Books Read Recently

Even with all that was going on, I still found time to read a few good books. I guess that's what happens when you don't have a television to distract you... The first, was my traveling book during vacation (since I had a feeling I would be spending quality time in airports). "Without Remorse" by Tom Clancy is a bit of a departure from the intensely technical and high-stress environments created in most of his other books. A story of a man who has lots of bad luck but fights back is a somewhat old and predictable one, and at the end I half expected him to don a mask and cape and crusade against evil (actually, he sorta does). Nonetheless, it was a good traveling book with lots of heft, short chapters and an engaging plot.

Following that were two books meant to better prepare me for the Foreign Service Exam. The first, "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" by Thomas Friedman is a modern examination of globalization, its origins and where it might be taking the world. Globalization has indeed reached the recesses of Africa and is virtually irreversible. One of the central themes is how people struggle to hold onto their individual cultures while participating in the great melting pot that the world is becoming. I have seen this firsthand here in Cameroon with the increase in numbers of Chinese, Lebanese, Greeks, and even French who have come here to live and make a living. An insightful and thoughtful discourse and recommended to those who wonder whether NAFTA or the EU will work out or whether we have a chance of holding onto that which makes us and our culture unique.

Howard Zinn's, "A People's History of the United States" is not light reading by any stretch. At almost seven hundred pages, Zinn traces the history of the underdog from the arrival of Columbus through Clinton's first term. To say that this book is "anti-establishment" is an understatement. At least in the end of the book, Zinn identifies himself as the radical socialist that is apparent throughout the book. This is not to take away from the enlightening aspect of the other side of history- that of the Native Americans, slaves, women and blue-collar workers. It may be difficult and dense for a straight-read for some, but its presented in a way that at a minimum makes you think twice about what you know about the history of our country.

After having taken the exam, lighter reading was in order. My friend Michelle, on her way to the airport for vacation, was kind enough to leave behind "The DaVinci Code" by Dan Brown. I had heard many great things about it just as I was leaving to come here, but the last thing I was going to take halfway around the world was another hardcover novel. I'm very happy that I did have the chance to read it though, as it was an action-packed thriller clearly written with "movie rights" in mind. I'm sure its in process on some Hollywood backlot as I write this. I'm not going to ruin it for those who have yet to read it, but if you've ever been curious about the connection between science, art, history and religion, its fascinating. The end was a little too sugary-sweet, but I guess you can't have everything.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by JK Rowling recounts, as you probably know, Year 4 in the magical formation of a timid, unassuming wizard. I was much more impressed by this one than Years 2 and 3, and found myself unable to put it down. One reason I liked it better was that it did not revolve around Quidditch, the descriptions of which I find boring. In the end, its more like "Scooby Doo" than "Murder, She Wrote", but it is highly entertaining and definitely worth reading. Just a note though- you should read them in order. If not, some characters and references in this one won't make sense.

And, just completed, the precursor to "The DaVinci Code", a strikingly similar novel called, "Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown. With the same main character, and a similar plot of evil-doers, coded messages and secret societies, this novel keeps you reading just to find out what happens next. Not quite as compelling as his most recent bestseller, its conspiracy plots and graphic, accurate detail, make you want to get on a plane and go to Rome. If for no other reason than to see what he's talking about in person. I suppose not many novels make you want to run to the library (does anyone run to the library anymore?) or hop on a plane, so I would give this one a thumbs-up.