“About a year ago, I was informed by a doctor that I might have as little as another year to live. In consequence, some of these articles were written with the full consciousness that they might be my very last.”
Christopher Hitchens
January 2011, I walked with Christopher Hitchens as he told me his life story through Hitch 22 in audio-book format. His voice was strong without the weakness that came later. January 2013, I am listening to his words through a voice of another. And yet, there is no mistaking his clarity and driving force. Arguably: Essays by Christopher Hitchens is an anthology of some of his best work.
Controversial, brilliant, and opinionated, Christopher Hitchens was a journalist that gave substance and drama to our time. He made us think and demanded our full and unequivocal participation. I am looking forward to the journey ahead. Arguably is a gift to us all.
“Electric and electrifying . . . high-spirited. . . . [Hitchens] has a mind like a Swiss Army knife, ready to carve up or unbolt an opponent’s arguments with a flick of the wrist. . . . The business and pleasure sides of Mr. Hitchens’s personality can make him seem, whether you agree with him or not, among the most purely alive people on the planet.”
—New York Times
On The Road Book Club 
Too bad I don’t know more about this unusual man. Must read! I have to read about this mother that he loved. Too bad, so many great thinkers have to die too young.
LikeLike
It is good that their writing continues! His mother was quite unusual and they had a very strong relationship.
LikeLike
In keeping with the times and given the size of the book, I’ve downloaded Arguments as an e-book, which this means I can read on the move. I’ve also pick up a hardback edition of Mortality, the last thoughts he wrote for newspaper column before he died. A sobering read, even a meditation on death itself, but none the less stimulating.
________________________________
LikeLike
I must read “Mortality”- if anyone would bring out truth “at the end” it would be Christopher Hitchens! I am taking “Arguably” one essay at a time. I want to enjoy this collection slowly.
LikeLike
Hitchens. He made me look behind my back but what touched me immensely is the relationship he shared with Yvonne, his mother.
LikeLike
That was the most profoundly moving part of the book. The tears flowed….
LikeLike
Yes. Something in me changed forever and I think of her many times. This probably is the only time Hitchen penned his words with self-restraint. Scars of heart don’t scream.
LikeLike
Well said….thank you!
LikeLike
What’s amazing is I had no clue or rather you never gave a hint about him. You’ve made me fearless now.
🙂
Yes, Clanmother. Be assured. I’ll behave myself with utmost humility.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
I read this. Brilliant man. Annoying too. Quite hard to read this book…..Sad he is gone.
LikeLike
I agree – Christopher Hitchens was difficult and maddening. I think that is why we loved him.
“To be in opposition is not to be a nihilist.” Christopher Hitchens
LikeLike