Gilead, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, The Good Earth, Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven, and Everything is Illuminated—what do the books have in common other than the fact that I have read them since finishing Infinite Jest?

Nothing.

OK–that is not entirely true.  I would say a similar theme throughout is living the best life you can while you are on this planet.  It is fairly easy, be nice to people, the planet and animals.  Those last two weren’t really talked about in the books, but I think it is way up there on the happiness factor. Have you seen the really sad pictures of the turtles being washed ashore in the Gulf?  Horrible. That can’t make anyone happy. Especially the turtles.

Actually, now that I think about it, there was a theme in several of the books about taking care of the land so it takes care of you. The land and home become your identity:  who you are is where you are from.  If I think of this in the context of my life, I lived the first part of my life on a farm.  As a result of this experience, I will not eat animals (especially cows named Bill), I will not walk over grates for fear of falling through them and breaking my arm and I love the smell of fresh cut alfalfa. Now I live on the Ocean.  It does not really take care of me. It couldn’t care less about me. Maybe that is why no one owns an ocean.

There was also an overwhelming theme spanning many religions which tackled the question “What does God or the gods or Jesus want me to do?” Answer: The Golden Rule.  Be nice to people.  Treat them with respect no matter who they are. Put your ego away–no one cares how big it is.

Anyway, back to the books.  I liked all of them for different reasons.

Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven because it reminded me of my mom and made me laugh out loud.

The Good Earth because it was well written and is filled with life lessons.  Thank you Tom Parker for giving me that one.

Gilead–I like this one because it took place in Iowa and referenced several times how progressive Iowa is on important issues.  Like who can marry whom.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn–another fantastic book that was funny, sad and true.  Thank you Kris from sailing vessel  Estrella for that one.

Everything is Illuminated–Funny, horrific, confusing.  I need to  brush up on my knowledge of the Jewish faith.  Thanks Tim for leaving that one on Oblivion for me-you are a premium person.

Oh, I just remembered that I read something else.  A book by Stuart Woods called Dirty Work or Dirty Job or Blow Job or something of the like. The author is very popular with the cruisers (most of whom are men in their 50’s or 60’s) and now I understand why.  I think Woods is the franchise for Harlequin romances for men.  The female main character–a MI6 (think 007)–spent most of her time naked and in bed and needing to be saved by the main male character who is a lawyer.  You can bet the case they were working on was dirty.  Quite possibly the work book I have ever skimmed.

The End