Books Worth a Look

  • Little Bee by Chris Cleave - This book is a must read. Better than anything else I've read, it takes you vividly into the life of a person in the 3rd world who has no choice but to escape. It is brilliantly written & works well as an audio book. Often I've sent info about the wonderful refugees I've met in Europe. We know only so much of their plight as it is painful for them to recall much less live through again by recounting it. But over time it is clear what they've lived through. This book is excellent as you discover the horrors of their world. Somewhat how to me, it is like being in Europe near a Concentration Camp. One has an obligation to visit it. 'Never to Forget.' In this case, to have our eyes opened.
  • Garbage King by Eliz Laird - The book is set on the streets on Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia and here lives Mamo and his sister Tiggist. When Mamo's "uncle" offers a job, he soon sets out on a bus to work. Little does he know that he is actually being sold into slavery...

Monday, August 8, 2011

Hiroshima Day Memorial Service - Tavistock Square, London 8/6/11

Made my way to Tavistock Square in Camden London to attend the Hiroshima Day. A lovely square with a statue of Ghandi in the middle, a tree planted & a plaque at one end years ago to commemorate Hiroshima bomb dropping & conscientious objectors.

The ceremony features several speakers & quiet w/ Buddhist bell & silence. Now if world leaders as well as those seeking to instill terror & the powerful would look beyond self-interest, ego & blinding power to truly work for peace.

A group of us went for tea/coffee afterwards and discussed world events vis a vis war and weapons.

For me it was again a treat to sit & talk with people who truly care and are knowledgeable. They devote themselves to informing themselves & to speaking out against injustice. All very accepting. There is another ceremony at the Peace Pagoda and a silent procession Tuesday evening to commemorate the dropping of the bomb on Nagasaki.

You may see pics on my facebook page.

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REFLECTIONS & ARTICLES

Thoughts on the amazing people I get to meet.

Rich, my 19 year old friend, soon to be Franciscan and recent community member at Haley House in Boston. An article he wrote.

http://www.capuchinfranciscans.org/pdf/2008%2003%2011%20CVO%20Update%20A%20community%20of%20two%20tables.pdf