Summer Reading List

Here is yet another summer reading list. My track record of actually working through these is abysmally wretched. I make these intricate, well-laid plans, and then immediately fail to carry them out. Why? I am horrifically lazy. Sloth has long been my deepest-rooted vice, and against such a strong habit only recently have I gained even the semblance of battle against it. So in the name of future victory, let the list below stand.

I have been accepted into Pontifical College Josephinum. I recorded my ecstatic reaction elsewhere, but the shock of realizing there are eight weeks before my departure has thrown me into a new frenzy of action. Seminary will be all formation, all the time, and I need to prepare for this. Obviously the best ways to prepare is to engage all the aspects of soul. So I study music, gymnastic, and liberal arts (i.e., philosophy in the classical sense) Present in this last pursuit is my overly ambitious list, in no particular order:

• The Bible. Its presence here might be questionable, since I try (and sometimes succeed) to read it continually.
• The Count of Monte Cristo. Of late I have been wondering a) if revenge is different than justice, b) if so how, and c) if revenge would be fulfilling. After this perhaps I'll reread the Oresteia with that question in mind.
• The Dialogues. My first real solo foray into Plato. I hope to read as many of the sixteen shortest dialogues as I can. On deck now are the First and Second Alcibiades.
• On the Socratic Education. Christopher Bruell's commentary on the sixteen shortest dialogues. His mind is both subtle and wondrous.
• Introduction to Christianity. Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) wrote a wonderful commentary on the Apostles' Creed, and it is written with a view towards the possibility of faith in the modern (i.e. 21st century) era.
• Space Trilogy. I have heard enough of Lewis' science fiction/fantasy trilogy to make reading it a high priority.
• The Beginning of Wisdom. Leon Kass wrote an outstanding commentary on the book of Genesis. His claim that it contains a doctrine of man's nature sufficient to rival any of the great thinkers (e.g. Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Nietzsche) is both provocative and captivating. After reading some of his essays on the so-called "war of the sexes", I bought this book at once. 
• The Summa Theologica. I have, for obvious reasons, wished to carefully read St. Thomas' masterpiece for some time, but if I get halfway through the first part I shall count myself lucky. Plus, I really should read some more Aristotle (especially his Organon! it pains me that I've scarcely glanced at it) and his commentaries on Aristotle before full comprehension of the Summa is likely to emerge. 
• Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. A popular modern book. Perhaps it will help me understand my own decadent era better.
• Blood Meridian. Cormac McCarthy is rapidly becoming a very highly respected author of mine, and his work is truly wrenching; describing, as few have done so, the death of God. 

There are probably a few more books I forgot to add, but these ten books will likely provide more than sufficient leisure to cover the following two months, especially if I write a brief essay about each of them here. Off then, to my library!