What I’m Reading
and….
Odd couple. I’ve been eyeing this Copleston History of Philosophy series for some time (nine volumes!). It seems like a comprehensive and exhaustive (exhausting?) series, and I’ve always felt that my grounding in western thought was incomplete. I blame it on the public school system, but I am free to correct it, and I have chosen to do so. So far, it is a book that requires work (which isn’t surprising), so I’ll be reading other lighter works of fiction in parallel.
Do they even teach philosophy anymore? I don’t recall a single class on the topic through my entire schooling. Is this why people can’t seem to apply critical thinking anymore?
As for Harrington on Hold ‘Em, this came as a recommendation from my brother, and so far I have to say it is worth every moment. The level of analysis and detail is enough to make your head swim. This is the kind of book you need to read with a pad of paper handy to take notes and work out the numerous problems and examples. Volume 2 is on my shelf and waiting.
The last book, Century Rain, was a disappointment. It wasn’t a bad book, but I had higher expectations from Reynolds based upon his previous work. The story took some interesting ideas and wrapped them around a fairly mundane action story, with numerous close calls for the main characters. Scenes like that actually hold very little tension, because the characters at risk are central to the story, and it is simply impossible (or highly improbable) that they will die. Therefore, what’s the point?
I’m still a fan of Reynolds, and will read and recommend his other work. Century Rain should be the last of his books to be read if you have other choices.
Filed under: Reviews (Books and Movies)
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