Day: May 4, 2023

Book Review: Significance

May 4, 2023

Title: Significance
Author: Tab Edwards
Genre: Nonfiction; Self-help
Year Published: May 13, 2022

Date Started: June 20, 2022
Date finished: June 21, 2022

This book focuses on life philosophies and how one should focus on the way they think and the things they do. The examples provided forces the reader to look at situations differently and to think about other meanings to those examples. The book contains quotes and references from scientists and philosophers who’ve studied the human behavior which provides the backbone to what the author wants the reader to understand. However, the science is not used as a theory or a study of, but rather, it’s used as a place to start philosophical conversations.

What I enjoyed about this book was that the author used Maslow’s Pyramid to begin some of his thoughts. It was very helpful to see Maslow’s law as a guiding tool for individual success. I also enjoyed how the author pointed out that it’s important to live to our fullest and to really focus on what we want in our lives to sustain happiness within ourselves. There were a few things that I really didn’t fully agree with though, and it could just be that I’ve misunderstood those points. Certain sections I felt contained negative undertones which I’m not sure if that was the purpose, but it seemed to belittle those who wanted to share their happiness. I’m of the mind that an individual has the right to enjoy their successes and achievements and are free to share it with whomever they want. It doesn’t mean they think they are better or more superior. It just means they are elated at having accomplished something. If other people are going to be sour (jealous) about someone else’s success, then it’s on them and they need to figure out what is making them so sour about seeing others succeed. I can understand the irritation with people on social media sharing every little detail of their lives (I agree, it’s too much and dangerous to the psych), but we don’t know their story. We don’t know if they are yearning for attention or if they have other underlying issues, but their cases are a little extreme and probably require help, which isn’t the same as someone simply being proud of achieving a goal.

Having said that, I am actually intrigued by this book. I found it to be excellent for debate and conversation. There were so many thought-provoking points that seriously had me thinking. The author touched on a lot of different areas of humanity which allows for an array of discussions.

Who should read this book: Anyone interested in understanding a different view on life based on philosophical thoughts.

Book Review: Silence in the Face of Injustice

May 4, 2023

Title: Silence in the Face of Injustice: A Vision of Mercy and Hope
Author: Gary W. Hardy
Genre: Nonfiction; Religious; Politics
Year Published: March 8, 2022

Date Started: June 25, 2022
Date finished: June 26, 2022

This book is about the injustice done to those who were wrongfully convicted of crimes involving sex. There is a ton of research and references in this book. It includes stories from a few sex offenders and how they were convicted wrongly as well as stories from the victims. It’s not a book to make you feel sorry for the wrongly convicted, or to even make you feel as though they should get a lighter sentence. It’s more so about a system that is corrupt, grouping all sex offenders, whether innocent or not, as all sex offenders for the rest of their lives. The book also covers how the author turned to religion to help him heal, and how he believes it could help others in similar situations.

The author’s research is well done. Parts of the book is read more like an academic book with data and charts to explain his points. It does touch a lot on religion but done so in an educational way and not at all preachy.

My overall feel is that this was a very educational book. I get the sense that there is something wrong with our justice system when it comes to something as black and white and as widely gray as sex offense. It definitely needs to be looked over and corrected. Grouping the innocent with those who are guilty is simply unfathomable. There is still so much to learn, especially in the area of psychology involving victims who become offenders. I’m glad the author wrote this book because it was an eye-opener.

Who should read this book: Anyone interested in learning about the American justice system and the unfairness in it that gets overlooked. It can also be beneficial to anyone interested in how religion can help heal those convicted wrongly.