Half-life

Yes, it was funny in spots, initially cleverly conceived, crammed with interesting character sketches and re-imaginings of history, and the prose was smooth---but too many notes, Mr. Estrin. He met Wittgenstein, and Roentgen, and Alice Paul, and Ives, and FDR, and Feynman, and Oppenheimer! Yet where's the "so what?" of this story? What (exactly) makes Gregor stand apart from any other, non-cockroach, character who might have fit that particular slot? (The fact that no one seems too upset by his being a giant cockroach only serves my point: that there's really nothing peculiar about the "hero" of "Insect Dreams," nothing that couldn't manifest itself in some random human; say, Forrest Gump. Although this book is far more readable than that film was watchable.) There are so many places where the authorial camera treads in too-slow motion, forcing its readers to wade through pages of what it presents as but really isn't significant and overly charged with emotion. (Not one, but three lengthy descriptions of modern musical performances are what I'm thinking of here, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. And, come on, if you want your character to start visiting the Library of Congress, there are more thought-provoking, or simpler, ways than to fleetingly introduce a pointless love letter.)

The links (such as they are) to "the original" Kafka creation are tenuous at best. Perhaps they needn't be there at all, but an author appropriating another author's character has a duty, however small, to the original's memory. Kafka's creations are non-linear, mercurial, at times just plain unfathomable. Estrin takes up the gauntlet---one of the most bizarre and disconsolate literary creatures, full of dramatic potential if you want to pretend he didn't die at the end of Kafka's story---and squashes him flat, into traditional space-time narrative (with a few, overly-constructed and out-of-place exceptions), domesticates him, makes him an actuarial wannabe-philosopher who complains but doesn't act. Not that we need another Kafka, but again, why that particular cockroach? (The one clever bit is the letter exchange between Gregor and Hannah Arendt, where creation gets to rail against creator and even, in a metadramatical gesture, confesses he's tried to burn a copy of "The Trial.") But why, why, why must you butcher the Bard? (p.446 of the hardcover)

If you want factual historical information, chase up Estrin's generous bibliography; if you want fictional accounts of approximately the same time period, read Chabon's brilliant "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay;" if you want weird, for the love of god read Kafka. If you want "so what?" I wouldn't look here. Don't get me wrong---this isn't a stupid book. But it will leave you hanging metaphysically.

Twentieth century history is brilliantly reimagined through the eyes of Gregor Samsa, the fabric salesman turned cockroach from Kafka's Metamorphosis. Gregor begins his "half-life" as a circus performer in Vienna, and then, later, when he migrates to the United States, becomes an elevator operator, as he continues his conscious and unconscious musings on humanity and inhumanity. Gregor lives the "American Dream", following an unimaginable career path, becoming one of the 20th century's foremost existentialists, artists, activists, and insurance industry risk assessors, and in doing so, he provides a funny, tragic, and thought provoking critique of Western civilization, particularly the United States.

Gregor suffers from an unhealing wound in his back, inflicted when his father, frightened by his new form, threw an apple at him, a metaphor that is implicitly explored throughout the novel. Gregor stumbles upon so many pivitol figures throughout the book, that in that respect, Insect Dreams is reminiscent of Forest Gump, yet that allusion is delightful. Estrin is erudite, so at times one might need to look up a fact or a figure, but the entire experience is worth it.

This book is a fascinating, entertaining look at world history in the first half of the 20th century. Told from a humorous, objective point of view, all history textbooks should be so compelling.

One of this book's strength is that it gives rise to important figures that general history overlooks. I was completely unfamiliar with insurance magnate/composer Charles Ives or physicist Richard Feynman, for example, before reading this book. Estrin paints interesting portraits of both, which I have to assume have basis, though they remain as intriguing as the fictitious characters.

The more familiar figures like FDR and Oppenheimer receive warm treatment as well. They come in and out of the observant narrative as quirky as the rest of the characters.

A hidden treasure of this book is that it includes Estrin's bibliography. I intend to mine some of those books to learn more about the characters Estrin has introduced so delightfully.

This book made me laugh out loud and have an "ah-ha" moment at the same time. This is definitely one to read over again. Very insightful and lighthearted. A refreshing look at life and the word of God. Can be used as a devotional study as well with the end chapter insights- I found this a wonderful conversation starter and subject to begin a study time.

I purchased this book as soon as it was off the presses. I had been waiting on it because I enjoyed Mr. Wildmon's first book so immensely. Believe me, he didn't let me down! I have read it a couple of times already. His books are definitely ones I'll enjoy reading many times.

Take your time with this one. Pat really makes you think and work out just exactly where you are, where you need to be, and gives some excellent ideas of how to get there. At 48, I needed this guidebook. I took several weeks to read and absorb the truths - some not so easy - and some very reassuring.

If you're 'midlife' and wondering "What next?." read this book. It would also be a good book for a small men's group to study for several weeks. Pat includes focus questions and challenges you after each chapter.

I highly reccommend this book and believe that you will be very pleased and quite possibly changed after reading.

This book suggests a more open approach to life's work decisions after one has put in the "many" years on the job and is restless as to whether there is a better type of work for him/her. While bringing God into the decision, Patrick Morley suggests that this is a time for honest and open review of your passions and desires, in order to gather energy and family support for making choices about what is really important; i.e. discovering your authentic desires and plan for happiness. I would suggest reading this book along with the " The Art of Happiness" by the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler

Many of us get on a path in our first twenty years that, while leading to some happiness and wealth, may not be consistent with the true you; at least as you and your family have developed over the years. The author provides many exercises or focus questions, that will help you see a clearer view of the path that may be yours to chose as you approach the second half of your life. As a result, this book stimulates contemplation and review of the activites that generate happiness for you and your family.

This book is a general discussion of life's hardships in a heavily scriptual context. It has very little to do with the problems encountered by singles in day to day life. The author apparently considers herself an expert on being single due to a recent break-up with a fiance in her mid twenties. Unfortunately, her experience is not particularly relevant to people who have been single for many years or are single in their 30's or 40's, which is significantly different from being a single 20-something.

This is by far the best book I've ever read. I get so tired of hearing people say to me "God has someone special for you" or "What? You don't have a boyfriend? You're not married?!?" Why continue searching for your "better half" when you can live the life that God has for you. I can't tell you all of it. You have to purchase a copy for yourself.

WOW! Wendy does a great job of honestly going deeper on a difficult subject. Although she doesn't trivialize the pain involved in living with unmet Godly desires, she does uncover the fact that these struggles aren't new to mankind. This is a deeper bite than Table For One, but just as good. Not for the faint of heart--be ready to wrestle with God. Huge encouragement for singles. Even though the author is apparently young and comes from an amazingly supportive family she is no stranger to lonliness. Excellant job helping us stay focused on God. Hard to be disgruntled with your life when you have an attitude of gratitude, even if this isn't the life we had hoped for.

I was fascinated by not only the unusal subject of this book but by the descriptive words and fabulous imagination that described Bernard's limited life. This book made me wonder what I would think about if I was in a similar restrictive situation. I'm sure God and prayer and past deeds would enter my mind but never in such a wonderfully detailed and creatively visualized manner as Mr. Eikermann's book expresses.

I have just finished Doug's first novel and found it to be a book that makes you think about subjects we seem to avoid, consciously or otherwise. I am sure we have all had fears of being paralyzed for life and the torment and helplessness that it would subject us to. Doug makes us rethink about God, about prayer, and about how we lead our lives and the consequences we face in the next life. I have never read a book written from this point of view and on this topic. It is refreshing to be surprised in life. I say, "Well done, Doug. Write another one while the ink is hot!"

Doug Eikermann's completely original novel is the likes of which we rarely see in this day and age. He writes in the tradition of Edgar Allen Poe -- although this tale has its share of humor -- and leads the reader into realms we have rarely explored before. I really liked the originality of this book, as well as Mr. Eikermann's bold language choices. When is his next novel coming out? I can't wait.

Although the author does a thought-provoking job of teaching about proper discernment concerning the moral issues, some deviances in worship, etc., I was disappointed that he seems not able to discern the obvious problems with a professing Christian's acceptance of John Calvin's abhorrent thoughts about the ways of God and then encourages the rest of us to accept and believe in him because..."God is Sovereign."

What the author said concerning Calvinism and Arminianism, that "these should not not be the matters over which we divide, nor should they define heresy," makes me seriously question his own powers of discernment in theological matters. What he believes is not important enough to divide over appears to be the leading cause of our churches dividing these days. Which is likely the reason that now John MacArthur is finally giving some public attention to the matter of his own Calvinism, though obviously avoiding the real issues involved. (Can you blame him, what Calvinist wouldn't?)

I was disappointed that the author, who did give some good tips on discernment concerning the moral issues, himself appears unable to discern accurately the difference between truth and heresy.

Discernment is the ability to recognize the truth and distinguish it from error. This work is a call for discernment. One learns the truth from the word of God. To discern, one makes a "judgment" what is consistent with the bible and what is "error". In John MacArthur's endorsement, states that there is a crying need in today's church for discernment. Each individual person in the body of Christ needs to study God's word, learn the truth, examine oneself for rebellion against God, and learn how to react properly to false teaching and ungodly living in this world.

Lutzer argues misguided tolerance plagues the Christian church today. That there is a disconnect between people who accept the authority of scripture and how they live their daily lives. Knowing the truth and living the Truth is paramount to the body of Christ. Lutzer uses Jesus' prayer for His disciples, recorded in John chapter 17, to illustrate his point. In the prayer Jesus prays for those who are His. He describes the disciples as holding the truth, being in the world, but not of the world. This is a definition to whom a Christian is. This is prayer for protection from sin not hardship. That Christ's followers would persevere through physical and mental hardship (temptation that comes from living in a sinful world).
Lutzer argues the context of the scripture: Do not Judge:
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. (Matthew 7:1-2 RSV)

"Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. (Matthew 7:6 RSV)

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15 RSV)

Who is a dog? Who is a swine? Who is a false prophet? Is not Jesus asking the believer to examine and make determinations about people? To be able do this one must make determinations about truth, who holds the truth, and who is seeking to teach the truth.

Matthew 7:3-5 tells us to take the log out of our own eye before attempting to take the speck out of someone else's eye. Meaning one needs to evaluate ones own sinfulness first, repent, and move away from the sinfulness before making determinations about others. Lutzer also argues that not doing this first will actually make you more judgmental and a harsher critic of others.

An accurate picture of God starts with studying the Bible and being taught the word of God. To be able to discern correct theology and false theology.
What one believes determines:

(1) How one thinks of himself.
(2) How one thinks of others.
(3) Ones purpose in life
(4) Determines one's existence in the afterlife.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, (2 Timothy 4:3 RSV)

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1 RSV)
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, (2 Peter 1:20 RSV)

Dr. Lutzer instructs about false prophets (any false teacher) and how to discern their teachings as false. Three examples a theology that justify accumulation of wealth, cater to the pride of 'God's' spokesman, and a context where immorality will flourish. The is one type of heretic.
The second is described in First Corinthians 11:19. For there must be heresies among you that they which are approved are made manifest among you. This is the New American standard version. The revised standard version uses the word faction. This was a division caused in the church by the wealthy consuming more food for the Lord's supper then the poor. This type of division in God's church is considered a heresy. See also Galations 5:6.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4 RSV)

Lutzer argues the Christian parent is often in 'cahoots' with the god of this world. When the parent does not edit what their children view on the television, hear or read. Also included in text is a discussion what adults should permit themselves view in television, the movies, and the occult. Do not let the world corrode your own soul or the children in your charge. Parents should be able to explain their 'tastes' are determined by what is pleasing to God. Lutzer argues that resistance to sin is lessen when Christians laugh at homosexuality, adultery, and incest. This often is the aim of the entertainment industry.

but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 RSV)

Lutzer concludes his work on judging discussing Christian integrity. He does not say it, but through implication a warning for Christians to not allow logs to get lodged into their eyes. First is an analysis about Christian organizations that misrepresent their influence, size of their membership, exaggerate stories to raise money, and/or are to driven by sales. He also argues against positive only ministries and failure to point out false teachers. Lutzer discusses Characteristic of a person of integrity: speaking the truth, honor friendship, keeping commitments, refuse to take advantage of others, and is not for sale.

As a Christian I have, in the past, grown very frustrated with the populary held idea that Christians cannot declare something to be wrong even though the Bible condemns it. I always heard, "Judge not that ye be not judged." This attitude never felt right with me.

Thankfully I am not the only one. The author does a masterful job of distinguishing between unlawful judgement and lawful discernment. He makes good use of scripture, in context, to support his points.

In the current post-modern world that we live in, where tolerance is held above justice, this book and others like it can help Christians deal with the world we live in. You'll learn how to judge situations based on God's standards not your own. This book does not promote self-righteousness. Rather, it promotes sensitivity to the righteousness of God.

John Casey had a knack for capturing emotions through dialog or action. This is good for most of his characters. However, its bothersome for the wife/mother, Joss.

Joss (a film-maker) is married to Mike (a lawyer) and they have two daughters, and live in Charlottesville with many odd charcaters hanging around. Their life is turned updside down when Joss falls for a girl named Bonnie and Mike copes with the new arrangement by running for Congress and sleeping with his campaign aides.

There are plenty twists and turns in the plot and the characters are fun and interesting. However I could not find one reason to want Joss to ever appear on any page. She's as pleasant as poison ivy and just as much an itch. She lives to argue and argues to live. Her films are seen by very few and understood by even fewer. She seems to believe that Mike is just as much at fault for her relationship with Bonnie. Yeah, right.

I do think the book is enjoyable and recommend it. I just wish I could have offered four stars. Oh, Joss.

Casey reveals characters that breath. He ask the reader to work on knowing the meaninging behind the motivations of his characters. I found myself "dog-earing" many pages and reading sections over again as I connected to the narrative. I found The Half-Life of Happiness to be a wonderful companion to the complexities of this holiday season. This book will challenge you to slow down and look at the life around you from many different narratives. You will see yourself, your family and your friends in this powerful piece of work. Enjoy and watch the compassion in you grow with each chapter.

What a brilliant book! I sat with a highlighter to capture all of Casey's wonderful insights and wisdom about men, women, family, and human interaction. The characters really come alive, and the reader is immediately drawn into this interesting, completely believable world. Casey writes with great sensitivity about people's complex emotions regarding their spouses, friends, family ... even their pets! And despite it being more than 500 pages, I dreaded seeing this book end. I just hope John Casey is hard at work on his next masterpiece.

This book makes me wonder what the author was smoking when he wrote it. It is frustrating, confusing at times, and sometimes totally unrealistic. Some of the stories are okay, but some of them are just weird. This book frequently lost my attention.

Fie, fie, what happened to my review? Down the Bayou Teche....so here we go again! It must have had something to do with those Half-Mammals or the Confederate in the Attic...

If you are a Southerner, this book will ring with truth, because Mr. Singleton's characters are so obviously around the block, if not next door. If you know that prosperity can be measured in the number of cars you have up on blocks in the FRONT yard, you're in the neighborhood. If you're afraid to get of I-95 between the Virginia border and Florida, or I-10 between the Louisiana border and Houston, this is the book for you. Or, if you took I-64 thinking you'd go through West Virginia and turned around where it ended (Fie, Senator Byrd!)...you need to get right with Dixie.

I could hardly recommend Mr. Singleton's stories higher--up with Confederates in the Attic (nonfiction), or Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (possibly fiction). His characters refer to Nietzche, get regular calls from the FBI and John Walsh, or play 20 questions as a marital ritual, or find themselves thinking about cosines, and sines for "no reason in particular." And, they tend to think of lead pipes for uses not related to who did what to whom in the drawing room. They have no clue, but they're right on.

I highly recommend you get into this book, and it compares in frankness with Walker Percy, without the I Went to Medical School in New York puttin' on airs. Regular folks, who know the difference between a live oak (you can look it up) and poison ivy, at least.

Yep, it ITCHES, y'all. Rather be a lying dog than a dog lyin'.

Singleton has done a great job of portraying Southern characters accurately and honestly. He has deep and engaging characters that are so rare in short stories. As a southerner, I hate when southeaster US characters are stereotyped, as they frequently are in stories, novels, and especially Hollywood. However, even though he shows sometimes a dark side or ignorant side of a character, they are entirely believable and recognizable. A strong point of Singleton is his humor, which generally sneaks up on you, in an unexpected or unusually juxtaposed way.

As a fan of a good short story in general, I think this is quite readable and enjoyable. It was recommended to me by a friend, (Mark) a literature professor and personal friend of the author. I pass that recommendation along to you.

Helen's ability to capture our precious aging moments in humour along with her sensitively delivered and thought-provoking commentaries make her writing very enjoyable to read. She can help us observe our aging from a less cynical perspective and appreciate these moments that pass by us as gifts of which we can be eternally grateful.

I write this review to warn readers who may be misled by other reviews. This is an updated David Copperfield without the same zing.

I don't see the point of the book, just as a chronicle of one's sufferings. At the end of all this, jill makes it big by cheating.

In my opinion, in terms of the story itself either, there has to be something clever and funny, or there should be something deep, universal and touching. Unfortunately, this book fails on both counts.

I would advice others to go back to David Copperfield or Great expectations. They are far more enjoyable.

I flew this book and felt very satisfied at the end. Ciment tells us just the right amount about her childhood to help us understand the sometimes bizarre and devious adventures she survived. Ciment did a great job, too, of throwing in appropiate historical and cultural markers. Worth reading!

I read this book in a single afternoon, devouring it. The words, visuals that Jill Ciment (sounds like concrete) uses are fantastic. So real. What a true voice. It DOES read like fiction. I had to keep remembering that this really happened to the face on the cover. A real person went through the hell that was her father and home-life. A disturbing childhood, disturbing pre-adulthood. But fabulous story. Read this one!.