Profiles In Courage

Being of the political mind, or at least thinking that I am that way, I really enjoy books on politics. Not necessarily the self-proclaiming books by current politicians, which are interesting, but books that actually talk about politics. This book is exactly that. This book came recommend by my dad, Paul, who is also into politics. Also, this book won the Pulitzer Prize.

Title: Profiles In Courage

Author: John F. Kennedy

Length: 244

Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Politics

How long will it take to read: A couple of weeks, this isn't exactly a page turner but one that you want to finish. It just takes time to read. I found it hard to pick up where I left off because of the history. I would have to look back a few pages to see exactly where we were in time.

Type of read: Slow and one you really need to pay attention to.

JFK wrote this book while serving as a senator. It examines eight senators throughout the history of the United States and how they acted courageously. It is interesting to note that JFK does not necessarily say that they men stood up for the right things, but that they stood up for the things which to them were the right things and worthy of personal sacrifice.

I think this is what really struck my interest, senators with courage. Maybe it is because I, or we, have become cynical about our politicians, but the idea that a politician would willingly sacrifice his seat over an issue amazes me. Probably because I don't think this would ever happen today. My favorite quote comes from John Quincy Adams. He said to a colleague while in the Senate, "This measure will cost you and me our seats but private interest must not be put in opposition to public good" (43).

Favorite Character: This is hard because the senators in the book are not "characters" but real people who stood for something. Having to choose one, I would probably say Edmond Ross because he clearly understood the Constitution and was not willing to sacrifice it for personal gain.

Rating: 2 1/2 stars. If you are not interested in politics, skip this one. If you are, I sincerely encourage you to read it.

Published by Harper Perennial New Edition 2003

The Art of Racing in the Rain

This book was again a suggestion by my sweet Grandma Neil. She has incredible taste in books and she just knew I would love this one. She was right. This has made it on to my list of favorite books.

Title: The Art of Racing in the Rain

Author: Garth Stein

Length: 336

Genre: Fiction

How long will it take to read: 2-5 days depending on how fast you read.

Type of read: Not a brain-candy read, but it is very easy to become engrossed in this story.

Enzo is a family dog that narrates the story. Stein wonderfully intertwines the life of the human family, the Swifts, with the life and perspective of a dog, Enzo. Enzo is smart and, if you have a dog, you will find yourself asking your dog, "Do you think like this?" And while the title of the book would make you think this book is about race car driving, it is...and it isn't. Trust me. I have no knowledge of the racing world and there were no points in the book that I was wondering what the heck was going on. The story is more about relationships, family, and growth.

It is funny. You will laugh. One of my favorite parts of the book is when Enzo is explaining that humans are in fact evolved from dogs. His evidence...werewolves.

It is sad. You will need a tissue box by your side.

It is hopeful.

Most of all, it will make you think. It really will make you look at your animals in a different way, especially if you have a dog.

Loved, loved, LOVED this book!

Favorite Character: Has to be Enzo. How can you not love a dog that narrates a story.

Rating: 5 stars. This should be on your "must read" list.

Published by Harper Paperbacks 2009.