Let's start with the fifties.
Pearls of wisdom and observations on life, love, and learning from a bona-fide baby boomer.
Family–where life begins and love never ends.
I have been so blessed to love and be loved throughout my seventy-four years. I was surrounded with love from the day I was born from my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and, of course, my husband. When I'm overcome with sadness and missing my family, it helps to remember that their love has made me who I am and will forever be a part of me even though we have been parted temporarily by death. Listen to the words of this song and I guarantee that your spirits will be lifted as you are reminded that "all the love is still inside."
Fifty years ago we were connected geographically to friends and family. Our relatives lived within traveling–often walking–distance. Our churches and schools and businesses were in our neighborhoods, but as travel became easier and cheaper, our world expanded. Educational and job opportunities carried us far from our roots. As families were separated by long distances, maintaining connection became more difficult. Still, before the advent of the computer and the world wide web, we kept in touch by telephone and snail-mail.
Modern technology for all of its benefits has caused more isolation. Texting and messaging, while facilitating information exchange, actually impede meaningful communication. Social media is but a feeble attempt to remedy the disconnect many feel. We acquire hundreds of "friends" who wouldn't know us if they passed us on the street. Meaningful conversation has been replaced by superficial exchanges masquerading as communication. Instead of, "What are you thinking? What do you believe? Who are you?", we ask, "What are you doing? Who are you with? What are you eating?”
Even before 2020, we were desperately seeking connection but the covid pandemic has intensified our need. Finding a small group–a Bible study, a friend group, support group, or shepherding group–even if it must be on Zoom–can meet this need. Real communication involves truths--getting beyond the veneers and facades to a level where we share our basic humanity.
"It's an ill wind that blows nobody good." Sir Walter Scott
We bibliomaniacs–especially those who also suffer from abibliophobia–have fared better than most during the shelter at home directives. At last, we who have been criticized for the stacks of unread books accumulating in every corner and at our bedsides have been vindicated!
Here are my favorites from 2020 with ratings but no reviews.