Books

My first reaction: a classic case of fatuous public school learning. But after a little reflection, I think this might be a good thing. The Bible is rich in stories and literature. Most youngsters are ignorant of it and, therefore, never have a reason to pick up the Bible and

> The renowned author of "Interview with the Vampire" and 24 other best-sellers says she's turned from writing about tortured souls to saving souls. > "I promised that from now on I would write only for the Lord," Anne Rice, 64, tells Newsweek. In

Canongate is publishing a 100-volume myth series. It will feature a re-telling of the world's famous myths. Sounds great. But it should be avoided, at risk of nausea: > Canongate launches its series with small, beautiful books by three wise women. Karen Armstrong's A Short History

> Certainly they must have laughed at him at the beginning. The young [military] officer who did not drink, left women alone, ate the poorest food and gave away all but the minimum, who devoted his leisure time to prayer, reading, and visiting the sick, who cleaned his orderly'

New book alert: Wendell Berry, The Way of Ignorance [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593760779/thedailyeudem-20]. Berry is an agrarian who gives readers across the political spectrum things to think about. You won't always agree with him, but his is an honest and considered voice. This

I found the entire row over the Harry Potter books tiresome (endorsement of black magic, great children's tale, etc.). But I found this commentary interesting: > Rowling's disregard for the virtues of obedience, truth telling, and self-restraint cultivated in traditional children's literature show that

I enjoy Jack Kerouac and the Beat Generation's efforts. Though I'm not a big fan of Allen Ginsberg, I was interested to learn that this month marks the 50th anniversary of the reading of Howl at The Six. Link [http://www.commongroundmag.com/2005/cg3209/howl3209.