Belle & Sebastian – Wrapped Up in Books

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Just about the only silver lining to the dark cloud of air travel is the fact that hours and hours in airports and airplanes provides one with a chance to catch up on reading, something that I don’t get to do as often as I’d like to during the school year.

Deciding not to lug my halfway finished hardcover copy of War and Peace (weighing approximately 6 lbs.) to Costa Rica proved a wise move, and gave me a chance to enjoy two shorter books that were honestly some great reads!

The first was recommended to me by a colleague toward the end of the school year and is entitled The Blind Side, which simultaneously chronicles the evolutions of both the unique importance of the “left tackle” position in football as well as the person of Michael Oher, an individual seemingly destined for greatness in that particular role. This true story was moving, poignant, and spoke to the power of perseverance, generosity, and hope even in the midst of terrible circumstances. Apparently, some folks are in the midst of turning this real-life drama into a film, however doubtful it may be that such a film will come remotely close to the magnificence of this book.

The second book I started (and finished) the day I returned to the States was Freakonomics, which despite the unfortunate title, was a marvelously entertaining read in which two economists apply economic principles to real-life situations. I know, I know,….that summary sound ridiculously boring, but trust me, it grabs your attention when the authors delve into the honesty of real estate agents, the economics of naming your children, and answering questions like “why do drug dealers live with their moms?” Certainly none of their analysis is sufficient to get the country out of this recession, but it’s certainly an enjoyable diversion in the meantime!

And now with essentially three non-work days of summer left (yep, I go back into school on Monday), I’m finding myself with the need to pack in the fun this weekend! Fun fun fun fun fun fun fun fun……