Review 57: The Morality of Laughter (F. H. Buckley)

A fairly serious book about laughing. This is a philosophical, at times theological, enquiry into laughter. A helpful book in that it encourages us all to give laughter its proper place in our lives. The reasoning is usually sound and convincing; Buckley rejects postmodernism (40-42) and defends Christianity as true joy (64, 66-70). His discussion of joy is excellent (68-69). Two critiques: 1) I am not sure the main thesis of the book (laughter comes from superiority) is sound, relevant, or consistently held (cf. p 70), 2) Imprecise use of terms gets confusing. For example, is 'laughter' the same as 'amusement' (p. 65)? Sports are 'amusing,' but don't illicit laughter.

Review 56: Everything They Had (David Halberstam)

At times the writing is pedestrian; also, this book is surprisingly short of engagaging insights; however, the essay on "Men w/o Women" is a pretty good defintion of what 'fellowship' truly means. The essay "Sports Can Distract" is a breath of fresh air, showing that Sports can't really heal us if our lives are already empty. An excerpt: "I am made uneasy by those who seem to need sports too much, these crazed superfans who bring such obsessive behavior to games where complete strangers compete. There is an equation at work here: The more obsessive they are as fans, the emptier I suspect their real lives are...after 9/11...let me suggest that we will do well in the current difficult crises not because the 49ers do well...but rather if we as a nation are strong, wise, and patient." Halberstam shows the best sports can do is distract -- but that is no small thing, and actually a good thing in its place.Also, I can't understand why Halberstam argued against Jordan coming out of retirment ("Say it Ain't So, Mike"). Is 'you will ruin your legacy' really a reason? Perhaps Jordan added to his legacy a rather unflattering chapter, but not becaue of his play, but because of his selfishness. Still, Halberstam's prediction that the Wizards would be dreadful was right on the money, and a much more substantive reason for Jordan to either a) stay retired, or b) go to another team (preferably a contender).

Review 56: The War Within (Bob Woodward)

This is Woodwards chronicle of the last two years of "Bush at War." Each book in this series gets better. Woodward seems to have mastered the War biography in process. Notwithstanding the weakness of the first book, the last is a tour de force. Insightful, enthralling, and tragic. In the end he lays most of the blame for missteps on Pres. Bush. According to Woodward, things went wrong because Bush was arrogant, a bully, and obstinate. Thus, unwilling to listen to counsel. Bush just 'felt' he was right and was not open to any other interpretation. One lesson: leaders need to cultivate open forums of debate, without making subordinates feel disloyal.

Review 55: The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes - and Why (Amanda Ripley)

This is a scientific/experiential examination of who survives disaster, and why; beautifully delivered with a poetic prose style. Many of the themes are almost Biblical(the need for a grand narrative, hope, community, etc. in times of crises). Some of the research conclusions are dubious, subject as all such conclusions are to interpretation. However, the wisdom in this book is concrete and illuminating, and the human interest stories are riveting. This book is now in my top 10 of most important/helpful/influential books I have ever read.

Review 54: A Biblical Approach to Personal Suffering (Walter C. Kaiser)

Partly commentary, partly application of the book of Lamentations. This is short enough to read in a couple of hours, and would form a good intro to the much neglected book of Lamentations. The book itself is organized around a program for recovering from suffering, following the outline of the book of Lamentations. Especially good is Kaiser's discussion of God's anger (59-62), and his description of various kinds of suffering, "Suffering in the OT (121ff)": 1) retributive (ie. punish. for sin), 2)educational (Pr. 3:11), 3)vicarious (Is. 42-53), 4)empathetic (weep with those who weep, and of God: Is. 63:9), 5)doxological (cf. John 9:3), testimonial (God, not Job was on trial: Job 1), 6)revelational (Hosea, Jeremiah, Ezekiel), 7) eschatological (period of intense suffering that fxn as birth pangs). I don't know if suffering can be divided up into neat categories, and sometimes the categories overlap; also, there may be a few categories Kaiser misses. Still, I think such categories are helpful knowledge in times of affliction.

Review 53: How to Read Slowly (James W. Sire)

A classic. Not only great counsel on how to read (note: pronouncing words is not the same as reading), but also a primer on how to read with worldviews in mind, ie. training in discernment.

Review 52: A Beautiful Mind: The Life of Mathematical Genius and Nobel Laureate John Nash (Sylvia Nasar)

Nash is a disturbing figure in person. His egomania, not highlighted in the movie, is seen here is stark detail. His domineering relationship toward his wife is troubling.