Two more books --- well, sort of

[rhu]

Over Shabbat I read Ted Kennedy זל's memoir, True Compass. It's well-written, of course, and peppered with humourous anecdotes, but primarily it's a fascinating glimpse into his mirror. He's forthcoming about his failings, and his perception of the forces that shaped his personality and his life was illuminating. Highly recommended.

I also took out from the library The Renaissance Soul - Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One by Margaret Lobenstine. It was praised in a Wired article across which I had stumbled, but I should have been warned off by the phrase "Life Design" in the subtitle. Rather than being advice on how to manage multiple passions, it was a book-length pitch for the author's consulting services, encouraging people to realize their inner "Ben Franklin". I skimnmed it cover-to-cover in about ten minutes and there's nothing useful in there for people who already self-identify as Renaissance Men and Women (hence the gender-neutral title Soul) and have decided to embrace our multiple passions. Feh. Four kvteches.

Comments

[fauxklore]

Thanks for the warning re: The Renaissance Soul as it might be something I would pick up.

Are ypu familiar with Barbara Sher? She does PBS programs and uses the term "scanners" for people who can't settle down to just one thing. My brother is a big fan of hers and, as a result, I went to a program she did at the Smithsonian a few years back. I don't remember her having much practical advice either, alas, though she was entertaining.

Obviously I need to write the definitive self-help book on the subject, just as soon as I can find time from my other umpty-ump projects.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the Kennedy review - I've wondered whether it was worth picking up.