recent readings

Things I have read recently:

This one I ended up reading by accident. Beloved left it in the bathroom and I picked it up several times and before I knew it I was interested in what happened next. It's the story of Ginchin Funkakoshi who was the father of shotokan karate. It is a memoir and was very interesting. He was a humble, peaceful man, seeking self actualization and trying to avoid conflict by being stronger and able to defend himself and by being wise enough to avoid the fight.

I also read this book, another memoir about a young boy who is from Sierra Leone. When he was just 11 years old his village was raided and he was swept up into a war that has ravaged his country for a long time. He and his friends tried to find safety but ended up in the army. He writes poignantly and beautifully about the horrible experiences of war and his lost childhood. Eventually UNICEF came in and rescued and rehabilitated him. He testified before the UN trying to raise awareness and help for other child soldiers. It is a sad story, or course, but ended well..at least for him. Our world is filled with such sorrow and I am often so isolated and even unaware of it.

I also read this fluffy story set in the south all about weddings and children and friendship.

Now I reading "The Lincolns", "Be the Water" and am looking for a copy of "The History of Love" for book club.

report over :)