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January 6, 2006
Reading List
Up Now--
Anne Rice Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt--I was first astounded by Ms. Rice reading Interview with the Vampire. I knew that I was reading something absolutely new, compelling, interesting. I have not been a fan since--something happened in the development of her style and writing that put me off--my problem, not hers. But once again, I am astounded by Ms. Rice's ability. This book is beautifully written and it takes big risks--for example writing from the point of view of Jesus. But every choice seems deft and sure, guided by prayer and study. What do I make of the inclusion of certain elements from "apocryphal" sources? I make that Ms. Rice uses them to show us the true humanity of Christ--the developmental awareness that every person comes to through time. I have watched my own son come to awareness of himself as a person. Ms. Rice proposes that if Christ is "like us in all things but sin" He might always have known who and what He is, but He might have had to come to an understanding of what that means. I believe the book portrays that dawning understanding beautifully. I haven't finished it yet, but I still recommend it to your attention. Even if the ending falls short, the journey has been worth it.
Up Shortly:
Christ, The Life of the Soul Blessed Columba Marmion--I mentioned receiving this yesterday and I am looking forward to reading it. It will be one of those long, slow reads because the prose is such that it will take some time to assimilate the ideas. The book is assembled from a series of talks and so has a more informal, looser structure, but still remains heady and profound. Just glancing at the first few pages showed that this would not be my usual duck-my-head-in-a-book-while-the wife-watches-CSI kind of thing.
Also yesterday I received the IVP new Catena volume for Revelations. This should prove one of the most interesting volumes as one can discover from it what the Early Church Fathers made of St. John's visions.
Looming--
My christmas gift books:
The Moai Murders Lyn Hamilton
Literary Giants, Literary Catholics Joseph Pearce
and at the inspiration of TSO
Charles Carroll of Carrollton: Faithful Revolutionary Scott McDermott--I had not looked closely enough to discover that this was, in fact, a Sceptre publication and thus a work of Opus Dei.
Posted by Steven Riddle at January 6, 2006 8:46 AM
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Comments
I did enjoy the Anne Rice book very much. I was hesitant because I am not a big fan (never mind the subject matter, her books had too many words...my mind would wander) but read it at the suggestion of a trusted advisor. This book is exquisite...and fascinating in so many ways. For instance, I had never before considered that Jesus acceptance of human form meant acceptance of normal human intellectual development. The way Mrs. Rice unfolds the development in the life of Jesus is superb.
Posted by: Ellyn at January 6, 2006 10:00 AM
Just curious--do you happen to know if the Charles Carroll the book is about is from the same Carroll family that it seems like half of Maryland is named after?
Posted by: cjmr at January 6, 2006 7:45 PM
Dear CJMR,
Indeed it is. One of the Founding Families of the nation. Rather like the FFV (First Families of Virginia--you know the Byrds, Rolfes, etc.)
shalom,
Steven
Posted by: Steven Riddle at January 6, 2006 8:11 PM