TheMonopolyProject and TheMonopolyProjectTwo celebrate the end of 2021 and look forward to 2022.
This month we are reviewing four books: 1. “HMS Prometheus, and as a set of three; 2. “The Passion and the Cross”, 3. “’Clowning In Rome”, “Markings”.
- “HMS Prometheus” (316 pages, paperback, 2015) by Alaric Bond. I read and reviewed the first seven books in this British Naval Fiction series; “His Majesty’s Ship”, “The Jackass Frigate” True Colors”, “Cut and Run”, “The Patriot’s Fate” and “The Torrid Zone” and ” The Scent of Corruption”. I give them high marks. Now that I read the first seven stories in the series, I like it even more. And these last two; ‘Scent’ and ‘Prometheus’ show a new level of plot complexity and character development.
From before: I learned that the author does not center the series and each book around the captain. All the other series are about the captain rising from humble or noble beginnings to the end of an illustrious career. In Bond’s world, he follows a cross section of the crew, from the lowest to the captain. You are never sure who will survive and who won’t. There are some spoilers in the review concerning what happens; so, beware.
- “The Passion and the Cross” (128 pages, paperback, 2015) by Ronald Rolheiser: “His beautifully written meditations on the passion and the cross invites you to a new understanding of redemption and offers insight into the meaning of your own loss and suffering. Take a journey into the deeper meaning of pain with guidance from a trusted spiritual advisor.” I’m reading this based on my review of “The Holy Longing”. There are some great observations in here. For example, on page 69 this quote from Henry Nouwen, “I used to get upset about all the interruptions to my work until one day I realized that the interruptions were my real work.” Absolutely true. This is a life changing quote for me.
- “Clowning in Rome” (128 pages, paperback, 2000) by Henri Nouwen: My sister recommended this book that she is reading. I accepted the recommendation because my favorite quote from the above book “The Passion and the Cross” by Ronald Rolheiser is actually from this author and this book: Henry Nouwen, “I used to get upset about all the interruptions to my work until one day I realized that the interruptions were my real work.” Absolutely true. Absolutely true. This is a life changing quote for me.
- “Markings” (196 pages, paperback, 1922) by Dag Hammarskjold (Author), Leif Sjoberg (Translator), W. H. Auden (Translator, Foreword): This book was also recommended and sent by my sister who is re-reading it after many years. From the Amazon.com description “A powerful journal of poems and spiritual meditations recorded over several decades by a universally known and admired peacemaker.” It didn’t really work for me. There is an element of scripture in Hammarskjold’s meditations but most of it strikes me as new age claptrap. Hammarskjold was the second Secretary General (leader) of the UN. I find the UN to be useless, would-be do-gooders at best and positively evil in reality.
I should not end on a negative note such as that. I will end with this animated GIF of “Cat Vs Skeleton”: