What are you doing this summer (Sum'14)? I am excited about the stops on my travel itinerary preceding the Twin Cities: a few days in Istanbul and six days in Israel. Like the seniors lounging in CC dorm last night while discussing their post-graduation travel plans - Bangkok, Goa, or maybe just Delhi - the opportunities to explore, to better understand and experience cultures certainly gives us all something to look forward to.
Consequently, this highly anticipated travel has influenced my reading list. At the beginning of the month I was reading some sections from Karen Armstrong's book on fundamentalism within the three monotheistic faiths - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - entitled Battle For God. I soon realized this book did not have the information I was seeking to inform my travels. The book simply caught my attention while sitting on my shelf. It is a book I've briefly revisited a few times since I first encountered it on the reading list for a sociology course. The Karen Armstrong book I recently picked up from the library is more relevant - A History of Jerusalem; One City, Three Faiths. She is kind of my hero too. I admire the way she seeks an understanding of religious traditions with, I think, an earnest humility - check out her TED talk on compassion (she's also pro-compassion, so we've got that).
Current Events: Ratan Tata has been chosen to receive the... what is it? "the Knight Grand Cross" - one of the highest civilian honours - from the Queen. This story caught my attention because it reminded me of another book I picked up in preparation for a train ride last January - Tata: the Evolution of a Corporate Brand. To some degree, it is a +200-page advertisement for the Tata brand. But half way through the quick read, it offers an interesting perspective on modern India, or more accurately, certain populations within India. If Mad Men took place in the 21st Century, Season 4 Episode 5 would feature Donald Draper and the team reading this book to prepare for the Tata Nano sales-pitch. Anyway, I anticipate finishing the second half of this book this fall while living in the US but pining for a sunny morning with a late breakfast at Anil's; coffee and a mixed paratha with dahi... what could be better? Hmm... why not start tomorrow morning perfectly.
Consequently, this highly anticipated travel has influenced my reading list. At the beginning of the month I was reading some sections from Karen Armstrong's book on fundamentalism within the three monotheistic faiths - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - entitled Battle For God. I soon realized this book did not have the information I was seeking to inform my travels. The book simply caught my attention while sitting on my shelf. It is a book I've briefly revisited a few times since I first encountered it on the reading list for a sociology course. The Karen Armstrong book I recently picked up from the library is more relevant - A History of Jerusalem; One City, Three Faiths. She is kind of my hero too. I admire the way she seeks an understanding of religious traditions with, I think, an earnest humility - check out her TED talk on compassion (she's also pro-compassion, so we've got that).
So that book can provide some historical background for the Israel journey. As for the Istanbul portion: I am looking into the novel Birds Without Wings, by Louis de Bernières. After devouring two Orhan Pamuk books - Istanbul: Memories and the City & Snow this winter while on camel safari, I considered the Turkish author's most renowned novel - My Name is Red. I decided to shelf that novel in order to appreciate Turkey from another author's perspective. I've yet to begin that one. But I would highly recommend Istanbul. If you do read it, brace yourself for the story of life and culture in Istanbul, as told by a local native, whose perspective is blanketed in hüzün.
Current Events: Ratan Tata has been chosen to receive the... what is it? "the Knight Grand Cross" - one of the highest civilian honours - from the Queen. This story caught my attention because it reminded me of another book I picked up in preparation for a train ride last January - Tata: the Evolution of a Corporate Brand. To some degree, it is a +200-page advertisement for the Tata brand. But half way through the quick read, it offers an interesting perspective on modern India, or more accurately, certain populations within India. If Mad Men took place in the 21st Century, Season 4 Episode 5 would feature Donald Draper and the team reading this book to prepare for the Tata Nano sales-pitch. Anyway, I anticipate finishing the second half of this book this fall while living in the US but pining for a sunny morning with a late breakfast at Anil's; coffee and a mixed paratha with dahi... what could be better? Hmm... why not start tomorrow morning perfectly.
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