Enthusiastically, Dawn

I wanted to share a few words about a book I felt compelled to read this summer. As a matter of fact, I feel compelled to review this book even though I purchased it myself and did not receive it for review (though I do review Crossway books). As a matter of fact, I am supposed to be reviewing a book called Heavenward which I received prior to my hip surgery in April – you recall that post, right? However due to some issues during surgery and my recovery, I sidetracked from my deep dive into heavenly things but I will be reviewing this book soon.

Meanwhile, where did I sidetrack to instead of upwards toward heaven? Backwards I went – to the past with Andrew Wilson, and his latest book, Remaking the World: How 1776 Created the Post-Christian West.

I decided to listen to this book on Audible and purchased in May. I finished it this week. The Audible version is 10 hours and 13 minutes. I like to listen while driving, eating lunch or washing dishes, so I listened over the past few months intermittently.

I enjoyed listening to the author reading his writing and though there were times, I rewound to hear a particular point again- this was mostly because the profundity of what was spoken was worth hearing twice. Mr. Wilson is a joy to listen to, there is nothing better than hearing one reading their own work. The person knows exactly how to inflect as they were the one who wanted to point out the things they have written.

I loved this book so much because of the wide net it spread over the historical touchpoints which have impacted our history and continue to impact our human experience today. I remember trying to get through The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire as a young adult. Well, I did not make it through that reading endeavor, and I don’t blame Edward Gibbons but myself at the time. I just did not have the capacity to wade through the plethora of words spilled onto those pages. I was young and busy, and had papers due, and two jobs, all the excuses of youth. However I had a great history teacher in my early college days who gave me a great appreciation for history’s impact on our now in her unique teaching style. I loved this teacher and how she helped me connect the dots from the past to our current news. What a gift. I think the beauty of this book is exactly that same aspect. Andrew takes us on a timeline tour of specific world events in science, art, politics, philosophy, economics, and literature and is thorough in making his pointed arguments for the WEIRDER world we live in today. This acronym is his own and stands for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic, Ex-Christian, and Romantic and how he expounds the events in history that have shaped us into the type of society we see now.

I think this is the best book I have read all year and I am buying the hard copy to have a second go at it so I can add my highlights and notes to it. This book would be a super book for a book club read and discussion. There are just so many relevant points and potential conversations that could be enjoyed with a group with this book. Another thing worth mentioning is although this book has important historical content, it is not dry or droll to read. I highly recommend listening to the audible version as the author is a wonderful reader. BUt, also an excellent writer. If you are looking for a fascinating ride into history, one that somehow pulls together not just one geographic area but the wide world and catapults you through time, leaves you exhilarated and wanting more- this is the book! Let me know if you read it and what you think!

Enthusiastically, Dawn