A test of faith

Gracia Burnham with Dean Merrill, ‘In The Presence of My Enemies’

THIS book is the real life account of Gracia Burnham, a kidnap survivor of a terrorist group. I purchased this book at a worship store five years ago in the hopes that it would be great for casual reading.

Little did I know that I would be hooked, and to this day, be my go-to book if I needed to kill time. I blushed along with the author upon reading her love story, felt indignant and despaired with her through her captivity, and grieved but eagerly hoped as her story progressed.

Talk about faith being tested! Such an inspiring read!

May Lynn Dalauta, creative writer

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A precious heirloom piece
Richard Dawkins, ‘The Magic of Reality’

I DON’T remember the exact date when I got this book, but I do recall something that happened that day. It was late 2011 when an acquaintance was curious about the book in my shopping bag. “The Magic of Reality.”

Being excited about my purchase, I remember how his reaction sharply contrasted mine. I guess he thought the third word was disappointing (maybe because he’s a fan of fantasy… especially one whose reality is literally bags of excrement) or at least ironic. Who puts “magic” and “reality” in the same title anyway?

Our ancestors tried to explain natural phenomena with colorful — even terrifying — myths. Each chapter of “The Magic of Reality” juxtaposes mythical explanations with scientific ones (except for the chapter about atoms).

Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy my dose of fantasy, but it’s the science that leaves me in awe. And there’s nothing wrong or shameful about this point of view.

Science does add magic to reality in the poetic sense of the word, as Richard Dawkins lovingly puts it. Science tells you that you are a remnant of a dying star. You ARE stardust. Now, how’s that utterly unmagical?!

Richard Dawkins’ “The Magic of Reality: How We Know What’s Really True” was clearly intended for children. Aside from the captivating illustrations by Dave McKean, there are additional interactive learning aids on the book’s website and its iPad app.

I bought it because I am a fan of Richard Dawkins and also because it could be a precious heirloom piece. I don’t want to become one of those adults who tend to kill a child’s natural inquisitiveness with lazy answers and ignorance.

And frankly speaking, I would rather have my progeny flourish in the light of knowledge rather than cower in fear and superstition.

Jessica McYorker, music and photography enthusiast