Blink

By the author of the Tipping Point, Blink is an examination of how people think. There are many unconscious ways that influence our decisions - moments of decision that occur in the blink of an eye. This book is an easy to read look at a psychological subject.

Gladwell doesn't draw a whole lot of conclusions. Instead, he presents ideas and allows the reader to decide for themselves. He does state, however, that it is impossible to truly know why we make the choices we do. He attempts to present research which can suggest what our unconscious mind intends. I don't agree with him on every point. If one believes in the Divine, then it would be impossible to agree with him. If you submit (or try to) your will to a higher being, then your choices will be influenced in a particular direction.

Even if you do believe in Divine influence, there is something to be said for how we behave based solely on the function of our organic brain. Individuals with brain injuries will experience a change in behavior that cannot be explained any other way. The book definitely provides for some interesting reading.

The Christmas Quilt

Many popular authors are not unlike popular singers. In order to extend their brand of music, they will release a Christmas album. Often the singers interpretation of traditional Christmas carols are less than desirable. And yet the resulting sales justify the weak effort. Some book authors are similar. Mary Higgins Clark, Debbi Maccomber, Nora Roberts, Richard Paul Evans, John Grisham and others have all come out with the obligatory Christmas story. (I wouldn't be surprised if Clancy also came out with one since he has sold out in so many ways....).

The Christmas Quilt story doesn't fall into that category. True, the story is a Christmas story but only a chapter or two actually deals with Christmas events. Most of the story involves the 7 months leading up to Christmas. Written by Thomas J. Davis, it is a charming look at a small town and simple family life. It takes it's point of view from a 13 year old boy as he starts down the road toward adulthood.

The story is entirely predictable, yet that is ok. It is a comfortable journey for the reader, despite the expected events. It is easy to relate to the reactions and day-to-day life of the family. The story is more about family and less about the "magic" of Christmas. Christmas is the event that motivates certain characters to behave a little kinder because they recognize it as a day to show more love and charity (having a strong grasp on their Christian faith). In that sense, the story is a lot more real.

The story is a gentle book and it does have some religious passages which I did not find over bearing. Instead, it helps you to understand the characters better.

Book Rating: 3 1/2 Stars