Monday, August 24, 2009

The Book Corner

I never have been a huge book reader since time is always my issue. I read way to much research type books but have rarely saved time for fictional reading or anything of that sort. Well, this year is a bit different. Three days a week I have to wait for 1 hour for Tate at his therapy. I sit in a little waiting area with nothing but old People magazines to read. I decided to always carry a book with me to entertain myself. I also decided that I need a break from the "hard" stuff (ie, nutritional and health books) and just simply be entertained. I am a speed reader so I can read a book in a matter of hours. This leads me to be searching constantly for books to read to fill my waiting room tenures. I have read some great ones thanks to sister in laws and library recommendations but I grabbed a few more at the library last week. This little book was one I picked up just in case I finished my other books - "The Last Lecture".

I am sure many of you have heard of it or have even read it. It is a non fiction book by Randy Pausch, a computer scientist who was dying of cancer. It is his last lecture to the world. I was surprised by how much I loved this book and how much wisdom there is in each chapter. My husband is reading it and enjoying just as much. I think everyone needs to take a moment to read this little book and I especially want my children to read it. It says so many poignant things that we need to know in this life to understand how to make our dreams come true. It takes a look at how to live life by the retrospective view of a dying man.

I have been thinking so much about this topic with my children lately. How do I get them to see what life is truly about amidst their self centered teenage worlds? How do I get them to see the big picture. They are good kids. They get straight A's. However, I want them to want it all. I want them to be charitable, honorable, virtuous, spiritual, humble, etc. I want them to get what I get now after 37 years of retrospect. I know that is impossible but I want them to figure it out early. I want them to see beyond facebook and high school. Life hits them harder and faster than it did when we were kids and I want them to be prepared to handle it all. I will definitely be using some catch phrases in this book to help get my point along in the next few months. Take a moment and read this little book. It is worth your time.

If you have any great book suggestions, leave me a comment.

***A post note - I had a great comment by "Mandy" who has also read this book and unfortunately identifies all too well with it. Please take a moment and read her comment, the first comment to be posted and take a moment to visit her husbands YOU Tube message. This will be our Family Home Evening for tonight. It was very touching and a perfect video for my teenagers. Thanks for sharing, Mandy!

9 comments:

mandy said...

Hi there, long time lurker. I love all of your natural food ideas!I am gluten intolerant and so is my son so I really enjoy your posts. I wanted to comment on the book. I just read it and loved it. We just found out my husband at age 32 has stage for colon cancer with 7 tumors in his liver. Reading this book was amazing for me. On the topic about how to teach your kids this...My husband did a video with our church. Speaking to the middle and high school students(we have about 1200 at our church) he wrote a letter to himself at age 17. I would love it if you would take a look. Even my kids at ages 10,8 and 6 have learned from it! Sorry so long, I just felt like I had to share with you. Thanks, Mandy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llHbBqKiqek&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hello-righton.com%2F&feature=player_embedded
This is the only way I know how to do it..so just crtl c cntrl v to see it. Thanks

p.s. I just realized this might look like spam. I promise it is not. The book just meant so much to me I had to share. I follow you on my google reader.

Shari Goodman said...

Thank you so much for sharing this , Mandy. I have tears in my eyes and send prayers your way. He will touch many with this and perhaps change lives. I hope all read and watch this!

Cindy Thomas said...

Thanks for the info... Emma does an hour gym class weekly. I'll put my time to better use.

jtribe said...

Hi Shari,
Thanks for the comments about the book. I, also, recently read this book. My oldest brother, who was the same age as Randy in the book, has also been battling pancreatic cancer. He lost that battle week 2 weeks ago. While our hearts are sad, I rejoice that my brother packed so much goodness into his life. My 10 year old commented to me after the funeral "no one said 'we mourn his death', only 'we celebrate his life'. From all the stories about his life, he seems like he was a lot like Christ..." Reflecting on my brother's life has made me want to be a little better, try a little harder, and not waste any of the days that I have. May we each keep doing our best....

Explore & Grow said...

I'm an avid reader and health nut. My favorite book so far this year has been "The Golden Seven Plus One" by C. Samuel West. (Conquer disease with eight keys to health, beauty, and peace.) If you read it, drop me a line and let me know what you think. It's been life-changing for our family!

Leiah said...

Shari,

I recommend "These is my words" by Nancy E Turner. The book is based on her grandmothers journal entries as she crossed the arizona dessert into texas as a child with her family. My sister in laws R.S. book club had read it and voted it their favorite of the year. My R.S. read it and had equal applause for it. It is humbling to say the least! There is a second and third book that follow if you decide you like the first. Let me know if you like it!

Shari Goodman said...

Unfortunately I have already read "These is my words", I wish I hadn't so I could read it all over again for the first time. That is one of my very favorites and I have already cast the characters I want in the movie! I recommend it to everyone!

Cardalls said...

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. A silly title, but a delightful book about the people onthe island of Guernsey during the occupation of the Nazi's during WWII. I've never commented on your blog before and have only been on your blog a few times, but I like your liver cleanse and think i will do it...I have all the symptoms of an unhealthy liver and am willing ot do what it takes to get it healthy!

Ellen West said...

Great series of Arizona Historical Novels. These is My Words and Saras Quilt and the Star Garden. The author is Nancy Turner She has just finished her first book in her next series and I am excited as a kid about reading it. She will become one of your favorite authors of all time. Ellen