Posted on 03/27/2009 11:40:18 AM PDT by Yaelle
Screwtape Letters is actually pretty compatable with Judaism, if you overlook the Devil-as-evil vs. Devil-as-temptor-doing-his-job conflict (which is a pretty fine theological line, really) and which doesn’t come to play in the story in any meaningful way.
It’s the tale of a man struggling with both his religion and the conflict between concentrating on Earthly vs. Divine goals.
Not preachy Christianity, at all.
Favorite seen: the guy is sitting in church (could be a Shul), looking around and thinking “what a bunch of F!@ng crooks and hypocrites”. . . the Temptor encouraging certain thoughts.
Flynn is best read in order but not necessary. I started in the middle then went back to book one.
It’s just the development of the main character Mitch Rapp.
If politicians are as bad as he writes about (and I suspect they are) we are lucky to survive as a Country.
Hey, Books! My favorite!
Just searched to make sure what I suggest is available, and it is...David Baldacci, “The Camel Club Audio Box Set Box Set”. It’s a set of 3 stories - The Camel Club; The Collectors; Stone Cold - for $19.79 over at “the river” site. (Can we mention retail websites here? can’t on ebay....)
Anyway, I think Baldacci is a great mystery read with light moments thrown in. Lighter than Grisham. Not really any sex scenes and the violence is not too bad. Almost any of his books would be great, the Camel Club series is more timely.
Clive Cussler!
You say that as if it's a bad thing ...
Any of the W.E.B. Griffin series (I’m partial to the current “Presidential Agent”) are really excellent - there’s the occasional veiled and tasteful sexual reference, but nothing tender ears will be corrupted by.
Colonel, USAFR
“the Screwtape letters by CS Lewis”
The John Cleese version is absolutely classic! The liner notes call it “the perfect blending of man and material”, and they’re right.
Colonel, USAFR
David Baldacci...The Camel Club and any others of his.
You are right that anyone can relate to such thoughts. What about the thought that comes to your mind when an insufferable bore is regaling you with tales of her Perfect Child and how he just got accepted to Yale, bla bla bla... That's why we have Yom Kippur, to ask forgiveness for the horrible second of hoping the kid drops out and goes to Jamaica to study ganja growing...
Wow, that is two votes for Baldacci!
Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follett. Absolutely excellent and will hold your attention. Mix of history and good story.
Exactly, and the temptor (or our own faults, or both, depending on one’s theology) kind of pushes these thoughts along, keeps you isolated, and keeps you out of communion with G-d.
Just think of the folks at Bernie Madoff’s temple (maybe shul) who stared at that fat lying bastard. I bet he went every Shabbat, sat in the front row, and was the first to hit people up come fund drive; probably greeting people at the door. Put me off going, too.
It’s universal.
“I listened to Stalingrad going through the Mohave. Excellent book.”
I agree. One of my all time favorites.
Try “Shogun”...the book (audio) is better than the series they ran on TV, great for a long trip and “sensual”, not sexual.
I’m taking note on that. I’ll be joining up with an online audio book club shortly and see if I can find it - thanks!
I highly recommend the entire Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian (Master and Commander series). The guy who reads them is just incredible.
Very little sex stuff.
1776 - David MuCullough
Whatever you choose, you might like to check your local library’s online site and see if they have downloadable audio books.
I have downloaded dozens of books, and when they weren’t to my liking, I downloaded another!
They also have a lot of the “classic” audio books available. To check on sources - http://www.overdrive.com/partners/libraries.asp
About half of the books can be burned to cd, so be sure to check that.
An alternate is the Crackerbarrel Restaurant chain. They sell (rent) you an audio book, and then buy it back or trade for another at another restaurant farther down the road.
Have a nice trip!
BTW, I get 95% of my CD books thru the library. Free beats buying them.
Cracker Barrel also has a neat program where you buy a CD book and can return it at any other CB for the purchase price minus $3.50/week.
Unfortunately, they don’t have a very wide selection.
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