Reading is Rad

I have been reading some really good books lately and was going to do a little report each time I finished one, but that hasn't happened so instead I will give some thoughts about them.

Leo Tolstoy:

Family Happiness and Other Stories is a collection of short stories that each have vivid detail and deep truths that characterize his writing style. His main theme throughout these stories is "the only certain happiness in life is to live for others."

The Kingdom of God is Within You---Tolstoy's writing's deeply influenced Gandhi and his use of passive resistance. This book is the epitome of Jesus' teaching to turn the other cheek. Although I don't completely agree with all of Tolstoy's sentiments, I learned why the Slavic/Russian people accepted Communism so readily. It was an ideology that broke away from the repression of the Orthodox church which stifled these people for hundreds of years.

Carolyn J. Rasmus:

Simplify- A guide to Caring for the Soul is a beautiful little book that teaches how relying upon the spirit will enable us to get out of the hectic pressures of life and into the stillness of peace and reassurance that God is aware of you.

C.S Lewis:

The Great Divorce is a parable about a bus ride from hell to heaven and how people won't accept the joy offered them because they choose to hold onto petty griefs, grudges, and hostile feelings. They basically damn themselves to living in a world of hell instead of forgiving and accepting the atonement of Jesus Christ.

W. Cleon Skousen:

The Five Thousand Year Leap will help anyone understand the basic function of government and the founding principles of our country. He explains the relationship between morality and freedom and how imperative this factor is in maintaining our liberty.

C.E. Sargent:

Our Home Vol. I. This is a gem of a book full of old-fashioned wisdom and homely advice. He describes how the home life influences culture and civilization. Included are some 'funny' tidbits about diet and the personality....don't give your kids too many sweets or they may turn out to be psychopaths or commit suicide. (There is probably a lot more truth to this than I realize...chocolate is one of my sins that I refuse to give up though.)