#27 - Simple Taoism

Simple Taoism is a book that was given to me as a gift since many of my friends and family know my affinity for the philosophical teachings of Taoism, but has remained unread because it seemed too "simple." I was in between books so I figured it would make a quick read and maybe contain a nugget or two I was overlooking.

Simple Taoism is broken up into three parts: History, Concepts, and Practical Application. It is a small book so it is a touch ambitious. The history is a nice overview but since much of Taoism is shrouded in mystery and time it is just the author's take and I found it to be somewhere in the middle of different histories I have read. The definition of concepts is again middling in it's effort and very good for a beginners introduction but it does skip over some aspects and skimps on others and fails to offer a frame of reference for the level of importance of each piece. The author then ends with practical applications which are written from his own views and personal relationship with Taoism. He has a few other books on meditation so he does weight it a bit towards that end but again as a brief overview it suffices.

The Tao is simple by nature and in being so, complex. I'm very wary of any book which aims to "simplify" it, especially since most of these titles weigh in at many more pages than the original texts. I'm glad I read it and there were some new/different opinions on certain areas but it was a bit too basic for me and fell a little flat in places. It would have done well to include the Tao Te Ching in some way or at least start each chapter with an excerpt rather than some of the odd choices which were selected. Maybe a good quick basic intro, but I have to say it is Not Recommended.

#26 - Into The Wild

Right off the bat let me say that I have not watched the movie and I purposefully have not read this book for some time because of my own personal views on this tale. I am an avid outdoors man and fairly knowledgeable about wilderness survival and camping/hiking and Christopher McCandless' reckless adventure is not something I applaud or enjoy being sensationalized. There are two differing opinions on him with one camp saying he was just completely unprepared and foolish and another who maintains he was daring and a bit foolish but full of youthful bravado. I believe the former and figured I'd at least read the full story before cementing my opinion.

It's cemented. Fully. I can appreciate his journey and his desire to renounce materialism and enter the wilds but people underestimate just how soft we have become and how out of touch with nature we are. You can't relearn it by willpower and books alone in short order, especially in a totally unforgiving environment such as Alaska. There were some errors and omissions in the original Outdoors magazine article that were set right in the book but nothing groundbreaking that changed my initial theory.

The book does lose it's way as well at times and ventures into other random tales of failed wanderlust as well as the author's own which just feel like padding to an already well padded story. Fans of the movie will probably enjoy the book and regardless of my views it was enjoyable and quick. Recommended.

#25 - Hatchet

OK, yes, it is another "young adult" novel but anyone who knows me can attest that they are indeed my favorites, award winners, and not just padding to reach the mythical 52 in 52 number. I genuinely re-read these books yearly around this time and they are the treasured books from my life. I also do not believe in drawing lines between books for "kids" or "adults" to do so would be folly and only succeed in ensuring that one misses out on some great journeys. I grew up in a wilderness-like region of PA and that may have predisposed me to these tales of a young boy's outdoor struggle and survival. Hatchet follows a young boy who is involved in a plane crash in a very remote area and his efforts to survive and be rescued with only a hatchet he had been given as a gift. This story reaches into some tough areas such as divorce and death, but never sugar coats or leads the reader into any particular opinion or view. It is absolutely recommended for anyone young or old.

#24 - The Sneetches and Other Stories

Ahh... The Sneetches. An oft overlooked story from the beloved Dr. Seuss, but my absolute favorite. It is quite possibly one of my most quoted books as well. The reason is that it is as poignant and accurate today as when it was written, and most likely will be for all time. The basic premise involves two factions of Sneetches, the haves and the have nots... well actually the Sneetches with stars on their bellies and those without. A very simple concept but filled to the brim with message. Beyond highly recommended, in fact go read it now!

#23 - The Sign of the Beaver

The Sign of the Beaver, a Newbery Honor Award Winner, is one of my all-time favorite books from childhood on. I continue to go back to it almost every year and I was in between books and the weather was turning colder so it was a perfect fit. The story follows a pioneer family who is establishing themselves in Maine and the father has to leave his young son and their new cabin to go back east to their old home to get his expecting wife and daughter to join them. The Sign of the Beaver follows the young boy's trials and tribulations of wilderness survival and interaction with Indians. The survival tactics are actually very accurate and there is a lot of insight packed into this "young adult" novel. I could not recommend a book higher, and no child should be left out of this great tale.