Inside Furman Decmber, 2002

Skipping Christmas (2001), by John Grisham
This is a delightful book that will make you laugh out loud as it offers a hilarious look at the chaos and frenzy that have become so much a part of this holiday. The story is of a family that decides to take a Caribbean cruise on December 25. Since they will not be at home for Christmas they decide to skip all the normal activities of decorating the house, buying a tree, sending out cards, fixing holiday treats, buying gifts and going to parties. No crowded malls, no office parties, no fruitcakes, no unwanted presents. That is what Luther and Nora Krank have in mind when they decide that, just this once, they'll skip the holiday altogether. Theirs will be the only house on Hemlock Street without a rooftop Frosty; they won't be hosting their annual Christmas Eve bash; they aren't even going to have a tree. But this weary couple discovers that skipping Christmas brings enormous consequences - and isn't as easy as they thought. I recommend Skipping Christmas for enjoyable holiday reading as you live through what it might be like if you ever decide you want to skip Christmas. I think you will decide, as did the Kranks, it can't be done.
- John Burns, athletics

Inside Furman is published monthly during the school year by the Furman University Department of Marketing and Public Relations. For story ideas, e-mail John Roberts, editor.

My Losing Season (2002), by Pat Conroy.
Mr. Conroy played basketball for The Citadel, and this book is a memoir of his last year as a college athlete. From the title one can tell the season didn't go well, and a chapter is devoted to each individual game. As always, Conroy's family, particularly his father, plays a major role in the book. Between Don Conroy and Mel Thompson (Conroy's basketball coach) and The Citadel's plebe system, one wonders how the young Conroy was able to sustain himself. Conroy quotes Furman magazine editor Jim Stewart regarding tales of the Paladin-Bulldog rivalry. Also mentioned in the book is former Parents Council member Tee Hooper, who was a member of the second string of players known as the "Green Weenies." I've always found Conroy's writing easy to read, although he's thrown in a few $10 words this time. If you're interested in The Citadel culture or are a Conroy fan, you won't be disappointed.
- Greg Campbell, development

The Autobiography of Malcolm X (originally published 1965), by Malcolm X and Alex Haley For multiple agendas, the iconography of Malcolm X holds great weight in American culture. From Spike Lee's movie and merchandise to X's association with the Nation of Islam and the civil rights movement, many ethnic and political groups focus on different aspects of X's political definitiveness and social impetus. Even so, few invest the time and consideration to read his side of the story: The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Explicitly detailing his ideological progression and personal struggles, the book introduces the man and parts of the agendas posthumously evoked in his name. From the loss of his father during his early years in Omaha, Neb., to life as "Detroit Red" with "3 hots and a cot" (prison), the story of his upbringing is enrapturing. From there, his explanation of religious and political persuasion provides a challenge, leading toward an evanescent compromise and an abrupt ending - his 1965 assassination. Enlightening at times, disturbing at others, this book, co-authored by X and Alex Haley (author of Roots) may seem anti-holiday. But I ask you: What better way to re-enforce and question the basis of livelihood and happiness, which we celebrate during the holiday season? For a challenging and disillusioning testament to American culture, cozy up this X-mas with a copy of the man's own version of his life events and philosophies.
- Joey Johnsen, admissions

Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture (2000), by Ross King
It had been over 120 years since the cornerstone was laid on Florence's cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore when the time came to decide how best to finish the structure's last, but most magnificent piece. This last element, whose original design must be followed for fear of sacrilege, was a vaulted dome that would be an astonishing 143 feet in diameter at its base (still the largest in the world). Such an element would require the construction of the highest and widest vault ever attempted, and (here's the kicker) with no visible means of support - no buttresses. For years it was considered an impossible feat, yet we enter the story in 1418 as a competition for solving its construction is being waged. The reader is soon immersed in a culture and community that is both roiling in bitter social and physical conditions and even more bitter rivalries between artists, artisans, guilds and cities, and yet it is also equally remarkable for a mix of incredible talents, perseverance and absolute genius. With Fillipo Brunelleschi's genius as centerpiece, this relatively short but pithy book stages our humanity and art in an entertaining and sometimes baffling drama.
- Steve Richardson, library