OK, I’ve been avoiding this post because I feel like a failure. I failed to finish a reading-challenge book in month #3, for Pete’s sake! For the record, I toted Barack Obama’s The Audacity of Hope across town and across the country, but couldn’t seem to get more than about halfway through. I also realize I looked like an out-of-touch, behind-the-times Democrat, as the book was written in 2006, prior to his presidency.
If you remember, March asked me to choose a book that intimidates me. I chose former President Obama’s book not because of its intimidating length or subject matter, but more about how I felt my beliefs matched with the author’s. As in, I’m always slightly intimidated to read something written by someone who believes very differently than I do. Could this book change my beliefs? Do I want to prod around in areas that are malleable? What do I actually believe about certain topics? Intimidating stuff, at least in my opinion.
Well, after reading half of the book, I found myself viewing Barack Obama in a prettier light than I did before. I’m just going to assume what he wrote is heartfelt and honest, though that’s probably a naive assumption. He just wants a better world, people! Well, that, and he clearly strongly (strongly) dislikes George Bush, who, according to Obama, made every wrong decision possible.
Basically, why can’t we all just get along? If the harshly divided liberal and conservative parties could simply work toward a brighter future and less selfish gain, everything would be better. To me, a young(ish) woman raised in a conservative, Caucasian, Christian home in the South, it appears as though the Democrats (at least this Democrat) think the Republicans are underhanded, greedy, and entitled with no second thought about those less fortunate. And, yes, some are. But I want to hope that at least the basic good of humanity is attempting to create a better world. Right? RIGHT?! OK, maybe not. This is why we need Jesus. Clearly.
Eh, I underlined passages to share with y’all, but, frankly, I just don’t care about politics that much. Obama obviously believes in a different social culture than I do, especially in terms of marriage, gender identity, and finance (and this was written 12 years ago! I can only imagine where he stands now…).
OK, I’m relieved to send this book back to the library so Mr. Obama won’t be knowingly smirking at me from the cover any longer.
In a different turn of events, I took a break from my three-hour reading saga of Obama’s book on the plane to Phoenix. I picked up Anna Faris’s Unqualified, as I’ve been wanting to learn more about her and her actor husband, Chris Pratt.
I loved Parks & Recreation because I have an amazing sense of humor. I was surprised when The Powers That Be casted Chris Pratt as the lead in The Guardians of the Galaxy, because it seemed like a huge leap. However, clearly, they made the right choice. This is why they’re the Powers, and I’m a humble blogger.
I started following Pratt (I would call him “Chris,” but since I called Barack Obama “Obama,” I feel like I should follow suit) on Instagram and was surprised to learn he’s a Christian, and a vocal one at that. Impressed, I jumped at the chance to read more into their lives.
Well, sadly, he and Anna Faris separated and divorced at the end of 2017. I’m not going to comment on that, but it does make me sad.
During the month when I was supposedly reading a book written by a man with whom I disagree, I found myself reading a book by an actress I assumed I’d connect with. However, I wasn’t convinced.
(Faris is best known as the mom of Chandler and Monica’s twins on Friends, The House Bunny, the Scary Movie franchise, and the voice of Sam Sparks in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs [I LOVE this movie].)
Faris gives a lot of voice to the idea that she wants to be sexually independent and not judge others or be judged on how many men she has slept with. She wants to be accepting and above pettiness, and she loves to give relationship advice. However, she never seems happy. She’s not content with her appearance. She struggles with relationships. While she seems sweet and fun and honest, I don’t understand what she’s striving for, especially since it doesn’t seem to be working.
She writes how her mother was a feminist in Faris’s childhood, but pushed her daughter to save sex for marriage. But the mother didn’t base her beliefs on religion or any moral compass. It was an assumption she made, so Faris didn’t give the thought much credit. It just all felt very empty.
I’m pretty sure this is why, after He created us and our world, God gave us rules to follow. He clearly knows what’s best, so why not give it your best shot to follow said rules? It just makes sense to me, friends, even if you’re only looking out for your own best interest.
Well, anyway. There’s my two cents, for whatever it’s worth.
My husband is defending his doctoral dissertation (thesis?) in the morning. I couldn’t be more proud of him. Send up a prayer or two, if you don’t mind.
Teaser: April’s Reading Challenge has us picking a book from our childhoods. Got any favorites to share?
Well, I still (still) have yet to finish my January book, and am only about halfway through my March one. Darn intimidating books. I’ve decided that if I finish them by the end of the year that still counts, right?
Of course! April’s book is one from our childhoods, so I’m taking that as an easier month. 😉