Sonya Schryer Norris

Ramadan 2019: II: Rules and Regs

There can be a lot of pressure to fast to the letter of the law in Islam. In my location right now, that means fasting from about 5 am to about 9 pm. Assuming you’re eating alone or with family, and in your own home, that gets you to, at most, about five hours ofContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2019: II: Rules and Regs”

Ramadan 2019: I: Community

Something I’ve really missed in the last couple of Ramadans is community. I remember the iftaars (fast-breakings) of my teenage years with great fondness. Large groups in family homes. Hundreds at the mosque. Best. Curried. Chicken. And. Rice. Ever. Last Friday I went to the mosque where I live now looking for a little community.ContinueContinue reading “Ramadan 2019: I: Community”

Character 14: Is Morality the Central Drama of Your Life?

13. Is morality the central drama of your life – is it what gives purpose and meaning to your life? If not, what is (family, work, friendships, etc. are other possibilities)? Do you think morality is an appropriate goal for life? During the bookclub discussion, the concept behind this question was rejected outright. Folks askedContinueContinue reading “Character 14: Is Morality the Central Drama of Your Life?”

Character 13: Do We Have to Think of Ourselves as Inherently Flawed to Keep Our Baser Instincts in Check?

12. Do you believe in Brooks’s assertions that humans are inherently flawed sinners? Does he put too much emphasis on that aspect of human nature? How much focus on our baser instincts is necessary to keep them in check? Brooks oft-repeats the “crooked timber” view of humanity-that we are inherently flawed and must be everContinueContinue reading “Character 13: Do We Have to Think of Ourselves as Inherently Flawed to Keep Our Baser Instincts in Check?”

Character 12: A Circular or Linear View of History and the Human Experience?

11. How does a view of history and the human experience as a circular pattern where opposing interests and values compete and give way to one another over time compete with Brooks? Do you see history as more circular, or more linear? Several people from book club pointed out that history is neither circular norContinueContinue reading “Character 12: A Circular or Linear View of History and the Human Experience?”

Character 11: I’ll Cut to the Chase-Let’s NOT Blame the Millennials

10. Did this book change your thoughts about Millennials and even younger Americans? Brooks spends considerable time comparing surveys of college students in the 60s and the 2000s. He often portrays Millenials as delicate snowflakes with unrealistic exepctations for their lives. Is he being fair to them? Y’know who is doing all the complaining aboutContinueContinue reading “Character 11: I’ll Cut to the Chase-Let’s NOT Blame the Millennials”

Character 10: Moving Into the Big Leagues and Maintaining Both Humility and Dignity

9. When is it appropriate to move from Little Me – humble and self-effacing as personified by Eunides – to Big Me – brash and self-aggrandazing as personified by Joe Namath? Katherine Graham, editor of the Washington Post, changed herself from a reticent personality to a strong, assertive one that took on presidential administrations -ContinueContinue reading “Character 10: Moving Into the Big Leagues and Maintaining Both Humility and Dignity”