THE EFFECTS OF LIGHT

so i finished the effects of light. it did pick up halfway through. i began to appreciate the alternating narratives, and it was interesting how the author changed her writing style to represent the beyond-her-years wisdom of the little sister, as she got older. that was a nice device.

what began as a promising premise on the bookflap developed into a substantial plot with thought-provoking ideas. this author, only 1 year my senior, proved a thorough researcher with an insightful mind. i liked that she showcased art using science and philosophy (a personal bias, i admit). no surprise to find she's borne out of two academics.

i'm on this 'accountability' kick, so with this in mind, i aim to further ponder the controversy presented in this book - pitting christian teaching against (for lack of a better word) moral relativism. and it wouldn't be worth the exercise if i didn't end up with a stance, so i'll try to eke one out. art or pornography? more importantly, who's accountable? i was going to post a link to a site about the author being interviewed about her book and as i skimmed through it, began to glean more her background and her perspective re: this controversy. based upon this recent finding, i think her book is even more laudable because obviously, i wasn't aware after finishing it that she appears to have a stronger opinion than the book leads you to believe. i like her objectivity in this sense and in the same manner that her title change secured her more readers, i think this objective presentation of a delicate topic of debate could very well turn her readers into loyal fans. i am more motivated to revisit the work and proceed with the personal moral discourse artfully sparked by this story. i feel like giggling. i'm such a dork.

and btw, i decided not to post that link, hoping you'll read the book yourself first. how's that for idealism? ha.

i've begun the dance of intimacy and yes, it's a self-help book. a few key perspectives i recognize, made by the one who recommended the book to me. i'm highlighting this one, and it's okay so far. hopefully the highlighting will prod me onward.

i admitted to my small group last night that i realize i've been neglecting my personal bible study. i opened my bible last night before our meeting, in college-cram fashion, after quite a while of not having consulted the text, so that was an accomplishment. i realized as i was sharing that if i am to hone the talent which is slowly being revealed to me, a most crucial part of this growth entails focused and intense study of the bible (not to imply that's my sole reason, much less the most important reason for reading it!) i get a word of the day, so now i've signed up for daily devotional emails. i had a couple of sites bookmarked, but of course they were deleted when i switched jobs last may.