History Year By Year

Title:  History Year By Year:  The History of the World, From the Stone Age to the Digital Age

Publishers:  Dorling-Kindersley and Smithsonian Enterprises

Rating:  **  (2 out of 3 stars)
              Recommended

Audience:  Elementary and Middle School Ages

If you're a history buff, or if your middle schooler needs to bone up for the National History Bee (www.nationalhistorybee.com), this is a must-have volume.

Both DK and Smithsonian know how to put out a quality product, and those of us familiar with The Eyewitness series know what to expect:  full-color spreads, bulleted details, informative inserts.  This publication delivers on all counts and doesn't disappoint.

I recently viewed a few different history volumes to supplement our home library and found this to be the most accessible and best format.  Only two initial pages are spent on the least significant (and least evidenced) topic of history:  the evolution of man (weakly evidenced by the inclusion of only three skull visuals, of which just one appears to be human).  With a secular publisher, this is about the best you can do.  In fact, it's rather extraordinary, compared to the other books I skimmed.

Presidential Movies

Titles:  Lincoln (Steven Spielberg, Director; Doris Kearns Goodwin/Tony Kushner, Writers)
           Hyde Park on Hudson (Roger Michell, Director; Richard Nelson, Writer)

Ratings:  ** (2 stars out of 3 possible, "B") for Lincoln
              Highly Recommended

              0 stars out of 3 possible, "D"/"F" for Hyde Park on Hudson
              Not Recommended

Audience:  Lincoln, PG-13
                 Hyde Park on Hudson, R

America loves its presidents, and sometimes loves to hate them.  I thought it interesting that two of our most polarizing presidents were both subjects of feature films in 2012.

I intended to review Lincoln much earlier.  By now, everyone is already aware of both the quality of the film itself, as well as the performances by most of the cast.  I was initially hesitant, given Tony Kushner as the screenwriter, that one might sense a hidden, liberal agenda.  Every political entity tries to claim some sort of kinship with our 16th president, but this film portrayed him genuinely:  principled, yet flawed; politically astute, yet homespun.

To truly enjoy the film, the audience member should not mind a slower-moving historical drama with significant portions of political discourse.  Recall the film only portrays the last 6 months or so of Lincoln's life.  Was Daniel Day-Lewis' portrayal of Lincoln Oscar-worthy?  Yes!

Les Miserables (book and movie)

Author:  Victor Hugo  (book)
              Tom Hooper  (movie)

Rating:  **  (2 stars out of 3 possible for the book, "B")
            **  (2 stars out of 3 possible for the movie, "B")

Audience:  16 years and up

First of all, understand the book is almost 1500 pages long and I haven't even finished it! It is divided into 5 sections, each of which is around 300 pages.  A reasonable goal is to read a section every month or so and take a few weeks break before forging on.  Although, I know one of my friends (a mother of 3, including a 9 month old) finished the entire book in one reading, utilizing maximum library renewals and only a 2-day late fee!

Reading the first section will give you a fine background for the musical or movie, as well as insight into Hugo's themes and philosophies.

I liked the movie better than I expected.  It was well-executed, extremely well-acted and reasonably well-sung.  A lot of reviewers seemed ultra-picky about Russell Crowe's singing ability, but I felt he passed.  Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried (young Cosette) and Samantha Barks (Eponine) were outstanding.  Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter shined as the evil, yet comic-relieving Thenardiers.  Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche was both entertaining and heart-breaking.

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet

Author: Jamie Ford

Rating: ** (2 stars out of 3 possible, "B")

Recommended

Audience: High School

Here is historical fiction that is both intelligent and relational. Set in Seattle's International District, Jamie Ford's first novel is a split-narrative alternating between the WWII years and contemporary (1986) times.

Bullied at his all-white school, Henry Lee is a Chinese youth who befriends a Japanese girl just as West-Coast Japanese Americans are being forced into relocation camps. Ford combines this regional history with a classic coming-of-age story portraying themes of prejudice, duty, honor and devotion.

There are refreshing visits to contemporary times and culture, jazz music and friendship, not to mention the most colorful character of all: Mrs. Beatty the Lunch Lady!

If your high school has Snow Falling on Cedars on it's reading list, suggest Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet as an alternative. Snow is the more consummate novel (better suspense, richer characters, more dramatic plot) but includes too much sex for adolescents. Hotel covers many of the same issues and themes in a purer context.

The Omnivore's Dilemma

Author: Michael Pollan

Rating: ** (2 stars out of 3 possible, "B")

recommended

Audience: Adults, Young Adults

Well, I finally had to do it. I had to find out (5 years late) what all the buzz was about organic, sustainable, blah, blah, blah.

Actually, I read Fast Food Nation (Eric Schlosser) some years ago and found it both convicting and a little alarmist. I also watched the features King Corn and SuperSize Me. So I am aware of some of the arguments against America's eating habits. I also work in health care, so I know the obesity and diabetes statistics.

What I appreciated about Michael Pollan's books (see also Food Rules for a Cliff's Notes version of Omnivore) is his thoroughness and practicality. He admits his own gradual journey toward healthier eating and doesn't judge people for coming to different conclusions. He doesn't expect people to become radical vegans, for instance, but encourages us to begin to educate ourselves about our food habits. He offers simple steps and options for people who want to make more informed eating choices.

The Omnivore's Dilemma divides food production into 4 groups: regular industrial farm production; organic industrial farming; local, sustainable farming; and self-production. Each of these options is explored in historic and current context and the reader can come to their own conclusion about how to implement each of these food production types into their family diet.

Most of us would agree "factory food" (as i like to call it) is our least desirable option. It's not going to go away any time soon, and probably has its place in some of our grocery shopping. A book like Omnivore's Dilemma will help you choose how much of your diet to devote to factory foods.

Pollan also tells the truth about "organic" foods. Many of these terms are defined by committees and government (lobbyists) so Pollan explains the gray areas. Terms like "free range" and "sustainably harvested" actually have no formal restriction or regulation, so companies may use them truthfully...or not! So Pollan tells the truth about both the factory option and the organic option. In all situations, caveat emptor!

Pollan is a big proponent of local, sustainable foods. This means getting to know your local producers and supporting them. "Sustainable" implies the local producer will put at least as much into the soil as they take out because they have a vested interest in maintaining their land. Conversely, corporate farming relies heavily on added fertilizers and pesticides to reap as much out of the soil as possible. For an interesting example of how local, sustainable farming (how farming was done pre-1920s, approximately) can work, take a look at www.polyfacefarms.com.

The final option is to try your hand at becoming your own hunter/gatherer! Families can decide how much of this to implement in their food choices. Most of us could plant a few rows in a garden (if you live in the suburbs, take a look at the size of your lot!), and some of us could even go fishing, or shoot a deer. Pollan validates these lifestyle choices.

It comes down to how convicted you are about food production policies in America and what you're willing to do about it for your family. Let me give you sort of a blunt, personal example: I am not a hippie living on a commune (and it's okay if you are) and I have serious concerns about the hygiene of some of our foods in the grocery store. For me, it's a little bit about the humane treatment of animals and it's a lot about the hygiene. Feedlots just aren't good for animals, or humans.

How will that change my behavior? Pollan suggests 3 guidelines in Food Rules: Eat Real Food; Mostly Plants; Not Too Much. Sounds manageable, doesn't it? In practice, I'm going to think a lot more about the 5-ingredient rule (eat foods with about 5 ingredients-foods your grandmother could recognize). We've already increased our fruits and vegetables. Next I'm going to order my own side of beef cut to specifics. Then I'm going to think about eggs and chickens. We're even considering joining a CSA: community sponsored agriculture group. For about $100 Rocky Ridge Ranch will provide families with 4-5 meats, eggs and produce each week. Not everyone can do that, but we might. (www.rockyridgeranchspokane.com)

If this interests you, there are plenty of options to begin your education process. (Two other books I am curious about but haven't read yet are Pollan's In Defense of Food and local pastor Craig Goodwin's Year of Plenty.) Then you can make your own informed choices about your family's food.

Leave a comment about your ideas!

Speaking of Haiti...

Just as the quake struck Port-au-Prince last week I was finishing Tracy Kidder's book Mountains Beyond Mountains about Dr. Paul Farmer's work in Haiti and around the world.

Part biography, part scientific travelogue, part social journalism, Mountains Beyond Mountains describes Paul Farmer's attempt to bring a portion of Haiti out of abject misery and into simple poverty. A Harvard-trained infectious disease physician and medical anthropologist, Farmer has dedicated his life to the health and well-being of an entire rural area in the central plateau region of the country-a village known as Cange. His comprehensive public health philosophy includes free medical care, food, water, education and research.

Meanwhile, Farmer has become an internationally-recognized expert in the treatment of both HIV and tuberculosis, particulary drug-resistant TB. Along the way he's pioneered the treatment of near-epidemic TB in such far-flung places as Peru and Siberia. With the help of a few friends and a few millionaires the non-profit organization Partners-in-Health (PIH), located in Boston, administers Farmer's plans far and wide.

The book is a pretty fascinating read, from Farmer's unorthodox American upbringing (eccentric father nicknamed The Warden and near-homelessness), to his genius-level and workaholic-inspired personal sacrifices. The middle of the book lags a bit, describing multi-drug resistant TB in detail. But the book also contains a good introduction to Haiti's particular political history and social challenges. (Why doesn't Haiti have tourism-like nearby Jamaica? Why doesn't Haiti have sustainable agriculture-like nearby Cuba?) Finally, it offers an outstanding example of Margaret Mead's famous quote: "Never the understimate the ability of a small group of committed individuals to change the world." To which Paul Farmer adds "Indeed, they are the only ones who ever have."

A particularly timely read as Americans should now, more than ever, familiarize themselves with this near-neighbor, the poorest nation in our western hemisphere.

Recent Movies

I don't see a lot of movies, but if i see something commendable (or detestable), I will probably mention it here.

As I heard from others, Julie and Julia really was quite a good movie. Quiet and a little slow-moving, but enjoyable for anyone interested in food or the process of writing. As I mentioned in my entry "New York State of Mind," it was infinitely better than the book, which rarely happens! Screenwriter/director Nora Ephron wisely decreased Julie's role in the movie while increasing Julia Child's. Both are well-played, but Julia Child is a larger-than-life character and clearly Meryl Streep had more fun with her than Amy Adams had with Julie. Julia Child may have been a bit overplayed and her height seemed inconsistent in some scenes. The biggest visual turn-off in the film is being forced to watch Julie's husband chomp food and talk with his mouth open. (gross)

If you haven't heard already, The Blind Side is definitely worth a trip to the theater. It's PG-13 due to a violent gang/ghetto scene. Sandra Bullock's main character (Leigh Anne Touhy) could have easily been cheesy and oveplayed, but she had the comic sense and timing necessary to pull it off. This is a thoughtful, conversation-provoking movie to see with your teenagers. What would it be like to be homeless? Do you know any teenagers at school who are homeless? Would we be willing open up our home the way the family in the film did? What is the true nature of altruism? Can even a seemingly self-less act of charity become a pride issue? Should we turn off the t.v. and eat in the dining room? See why we don't buy you a brand-new car?

I'll rarely be current with movies, but between kids, jobs, hobbies and budgets, perhaps there are still a few of you out there who can use this information.

Darkness Is My Only Companion

In addition to raising kids and cats, helping at school, pharmacizing, and turning the lights off around my home, I also volunteer a couple hours a week to organizing and maintaining our church's library. So, when not reviewing good children's books in this space, I will occasionally put in a plug for something I come across while dusting shelves over at the church.

I just finished Darkness Is My Only Companion (subtitled "A Christian Response to Mental Illness") by Kathryn Greene-McCreight. This slim volume takes its title from the final line of Psalm 88. In it, Greene-McCreight shares her personal experience with manic-depressive (bipolar) illness. A theologian, her book is full of quotes from the Psalms, Job, the New Testament and the Book of Common Prayer, as well as Spurgeon, Christina Rossetti, John Donne and William Cowper. She importantly reminds us of the contributions made by those with depression and other mental illnesses including Van Gogh, Emily Dickinson, John Bunyan, Charles Dickens and Handel.

Given that 1 in 4 of us will experience some level of mental illness at some point in our lives (www.nami.org) it is crucial that the Christian church begins to learn a better response in dealing with these issues. As life becomes more chaotic, difficult and even dysfunctional, depression and anxiety are on the rise. This is to be expected biblically as we exist in a fallen world and our society moves farther from its Creator. (Christianity Today magazine also gives a review of the depression epidemic in their March 2009 issue, www.christianitytoday.com.)

Greene-McCreight also gives wise counsel for those seeking helpful therapy. Having worked with both secular and Christian therapists she suggests a careful interview process to find a professional with a compatible world view. She makes an interesting argument that seeing a quality secular therapist could be the modern equivalent of Moses and his Israelites spoiling the Egyptians of their gold. A sort of "take the good and leave the bad" philosophy, or a twist on Augustine's "all truth is God's truth." Again, she cautions this is only true as long as the counselor respects your religion and world view.

Greene-McCreight's book is helpful for those who want an intimate picture of what mental illness looks and feels like, as well as a scriptural review of the anguish many Bible characters poured out to God. We are still a long way from defining the fine line one must walk in terms of therapy and medication, but this book can help Christians begin to overcome some judgmental attitudes towards the agony many suffer and the therapies they choose.

Lord Jesus Christ, you are for me medicine when I am sick;
you are my strength when I need help;
you are life itself when I fear death;
you are the way when I long for heaven;
you are light when all is dark;
you are my food when I need nourishment. (Ambrose of Milan, 340-397)

New York State of Mind

My general goal with this "blog" (I hate that word almost as much as the word "disconnect"--William Safire told me to never noun a verb) is to help parents discern quality reading material for their kids. I know this has been done before, and I'm sure it's been done better. Nevertheless, this is the mission I've accepted.

So, for that reason, my next entry will be entitled "Why We Need Winnie-the-Pooh."

In the meantime, another literary crisis has crossed my nightstand and I want help others navigate these stormy waters.

I like to read for information and I like to read for entertainment. but I tend to read everything a bit late. So if you're the cutting edge, New York Best Sellers, pre-order the next Janet Evanovich-type, my blog won't be of much use to you. However, if you have a couple kids, run a household, work occasionally, finish your kids' science projects for them and clean up cat vomit at 11:30 at night, I may be able to simplify some of your reading decisions.

I found a fun little book to suit both my drive for information and humor titled The Know-It-All:  One Man's Humble Quest to Become the Smartest Person in the World by A.J. Jacobs. This is copyrighted 2004.  I saw it on vacation in 2008 and finally bought it a month ago with my birthday money. (Because I'm frugal and rarely spend money on new books I could check out at the library.) A.J.'s project is to read the entire Encyclopaedia Britannica from a to z. This he attempts because since college he feels he's gradually lost more and more intelligence. This can happen when one lives in New York and works for Entertainment Tonight. Or, if you have spent any time changing diapers, watching Sesame Street, or playing Uno without Skip, Reverse, Draw 2 or Wild Draw 4 cards. Somehow I felt I could relate to A.J.

I really quite enjoyed the book because A.J. is clearly bright yet self-deprecating, never makes his audience feel dumb. This is a lesson for most of us that should not be wasted. Particularly, his intellectual skirmishes with his genius brother-in-law end with lol results. And he peppers his journey with relational stories from his East Coast family. A.J. is vulnerable enough to share his insecurities with his readers and we all feel more comfortable because of it. See, I even call him A.J. instead of "Jacobs."

This book is a good read for someone who wants to pick up some trivia and laugh a bit on the way to bed. My only caveat is that about 1/4 of the way through, almost as some after-thought to appeal to an edgier generation, A.J. begins to occasionally drop an "f" bomb, or allude to some illegal collegiate drug use. As usual, these tactics do nothing to further the story, enhance humor or engender warm fuzzy feelings on the part of the reader. I'm always baffled when the intelligent and even the pseudo-intellectuals among us stoop to this sort of low-brow dialect. Yes, i'm old-fashioned, but words mean something and the words we choose to use tell the world something about us as people. At least, that is what I tell my children.

Now, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Because then, on a whim, I decided to pick up Julie and Julia by Julie Powell. My sister and my mom really loved the movie. And since I always read the book before I see the movie (yes, 2 years late, on dvd) I grabbed it off the 14-day loan table from the library.  The nice coincidence was, I thought it could help me with this blog idea. "Wow, some people get rich doing this!"

We all know by now Powell decides to cook through all of Julia Child's recipes in a year and write about it. Well, about 5 pages in Powell begins to drop the "f" bomb with increasing regularity. Then there's the drinking, the hangovers, the 11 year-old reading her parents Joy of Sex, the conversations with friends about serial partners and explosive sex. (Okay, that just sounds dangerous.)

I'm aware I'm sounding more Puritanical by the minute. So let me clarify: I do have experience with some of those experiences. But that book was already at the house where i was babysitting-not at my parents' home! Also, i occasionally say "dammit" for dramatic effect.

Powell is a good writer. She's humorous; she's descriptive; she's clever. One of the endorsing reviews came from a favorite of mine, Lauren Winner (reformedJjewish bad girl turned Christian writer/purity crusader). My point is, if you have all that talent, why bother with the R-rated material? She even warns us about her sailor's mouth. Hey, admitting is the first of 12 steps, Julie!

I appreciate her monogomy with her husband. (So does she, she makes clear.) I appreciate her love for cats. I appreciate her juxtaposition between the real world (her hometown Austin, Texas) and New York City. I just want to warn my friends and family: you may not appreciate this book if the movie was PG-13 and the book is R. Very R. Not just a little R.

Our American culture is very nearly dominated by two crushing, converging forces:  one from New York and one from Los Angeles! What to do?! Read, watch, and blog with discerment.

"Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, more thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you. but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." I Cor. 6:9-11.

What are we to do? We can't pretend to be perfect. We understand God views all sin as equally depraved. Can we not watch a current movie or read a current book? Paul continues to provide us an answer:

"All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." I Cor. 6:12 (read to verse 20!)

I have some friends who can read these books (The Know-It-All, Julie and Julia) for entertainment, for insight into life in the "real" world, for conversation starters with coworkers. I have other friends who will be glad for the forewarning. each of us has only so much time and we need to prioritize our commitments. If you can read this blog and glean some insight and some foresight, my time will be well-spent.

For those of you who would like an alternative to Julie and Julia, please consider lauren winner's memoir Girl meets God, as well as it's sequel (something or other about coffee and Tuesday mornings?  Mudhouse Sabbath?), and her book on chastity: Real Sex. she's witty, intelligent, transparent, Jewish and also lived in New York.

Hope to see you here next week for possibly a lighter topic: "Winnie-the-Pooh, and Beatrix Potter, too."