Alexander Green (2) (1958–)

An interesting, readable series of short essays on issues of spirituality, religion, science, philosophy, and living a worthwhile life. I found the essays to be fairly engaging and at times thought-provoking, even profound. They're so short that you can't get bored, and it's easy to breeze through the book in a couple of hours. On the other hand, the author's tone struck me as a bit facile, even superficial at times. Yes, he confronts deep and complex philosophical issues, but in a way that seems to play it safe, avoiding the thornier points and always aiming for a "let's all just get along and be happy" resolution to any conflicts. It's easy to spot contradictions between the beliefs he espouses in different essays, as well, as he attempts to glean words of wisdom from a wide spectrum of world thinkers spanning the centuries.

On the other hand, I don't regret reading it. I just wish I had the chance to engage the author in a face-to-face conversation; I'd love to go deeper into some of the issues he merely takes a cursory glance at.

Bonus: there's a great bibliography, with many books I will add to my Amazon wish list.… (meer)