COVID19 is a good time to learn new skills, read new books, read poetry, write letters and papers. From time to time we will present lists of 10 things for you to consider doing during COVID19 from DeMolays, Advisors and Senior DeMolays. Have a list? Send it in!
Ten Books for your Consideration
By “Dad” Brusoe
10. A Separate Peace by John Knowles Join Gene and Phineas as they navigate their first year at boarding school . Its writing style is accessible and compelling. The friendship between Gene and Finny mirrors how we at times interact with one another in DeMolay and provides insight into the brotherhood experience.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JN7BNR0/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
9. Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. These are actually seven books and explore a foreign land called Narnia. On one level these are adventure stories of youth traveling from our world to Narnia. In doing so timeless values of chivalry, courtesy, integrity, respect, service and duty are all explored. On another level they are an allegorical way of exploring faith and religion. There are many examples in this book of heroic living. From High King Peter, Queen Lucy, Prince Caspian, Eustace Scrubb, Jill Pole, Shasta, Bree the Horse and Reepicheep among others. When you read the Chronicles it’s good to ask yourself who you most resemble, and who you want to most resemble.
https://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Narnia-C-S-Lewis/dp/0066238501
8) Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden. This book is a great reference guide on how to do everything from paper airplanes to doing knots to building tree houses. It’s a lot of fun and brings you back to some old fashioned techniques. There are a ton of great chapter activities baked into this book, from doing airplanes to building things.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7KRG92/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
7) My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. This book is about Sam Gribley who goes to live in the Catskill Mountains. She has a great way of writing that makes the wonder of the mountains come alive. Frequently when I walk by the woods by my house or drive through the Adirondacks I think about this book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R9WWH3V/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
6) Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy. This book was written by Kennedy when he was just the junior senator from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are eight historical vignettes of people who had the moral courage to do the thing that was right even in face of significant pressure and social stigma. Each of these stories inspires me and also provides a concrete example that the courage to do that which is right is a timeless virtue. It also gives me hope that when faced with a touch choice I will make the right choice, regardless of popularity.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GR0CJLA/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
5) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. You’re sitting there saying “I know this story, a miser, three ghosts, Tiny Tim, and Bob Bob Cratchit, God Bless us Everyone. I think I have seen every single film version of this book, and am very partial to the Muppet Version. However, the book is worth reading because the movie often omits the nuance of several scenes and the social commentary of Dickens.
Each of us every day has the potential to become Scrooge. To turn away from humanity and to become inward. Exploring his redemption helps to keep us being more like Cousin Fred, Bob Cratchit, and yes Tiny Tim. The part that is often omitted are the two children of mankind. When you learn who they are, what can we do as DeMolays?
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/46/46-h/46-h.htm
https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-Charles-Dickens/dp/1503212831
4) The Once and Future King by TH White
Sure you may have seen the Sword in the Stone, or saw Monty Python and the Holy Grail, or heard the Arthur legend. Here are the collected stories of King Arthur! This is a great novel that explores common universal themes and the excitement of knights and chivalry.
https://www.amazon.com/Once-Future-King-T-H-White-1987-06-03/dp/B01FEK1PUY/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=the+once+and+future+king&qid=1585543842&s=books&sr=1-2
3) Have Space Suit, Will Travel by Robert Heinlein Kip Russell hopes to go to the stars. Kip has a dream and to achieve this dream he needs to make changes in his own life. As he explores the universe his perception of the world around him changes. The same is true as we explore the world.
https://www.amazon.com/Have-Space-Suit-Will-Travel/dp/1416505490/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
2) Travels with Charley: In search of America by John Steinbeck. John Steinbeck traveled across the country in 1962 in a customized truck as he explored the United States. This book transports you across our nation and backwards in time. Yet as you read it you discover some of the timeless values and virtues of America. Also, bonus points John Steinbeck is a Senior DeMolay!
https://www.amazon.com/Travels-Charley-Search-America-Steinbeck/dp/0140053204/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
1) Tuesdays With Morrie By Mitch Albom Mitch Albom spent 14 Tuesdays with his former sociology professor Dr. Morrie Schwartz. Albom recounts the lessons he learned from his professor about the greatest subject any of us could study: Life. This is a book I revisit every couple of years and though I have read it before I find something new and exciting about it. The relationship between Albom and Schwartz is similar to the relationship many of us have had with our mentors.
https://www.amazon.com/Mitch-albom-Tuesday-Morrie-Paperback/dp/B07ZTLKN61/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Tuesday%E2%80%99s+With+Morrie%3A&qid=1585676170&s=books&sr=1-1