Martin Luther King Jr. was a very important figure for me. At high school I read some of his sermons, and was introduced to a sane, coherent interpretation and implementation of Christian thought and life.

Rev. King, is an example for all Christians to follow, not being a conformist christian, defending those too weak to defend themselves, all while dealing with violent opposition, and never surrendering to fear, or threats.

Christianity, has broad history, some of which is rather grim. Rev. King was a ray of light amidst a very dark world, a man who stood up, not in arms, but in peace.

The following quote is an extract of the published text.

“Any religion that professes to be concerned about the souls of men and not concerned about the city government that damns the soul, the economic conditions that corrupt the soul, the slum conditions, the social evils that cripple the soul, is a dry, dead, do-nothing religion in need of new blood,” King preached in 1962 to his congregation at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

It is my hope that his message of peace, and social justice, one day become a reality.

I’m not one for giving recommendations, but this is an exception that I’m willing to make, that being said, there are quite a few books I will mention on the coming days, as I go through them, I am pretty excited about this books and their authors.

1. The Android’s Dream by John Scalzi
   I won’t go into a review, there are plenty of those on the net from people who really know what they are talking about (some exceptions apply). To me this book is just one of the best works of literature I’ve read in the past few years, Mr. Scalzi is a top class writer, there is a bit of everything, comedy, action, love, religion, politics and it’s an easy to read book (that’s a good thing) that’s so smooth and coherent that boggles the mind. I highly recommend this book, and all of his other books too. I’ve bought and read them all, so yes I am biased. I already pre-ordered his next book The Sagan Diary.
2. Accelerando by Charles Stross
   Charles Stross, what can I say of this incredible writer, I used to read his post on Slashdot a few years back. I didn’t make the connection, till after reading this book. Mr. Stross has a very unique vision, he manages to frame so many technological elements in such ways that are completely new, and provocative. Every word seems to be thought out and at the same time gives you the feeling of evolution. I’ve bought 3 other books of his that are still on my to read list. I’m looking forward to them, and those to come.
3. Blindsight by Peter Watts
   This book has created quite a stir, a lot of people are raving about this book (it’s too early for me to have an opinion, I started reading it a few minutes ago, but I like what I’ve read so far). For one thing you can read the book for free, I strongly urge, that, if you liked what you’ve read, go, and buy the book. There is a reason why it’s free and you can read about it here. This is the first time I’ve heard of Peter Watts, and If I like this (and I don’t see why I wouldn’t like it) I will be getting his other works too.

While all the links take you to the hardcover edition, that’s for two basic reasons:

1.  I tend to buy hardcovers.
2. I’ve read that authors tend to have a bigger returns with hardcovers, whether that’s true or not, I believe the price of the books, does not compare to the amount pleasure and fun I have derived from them.

I truly hope you enjoy the above books as much as I’ve enjoyed them. Thanks to all those incredible writers that have made mi life better and sometimes bearable, it’s too long a list to name them here, but from Verne, Asimov, to Scalzi, and Watts thanks.