The World is Flat - Thomas L. Friedman

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Category: Non-fiction. Acquired: from Seattle Pacific University (see below) Read: July - September 2008 Briefly: Subtitled "A Brief History of the 21st Century", discusses the forces that have been flattening our world (i.e. removing political, economic and social barriers) for the past few decades. Explains the dramatic changes that this is bringing about to "life as usual", along with the new skills that will be required for the next generation to thrive, and the challenges they'll have to overcome.

Summary: Each year, Seattle Pacific University selects an influential book and invites the entire college to read it together. Copies are given to all students, and book discussions are added to curricula - not just in literature classes, but in virtually all disciplines. Alumni (and alumni parents) are also offered copies. I've always thought this was a neat program, and have enjoyed the books I've read. And the price is right.

While The World is Flat covers some pretty heavy topics, it's not really that hard to read. Friedman begins by reviewing the key events and developments that have shaped our current world. If you're twenty or older, you'll recognize every one of them, from the fall of the Iron Curtain to the rise of computers, the internet, e-commerce, etc. While 9/11 is mentioned as a pivotal moment, he points out that it is no less pivotal than 11/9 (referring to the falling of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989).

The net result of all these forces is that, with few exceptions, the business world no longer consists of companies in one country competing with companies in another country. Today's playing field is completely international. Instantaneous worldwide communications means that, for a great many jobs, the actual location of the worker no longer matters. Perhaps more importantly, it also means that the foreign worker may be just as well-educated and competent as his or her American counterpart, yet willing to work for an order of magnitude less money. Friedman illustrates his points with a gazillion quotes, anecdotes and examples from businesses large and small.

A quote that really struck me came from Bill Gates. He said (my paraphrase) that when he was growing up, a mediocre student in Poughkeepsie had a better chance of success than an intelligent student in Beijing. But in the 21st century, the intelligent person now has the better chance of succeeding, regardless of where he/she happened to be born. In short, the walls and barriers are gone, deal with it.

Don't shoot me, I'm just the messenger. Denying reality isn't going to help, and thinking that your Senator or your favorite presidential can hold back the changing tide is just a dream.

After this brilliant telling of technological history, Friedman then sets about to explaining what to do next. He covers everything from new approaches to education and career-building, to the different kinds of business opportunities becoming available in a globalized world. I can't do justice to this section, you'll have to read it yourself.

Overall, give it a 9 on a scale of 10. The only disappointment was the occasional pot shot at the Republicans or President Bush, blaming one or both for some situation, problem or missed opportunity. Never the Democrats, of course, even though they controlled Congress during much of that time period. I suppose that, with Friedman being a writer for the once-great New York Times, the habit was just too deeply ingrained.

If You Lived Here I'd Know Your Name - Heather Lende

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Category: News From Small-Town Alaska Acquired: borrowed from the Todd & Betsy library Read: September 2008 Briefly: a newspaper columnist's observations and personal musings about life in a Southeast Alaska town of about 2500 people, not including dogs, moose and bears. Not quite Cicely, Alaska, but you can see it from there.

Summary: two things I always look forward to when visiting Todd & Betsy: a) whatever new recipe they're showing off, and b) standing in front of their massive bookshelf and asking "what should I borrow next?". This book came with the comment that it was sort of like Garrison Keillor, which I took to mean the original Keillor, i.e. the funny, thoughtful storyteller from back in the 90's, not the tedious demagogue he's turned into. Based on that assumption, I was looking forward to reading it.

I wasn't disappointed. Lende has a keen eye and a great ability to create word pictures. You can almost see the Alaskan mountains rising out of the water, and feel the snow biting into your face as it blows sideways across the yard. The life she describes is isolated, yet full of intimacy for the local residents - a rare and vanishing commodity in the 21st century. I think I could live there (although I'd be pretty lonely without Brenda).

On the other hand, this is no Prairie Home Companion of Alaska. It doesn't need to be, of course, but it was hard not to compare the styles. Keillor was first and foremost a storyteller. His narratives had detail and continuity, and invited the reader to fill in the blanks from their own imaginations. How did this character feel about that? What made him/her react that way? How did Keillor know that I went through that same experience when I was growing up?

In contrast, Lende doesn't tell stories per se, but rather fills her chapters with anecdotes, loosely tied to a common theme. While the local residents of Haines, Alaska are the backdrop, the book is ultimately about Lende herself, and her transformation from a city-bred easterner to a woman of the wilderness. Being from Venus, she writes about feelings, and relationships, and emotions. Not that there's anything wrong with that, just be prepared to know this woman's mind pretty deeply by the time you've finished this book.

Be prepared for some political correctness as well - you know, the local Native Americans are all noble, and the white folks are all plunderers. There are no conservatives, only "arch-conservatives", and all forms of spiritual enlightenment are fine, except for those wacky evangelicals.

Lende actually writes quite a bit about her own spiritual journey. Being the obituary writer for the local paper, perhaps she has more opportunity than most folks to ponder such topics. She describes herself as a practicing Catholic, and there are many sections that portray her as a genuine seeker, looking for truths that bring meaning and relevance. (I told you that you'd get to know her mind pretty closely). But sadly, she approaches it like looking for a new pair of shoes - it's all about finding something that fits me, and looks good on me, and doesn't cause me too much chafing or binding. It just never seems to dawn on her that spirituality isn't about accessorizing your life, but rather about discovering something that is far bigger than you, and losing yourself totally in it. Tragic.

So, getting to the bottom line: Did I enjoy the book? Definitely. Did I learn anything? Absolutely. My recommendation? Read it instead of Keillor's execrable Homegrown Democrat.