Bridget: 22/26: The Coming Generational Storm by Kotlikoff and Burns

This was a book that was required of us to read for one of my classes. If you haven't read this or anything like it, you might find it an interesting read. The authors basically discuss how the US government has poor job of preparing us for our future retirement needs. They discuss systems like Social Security and how this system has not evolved to support the needs of our current generation. They also suggest their own solutions and idas about personal accounting for the future.

Unfortunately, I don't feel like I learned anything new from reading this book. I think we are all aware that we need to spend and invest wisely if we are planning on having any money when we retire. I think we are also aware that we cannot rely on government programs to support us in our old age too.

Recommended (if you need a reminder on why saving and investing are important). Not recommended if you already have a good grasp on your own personal accounting needs.

kayan : 7/26 : The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

The premise was straightforward enough: Lee Strobel, a lawyer-turned investigative journalist for the Chicago Tribune, set out to confirm or refute the validity of the evidence pointing towards Jesus of Nazareth as the resurrected Son of God who died for the sins of the world. Being a lover of Encyclopedia Brown (80's), The Twilight Zone (90's) and Law & Order (new millienium), my expectations were set high for this book.

And those expectations were met - sort of. Lee Strobel methodically lays out the kinds of evidence that he looks for in his work as a criminal prosecutor, as they would apply to any case, including that of Jesus: eyewitness accounts, scientific analysis, psychiatric profiling, circumstantial evidence, etc. Also, he lays out the criteria in historical and archaeological evidence.

In my opinion, his plan was perfect. But the letdown came in its execution. At times when I would've kept pushing for further proof and asked more questions, Lee retreated and stamped his findings as conclusive. As a believer of Jesus Christ, I felt he could've dug deeper to show just how abundant the evidence is which points toward Jesus' identity as Son of God and his resurrection.

I was surprised that out of all the types of evidence, I found the circumstantial bucket the most compelling. All in all, an informative read.

I think it's time for a non-Christian book.

Recommended for education purposes
Beverage pairing: Dunkin' Donuts Coffee

Rich (11/26): The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Coelho creates a world that we would all love to live in -- a world where persistence is rewarded and help from above is provided when it is needed. This idealism provides a sanctuary from the daily onslaught of bad news that dominates the headlines. But, can a story succeed when there is a back door to every corner? Do we need tragedy to appreciate success? The book's popularity provides evidence that readers don't need or want evil to balance good. For them, the outside world provides enough contrast. But, for me, "love at first sight" and living to fulfill one's "Personal Legend," Coelho-speak for destiny, is best left for fairy tales and graduation speeches.

Santiago, Coelho's orphan Annie, is a model citizen for the follow-your-dreams club. Even after being robbed of all his money and possessions, Santiago treats this affront with less remorse than getting a papercut. While noble that he can casually repel misfortune, he learns nothing from this episode. He instead places his complete faith in the words of the fortune teller, absolving himself of any responsibilty. Santiago, the shepard, becomes the sheep to his own "personal legend."

swingbeat: 23/26: Camouflage by Joe Haldeman

I've read three of Haldeman's books before, Forever War, Forever Peace, and another "Forever" book (forget the title). I also took a sci-fi writing class with him at MIT. I've liked his writing and way of teaching. This latest book just won a Nebula award so I figured I'd give it a go as well.

This book, "Camouflage" is about an alien artifact found deep underwater, and about two alien creatures on Earth that can change shape. One of them is merely trying to gather information and trying to behave human (having forgotten its origins). The other one (origins also forgotten), can only shapeshift into a humanoid form, and it has murderous intent. This book takes place in the near future.

The story is about how the creatures, in their current modern forms, seek out this ancient artifact, and how a bunch of human scientists try to analyze the device. The book is pretty riveting, and it gets pretty exciting, especially at the end when the two creatures meet and duke it out.

But then, guess what, it looks like this is the first part of a series. Because the way the book ends ... well, it really doesn't. It's begging for a sequel. THat's a little disappointing, so I don't konw how this got the Nebula award.

I'll wait until all the books in the series are out before really judging this, but for now this book was a bit of a disappointment.

From the editor:

What. Is going. On?

Good listen: A Better Mousetrap