Politics, Book Reviews

Okay, I have to say I'm a big fan of Sarah Palin.  What a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale and unsatisfying presidential election!  I was going to vote for John McCain but I wasn't going to do it cheerfully.  While he is better than Mr. Obama he really has not represented all of my political ideals.  When I first heard Sarah's speech I almost cried.  She is the epitome of what a conservative believes and stands for.  Since her first speech, she has not disappointed.  She says everything that needs to be said but does it with grace, humor, and intelligence.  All I can say is thank you John McCain for an excellent choice, and Sarah keep up the good work.  Hope is alive again!

I also want to share two books that I have recently read.  The first one is called, "The Shack".  I had seen the author interviewed on the "Today Show" and at first thought that sounds like a good book, but then as he described it further, I became a bit concerned.  While spending time in Portland for Josh's wedding I had a chance to talk to Mr. White.  He said the book was good but that I would have to read it for myself to see what I thought.  Well, I purchased the book and started reading.  It's a very sad story; however the conversations with God are deep, meaningful, and thought provoking.  In fact, the story was so good that I had to finish it so I could see how it ended!  I didn't really get a chance to digest all the conversations with God as well as I would have liked. Now that I know how the book ends, I will have to read parts of it again to think through more of the conversations.  The second book I just read is entitled, "My Name is Asher Lev".  I must confess that this book was not just pleasure reading.  It was a required reading book for my "Arts and Ideas" class.  I did enjoy the book and again, this one will cause you to think.  It is about a young Hasidic Jew who is a child prodigy of drawing and painting.  Unfortunately, this gift clashes with his and his family's religious beliefs and causes all of them a great deal of turmoil.  It explores how the young man deals with his feelings and beliefs in light of this gift he has been given.  It was written by Chaim Potok the author of the "The Chosen".  So, if you're feeling your intellect and thinking needs to be challenged, I recommend trying these out!