Analysis
The Game Changer
A book that changed me? Hmm... How far back can I remember, exactly? Every time I think of an influential novel in my history of being an avid reader, I remember an earlier one that I assume has had more of an impact, mostly because something, or quite rightly someone, that I had the good grace of being gifted as a child, sparked a beautifully endless stream of events that have carried me over the course of my life.
By Sian N. Clutton2 years ago in BookClub
Adolescent Odyssey
I don’t remember the first book I ever read, but the first one I recall having read to me was a favourite of my mother. Coincidentally, it’s a favourite of mine, though I think we’ll skip the philosophical discussion about indoctrination for another time. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is a wonderful book, but not the one I want to talk about today.
By Alexander McEvoy2 years ago in BookClub
The story of God's prophet Moses, peace be upon him
MosesOverview: God sent him to Pharaoh and his people, and supported him with two miracles, one of which is the staff that swallows snakes, and the other is his hand that enters his pocket and comes out white without harm. Moses called to the oneness of God, so Pharaoh fought him and gathered magicians for him to harm him, but he defeated them with the permission of God Almighty, then God commanded him to leave Egypt with those who followed him, so Pharaoh chased him with a great army, and when his followers thought they were aware of his command, God commanded him to strike the sea with his staff so that it would be his salvation and so that it would be the destruction of Pharaoh, whom God made an example for others. Moses and Aaron were sent to the most hateful people to the truth and the most distant from it. Therefore, their lives were full of events and situations. In order to be able to present this story correctly, it has been divided into four parts, each of which deals with a stage in the lives of these two noble prophets. Parts of the story: Part 1: It deals with the upbringing of Moses, his departure from Egypt to Madyan, fleeing from Pharaoh and his soldiers, and his encounter with his Lord in the Holy Valley. His biography: During Joseph's stay in Egypt, Egypt converted to monotheism. The oneness of God Almighty, which was the message that all the messengers carried to their strongest people. But after his death, the people of Egypt returned to their disbelief and polytheism. As for the sons of Jacob, or the sons of Israel, they mixed with Egyptian society, some of them went astray, and some of them remained on monotheism. The sons of Israel multiplied and their numbers increased, and they worked in many professions. Then, a tyrannical king ruled Egypt, whom the Egyptians worshiped. He saw the children of Israel multiplying and increasing and possessing. And he heard them talking about a prophecy that says that one of the children of Israel will overthrow Pharaoh's rule from his throne. So the Pharaoh issued an order not to give birth to any of the children of Israel, that is, to kill any male child. And he started implementing the system, then his advisors told him that the adults of the children of Israel die by their ages, and the children are killed, and this will lead to the extinction of the children of Israel, so Egypt will weaken due to the lack of labor in it. And the best thing is to organize the operation by killing the males in one year and leaving them in the next year. And the Pharaoh found that this solution was safer. And Moses' mother gave birth to Aaron in the year when the boys are not killed, so she gave birth publicly safely. When the year came in which the boys were killed, Moses was born. His birth carried great fear for his mother. She was afraid of him being killed. She went to breastfeed him in secret. Then a blessed night came to her in which God revealed to her that she should make a small box for Moses, then breastfeed him and put him in the box, and throw him in the Nile. The mother's heart, which is the most merciful heart in the world, was filled with pain as she threw her son in the Nile, but she knew that God was more merciful to Moses than she was, and God is the Lord of Moses and the Lord of the Nile. The box had barely touched the waters of the Nile when the Creator issued His command to the waves to be calm and affectionate as it carried this baby who would be a prophet later. And just as God Almighty issued His command to the fire to be cold and peace for Abraham, so He issued His command to the Nile to carry Moses with calm and tenderness until it delivered him to the palace of Pharaoh. And there the wave delivered it to the shore. Moses' refusal of wet nurses: That morning, Pharaoh's wife went out for a walk in the garden of the palace. And Pharaoh's wife was very different from him. He was a disbeliever and she was a believer. He was cruel and she was kind. He was a tyrant and she was gentle and kind. She was also sad, because she could not have children. And she was hoping to have a son. When the maids went to fill the jars with water from the Nile, they found the box, so they carried it as it was to Pharaoh's wife. She ordered them to open it, so they opened it. She saw Moses inside and felt his love in her heart. He had instilled love for him in her heart, so she took him out of the box. Moses woke up and started crying. He was hungry and needed his morning feed, so he cried of the story of Moses in Madyan, from the Quranic surah Al-Qasas. The story begins with Moses fleeing from Egypt after killing a man in self-defense. He is pursued by Pharaoh's soldiers, and he eventually makes his way to Madyan. When Moses arrives in Madyan, he is exhausted and hungry. He sees a group of people watering their animals at a well, and he notices two women who are waiting for the men to finish so that they can water their own sheep. Moses offers to help them, and he is surprised to learn that they are daughters of a local shepherd. The shepherd, whose name is Shu'ayb, is impressed by Moses' strength and integrity. He offers Moses a job as a shepherd and a marriage to one of his daughters. Moses agrees, and he spends the next ten years in Madyan, raising sheep and learning from Shu'ayb. The story of Moses in Madyan is a lesson in humility and compassion. Moses is a powerful and charismatic figure, but he is also humble and kind. He is willing to help those in need, even when he is himself in a difficult situation. Here are some of the key takeaways from the story: Moses is a man of action. When he sees a need, he takes action to help. He does not hesitate to help the two women at the well, even though he is tired and hungry. Moses is a man of integrity. He is honest and trustworthy, and he is willing to work hard. He is also respectful of women, as he is careful not to look at the daughter of Shu'ayb while she is walking. Moses is a man of faith. He trusts in God, even when he is in a difficult situation. He knows that God will help him, and he is willing to follow God's guidance.
By السيد البحيري2 years ago in BookClub
The Managerial Revolution
Have you ever bought a book sight unseen in terms of knowing what it’s about before you buy it? I have that’s what happened when I bought, The Managerial Revolution: What is Happening in the World, by James Burnham in 2013. This book sat on my shelf for the next year. Not because I wasn’t interested, rather it was marinating for the right time for me to read it. But boy, would this book change my entire outlook on the world once I did read it.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in BookClub
Unveiling the Enigma: The Creation of Your Beloved Animated Movies
In the realm of entertainment, animated movies hold a distinct allure. They transport us to enchanting worlds, where characters spring to life and stories captivate our hearts. Yet, beneath the vibrant visuals and charming tales lies a tapestry of intrigue and wonder that reshapes how we perceive our favorite animated films. Let's journey behind the scenes to uncover the mystique and craftsmanship that elevate these movies beyond the ordinary.
By Stone Chen2 years ago in BookClub
THE ROAD by Cormac McCarthy
The Man wakes in the dark in the post-apocalyptic landscape, his son known only as the Boy, sleeps beside him, the father’s hand on his little chest feeling it rise and fall “with each precious breath.” We do not know what befell the earth and we never will. All we know is that the“Barren, silent, godless” world is dying and they need to move south or they will not survive the coming winter.
By Kevin Rolly2 years ago in BookClub
My Top Reads of 2023 (So Far)
I usually read around 50 books a year, give or take. I like to think this sum total breaks down to a diverse literary array: assigned classics for my college courses, page-turning thrillers, chart-topping bestsellers, nonfiction hyperfixation reads, etc.
By Erin Latham Shea2 years ago in BookClub
Austen's Unmarried Heroine. Top Story - August 2023.
It is a staple, if not a stereotype, of not just Austen novels, but novels by and for women, that the heroine must end up married (or at least in a happy relationship) by the end of the story. Of course, the world was different 200 years ago, and it was expected that women would get married (still is for the most part I would say but I think generally people are more chill about it now and you won't be a disappointment or disgrace!). Also fans of the Little Women (2019) adaptation will know that publishers wouldn't want to publish a book back then where a heroine didn't end up married at the end.
By The Austen Shelf2 years ago in BookClub
