amy's brain output: entitlement programs

have you been wondering what those politicians have been referring to when they talk about entitlement programs? while i had a vague idea, i wasn't at all sure of the specifics. i wasn't even quite sure why they were called "entitlement" programs in the first place. i found a great explanation in someone else's blog...highly recommend you check it out. then, share your thoughts with me! to cut, or not to cut?

what i'm effin' reading

Just Read: Same Kind of Different as Me

Author: Ron Hall and Denver Moore

My Vote: Absolutely worth reading. It opened my eyes to our not-so-distant history of share-cropping in the southern states.

on a hunt for something different and non-fiction, i picked up this book. boy, was i in for it. fast forward to me, sobbing on the stationary bike in the public gym, unable to put it down until i knew how it ended.

i loved this book because (a) i am fascinated by post-civil war stories and (b) it was narrated by two completely different individuals while they described similar scenes. Ron describes his life as a wealthy texas art dealer, denver describes his life on the streets, and both describe how they grew together and influenced one another.

i wasn't expecting a christian element to the book, but be prepared for one. spirituality plays a huge role in the transformation of both real-life characters, and they definitely have a message to send. fear not, if you are not particularly religious. there are enough incredible parts of this story that you will also enjoy this book.

not going to tell you anything else that happens because it'll ruin it...just keep in mind that, 3/4 of the way through the book, you probably shouldn't be in public. you may embarrass yourself like i did via crying like a baby.

Currently Reading: Altered Carbon

Author: Richard K. Morgan

Highlights: description of the supposed 25th century along with anticipated advances in technology. terribly interesting take on what life might be like after our race decides to forsake our planet and broaden our universal scope. also digs into the idea that our personality and soul can be captured on a type of memory disk, completely removed from our bodies. that our bodies are, in fact, simply external coverings of who we are and can either limit or enhance only our physical abilities.

My Thoughts So Far: way too sci-fi for me. i went to barnes & noble looking for something similar to "the hunger games" which was written with adults in mind. post-apocalyptic survival-type story. that's not what i got.

while this is absolutely a story projected into the future of the human race, and while there are absolutely some interesting scientific and moral concepts/issues brought forward, the storyline itself irks me. i don't want to read sci-fi versions of sex or mutilation. not my style.

it got rave reviews from the 5 bookstore employees i polled, but it's clear we have different preferences and interests when it comes to what we devour in book form. maybe i'm just an a-hole.

i'm going to finish it, because i started it. but that doesn't mean i have to like it.

overall: not suggesting it to anyone unless this sounds like your particular cup of tea.

makes me miss jane austen.

amy's brain output

entitlement programs

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