There’s something about the way Octavia Butler shaped her story, “Parable of the Sower,” that made it less shockingly horrific than the other dystopian sci-fi novels I’ve read. However, her ability to draw from very real, contemporary ideas makes it more tangible…and so I sit in contemplation of that tangibility…seeing how so much of the … More Parable of the Sower: compassion in dystopia
Last week, I completed my third dystopian novel, Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley. Although it’s set a little over five hundred years from now, the ideas were drawn from the imagination of one surrounded by early twentieth-century science, philosophy, and the ugly rise of fascism in Europe. And yet…much like Orwell and Bradbury…he captures … More Brave New World: the right to unhappiness
Disclaimer: This post is being written around 2:30am. I’ve been up since 1:00am. Anything delusional is only a byproduct of insomnia – take it with a dose of humor. For those of you who want to forge ahead – cheers! A few weeks back, I was discussing dystopian literature with my two oldest children, centering … More 1984: pass the gin
It wasn’t a book I wanted to finish. Ironic….reading a book with a plot about the importance of books, and I wanted to quit half-way through. It’s also ironic that a book centered on the burning of books and censorship of information was, itself, censored by both its publisher and other institutions (namely, schools). The … More Fahrenheit 451: warning shot across our bow
Okay. I know. The flip into a new calendar year doesn’t automatically make things better…but dang, it’s gonna feel good to kick 2020 to the curb! 2020 was a year of challenge and change – some awesome and exciting, and some downright disgusting: re-entry into work after recovery from spinal surgery, the loss of my … More 2020: The one where…
My commute elevated recently by the audiobook of “Anna Karenina” by Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy…or Leo Tolstoy for the Anglicized world. In the book, he used Russian names so devoutly, that it seems rude to call him “Leo.” Though, I don’t think he’d mind…it seems he got a little earthy as he progressed in life. Until … More Four insights from “Anna Karenina”…also, Tolstoy is a rock star
This is a long post. It’s a big topic. I’m also not sure how much of this is “right.” I know my faith in God and His Word are right…but I’m not sure if all my thinking is right. Take it as a need to process out loud thoughts brewing for some time. I’m sure … More Striving after the wind: a reflection at the start of new year
Food Network is one of my favorite channels. It’s fascinating to watch people who are so passionate about their craft – whether amateurs or professionals – go after new horizons in flavor, texture, and presentation. Perhaps their grittiest competition shows is Chopped. In this series, chefs from around the country compete in three rounds of … More The daily “Chopped” competition: writing edition
“Writers remember everything…especially the hurts. Strip a writer to the buff, point to the scars, and he’ll tell you the story of each small one. From the big ones you get novels. A little talent is a nice thing to have if you want to be a writer, but the only real requirement is the … More Writing reflection: hey, your dark side is showing…
What got your attention, the horrible giant spider or the sweet deceased grandmother? The combo is a little off-putting, I suppose. There’s a point. Stick with me. I’ve had two significant recurring dreams that took place in the late ’80s/early ’90s when I was a bit of a discombobulated teen. By the grace of God … More A giant spider and a dead grandmother walk into a brain…
a tilting of air 