Art Jacoby's Monthly Newsletters
Newsletter Library - March 2008
So, what are you reading?
Well, whatever it may be, consider giving one of these three novels a try next: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, and The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay. Each of these books illustrate that you don’t need to consult a business tome for compelling lessons about power written with depth, clarity, and artistry.
Water for Elephants follows the nursing home flashbacks of Jacob Jankowski, who drops out of college and jumps onto a circus train carrying The Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. His dual portrayal of life in the traveling circus in the depression-era 1930’s and life in the modern-day nursing home will stay with you for a long time.
The Kite Runner is a story of loyalty, cowardice, and redemption set in 1960’s Afghanistan. The book’s protagonist, Amir, tells a story of interwoven relationships—friends, families, and communities—from the Russian invasion through the rise of the Taliban. It is a haunting and enriching read.
The Power of One is an uncommon tale, also from the 1930’s, set in South Africa. The novel details the life of a poor boy that “spoke the wrong language (English), was suckled by a woman of the wrong color (black) and whose childhood was marked by humiliation and abandonment.” His journey to manhood ends up guided by a series of accidental encounters with wise and well-intentioned mentors.
Collectively, these stories bring to life the brute force of Hitler, Russia, and the Taliban as well as the more insidious forces of racism, classism, ignorance, and hatred—along with the power to persevere and thrive in the face of them all.
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