the Great Lakes, eastern Europe and the slums of the Dominican Republic. This book is a rare gem in that it is an honest account, full of integrity. Moreover there are no particular answers resulting in prescription for living or belief. Rather he provides a beguiling account of one man's developing understanding of following Christ. So compelling is it, I was rather keen to become a Jesuit. Its just a shame I'm a married, a woman and an Anglican.
If you fancy a bit more Africa, a bit less philosophy and theology then this is the biography for you. Raised in the wilds of Botswana, Robyn Scott was educated by her mother alongside her siblings whilst her father was a flying doctor as well as local vet. The book effortlessly oozes the charm and humour reminiscent of Durrell's My Family and Other Animals. With tales such as Scott setting up one of the country's first free range egg businesses (aged 7) or her father's treatment of a local man who did after all have a snake inside him contrary to the doctor's assumptions, there is plenty to raise a smile. Skills In an age when parenting skills are under scrutiny, the response to Scott successfully hypnotising her sister to regress to newborn behaviour is amusing. After providing a book on hypnotism her mother said, “when you understand a bit more about it then you can have another go.” Amongst the fun is the unavoidable battle against HIV and AIDS and the family's concerted efforts in all their walks of life to find a cure and affordable treatment is somewhat heroic. A great summer read, reminding there is fun and hope to be had in Africa.
If you like to dabble with philosophy or are simply a sucker for the various miscellanies available, then this book will tide you over for the holidays. Starting with the death of Thales (6th century BC) and ending with an open entry for himself, Critchley lists the deaths and the thoughts about their demise of 190 philosophers. It doesn't matter whether you have heard of Hypatia, whose skin was stripped with oyster shells and body cut in to several pieces by Christians or remember the controversy around the death of anti colonialist Frantz Fanon. The book provides a playful insight into philosophers. If you have the time, however it also a seasoned reflection on people have dealt with death over the ages.
As the most ethical holiday is arguably staying at home, why not treat yourself this summer the latest edition of The Oxford Guide to Literary Britain and Ireland. Be inspired as to what our Islands have to offer. If you are a literary fiend, this stunning book will help you discover which authors and poets lived where and what characters got up to as specific destinations. Why not experience the Oxford Botanic Garden where Pullman's Amber Spyglass ends or follow the footsteps of Robert Burns around Scotland. The only problem is you might have to leave your walking boots behind in order to pack this rather large tome. Click on the title of the book to buy a copy from amazon.co.uk and part of the sale will go to Christian Aid
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Twenty Chickens and a Saddle
The Book of Dead Philosophers
The Oxford Guide to Literary Britain and Ireland
