Life of Pi - Martel

The Life of Pie by Yann Martel - 3/5

"The Life Of Pi"(LOP) is a mystical journey that attempts to discover self, life and meaning. The (in)credibly absurd journey of Pi and Richard Parker through the Pacific Ocean is one of the most unlikely tales of them all. The story is both inventive and creative. Written with taints of the nostalgic, LOP is an invigorating, light hearted read that entertains it¡¦s readers from beginning to end.

Martel slowly draws his readers into the depths of Pi¡¦s life with a description of the habits and nature of the three-toed sloth. From these descriptions, one is transported to the unique and interesting world of Pi¡¦s early years at Pondicherry, India. We are introduced to the people who deeply influenced Pi¡¦s life, the religious mentors that guided him through a maze of spirituality. Pi finally concludes that he is a Hindu, Muslim and Christian all at once. Through this witness Martel expresses the belief that all religions are fundamentally the same, that all religions are searching for a single ultimate reality and that all religions provide a legitimate pathway to God.

Pi argues that "we should not be jealous with God"implying that we should not claim any religion has unique knowledge and offers the only way to the divine. Pi explains that the "paths to liberation are numerous, but the bank along the way is always the same, the bank of Karma, where the liberation account of each of us is credited or debited depending on our actions."Pluralism has many fatal flaws that are not addressed in this book but at least Martel acknowledges that all religious teachers (even Hindus) claim some level of exclusivity. This is dramatically and humorously illustrated when Pi accidentally bumps into a Pandit, an Imam and a Christian Priest all at once.

A second theme that emerges from LOP is the intrinsic will to survive that all living organisms have. Pi observes that, "all living things contain a measure of madness that moves them in strange, sometimes inexplicable ways. This madness can be saving; it is part and parcel of the ability to adapt. Without it, no species would survive." But, when on the life boat watching a zebra in pain and distress, Pi openly admits that "when your own life is threatened, your sense of empathy is blunted by a terrible, selfish hunger for survival."

As a philosophical inquiry into religion and life, LOP is not complete. After all the reviews I read of how it would make one believe in God, I was surprised to find that it was not as complex or as interrogative as I expected it to be. While Martell does make some comments about religion and the will to survive, the narrative is not deeply profound, fluent and clear yes, but philosophically whimsical. Ultimately I do not think the narrative was meant to be a framework for a philosophical inquiry, but rather the deep issues flowed inherently from the narrative.

Ultimately Martell is a supreme storyteller who is able to spin a yarn like no other. LOP tells a wonderful tale that is worth telling and stretches the mind to edge of belief where a reader may wonder if Pi¡¦s feat is plausible. As a story, LOP is clearly written, humorous in part, vulgar and grotesque at points and ultimately triumphant. Although LOP may or may not be worthy of the Booker prize, it is, at the very least, an entertaining read, and that is more than can be said for many novels out there today. Congratulations Yann Martel.

P.S. If you ever get stuck on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, make sure you have this book with you, it may just save your life. And if you are ever in Mexico and bump into Richard Parker say hi to him for me.

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Their Blood Cries Out - Marshall

Their Blood Cries Out by Paul Marshall - 5/5

"Their Blood Cries Out" (TBCO) is a masterfully written, meticulously researched, deeply compassionate and intellectually honest account of the persecution of millions of Christians around the world today. Marshall is careful to define a Christian as a person whose "Christian faith is a central aspect of their lives"(see Appendix D). Marshall has produced a much needed, up to date account of the suffering that is inflicted upon Christians today. TBCO surveys many countries and regions where persecution takes place, it examines the reasons and the causes of this persecution, and it tries to understand American (Western) apathy towards religious persecution. It is an honest, all round examination that informs, provokes and convicts.

TBCO is neatly divided into two independent sections: the first section is a global survey of countries where persecution takes place. The second part examines the reasons for the lack of interest in persecution and Marshall tries to come to an understanding of "why don¡¦t people care.¡¨

The first part of TBCO examines persecution in Islamic, communist, Hindu/Buddhist and Orthodox Christian countries. For each country covered, Marshall has carefully collated information and testimonials from easily verifiable sources. The book is well footnoted and his claims can be easily checked. This survey is an interesting investigation that is written with a deep sense of compassion and understanding. Marshall manages to avoid the pitfalls of gross generalizations and appropriately basis his work and conclusions on verifiable evidence. In writing this book, Marshall has traveled to about 20 of the countries he writes about. His willingness to examine the evidence first hand and to compile the stories of those who suffer and die for their faith should motivate unaware Christians to stand up for their persecuted brethren.

TBCO was written in 1997. Although the data presented in the book may be outdated, the overall analysis is still relevant. Many of the countries covered in the survey conducted in the first part of the book are still persecuting Christians and, in some cases, the persecution has become more intense. Since the WTC attacks Christians in Islamic countries have become increasingly vulnerable to attacks. Indonesia saw a drastic increase in communal violence in places like central Sulawesi. The Montagnards in Vietnam have, since December 2000 faced increasing persecution. Christians in North Korea still suffer immensely. And the list continues to grow. The reasons for the persecution remain the same, and the number of testimonies increases.

The second part of TBCO is a fascinating investigation into the apathetic stance that is taken by comfortable Christians and Western secularists. Many Christians, even when informed about their suffering brethren, would rather discuss other things. As Marshall himself says, "The subject of persecuted Christians is jarring to an obsession of personal peace."Elsewhere he comments that, "the vast body of Christians in the United States have abdicated their responsibility to deal with the persecution of Christians."Marshall notes that "the situation of Christians overseas is passed by silently."In my experience, many Christians don¡¦t care. Much of what Marshall has said in the second part of this book remains true today.

Marshall shows clearly, conclusively and concisely how modern evangelicals in the west are obsessed with finding inner peace and would rather not hear about persecuted Christians. Marshall also observes that the mainline Churches seek outer peace, they try to maintain the status quo. He documents many examples of when organizations like the National Council of Churches (NCC) have blatantly ignored persecution. This is still true today. Recently a leader in the United Methodist Church has denied that there is persecution in Vietnam and has insisted, at the behest of the Vietnamese government, that there is religious freedom in that country.

Secular organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are also examined. Although Marshall rightly credits them for the brilliant work they do for human rights abuses, he also admonishes them for ignoring the plight of Christians. Marshall also admits that, "though instances of the persecution of Christians and other religious figures may be covered, we lose a recognition of the extent of religious persecution that exists in the world." But Marshall shows understanding when he points out that the extent of human suffering in the world today is so great that it is virtually impossible for those organizations to cover it all. He humbly confesses that he, in his survey, has not covered some countries, like Laos, where persecution is severe but "the events seems less important than other things included."He compassionately, and devastatingly knowingly implicates himself by asking, "How can one say that someone¡¦s death is not important?¡¨

Marshall does not leave us in despair asking what can be done. The last chapter examines things people can do to help suffering Christians around the world. The most important step, in my opinion, is to let others know. Do not be shy, or be unwilling to disturb someone¡¦s peace, be prepared to discuss persecution whenever the opportunity arises and challenge others to care.

TBCO has inspired me, convicted me and humbled me. It has forced me to face issues that are not comfortable to face; it has pushed me to action within my own community. TBCO has challenged me to care, to care for others that live far and near. Will you allow yourself to be challenged? Do you care?

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Men are from Mars - Gray

Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus: A Practical Guide for Improving Communication and Getting What You Want in Your Relationships by John Gray - 3/5

"Men are From Mars, Woman are From Venus" (MAFM) is filled with insightful advice and many illustrative examples on how to communicate effectively in relationships. Gray places a large emphasis on the importance of marital relationships and endeavors to help couples, going through rough times, to communicate effectively with each other. Within the context of modern society, where marriage is very often presented in popular media as an archaic social construct, it is refreshing to find a person that regards marriage with such high esteem.

MAFM explores some of the fundamental differences between men and women and seeks to explain why men/women act in the way they do. Gray aims to help readers to understand "how completely different men and women are" but encouragingly teaches "ways for successfully relating with, listening to, and supporting the opposite sex." Gray places a large emphasis on "practical techniques" and calls MAFM "a practical manual for how to succeed in creating loving relationships." MAFM is drawn from the author¡¦s own observations in an active counseling practice and from his own experience as a married man and father.

Men are described as "rubber bands." According to Gray, a man needs to "pull away to fulfill his need for independence or autonomy." Gray asserts that if men do "not have an opportunity to pull away, he never gets a chance to feel his strong desire to feel close." Gray also observes, "When a man is stressed he will withdraw into the cave of his mind and focus on solving a problem." Women, on the other hand, are described as "waves." "When she feels loved," says Gray, "her (a woman¡¦s) self-esteem rises and falls in a wave motion." Gray notes that, "a woman¡¦s ability to give and receive love in her relationships is generally a reflection of how she is feeling about herself." Gray also asserts women, in general, "feel better by talking about solving problems."

Gray asserts, "Most of our complex emotional needs can be summarized as the need for love." He then identifies the primary needs of men as "trust, acceptance, appreciation, admiration, approval and encouragement." Woman¡¦s primary emotional needs, says Gray, are "caring, understanding, respect, devotion, validation and reassurance." Once these primary needs have been isolated, Gray argues that, for a successful relationship, a husband must be willing to meet the emotional needs of his wife and vice versa. If men/women do not set out to fulfill each other¡¦s needs then they may be unknowingly hurting their partner. "Love," says Gray, "often fails because people instinctively give what they want¡K.So they are caught in a loop of failing to fulfill each other¡¦s needs." Gray asserts that "if men and women learn how to support each other in the ways that are most important for their own unique needs, change and growth will become automatic."

Gray also addresses the complex issue of arguments, and how they can be avoided. He asserts that men and women should "negotiate" for what they want but that they shouldn¡¦t "argue." "The secret to avoiding arguments," says Gray, "is loving and respectful communication." He stresses that arguments should be identified and, once identified, people should stop and take a time out. He says that arguments are started for one reason: "we are not feeling loved." Although there may be apparent surface issues the deeper issue is the lack of love that a person feels. During difficult times in a relationship, it is important, according to Gray, "to try to communicate with a loving, validating, and approving attitude." If we endeavor to understand the emotional needs of our partner and work towards meeting those needs then arguments can be avoided.

Gray also sets about illuminating positive methods to communicate difficult emotions and needs to ones partner. He acknowledges the importance of having emotional needs met and constantly emphasizes that we need to inform our partners as to what those needs are and how to communicate those needs effectively to each other. His use of letters with clearly defined formats that encourage simple and meaningful communication are novel in their method and style. It is certainly something I will attempt to use in the future when I wish to communicate difficult feelings to my wife.

Although I find myself in agreement with much that is in this book, I do not agree with the expectations that he places within people. Gray talks about the "love you deserve" and emphasizes this point towards the end of the book. I do not believe that it is correct to expect anything within a relationship although I feel I am obliged to give 100%. If I expect certain needs to be met, and those needs are not met, I will feel very disappointed. Other points I disagree with is his insistence that we get in touch with our repressed, painful feelings. Although they need to be worked out, we should not hover over them and be victims to them. We should rather empower ourselves in the here and now than be slaves to the past.

Apart from these differences, I found MAFM to be an encouraging book that delves into the depths of relationships and the causes for failures. The practical examples that are provided are insightful and do reflect the reality of relationships. Ultimately, this book is no guarantee to successful relationships, but rather it provides willing partners, who are both prepared to commit 100% to the relationship, greater understanding into the psych of their chosen one. MAFM shows how men and women can work with each other to enhance the good in their relationship and how they can confront difficult and troubling circumstances with hope.

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