After last Sunday night's debate on economics, I eagerly devoured GK Chesterton's The Outline of Sanity on Monday. I didn't expect to read the whole thing in a day, but was anxious to hear his argument in its entirety, so I did.
That made me wonder if I could read a book a day...for a week. I laid out the challenge for myself. Here's how it turned out:
Monday: The Outline of Sanity
Chesterton sets forth his basic economic philosophy, which, according to him, avoids the excesses of both Capitalism and Socialism. A pretty interesting read, though I'm pretty sure I disagree with him on several points. His version of "Distributism" appears to be somewhat impractical, especially in light of technological advantages. His "living on the land" mentality seems anti-urban and though I can appreciate the motives of creativity and self-sufficiency behind the idea, I think a more biblical view exalts The City. Afterall, man begins his journey in an uncultivated land and ends in a highly-cultivated, glorified city.
Tuesday: Out of the Depths
John Newton's autobiography in which he explains his decision to write it thus: In light of the patience and longsuffering of God, the wonderful interposition of His providence in favor of an unworthy sinner, the power of His grace in softening the hardest of hearts, and the riches of His mercy in pardoning my enormous and aggravated transgressions - in these respects I know no case more extraordinary than mine. Most of those who have heard my story think that it is worthy of being preserved.
Wednesday: The Life of Olaudah Equiano
From the Dover edition's back cover: Charting a passage that takes him from life as an Igbo prince in what is now eastern Nigeria to the New World, Equiano begins with a description of his native land. In stark and poignant detail he gives a compelling account of his kidnapping and his ordeal aboard the slave ship...as well as many other of his vicissitudes and adventures until he finally settles in England, where he becomes a key figure in the British abolitionist movement.
Skillfully written by a man who more than mastered the English language. A powerful narrative of God's providence in the midst of great horrors.
Thursday: Virtues of Courage in Adversity
A compiliation of traditional stories, folktales, poetry and speeches assembled by William Bennett.
Friday: Poetics
Much to my shame, I had never read this before! Aristotle examines the elements of tragedy, comedy and epic poetry (with an emphasis on tragedy), highlighting the significant role of recognition and reversal in making a tragedy most effective in producing fear and pity, which is the plot's primary objective.
Good stuff...for those who like to study the art of writing.
So, hey. I did it. 5 books in 5 days. I won't likely try it again for a long time. My house is dirty, the laundry undone and the children are eating pizza...again!
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