Classics Teach Us About What it Means to Be Human

Classics endure for several reasons, but one of the big ones is that they are so real, so true that they expose human nature. Classics are fairly universal books that appeal to many different people over the course of generations.

If you want to understand what it means to be human, you can find the answer in a classic book. If there is a perspective you are having difficulty identifying with, there is probably a classic book that can lend you the perspective you desire. How would you handle war, famine, other hardships? If you prefer to find out without having the actual experience, a classic can help you have that vicarious experience. Classics allow us to view the broad range of human experience and perspectives. The more classics we read, the better we understand humanity.

Classics also grapple with the big questions of life. What is the point of it all? What does it mean to be a good person? How do my choices affect others? Classics have dealt with these questions and more. Classics don't always come up with solid right or wrong answers, sometimes they just explore the issues and leave the choices up to the reader. They do offer expanded perspective of these big questions, though.

If you have occasionally wanted to pick up a classic but avoided it for some reason, decide today to enrich your life by getting started. Classics are amazing!

Quote by Allan Bloom

"The failure to read good books both enfeebles the vision and strengthens our most fatal tendency --the belief that the here and now is all there is."
--Allan Bloom

Allan Bloom actually had a lot to say about reading and books. Most of what he said was pretty great too. Go read a great book because you wouldn't want your vision enfeebled. Also, so you can realize that the past has significance for all of us.

If you aren't reading good books, you are missing out on so many of the great lessons they offer. Learning from mistakes is much easier when they happen in a story.

Kindle

Best Mothers Day Present Ever. I got a kindle. I am very excited about my new toy, and have been busy downloaded free books and checking out samples of books.

Thats all for today folks. My kindle is calling my name...

Self-Publishing in Stilettos: A Woman's Guide to Publishing With Confidence

This book by Cinnamon McCann about self-publishing is packed with information on how to publish your writing. The author takes you from the beginning of the process to the end, with details about each option. My
absolute favorite thing about this book: the author doesn't let her personal bias color each option. I have read quite a few writing and publishing books, and many of them clearly feel that certain choices are less worthy than others. This book just tells you the options, and includes pros and cons of each plan.

With all of the information, resources, and checklists in this book, you will have the tools you need to self publish. It is the best book I have come across on the subject. Pick up this book if you are interested in self publishing.

I was given this book for free to review. I attempt to review each book without regard to whether I purchased, borrowed, or was given the book.

Books Finished April 2011

5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter by Vicki Courtney
Cursor's Fury by Jim Butcher
Dance With Them by Kathryn Lynard Soper
First Lord's Fury by Jim Butcher
FreedomShift by Oliver Demille
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
Keep Chickens! by Barbara Kilarski
Matched by Allie Condie
Mr. Monster by Dan Wells
Princeps Fury by Jim Butcher
Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George
Schooled by Gordon Korman
Shadowheart by Tad Williams
The Homeschool Journey by Susan and Michael Card
The Scorch Trials by James Dashner


*These are books that I have finished reading. This list does not include books that I have skimmed. The list does not include picture books that I have read to my children, nor does it show all the other reading I have done. These books were finished in this month, but some may have taken considerable time to read, bit by bit