Reading like it's my job #3 - A Wizard of Earthsea; Rocket Men
This week I got sucked in to two short paperbacks and made some progress on my favorite Apollo story (for the second time this year). And I started a reading plan (thanks again Jeremy)! Let's go.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
And the truth is that as a man's real power grows and his knowledge widens, ever the way he can follow grows narrower: until at last he chooses nothing, but does only and wholly what he must do. . . .
I read this for a book club with coworkers. It took a couple chapters to find the book’s rhythm, but once I did, it was hard to put down. It clocks in at just under 200 pages and yet says so much. Ged is the young male protagonist and he and I share a lot of the same flaws: Impatience, wanting to take shortcuts, pride, envy. I can clearly see the folly in his ways yet so often I am blind to my own. He is a prodigy (which is where our shared qualities end) at the magic system that exists in his world, a system of knowing the true names of everything and speaking those names in the form of spells and enchantments. The rules of the system and the particulars of the world itself are never dumped in page after page of exposition. Rather, things are revealed gradually and to serve a purpose.
This is a classic hero journey adventure. Ged comes from humble beginnings but discovers a nascent ability that needs proper training to be set free. He gets a new name and enters the new world of wizardry. He is tested, he makes mistakes, he encounters friend and foe on his quest to redeem himself. Written in 1968, I can see how other fantasy writers were influenced by this story. The book is exciting, suspenseful, and even humorous at times. I liked it and I’ll be continuing the series.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson.
The adage “good things come in small packages” rings true for this short Newbury Award winner that packs an emotional punch. A story of friendship, imagination, and understanding the hearts of others (i.e. siblings, bullies, parents, other adults, teachers). This didn’t take me long to read and I found it well worth my time. It will be on my list of books to revisit once my sons are old enough.
Rocket Men by Robert Kurson.
I’m reading this again (I listened to the audiobook earlier this year, now I have the hardcover) and once again I’m blown away by the Apollo 8 mission. So gutsy, so bold. The book highlights the three astronauts (Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, Bill Anders) and their families, but doesn’t fail to mention several of the other major players in the US space program and even the rival Russian program. This book is full of great drama. Even if you know how the story ends (spoiler: the astronauts make it home), you may not have heard how it was done or what risks were taken to do it. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission this month on the 20th, let’s not forget the mission that even Neil Armstrong himself said was “an enormously bold decision.”
Here’s a few things the mission accomplished with 4 months of planning:
1st successful launch of the Saturn V rocket with men aboard after only two (TWO!!??) unmanned tests
Sent humans the farthest from earth they’ve ever gone: 239,000 miles (the previous record was 853 miles).
1st time humans ever laid eyes on the dark side of the moon
The Earthrise photo
1st successful entry and exit of lunar orbit
That’s scratching the surface. Apart from the feats of engineering, the men on board were world class and learning about their lives and families is inspiring.
Favorite kid read this year (so far)
Ask Mr. Bear by Marjorie Flack
This was so unexpectedly charming. It could be because of the little blond boy that reminds me so much of my own, or that the animals run along with him all the way to the edge of the forest, or the final scene that came as such a surprise. I won’t spoil it – get it and read it with your littles.
I also started a reading plan to ensure I'm get the right mix of spiritual reading, fun reading, reading for my career growth, reading to improve my relationships, and reading to get Strenuous Life badges. As Jeremy says in his article:
Just like any other plan, it can help you maximize the value, enjoyment, and satisfaction you get from your reading.
Part of my reading plan is spiritual growth. We are studying the New Testament in Sunday School and just finished the gospels and started The Acts of the Apostles. I always get a little worried that once we finish the gospels, things will go down hill. Not the case this year. I've found excellent teachings and great discussion about the first few chapters of Acts. Was Peter the man, or was Peter the man? Here is a link to the curriculum we are following.
Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) Deskbook. To say I'm enjoying this may be a stretch, but my real job is manufacturing space equipment so understanding MRLs is making me feel more competent. I love the quasi-linear progression of concept to prototype to full production and seeing things go from an idea on paper to functioning hardware. Yeah, let's make stuff!
Thanks for reading. I'd love to hear from you on what you're reading and learning about.
Kyle