I've discovered a website called Shmoop.com, a place every lifelong learner, autodidact and home educator should explore. I'm particularly grateful for the literature guides they've created for lots of famous novels. As they guide readers through challenging material, they do so in a conversational and comfortable tone, making the books seem intriguing and … [Read more...]
Yann Martel on Life of Pi, Interpretation, Stillness, and Art
A couple of years ago, urged by a friend, I read Life of Pi, by Yann Martel.It left me fascinated, and a little confused. I guess I'm not so good with obscure stuff. So I was quite interested that the Festival of Faith & Writing brought him to speak. Would he explain the book for the slow-of-brain?The evening began with an amusing glitch. Martel was introduced by a … [Read more...]
The Simplicity of Reading
I recently came across a passage in a book called Graceful Simplicity. In a chapter entitled "The Politics of Simplicity," in a section subtitled "Education for Simple Living," the author claimed that "In educating for simple living, three building blocks stand out: fostering a love of books, developing a stronger aesthetic sensibility, and enhancing our … [Read more...]