WildmooBooks: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

WildmooBooks: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas



"The Count of Monte Cristo" is hands down my favorite book! I haven't had this much fun since I was a child! My only regret is that it has taken so long for me to read anything by Dumas; however, I inherited several an entire collection of Dumas writings from my uncle (they are in storage, but I'm going to drag them out), and the rest of the collection is even half as good as "The Count of Monte Cristo," I plan to enjoy his books the rest of my life.

Helping Those With Nothing to Do

Have you ever noticed some people seem to have absolutely nothing to do? They spend their days watching television or reminiscing about the 'good ole days' or maybe obsessing about the newest pain they've developed in the last hour. One person I know centers his life around what he's going to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. What wasted lives, but try telling them that. As long as nothing interferes with the normal routine, they are as happy as clams.

One day, inevitably the bottom falls out of their world and all hell breaks loose. The trigger for this fallout can be as simple as facing another birthday, or suddenly realizing everyone they know is either dead or have moved on to better things. They groan or begin to mutter to themselves about the passing of time, and how boring life is. Suddenly they are no longer satisfied with routine. they want to do something worthwhile; contribute to society or leave something that will make others sit up and take notice.

This is the best time to recruit someone for a project. Maybe you've been trying to get their attention before, but to no avail. A sure sign that they are ready to take on something worthwhile is the change in what they like to talk about. If they start talking about the sameness of life, are remorseful about how little they've accomplished, or become envious of something someone they know is doing, it time to lower the boom and recruit them.

Once Is Not Enough

I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young, and it was fabulous. Without giving away one iota of the plot, for you definitely should read it for yourself, let me say this book grips the reader from the beginning all the way through to a very satisfying conclusion. Young has all the right moves in this book and he weaves his story skillfully. I've read a lot of books that I lost interest in before the end because the character's actions, motives or range of emotions just did'nt ring true for me. However, The Shack delivers through and through. Young delves into themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, healing and restoration. The book also challenges readers to "think outside of the box." Most of us have preconcieved ideas about how our world operates, and it's pretty unconfortable to step out of that mindset and become open to other possibilites beyond our own milieu. Yet in some cases, that's exactly what is required of us in order to be able to stretch and grow. Survival, itself requires that we have an eclectic array of skills and resources in our toolbox to draw from in order to deal with whatever life hurls at us at any given moment. For those who aren't afraid to take a leap without a safety net, read The Shack, but let me warn you that when you do, once is not enough.