Review by DavidOchieng -- Followed my Star by AR Annahita
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Ochieng Omuodo
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Review by DavidOchieng -- Followed my Star by AR Annahita
[Following is a volunteer review of "Followed my Star" by AR Annahita.]
2 out of 4 stars
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SUBJECT SCOPE AND TYPE OF BOOK
Follow My Star by AR Annahita.
This is a non-fictional book.
BOOK’S THEME
Follow My Star is a philosophical book that seeks the meaning life by examining the individual personal experience set against the largely hostile environment of that existence.
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
AR Annahita’s Follow My Star tests the perspective that, in searching for “the meaning of life, happiness and love”, one has to experience a long personal journey to understand oneself, set against external factors in society that expose people to “extreme” conditions, which are often diametrically opposed. These extreme conditions are represented by conflict and contradictions in religion, politics, history, racism, xenophobia, socio-economics and other environmental factors. The United States of America (USA) is contrasted with other societies, primarily in Europe, the former being the extreme of harsh conditions and the latter representing “easy” living. The message promoted is that a middle ground or balance should be found between the two within the environmental factors and that the only way to do this is for the individual in society to accept that good comes with bad and vice versa; it is the balance that drives forward positive existence.
DETAILED REVIEW OF THE BOOK
My Reactions to the Book
Follow My Heart presents a captivating social commentary, especially for one such as myself who likes to read about the real-life experiences of others. The passionate nature of the narration portrays experience effectively. If you have ever experienced discrimination you will empathise with this author. However, it could do with some earth-wire treatment in terms of relating statements to specific or illustrative circumstances. I suppose there must be trade-off between passion and fact since one is subjective and the other objective. Nevertheless, there are too many grammatical errors that suggest a lack of editing that makes the book difficult to read.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The grammatical errors aside, there are sometimes unsubstantiated claims or sweeping statements. On the plus-side, the author covers all major aspects of life in society which would speak to many disadvantaged and discriminated against people, as well as to those who desire and advocate for social justice.
?
Critique
There are many valid points and issues expressed in the author’s opinions on the influences of religious, cultural, social, political and economic factors on personal-level and different nations’ outlooks. For example, it is one thing to know of God, but another to believe in God, as expressed in the author’s the realisation that things are “out of my hands” now and that some other being/force is in charge. Further, it seems ironic but appropriately encapsulates the author’s argument that “We won’t find our answers in a church by some priest; we have to find them ourselves.” and that the misuse of religion has adversely affected us.
The influence of religion on other spheres of life is also evident in the author’s observations that people tend to blame their own suffering and political unfairness of their country on religion. Religious messages are twisted and manipulated to perpetrate evil; a powerful message and oft-proven in human history. A particularly interesting social observation is that practices like abortion exist because society is in denial about their causes. In relating its prevalence to the inadequate socialization of children, the author makes a strong argument, particularly relevant to me in my experience as a child protection officer and having seen to many such cases, simply because we bury our heads in the sand instead of confronting reality by instituting preventive measures.
In many sections the author discusses the economic, intellectual and other forms of exploitation that we are subjected to. There is a captivating discussion of materialism and greed engendering a form of self-inflicted slavery to goods and services (materialism) at the expense of morality and ethics. Essentially, the cost of wealth is alienation from reality.
In contrast, there are four specific disagreeable perspectives, as well as significant grammatical errors in the book. Firstly, the implication that to have faith is a decision one makes. I’m not sure that’s agreeable as it seems to me, you either believe or not; it surely cannot be something you just decide out of adversity.
Secondly, the contention that evil uses the weak and vulnerable can be argued in diametrical ways. People who collude with and prop up evil regimes do so because of what they gain. Conversely, people who suffer under such regimes are rendered weak and vulnerable after the fact of their establishment.
Thirdly, I strongly disagree that there was a “balance” or “middle way” in centuries past that we are now destroying. Religious extremism such as the persecution of Christ, the Christian crusades, extreme racism and bigotry manifested in imperialism, slavery, fascism, communism, etc. are all extremes of the past.
Fourth, the term “middle class” is used inappropriately; rather like the way this label is often deployed in contemporary times. The middle class is just that, a class; it has a base in one form economic identity (capitalism) or mode of life emerging to displace nobility in history and champion industrial development. Instead, the author uses it to describe economically disadvantaged groups that are not really a class, but rather just represent a level relative to poverty. This rather detracts from an interesting discussion of inequality and its perpetuation, on the one hand, and the value of philanthropy, on the other.
In general, while the book raises various interesting issues, there is excessive use of generalised and sweeping statements without reference to data or even specific examples. In addition, erratic grammar sometimes renders the delivery of the issues ineffective. For example an argument is made that, “Americans do have some freedoms that stand out…” but then measured against, “our politics are corrupt and have large faults…” Who is this “our”? Later, it is said that (“It is however a country that doesn’t’ give…”) to that mentioned above does not offer an explanation either. It is assumed that the reader will understand the argument, because no context is set.
By criticising the socioeconomic systems of the US and Europe, the author advocates for a “middle way” or “balance between the two” without actually defining what that is. Could it be a reference to social capitalism or capitalism with a human face? Not until later does the author provide a clearer description by stating, “In all things there is a balance.” The middle way is the balance between positive and negative, which we should strive to find in place of the extreme; “By combining the opposites the result becomes perfect.”
Nevertheless, and particularly in retrospect, the author is insightful what one can observe in the USA today, for example with regard to the conflict over healthcare, even going as far as to say there exists a corruption where citizens are used to make certain people (Republicans) “filthy rich” later in the book. This latter view is reminiscent of much older works, mostly Marxist (and sometimes polemic) writings that portray capitalism as a brutal path towards an ideal (communism) where there is a balance between the individual and the collective, albeit at the expense of free will.
Conclusion
Follow My Star presents many fascinating religious, social, political and economic issues and perspectives specific to the experience of the author, but also relevant the world over. It is an individual’s search for the understanding of life in a harsh society in comparison to a few others. One has to experience a long personal journey against extreme external factors in society to find a balance in lift; to understand oneself. In many sections the author discusses the forms prejudice and exploitation in one society (USA) relative to the benefits and tolerance in the other (Europe) as two extremes. The former society makes people slaves to materialism, while the other provides safety nets for its population.
This is a difficult book to read and understand simply because it appears that the grammar has not been subjected to sufficient editing. I found myself torn between the content and the style; the former being powerful and the latter more suitable to verbal discussion than to literature. However, if you are a person who has been through what the author describes, you might be predisposed to labour through reading it for the valuable messages.
******
Followed my Star
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like DavidOchieng's review? Post a comment saying so!
2 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
SUBJECT SCOPE AND TYPE OF BOOK
Follow My Star by AR Annahita.
This is a non-fictional book.
BOOK’S THEME
Follow My Star is a philosophical book that seeks the meaning life by examining the individual personal experience set against the largely hostile environment of that existence.
SUMMARY OF CONTENT
AR Annahita’s Follow My Star tests the perspective that, in searching for “the meaning of life, happiness and love”, one has to experience a long personal journey to understand oneself, set against external factors in society that expose people to “extreme” conditions, which are often diametrically opposed. These extreme conditions are represented by conflict and contradictions in religion, politics, history, racism, xenophobia, socio-economics and other environmental factors. The United States of America (USA) is contrasted with other societies, primarily in Europe, the former being the extreme of harsh conditions and the latter representing “easy” living. The message promoted is that a middle ground or balance should be found between the two within the environmental factors and that the only way to do this is for the individual in society to accept that good comes with bad and vice versa; it is the balance that drives forward positive existence.
DETAILED REVIEW OF THE BOOK
My Reactions to the Book
Follow My Heart presents a captivating social commentary, especially for one such as myself who likes to read about the real-life experiences of others. The passionate nature of the narration portrays experience effectively. If you have ever experienced discrimination you will empathise with this author. However, it could do with some earth-wire treatment in terms of relating statements to specific or illustrative circumstances. I suppose there must be trade-off between passion and fact since one is subjective and the other objective. Nevertheless, there are too many grammatical errors that suggest a lack of editing that makes the book difficult to read.
I rate this book 2 out of 4 stars. The grammatical errors aside, there are sometimes unsubstantiated claims or sweeping statements. On the plus-side, the author covers all major aspects of life in society which would speak to many disadvantaged and discriminated against people, as well as to those who desire and advocate for social justice.
?
Critique
There are many valid points and issues expressed in the author’s opinions on the influences of religious, cultural, social, political and economic factors on personal-level and different nations’ outlooks. For example, it is one thing to know of God, but another to believe in God, as expressed in the author’s the realisation that things are “out of my hands” now and that some other being/force is in charge. Further, it seems ironic but appropriately encapsulates the author’s argument that “We won’t find our answers in a church by some priest; we have to find them ourselves.” and that the misuse of religion has adversely affected us.
The influence of religion on other spheres of life is also evident in the author’s observations that people tend to blame their own suffering and political unfairness of their country on religion. Religious messages are twisted and manipulated to perpetrate evil; a powerful message and oft-proven in human history. A particularly interesting social observation is that practices like abortion exist because society is in denial about their causes. In relating its prevalence to the inadequate socialization of children, the author makes a strong argument, particularly relevant to me in my experience as a child protection officer and having seen to many such cases, simply because we bury our heads in the sand instead of confronting reality by instituting preventive measures.
In many sections the author discusses the economic, intellectual and other forms of exploitation that we are subjected to. There is a captivating discussion of materialism and greed engendering a form of self-inflicted slavery to goods and services (materialism) at the expense of morality and ethics. Essentially, the cost of wealth is alienation from reality.
In contrast, there are four specific disagreeable perspectives, as well as significant grammatical errors in the book. Firstly, the implication that to have faith is a decision one makes. I’m not sure that’s agreeable as it seems to me, you either believe or not; it surely cannot be something you just decide out of adversity.
Secondly, the contention that evil uses the weak and vulnerable can be argued in diametrical ways. People who collude with and prop up evil regimes do so because of what they gain. Conversely, people who suffer under such regimes are rendered weak and vulnerable after the fact of their establishment.
Thirdly, I strongly disagree that there was a “balance” or “middle way” in centuries past that we are now destroying. Religious extremism such as the persecution of Christ, the Christian crusades, extreme racism and bigotry manifested in imperialism, slavery, fascism, communism, etc. are all extremes of the past.
Fourth, the term “middle class” is used inappropriately; rather like the way this label is often deployed in contemporary times. The middle class is just that, a class; it has a base in one form economic identity (capitalism) or mode of life emerging to displace nobility in history and champion industrial development. Instead, the author uses it to describe economically disadvantaged groups that are not really a class, but rather just represent a level relative to poverty. This rather detracts from an interesting discussion of inequality and its perpetuation, on the one hand, and the value of philanthropy, on the other.
In general, while the book raises various interesting issues, there is excessive use of generalised and sweeping statements without reference to data or even specific examples. In addition, erratic grammar sometimes renders the delivery of the issues ineffective. For example an argument is made that, “Americans do have some freedoms that stand out…” but then measured against, “our politics are corrupt and have large faults…” Who is this “our”? Later, it is said that (“It is however a country that doesn’t’ give…”) to that mentioned above does not offer an explanation either. It is assumed that the reader will understand the argument, because no context is set.
By criticising the socioeconomic systems of the US and Europe, the author advocates for a “middle way” or “balance between the two” without actually defining what that is. Could it be a reference to social capitalism or capitalism with a human face? Not until later does the author provide a clearer description by stating, “In all things there is a balance.” The middle way is the balance between positive and negative, which we should strive to find in place of the extreme; “By combining the opposites the result becomes perfect.”
Nevertheless, and particularly in retrospect, the author is insightful what one can observe in the USA today, for example with regard to the conflict over healthcare, even going as far as to say there exists a corruption where citizens are used to make certain people (Republicans) “filthy rich” later in the book. This latter view is reminiscent of much older works, mostly Marxist (and sometimes polemic) writings that portray capitalism as a brutal path towards an ideal (communism) where there is a balance between the individual and the collective, albeit at the expense of free will.
Conclusion
Follow My Star presents many fascinating religious, social, political and economic issues and perspectives specific to the experience of the author, but also relevant the world over. It is an individual’s search for the understanding of life in a harsh society in comparison to a few others. One has to experience a long personal journey against extreme external factors in society to find a balance in lift; to understand oneself. In many sections the author discusses the forms prejudice and exploitation in one society (USA) relative to the benefits and tolerance in the other (Europe) as two extremes. The former society makes people slaves to materialism, while the other provides safety nets for its population.
This is a difficult book to read and understand simply because it appears that the grammar has not been subjected to sufficient editing. I found myself torn between the content and the style; the former being powerful and the latter more suitable to verbal discussion than to literature. However, if you are a person who has been through what the author describes, you might be predisposed to labour through reading it for the valuable messages.
******
Followed my Star
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like DavidOchieng's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Endgame by William Reed
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Izesicle
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Reading it was definitely laborious for me.Feel free to check out my review. I rated it 1 out of 4 stars.
Latest Review: With Malice Aforethought by Thonie Hevron
