A wonderful exploration of how set-backs affect our lives.
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Occasionally reads. Has ambitions to read more.
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Brad Vrolijk π's books
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2024 Reading Goal
16% complete! Brad Vrolijk π has read 1 of 6 books.
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Brad Vrolijk π rated The Fifth Mountain: 4 stars
![Paulo Coelho: The Fifth Mountain](https://pub-1146fd6c5b9443ce8a2adde617e7847d.r2.dev/images/covers/e6693d74-76b7-47e8-b14d-6f0ab469e1c7.jpeg)
The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho
The Fifth Mountain (Portuguese: O Monte Cinco) is the work of Brazilian author Paulo Coelho published in Brazil in 1996. β¦
Brad Vrolijk π finished reading The Fifth Mountain by Paulo Coelho
Brad Vrolijk π reviewed The Problem of Pain by C. S. Lewis
A Theological Examination of Pain
3 stars
Lewis explores the existence of suffering from an explicitly Christian theological lens with only fleeting glances of a more philosophical viewpoint. If you already ascribe to a Christian belief, then what's presented here will likely mesh with your existing knowledge to produce a more whole comprehension of the whys and role of suffering in our world. If you aren't, then I don't know if there's that much here for you; not that the insights aren't applicable outside of a Christian context, but rather because I think that context so forcefully holds the entire examination together.
It was a very interesting book, though; I agreed with a bunch of it, it provided a few things I will continue to mull over in the years ahead, and there were a few things I think Lewis missed the mark on. While I don't think that this book is the #1 treatise on the β¦
Lewis explores the existence of suffering from an explicitly Christian theological lens with only fleeting glances of a more philosophical viewpoint. If you already ascribe to a Christian belief, then what's presented here will likely mesh with your existing knowledge to produce a more whole comprehension of the whys and role of suffering in our world. If you aren't, then I don't know if there's that much here for you; not that the insights aren't applicable outside of a Christian context, but rather because I think that context so forcefully holds the entire examination together.
It was a very interesting book, though; I agreed with a bunch of it, it provided a few things I will continue to mull over in the years ahead, and there were a few things I think Lewis missed the mark on. While I don't think that this book is the #1 treatise on the theology of suffering, I do think it's competent, coherent, and insightful enough to be an excellent driver for conversation and exploration of the topic.
Brad Vrolijk π rated Adolfo Kaminsky, a Forger's Life: 4 stars
![Sarah Kaminsky, Adolfo Kaminsky, Mike Mitchell: Adolfo Kaminsky, a Forger's Life (2016, DoppelHouse Press)](https://pub-1146fd6c5b9443ce8a2adde617e7847d.r2.dev/images/covers/f01db70f-0dcc-4d60-890b-e7b4837bf885.jpeg)
Adolfo Kaminsky, a Forger's Life by Sarah Kaminsky, Adolfo Kaminsky, Mike Mitchell
Best-selling author Sarah Kaminsky takes readers through her father Adolfo Kaminsky's perilous and clandestine career as a forger for the β¦
Brad Vrolijk π finished reading Adolfo Kaminsky, a Forger's Life by Mike Mitchell
Took me a bit longer than planned, but ended up enjoying the book immensely. A well-written reflection on a man's desire to work for good when circumstances make it nearly impossible.
Brad Vrolijk π rated The Two Towers: 4 stars
![J.R.R. Tolkien: The Two Towers (Paperback, 2012, HarperCollins)](https://pub-1146fd6c5b9443ce8a2adde617e7847d.r2.dev/images/covers/b3bcd52a-71c4-4867-8918-4ab065d80144.jpeg)
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings, Part 2)
The company of the Ring is torn asunder. Frodo and Sam continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin β¦
Brad Vrolijk π started reading Adolfo Kaminsky, a Forger's Life by Mike Mitchell
I saw a short documentary by the Times abut Adolfo Kaminsky and was fascinated by his story, from unexpected turns in life to the intersection of his pacifism and desire to partake in the war and save lives. Looking forward to reading the story in full.
Brad Vrolijk π rated The Aquanaut: 4 stars
![Dan Santat: The Aquanaut (Paperback, 2022, Graphix)](https://pub-1146fd6c5b9443ce8a2adde617e7847d.r2.dev/images/covers/950fe4e2-18cb-4cc9-9896-3b2d87600bec.jpeg)
The Aquanaut by Dan Santat
Ever since her father was lost at sea, Sophia has been moping around Aqualand, a marine theme park. But Sophia's β¦
Brad Vrolijk π set a goal to read 12 books in 2023
Brad Vrolijk π reviewed Runaway by Cordell Barker
Short, A Bit On The Nose, But Enjoyable
4 stars
Runaway is a brief look at the rigidity of our systems and how we maintain them. It has affection for those that can see how systems may be oblivious to externalities, and the absurd ways we'll attempt to fix them.
It doesn't condemn the nature of these shortcomings, but rather shines a light on them in a humorous way. Awareness is, in fact, most of the battle.
Brad Vrolijk π finished reading Runaway by Cordell Barker
Review of 'Horus Rising (The Horus Heresy)'
4 stars
Overall it was a solid book. While sometimes dwelling a little too long, the book does a really good job at exploring the philosophy of ideologies born out of times of conflict/war/persecution and how those ideologies hold as the world around them change. Far deeper than I expected, and more than enough to convince me to read another book in the series.
A fairly quick read that entertains and provides enough exploration of ideas about how we choose to interact with the world around us that it's certainly not just a throwaway. I enjoyed it.
Brad Vrolijk π rated Chrono Trigger: 3 stars
![Ted Woolsey, Michael P. Williams: Chrono Trigger (2014, SCB Distributors)](https://pub-1146fd6c5b9443ce8a2adde617e7847d.r2.dev/images/covers/0748969b-606d-4ae0-98e9-08755c98f440.jpeg)
Chrono Trigger by Ted Woolsey, Michael P. Williams (Boss Fight Books, #2)
When Boss Fight Books first gave fans the chance to vote for the game they most wanted to read a β¦
Brad Vrolijk π rated Shadow of the Colossus: 3 stars
![Nick Suttner: Shadow of the Colossus (2014, Boss Fight Books)](https://pub-1146fd6c5b9443ce8a2adde617e7847d.r2.dev/images/covers/dc4028c8-801f-421f-8b89-2ca1fdd0a0b0.jpeg)
Shadow of the Colossus by Nick Suttner (Boss Fight Books, #10)
A massive, open world, brimming with mystery. A gauntlet of giants to overcome, living levels that must be destroyed... but β¦