Wednesday, February 06, 2008

On... Eldest by Christopher Paolini

I picked up the first book in this series, Eragon, just before the movie was released. If I plan to watch a movie based on a book I try to read the book first.

I remember that I really enjoyed the book but could tell that it was written by a fifteen year old.

Paolini has matured both as a person and as a writer. I got completely captivated by this book and drawn in by Paolini's rapid pace. The book stretches over 600 pages but not once did I find a lull in the story telling. Everythign weaved together. It showed that he must have taken a good deal of time to plan the back story and the intricate working of all of the details.

Paolini's universe is much different than my favorite... Middle Earth. Paolini obviously writes from a non-Christian background. As Eragon searches for answers to figure out his universe Paolini seems to be searching for them as well.

I absolutely loved the book and am eagerly anticipating the release of the third book in the trilogy, Brisinger.

Saturday, February 02, 2008

On... The Divine Comedy Vol I: Inferno by Dante

Reading this book on the heels of the Bhagavad-Gita I was very surprised at how similar these two books are. Both are major poetic, religious works. Both consist of a conversation between a pilgrim of sorts and a religious leader of sorts.

The similarities end there. Dante was Catholic. The anonymous author of the Bhagavad-Gita was Hindu. The religiosity evident in both of these books is different because of these different religions.

Comparisons can also be made between The Divine Comedy and Pilgrim's Progress. Both are allegorical journey. One is a journey through life to heaven. The other is a journey through hell to sort of scare the pilgrim straight.

The poetry of this book is amazing. I almost forgot that I was reading a poem. Part of those kudos need to go to the translator Mark Musa.

I set the book down feeling somewhat depressed. I'm so glad that I'm not focused on avoiding hell but rather focusing on God and His glory.