I love the smell of books. Am I weird? I blame authors like Michael Crichton
Time for another book/author review! Hope you guys enjoy it!
Travels
Most people know about Michael Crichton because he wrote the books like Jurrasic Park, Sphere, Congo and The Andromeda Strain. He sold over 200 million books, however, the one book that stuck with me is his book called Travels. Ironically, it's a non-fiction autobiography.
Nothing better than a helpful perspective tweak
When I read, I look for nuggets that I can keep. Here are three chapters that I remember making an impact on my thinking and the lessons I learned.
Lesson 1: Sometimes its good to NOT to know what's coming
In one chapter, Crichton went on an excursion hoping to see a shark or two. Wisely, their guide didn't give them the full scope of what was to come. Crichton and his group were brought down a vortex and into a fast-moving current that pulled them, quickly and closely, past hundreds of sharks.
The unknown is shrouded with unfounded fear.
I have thought about this often when I am sitting on the fence for an adventure. Do I really need to know everything about where I'm going and what I'll see? The detailed, careful melancholy half of my personality rears its non-adventurous head and holds up danger signs. My husband, on the other hand, is always up for an adventure. I think about this vignette and it emboldens me to go with the flow.
Do you believe, like I do, that sometimes it's best to step into the unknown? You may be pleasantly surprised. Have you ever had an unexpected, exciting surprise that would never have happened if reason kicked in and stopped you in your tracks?
Lesson 2: Don't just depend on your senses, look beyond.
Another chapter covered a trip to a gorge. Crichton stood at the edge of what was supposed to dwarf the Grand Canyon. He didn't see the massive gorge... the majestic canyon landscape. Instead, he just saw that he was a the edge of what seemed to be a typical cliff.
What he expected to see, but didn't.
However, it only looked like a cliff because the other side of the gorge was so far away that he couldn't see it. He truly was standing in the presence of something more massive than the Grand Canyon yet, he had to look inside of himself to capture the true essence of the moment because his eye couldn't capture it.
I tend to think of this story when I meet people. It reminds me to look for the greatness in others regardless of appearances.
When nothing on paper indicated my husband was a good catch, in fact, everything on paper said, "RUN!", I saw his heart for others and knew it would end well.
When I see my amazing friend, Adrienne, juggle motherhood (swim meets, Girl Scouts) and a successful business (over 3000 employees), I visually see she's a bedrock of many. Yet, I remind myself that although she truly is strong, my husband and I are really protective of her because of the silent challenges we know about...silent challenges that are not seen or known by others who meet her, yet are the driving forces of her life at this time.
Have you ever seen or met greatness that went beyond your senses? How much effort do you make to purposefully look for the greatness around you?
Lesson 3: When cultural differences arise, don't judge. Consider embracing good ones.
Finally, in another chapter, Crichton describes entering a village of pygmies who all busted out in gut-busting laughter when he approached. They were literally rolling around on the ground laughing uncontrollably. The logical side of him probably wondered if he had a booger hanging out of his nose... in other words, he had a moment of massive insecurity. He was, in fact, 6 feet 9 inches tall giant of a man, surrounded by pygmies. Then, he discovered that this tribe of pygmies considered this type of laughter as the highest form of RESPECT when meeting a new person.
They weren't laughing at him, with him, but FOR him.
Did you know you can learn to embrace cultural differences? I'm from Texas and we smile at strangers and often times, hug in place of shaking hands. Have you ever been smacked in the face of cultural differences that made you insecure? Are you willing to be a little bit uncomfortable for the sake of community?
I think about this because recently @reko from Sweden, posted about their amazing annual hugging day! Flash Mob on the 2018 International Hugging Day! [ Fueled by the Steem blockchain ]
My friend @sumatranate brought up a good point. He said that the differences aren't necessarily good or bad but just different. And, coming from an expat who spent years in Indonesia and now back in the states, he would know. Are there cultural differences you've seen in your own culture or from other cultures that you think would be great if adopted by the masses?
In conclusion
So, back to the book Travels. Did I agree with everything in the book? No. Did the entire book speak to me? No. However, the parts that did speak to me made a lasting impact that made reading the book well worth my time!
Now, who needs a hug?! 🤗
Previous Book/Author Reviews
- I love the smell of books. Am I weird? I blame authors like John Irving.
- I love the smell of books. Am I weird? I blame authors like Edward Rutherford.
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@karencarrens, it is great to see you again friend. Glad that you are writing again.
I especially like points #1 and #3.
When we made our big change to move back to the States, I asked "why" so often. I believe that my family and I are being protected because we would have given up if we knew how big the challenges were going to be.
In regards to #3, I often say that some things are not bad, they are not good, they are just different. Life overseas taught me that important life lesson.
Looking forward to more great articles!
Such a great point @sumatranate about it being just different vs good or bad. So good that it's driving me to tweak the body of my text.
Just updated it! Thanks for your awesome feedback.
It's an honor that you would tweak your post because of my feedback.
The first two points absolutely resonate with me. There's so many things in my life that I've done, that had I known what I was in for, I probably wouldn't have done them. I guess every new challenge comes with it's obstacles. It is definitely better though that we don't get to see all the obstacles before we stepped in.
In the end the results and/ or lessons makes the choice worth it. Though we might have our doubts while going through the process. Thanks for the food for thought :-).
@dreamingirwin, yes, life is ultimately is a journey of becoming who we were meant to be. Even stepping into Steemit is like stepping into the unknown, yet, all of us who dive in, learn to swim in the process. 😁
I actually love reading books and one of my favorite writers is Dan Brown. I love his books. His books for me are better than any movie or TV show. :)
I think it is better sometimes do not know what is coming. As if it's a negative thing you will only make it worse than it is because fear can do that to you.
I loved what you said here:
"I tend to think of this story when I meet people. It reminds me to look for the greatness in others regardless of appearances."
I think we should all take a lesson from you here. And, look way beyond the exterior of people. Don't judge the book by its covers kind of thing in a way.
Being pro basketball players in Europe and changing countries and meeting new cultures every year it is incredibly important to try to adapt yourself to your surroundings and people. They traditions, jokes, the way they speak. Of course, do not force it, but try to understand it, and have some fun while doing it. A smile is a universal language. And, always keep an open mind.
Amazing post, my friend. I might have to read this book. Thank you for review. Have an amazing day. :)
Ahhh! Conspiracy theory junkie! Dan Brown is pretty amazing. I've only read a couple of his novels, but what I've read, he weaves very complex plots in a way that flows so smoothly! And, yes, books are so often way better than the movies. I think it's so great that you travel and play basketball for a living! I look forward to learning more about you. Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving such a thoughtful comment.
Conspiracy theory indeed. I love a good one. But, I am more impressed how he is able to write in a way which makes you feel like you are there with the characters experiencing and seeing what they are seeing. Incredibly detailed writing of this is what makes me love his books. I believe I read 5-6 of his books and loved them all. The last one I read was Origin. And, I loved it. I read 400 and something pages in 2 days. That is how good the book is. :)
Basketball has sure been my lifelong passion and it has given me so much. More than I can ever imagine really. I have seen the world with it. :)
I love this take on books and their meaning to you. Interesting analysis of the book in question and lessons you have learned. Books can certainly do that. I know they have for me. They get me questioning and considering new things, or old things in a new light. Even novels, if a line or statement grabs me.
Great post, I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you @naquoya! It is great when we can find even just a line that sticks with us. I totally agree! There were other chapters that were just as thought-provoking so hopefully, I didn't give away too much of the book for someone who has yet to read it! Thanks for your words of encouragement!
No I don't think you gave anything away. More like talked about what was important to you, and what got you thinking. I like reading these sorts of reflections.
Sorry for the late notice, but i have featured your article in this weeks The Library.
Travels is a wonderful book. Crichton's Congo was the first novel I read. I was in grade school at the time, and I remember my mom telling me not to read the prologue, as it was too violent. Well, of course I did, and thus started my life of literary rebellion! I actually still have the same copy I read 25 years ago...it's my most personally valuable book!
So good to see you, @rarebooksleuth! I think it's great when a book brings you back to being a kid! 😁
Michael Chrichton was an amazing Author, and I really need to go back and re-read some of his books again. I loved the fact that his books were just out there enough to be science fiction, but it was believable science fiction. That was such a fascinating thing for me as a kid.
Sounds like you enjoyed the nonfiction more than the fiction out of him. My favorite book of his was Airframe. It really changed the way I look at flying, how easily we blow things out of proportion. And once again, Occam's Razor proves itself right.
Actually, I do love his fiction, @ddrfr33k. And you're so right... it's believable science fiction! I do remember reading Airframe. It's been years. I love when you can learn about history through fiction.
Ain't that the truth. And his was rooted in enough fact to actually be slightly informative!
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This post has received a 0.04 % upvote from @drotto thanks to: @dreamingirwin.
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There is certainly an important lesson here on perspective. Whether it’s beauty or madness, people are grossly affected by where, when, how and why. The Grand Canyon could be the most beautiful natural landscape on earth or it could be a cliff- it could be an obstacle or a tool to end ones life. Where we stand, means everything.
Yes, @theessential, you are right on point. That is such a great point you about the Grand Canyon.
It’s everything truly...the Grand Canyon is just one great example.