No Excuses: Existentialism and the Meaning of Life by Robert C. Solomon (The Great Courses)

 

4 out of 5 stars  **** 

Thought-provoking and informative are two adjectives suitable for this Great Courses lecture series. The great philosophical thinkers share their thoughts and beliefs through the narration of Robert Solomon who also adds context to content by giving his audience a little background of each philosopher. These widely known, deep abstract thinkers include Albert Camus, Soren Kierkegaard and his worldview of Christianity; Friedrich Nietzsche on Nihilism and the death of God, among other topics, such as, morality; Husserl, Heidegger on Phenomenology, consciousness and one's interaction with their environment; and Jean-Paul Sartre on emotions and responsibility.

No study of Philosophy is complete without the inclusion of religion. Science takes man to understanding and possible belief. Kierkegaard postulates that since God is spiritual and separate from creation, being the Creator, belief requires a qualitative leap of faith. Solomon's closing lecture covers Existentialism, a philosophy about the control over one's life, to Postmodernism and its general distrust of any ideologies or worldviews.

In Touch: Devoted Living: September 2020 by Dr. Stanley

 

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Many a day this devotional expresses exactly what I need to nourish my soul. Dr. Charles Stanley writes his explanation of Scripture citing book, chapter, verse from the Bible. His knowledge and open Christian heart apply the principles of each devotional to daily life. My desire to do God's will rather than my own makes such a work of communication, the devotional, necessary to mature as a Christian.

Funny Amazon Reviews by Jane Lynch

 

4 out of 5 stars  ****

This concept is interesting, an audio production of Amazon Reviews; so I listen. My preconceived misconceptions prove bias an unjust filter to reality. I laugh aloud as professional actors and comedians dramatize the script that writes itself. Online shopping creates a new genre of literature, The Review. Reviews can be amusing and informative. A collection of reviews draws from an endless source of worldwide authors. I wonder if any of them receive royalties from this endeavor.

A Rare Book of Cunning Device (Rivers of London #6.5) by Ben Aaronovitch (Goodreads Author), Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Narrator)

 

4 out of 5 stars  ****

A Rare Book of Cunning Device, by Ben Aaronovitch, is a short, well-written and narrated, interesting storyline. The author leaves his audience wanting more. This Audiobook allows escape into fantasy.

Be Right: An Expository Study of Romans (The "Be" Commentary) by Warren W. Wiersbe

 5 out of 5 stars  *****

The Book of Romans is text worth studying often. This study by Warren W. Wiersbe discusses the context in which the words are transcribed, words ascribed to the Apostle, Paul, and counted as the sacred word of God.

Paul starts many Christian churches throughout vast regions. They require tending as others try to falsely preach the gospel, one that benefits themselves and does not serve others. Paul sends letters with disciples to guide those straying from God's word. These instructions are tenets for Christians to live a life according to the Will of God and not a life of self pleasure and pride.

Wiersbe's study on Romans explores the fundamentals of Christianity with thought-provoking questions at the back of each chapter. Study groups discuss this biblical masterpiece for its many lessons that apply today.

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars  *****

Ever start reading or listening to a book and find yourself grabbing pen and paper to jot down meaningful insights. Well, Atomic Habits is one. The thoughtful attention James Clear, author and narrator, brings to his proven process for improvement of an individual, team, or business demonstrates that he lives what he teaches. In his wisdom he applies logical analysis to his identification of components that lead to successful habits responsible for improvement in any aspect of life.

An important ingredient in success is setting goals, one's aim and direction toward a specific target or level of excellence. Clear points out that there are so many who do not set goals after reaching an acceptable comfort level of existence. Greatness comes when realistic goals from a system of small routines are enhanced and maintained by positive habits.

The outcome relies on the soundness of the system, not the goal. Honest introspection identifies habits as procrastinating, obstructive, or beneficial.  Examples of improved personality habits are: supplant smoking with practice on a musical instrument, overeating with exercise and meditation, watching TV with reading or journal writing. Identity-based habits should improve confidence and self-esteem. They develop qualities of a desirable person in reaching that goal. To achieve a goal that advances good to great, a system of outcome-based habits must also apply.

Change is not always easy and James Clear addresses that pitfall in the system. Once a goal is set, specific changes may pose difficulty. The author notes that changing "want" into "is" requires four factors to make the changed behavior habit: 1) Make it obvious 2) Make it attractive 3) Make it easy 4) Make it satisfying. The elaboration of each of these four steps is very useful in creating the environment necessary for goal attainment, success. Improved life has a set of small habits, a system that affects the entire person, to unclutter visual cues in an environment that maintains and promotes clarity.

Alexander X by Edward Savio (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars  *****

An excellent story with superb writing and narration. Alexander X, book 1 of heroic struggles between genetically rare people who live for centuries and those who have a normal life expectancy. The protagonist is a teenager who blends in American society as a High School student. His recall of history is slightly different than taught but he cannot let on about how he knows the truth. What he discovers about his own family covers the rest of the story. Will Wheaton embodies the different characters, male and female, dramatizing their significance to the plot. Anticipation of Alexander X's sequel is how this book closes having no closure.