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Bookish Talk, Life

Sunday Matters: Reading Things

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Sunday Matters

As the year flies by, I am over here in my happy little corner reading like a crazy person. Often four books at a time. This seems to be working well for me. Usually at the end of the year I start to taper off but I don’t see that happening this year. I have just been reading so much good stuff. 

Add to that the re-read/read-along for 1984. Whew! I’ve read the book at least three times before but this time. Wow. It’s a little alarming and mirroring what I’ve seen of that “project” that everyone talks about since the election. It is definitely a book for our times but it was written in 1948! 

Right Now:

My Sundays are pretty static. Student ministry. Fueled by coffee. Post church nap. 

This Week:

This is a short week for me. We have a work party on Wednesday, and then I am out from Friday well into January. End of the year vacation is always so nice. I do try to take time off during the year but I don’t want to take time just to take it. You know?

On Saturday 12/14 we do the annual Christmas Light tour with friends. I need to make molasses cookies for that. Add it to my list. 

My adult kids will be down 12/23-12/25. Super short visit. 

Reading:

Watching:

Christmas movies here and there. So far, Christmas with the Kranks, and Christmas Vacation. Both seen a million times but always funny. 

Grateful for:

  • My Spotify wrapped, year of listening was ALL Chappell Roan. Her music is like a Girl Anthem for all girls. 
  • Time – part of my vacation will be purging the garage. I joined a site on FB where I can post stuff and people will come right away to pick it up. Let’s get rid of stuff!! 
  • Tamales. Especially the green chile and cheese ones. We have friends that sometimes bless us with tamales at Christmas. They are delightful. 

Recently reviewed books in case you missed them:

Something new! I started a Bookshop on Bookshop.org! It’s fun to add books and I’ve been a supporter of Indie stores for a long time but this is too cool. 

bookshopdotorg

What are you plans for the holidays? Any trips or family visiting? Have you chosen your “first book of the year” yet? I have not. 

Bookish Talk

1984 Read-Along – Part 1

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1984

1984
By George Orwell
Written in 1948

With this last election cycle, I could not help but compare it to this classic, 1984. To be fair though, It’s been years since I’ve read it so I decided to read it again during the month of December.

Schedule (optional)

It’s in three parts, and I SWORE I would not make a schedule but some readers like to have a little structure so here is a brief, brief plan.

  • Read Part 1 by 12/13
  • Read Part 2 by 12/20
  • Read Part 3, finish by 12/31

Here are some questions to ponder:

*Why does Winston keep a diary? Given the presence of the Thought Police, the constant surveillance, and the like, is it not dangerous?

*What do you think of when you are first introduced to the ministries?

Ministry of Truth (news and entertainment, education)
Ministry of Peace (war)
Ministry of Love (law and order)
Ministry of Plenty (economic affairs)

*What about this motto? How does it compare to what we are experiencing today?

War is peace.
Freedom is slavery.
Ignorance is strength.

*In 1984, the language spoken is Newspeak. It’s a language that is designed to limit the range of human thought. Also called Double Think. It’s a paring down of meaning, for example Uncold instead of warm. It also uses excessive abbreviations. Can you detect hints of this in today’s world? Provide an example.

*The purpose of the Two Minutes Hate in George Orwell’s 1984 is to channel the citizens’ frustrations and emotions towards a common enemy, ultimately ensuring loyalty to the Party and preventing any rebellious thoughts or actions. In relation to our media sources today, is this something that is actually happening now?

*Who is Big Brother?

Ponder these questions and we will reconvene 12/13.