All Consuming : Grant Neufeld

Fantastic (rated 5 stars)

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:55:36 GMT

by Octavia E. Butler

Butler’s writing is fantastic – in all the good senses of that word.

I’ve read about five of her books now and the diversity and originality of her ideas are amazing.

I could easily throw around a big pile of praising adjectives, but I’ll sum up by saying that I now consider her one of the greats of sf/sci-fi/spec-fic (or whatever you choose to label it).

A story about "The Plot: The Secret Story of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 09:38:32 GMT

The Plot: The Secret Story of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion

by Will Eisner

Explores the history of “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” – an anti-semitic hoax purporting to reveal a Jewish conspiracy for takeover of the world.

A story about "Parable of the Talents"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 07:41:27 GMT

Parable of the Talents

by Octavia E. Butler

I’ve only read one other Octavia E. Butler book before starting this one, but I’m certain I’ll be reading much more of her work.

I just finished reading the first four chapters of Parable of the Talents, and it was painful to have to tear myself away to get back to work. Immensely engaging writing. My big incentive to finish my work now is being able to get back to this book…

A story about "Shots: An American Photographer's Journal, 1967-72"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Sat, 19 Aug 2006 20:15:47 GMT

Shots: An American Photographer's Journal, 1967-72

by David Fenton

Shots is one of those books I occasionally pick up from the public library where I have never heard of them before but something about the cover catches my attention.

One of the great things about the library is how easy it makes it to be exposed to random works that I otherwise would never encounter.

This book of photography from the revolutionary counter-culture of the U.S. in the late 60’s and early 70’s was interesting both for the photography and the accompanying text. As someone who does a lot of photography of protests and other activist efforts, it was great to see the excellent photos in this book – they offer some good ideas on how to take pictures at such events.

A story about "Dante's Equation"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Fri, 14 Jul 2006 13:47:26 GMT

Dante's Equation

by Jane Jensen

I picked this book up on a whim from the current paperbacks selection at the library (yay libraries!). I guess the fiery Sephirot on the cover caught my attention, and the back cover blurb sounded like an interesting premise.

It turned out to be a fun read – and a story that took some really (no exaggeration) weird turns. It’s got conspiracies, government/spy paranoia, kabbala, ‘nature of the universe’ questions, inter-dimensional weirdness, etc.

A story about "Reflections of a Siamese twin: Canada at the end of the twentieth century"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 02:13:51 GMT

Reflections of a Siamese twin: Canada at the end of the twentieth century

by John Ralston Saul

I learned more from this book about Canadian political history than from all of my schooling combined (including taking Political Science courses at university in the nation’s capital). Excellent reading.

A story about "The Artist's Way"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 14:04:21 GMT

The Artist's Way

by Julia Cameron

Finished reading to the end of “Week 8” (p. 151). Need to get this from the library again to finish it.

A story about "The Vic"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Wed, 01 Jun 2005 19:08:38 GMT

The Vic

by Leanna Brodie

Interesting play about victimization.

A story about "Babylon 5 - The Complete Television Series (5-Pack)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Tue, 31 May 2005 04:23:47 GMT

Babylon 5 - The Complete Television Series (5-Pack)

My all-time favorite tv series. I’m sure I’ll watch it again and again in the years to come.

A story about "Horton Hears a Who! (Classic Seuss)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:34 GMT

Horton Hears a Who! (Classic Seuss)

by Dr. Seuss

The single most important book for activists to read. The activist’s bible.

A story about "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter (Sagebrush))"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:33 GMT

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter (Sagebrush))

by J. K. Rowling

I’ve only read it four times, so far…

A story about "The Autobiography of Malcolm X : As Told to Alex Haley"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:32 GMT

The Autobiography of Malcolm X : As Told to Alex Haley

Another critical book for all activists (and everyone else, frankly) to read. This book changed my perception of the world.

A story about "A People's History of the United States: 1492-Present (Perennial Classics)"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:32 GMT

A People's History of the United States: 1492-Present (Perennial Classics)

by Howard Zinn

An incredible exploration of oppressed history.

(I’m on page 497)

A story about "The Power of Nonviolence: Writings by Advocates of Peace"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:31 GMT

The Power of Nonviolence: Writings by Advocates of Peace

by Howard Zinn

I have to remember to take this out from the library again to finish it.

A story about "Scum Manifesto"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:31 GMT

Scum Manifesto

by Valerie Solanas

A classic of extreme, but incredibly perceptive, writing.

Solanas’ language is rich with flavour – almost poetical, I find myself reading it aloud whenever I pick up the book.

Her analysis into education, community, work and other social issues is fascinating – some great insights.

A story about "Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:30 GMT

Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope

by Bell Hooks

I have to remember to take this out from the library again to finish it.

A story about "Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:30 GMT

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

by David Allen

Maybe if I finished reading this I’d be better at finishing reading it…

I have to remember to take this out from the library again to finish it.

A story about "The Boomer Bible"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:29 GMT

The Boomer Bible

by R. F. Laird

A classic of satire and cynicism – done entirely in the mode of Christian and Catholic texts, with hilarious twists. For example, The Book of Genesis becomes The Book of Apes. Even includes a Hymnal.

A story about "Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:29 GMT

Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda

by Roméo Dallaire

I expected the disturbing tale of inhumanity in Rwanda and in the governments around the world that ignored the genocide there. What I did not expect was an eye opening look at the humanitarian possibilities for militaries.

A story about "The Doubter's Companion: A Dictionary of Aggressive Common Sense"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:29 GMT

The Doubter's Companion: A Dictionary of Aggressive Common Sense

by John Ralston Saul

In the tradition of “The Devil’s Dictionary” and other cynical takes on language. Witty, insightful and a delight to read. I wish I knew who I loaned my copy to so I could get it back again…

A story about "The Tao of Pooh"

nobody@allconsuming.net (Grant Neufeld) — Mon, 30 May 2005 20:35:28 GMT

The Tao of Pooh

by Benjamin Hoff

Change.