Review: Socratic Athenian
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 5, 2011
The Thousand Hour Club introduces us to an angst-plagued youth, Tom Betz, during the Vietnam War era. Tom is Everyman who goes on an imposed journey (draft) that in life-drenched ways explores the question "what is this all about?" Not that O'Har gives Tom or us THE answer but we do earn a response. The thematic angle reveals the quest does not end with Tom's dabbles in religion (Christianity, Islam and Buddhism) - to each he gives a nod of sorts - or love and lust of which Tom provides ample examples. The soothsayer, Tom Betz's grandfather, early on proclaims the way: "Be an Athenian." Much of the remainder of the book is a Tom's journey returning to Gramp's words. And not just any Athenian! Certainly not a Platonic Athenian with that namesake's shadows and forms. Tom's philosophy teacher, Marvin Drinkwater, would find the notion unacceptable. But a Socratic Athenian, one who finds satisfaction in the question rather than the answer, now there's the rub! Toward the end, Tom has one of those "mystical" experiences which accompanied the Call of other visionaries. Reminiscent of Augustine's experience under the fig tree - was Augie's based on Nathaniel's experience with Jesus? (John 1:43-51) - he hears two white-shirt (angels?) Greek boys shouting, "Socrates!" Tom's response to the Call is to fall back in his slumber under the shadow of the Agora, but it is a sleep embracing life despite the few answers it offers. THC is a delightful weave of characters and events and will leave reader satisfied and wishing Tom -- and all of us -- well being. I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.