What book will you be reading?

[stillfrantic]

What book will you be reading on your next cruise?

PS: How DO you all enlarge the type font for titles? Text in the message I have mastered, but the title has me befuddled.

[Krazy Kruizers]

:) The deVinci Code for one ( have read it a couple of times).

Haven't decided what else to take as next cruise is until October.

:)

[Orcrone]

I probably won't be doing much reading. When there's a lot of activity around me that keeps my attention. However, I'm sure DW will go through several 18th century romance novels.

[stillfrantic]

The daVinci code sounds good!

(And somehow my title got big, although I havn't any idea how! I'm better than I thought I was!)

[stillfrantic]

Okay, very strange. The title WAS big, but now it is small again. Maybe I'd better select a book to read on the operation of message boards!!:eek:

[sail7seas]

Da Vinci code is great. I just purchased The Puppeteer (story of J. Edgar Hoover---as never told before) to read, along with some John Grisham books on our upcoming Maasdam cruise.

[kryos]

What book will you be reading on your next cruise?

I've always been strange.

I probably won't be reading any book.

Instead, I'll be working with another author during my seven-day Zuiderdam cruise to write one. :)

Always a lot more fun.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[stillfrantic]

I LOVE John Grisham books. Is there a new one out??

[peaches from georgia]

The latest Grisham is The Last Juror, published in February. I thought he had begun to lose some of his appeal in his recent thrillers, but this one was back to the quality of the earlier book, IMO.

[Jacqueline]

Yes, I need to do some reading. Usually I just go with the ships library. But its good to have one or two for the plane.
If you havent read Seabiscuit, its wonderful. Last cruise i read the Secret Life of Bees. Loved it. Great southern novel.
Last summer was the da vinci code followed by Angels and Demons.
I will admit to reading Clintons autobiography but its too heavy for vacation.
I admit to reading Nicholas Sparks and John Grisham on vacation, too. I really like biographies as a genre.

[OCruisers]

This thread could not have come at a better time for me! I'm recovering from an accident (fell off of our dock into our boat and broke several bones and cracked ribs). :( Sadly, never made copies of any of the "Book Lists" from the old CC board.

Be careful what you wish for! :eek: I'd been wishing for time with nothing to do BUT catch up on reading! Now, I'm in pain and bored silly with NOTHING to do except read!!!!

Getting ready to order some more books. Has anyone read any of these? :confused: Your opinions would be greatly appreciated!

At the Tomb of the Infatable Pig, Murder on the Marnora, From Columbus to Castro: The History of the Caribbean, or Death in a Deck Chair

Would be VERY greatful for any other suggestions as well! Enjoy mysteries on cruise ships and any sort of travelogue of Caribbean/Latin America!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers! :)

[RevNeal]

It's still too far off, so I can't really say. Something that will hold my attention on he flight before the cruise, for sure. Maybe I'll pick up a book or a series I read many years ago. I haven't touched Azimov's Foundations series since the mid 1990s. Perhaps it would be a good idea to revisit some old friends??

I'm always reading something. Last Cruise I was working on a book detailing the history of the interpretation of the Book of Revelation. Wow, now THAT was interesting -- and involved -- reading. I missed most of the flight to and from Vancouver because I had my nose in the book the whole time. I didn't touch it ON the cruise, however ... too busy looking at the beauty around me.

[carol louise]

OCruisers,
So sorry about your injuries; I hope your recovery is smooth and rapid.

May I suggest you pass some of the recuperation time with James Michener's CARIBBEAN. It's technically fiction, since he makes up characters and dialogue, but it also involves historical figures and events, which make it an entertaining way to learn about the islands.

Carol Louise

[saltydog28]

kryos...What type of book will you be working on?
Pat.

[GrammyPL]

I am on book number 6 of the Left Behind series by Tom LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. I don't have as much time to read now in the summer as I do in the winter. So---On our Prinsendam 28 Amazon trip I will be taking a few of this series with me. My hubby has already finished reading all of them. He always goes to the ship library and takes books out. Penny

[ryansmemom]

We are bookaholics. We usually are into one of the books by one of the Kellermans, Johnathan or Faye. We both enjoy the dectective series that they write. Chimera, my husband is an absolute fool for anything written by Terry Pratchitt, especially his disc world series. And we can always hope for the new Harry Potter book.

We love all sorts of books. A good mystery or psychological thriller will do for either of us. I'll take historical fiction or biography, as well. Chimera likes, tounge-in-cheek comedy and political humor. And we also fill in with science fiction here and there.

On a cruise, however, we tend to get lost looking at the sea. We read "The Da Vinci Code" on our last cruise. Actually after we got home, we got lost looking at the sea. It was truly awesome.

It's really to soon for us to have settled on anything for our next cruise yet. It's not until December on the Statendam.

Linda

[sail7seas]

Jacqueline...I loved The Secret Life of Bees also. Really good.



OCruiser...Sorry to hear of your mishap. Hope you find some entertaining reading to hold your interested while you mend. Hope you have a speedy, fully recovery.

If you have not yet read the Harry Potter books, you might wish to. I read the first just to see what all the hooplah was about. I was sure "children's" books would not interest me. I was soon hooked and think they are great.

[Paticakes]

I like a good novel (Romance/Mystery/Thriller) set in the area I am going.
Any suggestions for Key West, Grand Cayman or Cozumel??

[CruisinMatt]

I find plenty of time to read the Bible when I cruise. :)

[annebill]

For those interested in history, particularly nautical exploration a la Capt. James Cook, you may find the book Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz very interesting. The author and a friend set out to visit most of the places Capt. Cook "discovered" and charted in the late 1700s, with detailed accounts of those voyages taken from the logs and journals of Cook and company, interspersed with what the author and friend find now in those same places. Warning: you may find any ideas of the "romantic South Seas" , if the author's reports are accurate,somewhat dashed by the current state of affairs in those places. This is in paperback, $15.00.I found it fascinating.

[stillfrantic]

I loved the Harry Potter books. I have to fight the kids for them when a new one is released.

I've read the Last Juror. It was good.

The daVinci Code is getting really good endorsements here.

[teencruiser18]

I love Harry Potter, but as I have to go back to school 5 days after my cruise, I'll probably be doing all of my 10th grade summer reading: The Good Earth, Crime and Punishment, Sense and Sensibility, and The Bean Trees.
Kerry

[Sailure]

I LOVE John Grisham books. Is there a new one out??
I'm reading Grisham's "The Last Juror" that's his latest I believe. I'll probably take a Janet Evanovich, Stephanie Plum novel with me. She has a new one out, #10 in the series and I'll wait till I go on my cruise to read it.

Is anyone else here familiar with Evanovich? She is a great writer, it's mystery and she's the only one who ever wrote books that I actually laugh out loud reading.:)

[sail7seas]

For those who like John Grisham, do you also like Brad Meltzer? I think he's as good.

[Orcrone]

Revneal,

Originally Asimov published three books in the Foundation trilogy. Years later he put out two more books (so I guess it's no longer a trilogy). Have you read the last two?

[tooalto]

I LOVE Janet Evanovich! Like you, she is the only author who can make me laugh out loud while I'm reading her books. I have #10 and The daVinci Code waiting for our Aug.28th sailing on the Zuiderdam. I hope I can keep my fingers off them until then

[Vicar]

S7S,

I just started reading The Puppeteer.

Very very interesting, I think you are going to enjoy it. I always found Hoover fascintaing and scary at the same time because of the power he had and they way he used (or abused it).

Not sure how much you have read on his life in the past but he started out as some suit in a government patronage job and rose to be almost a God.

Hope you enjoy it......and your Maasdam next week I AM SO JEALOUS !!!! *LOL* :)

[tonyrobin]

I love Stephanie Plum novels. I'm reading #10 now. Brad Metzger is wonderful, set usually on Capital Hill. Sue Graften novels ( A is for Alibi, B is for Burgler, etc.) are wonderful. For people who like thrillers or such, James Paterson is great. Stuart Woods is a very enjoyable writer. For lighter fare, the Sweet Potato Queen books are laugh out laugh funny. Enjoy!!!

[kryos]

Last Cruise I was working on a book detailing the history of the interpretation of the Book of Revelation. Wow, now THAT was interesting -- and involved -- reading. I missed most of the flight to and from Vancouver because I had my nose in the book the whole time. I didn't touch it ON the cruise, however ... too busy looking at the beauty around me.
I have that problem on cruises too ... can't seem to sit down with a good book. But what I do is bring some discs along ... teachings from some of the radio ministeries ... and listen to one or two before going to bed.

I also plan to try to get to services on this next cruise. My last one was a writer's workshop aboard ship and it always seemed that one of our sessions conflicted with the time for services ... and that was kinda disappointing.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[OCruisers]

sail7sea/B] and [B]carol louise .... Thanks so much for asking! My recovery is going to be longer than I had hoped :( and way more painful! :(
Since I'm a "CRUISER", guess it's OK to "WHINE"! :D

EVERYONE !!!! Really appreciate (more than you know) the suggestions for books to read offered on this thread! Thank you!

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[kryos]

kryos...What type of book will you be working on?
Pat.
I'll be onboard with a couple from Chicago. These folks are probably in their 70s, and the woman is a local Chicago radio/tv celebrity. She has this whole "ageless for life" program ... looking young (facial exercises/treatments, etc.), feeling young (proper eating, supplements, etc.) and "acting" young (trying out new experiences, getting out of your "comfort zone," etc. Most people are retired by her age, but this woman hosts like three radio shows a week, hosts public access tv, and gives lectures/seminars and the like. She keeps a full schedule.

Well ... she wants to write a book and I had promised to help her with it. Law school and the CA Bar exam I am taking in a couple of weeks forced me to postpone the project. Now, we're gonna seriously get underway with it during the cruise. I can't wait.

I met this woman when I became a member of her "ageless for life" family by becoming a regular guest on her radio talk show discussing my book. I fit into her program in the "acting young" category. :) I took up skydiving at the age of 42 and then wrote my first book about the experience while I was recovering from my accident. Oops! :)

Working on her book will be my second "literary" endeavor. :)

Blue skies and thanks for asking ...

--rita

[kryos]

This thread could not have come at a better time for me![/SIZE] I'm recovering from an accident (fell off of our dock into our boat and broke several bones and cracked ribs).
Oh, I am so sorry! I hope you heal up real quick!

Believe me, I know what a bummer it is to be laid up. I broke both femurs in a skydiving accident back in '99 and was laid up for some three months before I was even allowed to put partial weight on my legs. It was another two months after that before I finally got the okay to return to work at light duty.

If I were you, I'd just pick a bunch of stuff from my favorite authors and send someone to the library or bookstore to grab up a handful. It's hard to make any suggestions cause I don't know what you've read and what kind of material you would enjoy. However, I can suggest that you keep it varied and maybe even try some new stuff you normally don't read.

Another option is audio books to supplement the normal printed ones. I'm working through one right now ... The Path Between the Seas ... which is about the building of the Panama Canal. Most bestsellers can be gotten in audio book format too.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[ekerr19]

Well, I couldn't wait and read Da Vinci Code when it was first published, have since read several other of Dan Brown's, but like Da Vinci Code best.

If you want a good thriller with a bit of substance, I like Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch (LA detective) series. I also have enjoyed the Alex McKnight novels by Steve Hamilton. Also, anything by Robert Crais is usually pretty good, fast reading... his private eye series (starring Elvis Cole) is very well written, IMO.

Oh, I almost forgot, last year I discovered Harlan Coben and have quickly devoured everything he's published. Definitely holds my attention, which is not always easy to do.

I just started Lisa Scottoline's latest, Killer Smile (I think it's the title) and usually I like her for light, quick reading - but have gotten bogged down with far-fetched aspects of the story...

[RevNeal]

Originally Asimov published three books in the Foundation trilogy. Years later he put out two more books (so I guess it's no longer a trilogy). Have you read the last two?

Actually, before he died he had written four more books in the Foundation Series ... books which tied the Foundation Series in with the Robot and Empire Series. In Future-History Chronological order, the Foundation Series is comprised of the following books:

The Prequel Novels:
Prelude to Foundation
Forward the Foundation

The Original Trilogy:
Foundation
Foundation and Empire,
Second Foundation

The Sequel Novels:
Foundation's Edge
Foundation and Earth

To understand this series one should really have read:

The Four Robot (or "Elijah Baley") Novels:
The Caves of Steel
The Naked Sun
The Robots of Dawn
Robots and Empire

And, of course:

The Empire Series:
The Stars, Like Dust
The Currents of Space
Pebble in the Sky
"Blind Alley" a short story in The Early Asimov

In addition to the above, Asimov outlined a Trilogy, called the "Caliban Trilogy," just prior to his death, which filled in details between the Robot Series and the Empire Series. The Asimov estate contracted with Roger MacBride Allen to flesh these outlines into full fleged novels, and in my opinion he did an excellent job. Additionally, several other authors have been contracted by the Asimov estate to write other novels to fill in gaps elsewhere in the series. From what I've read, that's going to continue -- who knows, maybe I'll get the chance to do one or two myself???? :)

However, with regard to Asimov's own work -- If one reads the Robot series, then the Empire Series, and finally the Foundation Series, one will have covered a 20,000 year period of future human history. It's all interesting. Like Robert A. Heinlein's "future history" series, the details don't always match up, and it's clear that Asimov never intended all of these books to be thought of as detailing events in the same future "universe," yet they do work together well.

[imsulin]

Michener and Uris books - over and over and over again.

I'm trying to keep my hands off of the da Vinci Code until my vacation actually starts next month. (wish it were a cruise...alas, just a week at the beach, doing my own cooking and cleaning. What a drag.)

[stillfrantic]

"Pretend I'm Not Here" by Chris Gavaler is set in St. Thomas for those wanting to read a book set in a destination they are visiting.:)

[scluvsrain]

I love the Stephanie Plum books! I am on Hard Eight and will take #9 with me on my cruise, July 17th, on the Zuiderdam. Evanovich also has a couple of other non-Plum books, one is called Full House. It's in paperback. I have it in my pile of "to reads".

[Tatka]

For a long time I wanted to re-read (this time in English) my favourite book Catcher in the Rye. :)

Relaxing Caribbean cruise on Zui might be a good place/time to do it. ;)

I also like to read some booklets/guides about ports of call we are visiting.

[stillfrantic]

I have Frommer's Caribbean, but just ordered their Caribbean Ports of Call book to research some interesting things to see or do during our stops. I will also pack it to take along incase we end up diverting to another island for some reason. Then I can quickly pick a "Plan B."

[Jacqueline]

Ditto on the Harlan Coben. Check him out ! Great reads - fast and riveting but not formulatic.

[ecormier]

I read my first Harry Potter book on a cruise. I bought it for my niece and thought I'd better check it out to see if it was appropriate for a young girl. Not only was it appropriate - I got hooked! My other fav's (and I usually have several books with me) are: Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, John Grisham, Stuart Woods, Richard North Patterson, Clive Cussler, Dan Brown, Mary Higgins Clark and Terry Goodkind (fantasy e.g, Wizard's First Rule).

Regards, Elizabeth

[saltydog28]

kryos--Here I am being nosey. You said -ca bar exam- and the radio show is in Chicago, but your profile line states you're from Phila. I'm from Phila. also. ( so with over a million people in the city, do you think I might know you?) It sounds as though you have a very full life. Is the radio show available in the Phila area?
Take care,
Pat.

[anniecat]

since i always try to read something related to the area we are going...for Alaska i got "Klondike" by Pierre Berton. it's about the gold rush. also found a southeast Alaska nature book. and i always take detailed maps. (since i won't have phone book to peruse at night as per my usual late night, can't sleep in a strange town thing).

Alaska Amsterdam August 8....just me and my 80 year old mom

[RevNeal]

I always research the Ports of Call and the regions I'm traveling to. I usually do some extensive searches on the internet and learn a great deal that way. I also allow that research to suggest some books to buy related to the regions I'm visiting by ship.

For my Panama Canal trip I bought two excellent books dealing with the Canal, it's history, and it's operation. Both are heavily illustrated with photos, both historic and current.

The two books on the Canal I bought to read-up on the region were:

Ulrich Keller's The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs.
William Friar Portrait of the Panama Canal: From Construction to the Twenty-First Century.

[a1moty]

For those of you waiting to read the DaVinci Code
on your cruise---it is worth the wait!! I am too impatient and started it last weekend-- it is soooo good!!!

[stillfrantic]

Oh, thought of another one that was very exciting. From the same author as Outbreak(think that was the name, they made it into a movie) The one I read was called "The Cobra Event." Really enjoyed reading it.

[uncialman]

On our last cruise, my wife brought along with her “The God Who Justifies” by Dr. James R. White for her reading pleasure and I brought along “The Journey From Texts to Translations” by Dr. Paul Wegner and “Warrant in Contemporary Epistemology” by Dr. Alvin Plantinga. But, that is just us. J

I am really nervous about saying this as this brings my field of study into an arena that I enjoy recreationally, but as a minister in a large church and as a Christian Apologist (With my specialty being Church History and manuscript origins), a question that I have been asked by those in our congregation who have, unfortunately, become readers of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code is “How much of the novel’s depiction of historical events, people, artwork, and institutions is correct.” The short answer is “Not much.” In fact, the only thing more amazing than Brown’s consistent misrepresentation of facts is a widespread acceptance of his claims, with both reviewers and readers praising the “research” and “knowledge” supposedly evident in his novel (Usually from the atheists of Westar and The Jesus Seminar). “Decoding the Da Vinci Code” examines, in much detail, the lengthy list of claims made in the Code such as his claims that the Early pre-nicean church fathers did not believe in the deity of Jesus (a complete fabrication on Brown’s part) and that somehow Constantine was the one who greatly influenced the formation of the canon (Completely untrue). Brown’s elevation of the pseudepigraphal and Gnostic texts in The Davinci Code is absolutely laughable and his eisegetical view of History is shameful. Sorry, but because of it’s horrible historical and factual errors that at times smack of anti-semitism, the Da Vinci Code (Even if read as pure fiction) is truly a DANGEROUS book for the Christian and non-Christian alike. If you have already read Brown’s work or feel that you must read this book, I would greatly suggest Dr. Ben Wethrington’s, “The Gospel Code.” Witherington confronts these claims with the sure-footedness of a New Testament scholar, yet in the plain language that any interested reader can follow. He takes us back to the early centuries after Jesus' death and tells us what we can really know about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, the canonical Gospels and their Gnostic rivals.

Sorry, but with so many recommending this book and the implications of folks giving creedance to it’s substantial and spiritually deadly errors, I had to say something.

uncialman

[RevNeal]

I had determined to say nothing about The Da Vinci Code on this board, even after several people began posting that they were going to read it, or had read it and were giving it rave reviews. However, after three E-mails arrived asking me for my input relative to Uncialman's remarks, I decided to make a few remarks of my own.

I originally read The Da Vinci Code at the request of several church members who were very disturbed at some of the claims that are made by the characters in the book. After reading it, I understood why they were disturbed. I will not discuss any of the details contained in the book, nor will I directly discuss any of its specific errors and misinterpretations -- Uncial has done that well, and he is correct in what he writes.

Suffice it for me to say, The Da Vinci Code is a work of historical fiction written by a brilliant author with an expansive imagination and, unfortunately, an axe to grind against historic Christianity. It is an interesting and engaging story, but there is very little that is new in it (other than setting it within the context of a fictionalization). For a different approach to many of the subjects it contains one might want to read a 1970s "best seller" Holy Blood, Holy Grail, by Michael Baigent, Henry Lincoln, and Richard Leigh. Their book is not a work of fiction, nor is it as well written, but it is fraught with many of the same kinds of historical and theological inaccuracies, misinterpretations, and misinformation, as is The Da Vinci Code.

I won't go quite so far as to say that Christians and non-Christians shouldn't read The Da Vinci Code. If you are a traditional Christian (of any denomination) some of what the book claims as fact will probably challenge your faith and may, indeed, be quite offensive to you. Some of the characters, which are given an air of authority as experts in various fields within the context of the book, will make statements that are often demonstrably untrue, inaccurate, or misleading, and which usually reflect a position that runs contrary to the majority opinion of even much liberal academic scholarship in those fields.

In my opinion people can often be strengthened by reading -- with understanding -- material that runs contrary to their beliefs. In this case one must also be aware that what one is reading, while being stated as fact, is actually very far from being "fact." With this in mind, I think it's perfectly "safe" for one to read the book -- some demon is not going to jump out of the pages and bite your head off. :) But, I would again counsel against accepting what you read hook, line, and sinker. Don't forget that what you're reading is not only fiction, but fiction being written from a certain theoretical perspective that is rife with a strident anti-traditional-Christian bias. I often encounter this kind of bias in much of the Science Fiction I've read ... I know it's coming, and I know how to interpret it appropriately. I would suggest taking the same tact with The Da Vinci Code. In many ways it is Historical Science Fiction with a dash of Fantasy and Political Mystery thrown in.

No matter what you do, and no matter what you read, have a blast on your next cruise!

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I know everyone hear is talking about current best sellers. DH read Da Vinci Code on last cruise and read Angels and Demons on the previous cruise. I myself have not read either I prefer Good Old Romance with a little mystery. my favorite author is Sandra Brown (I don't believe she is related to Dan Brown) she has a new book coming out in August that I plan to get to read on our Ryndam cruise in November. Her last book "Hello, Darkness" was really good. Some of her old writing are just nice love stories but simple relaxing reading while cruising.:)

[Vicar]

REV

Thank you for an excellent post.

I am a Christian (Roman Catholic) and although I an not a regular church attendee. I certainly do believe in God and the sacraments and have my faith.

I have not read The Da Vinci code as of yet, more because of time than anything else, but I have been curious more out of seeing what all the hub bub is .

What I really appreciated was the way you stated your opinion on the book, which I thnk carries a lot more weight because you are a clergyman, gave your opinions pro and con, but still recommended it ,if for no other reason as a work of fiction.

You admitted as you said that demons will not jump out of the book and steal your soul :)

I know many clergy of many denominations who would have condemed the book and all who read it as heretics doomed to the fires of hell.

I cannot speak for everyone, but I could never see how reading one book by one author could make you turn your back on everything you have known or believed in all your life.

Thank you for writing such an interesting and fair post

[RevNeal]

What I really appreciated was the way you stated your opinion on the book, which I thnk carries a lot more weight because you are a clergyman, gave your opinions pro and con, but still recommended it ,if for no other reason as a work of fiction.

Thank you! I appreciate your remarks. Perhaps one might interpret my words as being a recommendation; as a work of fiction, and as a piece of literature, it stacks up about average relative to most of the fiction I've read in the past. I've read a lot of books that are better written, and a lot of books that are, in literary terms, just dreadful. TDC is neither ... it's about average. Frankly, if it were just me, I'd rather read something different ... but I understand that a lot of people are wanting to read this book. And, to them, I give the counsel I gave in my prior post, and then tell them to go ahead and read it. They won't die and go to hell if they read it.

Nevertheless, I would stress -- again -- the importance of realizing what one is getting into when one begins reading TDC. The world and history sketched by the author in the context of the book is not just fiction ... it is, in places, intentionally creative in terms of making up academic "facts" in order fit the theory proposed by the author. With this in mind, I would agree with Uncial's recommendation regarding Ben Wethrington’s, The Gospel Code as a corrective to the errors and misinformation in TDC. Wethrington is no wild-eyed Fundamentalist; he's a well-grounded scholar who can do something that many scholars can't -- he can WRITE.

[uncialman]

Thanks, HAL fans, for the thoughtfulness in the way that you have responded. I was afraid I might be castigated for opening my big, although pastorally concerned, big mouth. :-)

While I do have problems in reccomending that anyone read this book, I do agree with Rev. Neal that if you are well grounded and understand the Historicity and Foundations of your faith, this book will not 'harm' you in any way (and no book can separate you from the Love of God (John 6:37-40)). Whether such an endeavor is edifying for that sake is another matter. For purposes of edification, although Rev Neal and I differ in some matters of soteriology and ecclesiology, I guess I must now reccomeding reading Gregory Neal's "Grace Upon Grace" as an alternative to wild christological conspiracy theories (wink-wink, nod- nod). Maybe Rev Neal will reccomend the book that was dedicated to me a couple of years ago? Eh, probably not. :-)

uncialman

[uncialman]

I wuv u Wev. Neal!

My Brother in the Ministry! Maybe we should have a cruise where we can co-teach about the Da Vinci Code and the Inspiration, Transmission and Canonization of the New Testament? Definetly would need to be a Mediterranean Cruise on one of them new fangled Vista Ships! We could actually put that thar Queens Lounge to good use (It stinks for movies)!!!

Hey, btw, Rev: do want to come to my conf. and debate this year? I'll pick up the airfare and hotel if you are interested...

uncialman

[Vicar]

RevNeal and Uncialman


No reason to castigate either one of your posts . they were BOTH very well written and insightful.

Thou you may differ on some issues, you also shared several thoughts.

Like the bible passage you qouted Uncialman, No book could separate me from my God (I can only speak for me on that) I have my beliefs and feelings and although a book or film may be strong enough to make me consider an other point of view or have a better understanding of a subject I didn't have before. I cannot say i would turn my whole life around because of a book.

Of course both of you being clergy and having many years of study in theology and spirituality, your comments do hold more weight than your average "arm chair" book critic

As I said I do plan to read it , more out of seeing what all the hype is.
And I will certainly take what I read with a grain of salt.

thank you both again

[Vicar]

You two on a cruise ?

Boy I heard the lord moves in mysterious ways


but on a HAL ship ??????????


*LOL*

[uncialman]

Well spoken kind sir! I hope we have been insightful and not incendiary in our appraisals of this little book!

And yes, I do terribly wish to cruise with ol Rev Neal someday! We share a passionate love for cruising and, yes(!!), it would necessarily, absolutely, positively have to be on a HAL Vessel! I just thought it would be cool in Europe as we could go and view codex Vaticanus or even the Rylands fragments and some of the history that surrounds textual transmission. Bantering with Rev. would be a hoot for sure. Not to mention, Rev and I share absolutely similar views on HAL!

Ya know, we could actually pull this off!

uncialman

[a1moty]

Thanks so much for your insight on this book. I am also a Christian and read this fictional work as just that.....fiction. It never occurred to me that it would or could be taken as anything else. I enjoyed the mystery of it all---laughed about some of the 'symbolism', and was amazed at some of his ideas--- but mostly I just enjoyed a mystery novel.
I really appreciate your comments and also your suggested reading lists.
Thanks!! I learn so much from these boards.:)

[uncialman]

I think that one fact was seen very clearly here on this board: the folks that come from different persuasions and beliefs can discuss plainly and intelligently their differences of opinions without going ballistic on one another. A great exchange that has shown unbelievable maturity and dignity (whilst our political candidates of both persuasions begin throwing mud and slinging ad-hominems at one another) that is truly uncommon nowadays.

I toast you HAL fans!

Oh, and if you want some great fiction literature, try Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" or "Fountainhead." Two must reads for any literary fans.

[RevNeal]

Brother in the Ministry! Maybe we should have a cruise where we can co-teach about the Da Vinci Code and the Inspiration, Transmission and Canonization of the New Testament? Definetly would need to be a Mediterranean Cruise on one of them new fangled Vista Ships! We could actually put that thar Queens Lounge to good use (It stinks for movies)!!!

AGREED! :)

Hey, btw, Rev: do want to come to my conf. and debate this year? I'll pick up the airfare and hotel if you are interested...

Are you trying to tempt me? I'll have to think about it for a bit ........ ok. I've thought about it. OF COURSE. If the time is right! E-mail me data. (I mean information, NOT the Android from StarTrek).

[RevNeal]

And yes, I do terribly wish to cruise with ol Rev Neal someday! We share a passionate love for cruising and, yes(!!), it would necessarily, absolutely, positively have to be on a HAL Vessel! I just thought it would be cool in Europe as we could go and view codex Vaticanus or even the Rylands fragments and some of the history that surrounds textual transmission. Bantering with Rev. would be a hoot for sure. Not to mention, Rev and I share absolutely similar views on HAL!

Please wait while I mop up the slobber on my keyboard.
I would love doing that.
:)
Between Cruising, Theological debates, and Textual Criticism, I'm in heaven. Or ... at least ... the millennium! :D

Make it the Eastern Med and/or the Aegean, so we can visit some of the Pauline sites (At least Ephesus, Athens, and Corinth, though I'd love to visit Macedonia as well) and, of course, Patmos (I hope they still grow whatever it was John was smoking :D ). Sadly, I don't think HAL offers a cruise that hits all those spots.

Also ... thanks for recommending my book. Grace Upon Grace is in the passenger library on several HAL ships, so if anyone wants to read it they can always find it there. :) (See ... I got this on topic !!!!!!)

[Vicar]

Uncialman,

I read "The Fountainhead" years ago and loved it.

Of course being an old movie buff I have seen the film several times too.

I need to get back into "reading mode" again.

I will have spells wher I will read 10 or 12 books one right after another, and then I will hit a dry spell where I am lucky if I get to read the morning paper.

Of course the dry spells don't stop me from buying out Barnes and Noble to stock up for my next hot streak *LOL*

[ellieanne]

Books for my next cruise?

Well, I have a few mysteries -- Conrad Allen's George Porter Dillman series are set on histoic vessels (Mauretainia, Lusatania, Mamora, etc.) but I have read all those and I don't think a new one is going to be out before I leave.

I like to take paperbacks only becasue they are easier to pack -- a word of caution. The last time we flew, my mother had stacked about 9 books in her luggage in a corner and the secrutiy screening read all that paper stacked up as a mass of organic material (which it is, of course) and causes her to be questions and have her luggage searched -- just be careful when packing your books. The TSA people told her to spread them out in a layer rather than stacking them all together.

But back to the paperbacks, Jasper Fforde's newest won't be in paperback by my November cruise, so that's out and I don't think I can wait that long to read it anyway.

So I think it will be an assortment of Maeve Binchy paperbacks and a few mysteries. I have Karen Harper's Elizabeth I series and Sarah Caudwell's series as well as Kate Ross. That's over 15 books and I think that's more than enough for a 7 day cruise, don't you?

I just finished Susan Vreeland's Girl in Hyacinth Blue. I have to find more of her work. I really enjoyed it. And I have to admit a guilty pleasure in reading books written for teenagers -- Ann Rinaldi's Great Episodes, which are fictional tales woven in real historical evetns are fantastic and very well researched. The fictional tale puts an interesting spin on history. I particularly enjoyed The Secret of Sarah Revere and The Staircase.

Enjoy your next cruise whatever you bring along for the ride.

[Terri Lee]

Every time I fly or cruise I take along to read en route as well as on board each carrier,a wonderful biography of my favourite actor William Holden.It is called "GOLDEN BOY"The Untold Story of William Holden by Bob Thomas.It was first published in 1983 after Bill's death in 1981.I have read and re-read this book so many times I know parts of it by heart. It is a great read with many photographs as well.

The thing is,each time I start to read Golden Boy when I am travelling ,someone spots the title and straight away a conversation is started.I once had the distinct pleasure of hearing good things about Bill Holden from a fellow passenger on a World Cruise,who actually KNEW Bill.He told me what a really nice gentleman he was,a real class act.This was from a movie mogul taking time out from his Hollywood schedule.Naturally,I was tickled to bits to hear anything about my favourite actor of all time,from someone in the know!And because of this particular conversation,he and I have become good friends over the years.

So you never know whom you will meet whilst reading your favourite book on board!!

Terri;)

[kryos]

kryos--Here I am being nosey. You said -ca bar exam- and the radio show is in Chicago, but your profile line states you're from Phila. I'm from Phila. also. ( so with over a million people in the city, do you think I might know you?) It sounds as though you have a very full life. Is the radio show available in the Phila area?
Take care,
Pat.
It's not my radio show ... I've just been a guest on it ... discussing my book, "Falling Into Place." I'll post here and let you know the next time I'll be on. And, yes, you can get the statio0n on the internet ... WRMN1410.com.

The reason I have to take the bar exam in California is because the law school I went to (Concord University School of Law) is 100% internet-based. The ABA doesn't "sanction" what they call correspondence schools and hence I am ineligible by PA's rules to sit for that bar exam. California will let me sit for their exam since Concord is licensed in California. So that's the exam I will take (which also happens to be one of the toughest in the nation). CA is one of the few states with a three-day bar exam.

Yes, I do live and work in Philly. I have lived here all my life.

Maybe we do know each other. A million people is really not that many. :)

Blue skies!

--rita

[stillfrantic]

I just purchased my copy of The DaVinci Code which I will put away for the trip.:)

[Vicar]

Terri Lee


My mom "ADORED" William Holden , still watches all his old movies.

Years ago she worked in NYC and he was promoting a new film of his and was signing autographs at a theater near where she worked.

her and her girlfriend stood in line for hours until they got to the little table he was sitting at shaking hands and signing.

When she finally got to the table with her friend she just froze and stared at him. Seeing she was holding up the line and probably used to getting that kind of reaction. He asked her what her name was and would she like an autograph.

Still she just stood there frozen and finally said "No I just wanna look at you
*LOL*

According to my moms friend He laughed . She ended up telling him my moms name and he signed a photo of himself for her (which she still has ) and even gave her a kiss on the cheek (which she still talks about)

[Terri Lee]

Vicar..................thankyou so much for sharing those memories of Bill Holden.It did my heart good to read about them.I always knew he was a really good guy.I fell in love with him when I was just 14 and I saw him for the first time in a delightful movie called "Dear Ruth"(that's dating me,isn't it?LOL!)From then on,I couldn't get enough of him.We did communicate over the years as I matured but I never did get to meet him in person.I envy your Mom!!!!!!


Terri;)

[Vicar]

Terri Lee

You are very welcome. It just reminded me of that story when I read how much you liked him.

I always thought he was an excellent actor. Sunset Boulevard , Stalag 17,

[RevNeal]

My mom "ADORED" William Holden , still watches all his old movies.

My mother prefers Van Johnson. I don't see what she sees/saw in him.

[Vicar]

REV,

It must be a generation thing *LOL*

I think of Van Johnson , I remember he was The Minstral , one of the "special Guest Villians" on Batman *LOL*

P. S I am as big a Batman fan as you are a Star Trek fan. :)