raydirector

• Rated 5 stars

“I had heard stories about The Republic and its supposed draconian and legalistic idea of the state, and upon reading it I fail to understand how anyone could conclude that Socrates was actually suggesting the development of such a state in real life. His development of a model state, which he equated to an individual, was genius. The Republic presented me with a clear and reasoned definition of happiness as it applies to humanity, and how reason is the only way we can truly achieve happiness, or the blessed life. Why we don't pay more attention to the wisdom of the ancients today I'll never understand.”

raydirector wrote this review Tuesday, May 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“While I don't particularly agree with Socrates view of human consciousness and the immortal soul, his arguments for it were nonetheless brilliant. What really gripped me was not his discussion of the immortality of the human soul, but his cogent appeal to his friends to seek wise men, both within and without Greece. Given that I hold Yeshua (commonly know as Jesus) was logic incarnate, I find this admonishment of particular relevance. The dialogs in The Last Days of Socrates will hopefully force you to reconsider the idea of duty, God, and man's duty while living.”

raydirector wrote this review Friday, May 16 2008. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Beloved is not a book about slavery. Instead, it is a novel about characters who strived with all their being to be something of their own in a world that seemed hell-bent on denying them this opportunity.

The prose in Beloved was at times stunning, and at other times utterly shocking. You can't come away from reading this book indifferent. It leaves an indelible mark on its reader, which is, in my opinion, a characteristic of good writing.”

raydirector wrote this review Wednesday, March 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )

1 of 1 members found this review helpful.

• Rated 5 stars

“A retelling of the changeling myth, Donahue weaves a wonderful tale told in two parallel threads. What I found most pleasurable about reading this book was the way in which the author juxtaposed pain, grief, loss, beauty and love. It took the hidden shades of truth found in every myth and brought them to the light, revealing the wonder of the human experience, and in many ways praising the capacity to grow and mature as an individual which we all seem, at some point or other, to take for granted”

raydirector wrote this review Monday, October 22 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“I read this book after John Dean referred to it in Conservatives Without Conscience. Brief and concise, Senator Goldwater outlines in clear terms what conservatism is. As a conservative, I've had difficulties with some of the GOP's contemporary policies. This book gives me a better idea of what to look for in a conservative candidate, as well as providing some good guidelines for being a conservative.”

raydirector wrote this review Wednesday, October 3 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“The funniest, most adventurous, pirate . . . errr . . .umm adventure I've ever read. When reading this book, I suggest doing so while eating a succulent piece of ham, and afterwards singing a good shanty!”

raydirector wrote this review Monday, October 1 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“Though a short read, Life Together packs in a lifetime of theology. Bonhoeffer covers the gamut living and operating in a Christian community. The final chapter, which I feel is the most important, deals with sin and confession, an oft to forgotten theological concept. Furthermore, Bonhoeffer takes his time in explaining through the use of scripture and examples spiritual concepts of corporate Christian living and shows how very real and applicable they are.”

raydirector wrote this review Friday, September 28 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 4 stars

“Although a bit repetitive at times, Dean did a great job of revealing the roots and system of authoritarian neo-conservatism that continues to erode the democratic system that our fore-fathers established. In addition to being an eye-opener, it is a call to action for liberals, moderates and true conservatives alike.”

raydirector wrote this review Saturday, September 22 2007. ( reply | permalink )

• Rated 5 stars

“I never knew satire could be so enjoyable. Vonnegut does a masterful job of pulling you right in, giving you what you never expected, and even with a tragic end, he leaves you turning the last page with a grinning and snickering. ”

raydirector wrote this review Sunday, June 3 2007. ( reply | permalink )