February 2019 – Ryan’s Book Blog

Slaughterhouse-Five

February 26, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Slaughterhouse-Five is a novel written by Kurt Vonnegut that follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II soldier who becomes “unstuck in time” and experiences his life in a non-linear fashion. The novel explores the themes of the destructiveness of war and the inevitability of fate, while also incorporating elements of science fiction and satire. Billy’s experiences as a prisoner of war and a witness to the bombing of Dresden are juxtaposed with his later life as an optometrist and his encounters with aliens from the planet Tralfamadore. Through Billy’s story, Vonnegut challenges traditional notions of storytelling and the linearity of time, ultimately questioning the human capacity for compassion and understanding in the face of senseless violence.

My Thoughts

I wasn’t impressed with this one. Vonnegut is a master writer to be sure. His method of writing comes across as both easy and sincere and the reader is effortlessly transported to the story.

However, the story was very strange. I actually liked that it was disjointed and the concept of time travel through life moments was a very interesting thought. When put in context of when this book was released, it was lightyears ahead of it’s time (pardon the pun).

My Recommendation

This book belongs to a different era and was written for a different audience. It is great for historical perspective but I didn’t enjoy it. “So it goes.”

Memory Man

February 24, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Memory Man is a thriller novel by David Baldacci that follows the story of Amos Decker, a former professional football player turned police detective who suffers from a rare condition called hyperthymesia, which gives him a perfect memory. Decker’s life is forever changed when his family is brutally murdered in their home, leaving him devastated and with a thirst for justice. The case goes unsolved for years until a man walks into a police station in a small town and confesses to the crime. However, Decker is not convinced and begins to investigate the case on his own, uncovering a web of lies, corruption, and secrets that lead him to the shocking truth about what really happened to his family.

My Thoughts

This kind of book really isn’t where I tend to spend my time. It is a mystery-drama and I tend to stay away from both. However, I really enjoyed it. I found I was engrossed in the story and I really didn’t expect it.

The protagonist had a little too much super power for my liking but he was effectively balanced by his general crustiness. The surprise inclusion of rural Utah peaked my interest as well. It was reminiscent of the old Fletch movies which pictured folks from Provo as illiterate pig farmers.

My Recommendation

This was an enjoyable read but it isn’t for the kids.

Yes Please

February 21, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The biography of Amy Poehler. This book takes her from childhood to the publish date of 2015.

My Thoughts

I’m not really sure what I had expected with this one. I mentally link Amy Poehler with Tina Fey in many ways so this seemed like the natural progression in terms of which books to read. I really enjoyed Bossypants so I guess I figured I would enjoy this as well.

There is something frantic about Ms. Poehler’s work that takes away from my enjoyment. She is being herself and that comes through in the book. There really isn’t anything wrong with it in general. Maybe it hits a note that I’m uncomfortable with in myself…

Anyway, I enjoy her work in general and she does make me laugh. That said, I didn’t really enjoy the book.

Recommendation

I wouldn’t recommend this one.

Nineteen Eighty-Four

February 19, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

George Orwell’s well celebrated book on totalitarianism. The story follows “Winston” through his life as a minor party member. He lives in relative squalor while “inner party” members have the luxuries. Yet the poorest people are kept on the edge of starvation so they never rise up and overthrow their oppressors.

My Thoughts

This really gives a chilling vision of what life might be like under the boot of a totalitarian regime. As I was reading, I became very thankful for the freedoms I have. I believe it is helpful to remind ourselves of how good we have it every now and then. Being thankful really isn’t something we do well these days.

Recommendation

Likely you read this in High School (or will read it). I would suggest you re-read it. It was certainly worth my time and attention.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up

February 15, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Marie Kondo shares her love of “tidying” and her life philosophy in this book published in 2015. At the time of this writing, it has sold over 1.5 million copies. She even has a show on Netflix where she helps others “tidy”.

My Thoughts

I had heard of Marie Kondo as a verb from my wife. (As in, “I just Marie Kondo-ed this closet.”) I believe she learned it from our friend Miranda… Anyway, I heard a podcast from the UK which called her “mad as a sack of rabbits” because Marie was advocating getting rid of books. Books! That hit me. I love books. I have a lot of them. Rather, I had a lot of them…

Yes, I drank the KoolAid on this one. In reading the book, I was gradually persuaded that keeping my “Natural Disasters” textbook from college, which I had never cracked afterward, yet it cost me than $100, wasn’t really the best idea. I drug that book, and boxes like it, over 2000 miles when I moved a decade ago! After reading this book, I just couldn’t figure out the why behind that decision.

My closet is clean, my clothes are folded in neat little squares, Goodwill got a major donation and I’m happy about all of it. Next, is my filing cabinet…

Recommendation

This book changed my mind on something. That doesn’t happen often. I would suggest reading it so you too can brag about how many bags of clothes you removed from your drawers.

The Bourne Legacy

February 12, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Bourne Legacy is a book written in 2004 by Eric Van Lustbader who used the character created by Robert Ludlum to create a sequel to the The Bourne Ultimatum again by Robert Ludlum.

The story follows David Webb as he is pulled back into becoming Jason Bourne to protect himself and his family.

My Thoughts

Yet again, this book had nothing to do with the movie. However, this time I hadn’t seen the movie…

I think I am done with Bourne books for a while. This book felt like it should be the end of his story but I was surprised to learn that there were several more books written on him all by Eric Van Lustbader.

(The Bourne Betrayal, The Bourne Sanction, The Bourne Deception, The Bourne Objective, The Bourne Dominion, The Bourne Imperative, The Bourne Retribution, The Bourne Ascendancy, The Bourne Enigma, The Bourne Initiative and The Bourne Nemesis which is expected in Sept of 2019.)

I do love a good story though and this one didn’t disappoint.

Recommendation

A good book. If you like action and adventure, I would recommend it.

The Odyssey of Echo Company

February 3, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Odyssey of Echo Company is a military history given by multiple perspectives of the people who served our country in Vietnam.

It details how a young man joined the Army went through boot camp and found himself halfway around the world. It documents several battles including the Tet Offensive and gives some perspective on how those soldiers felt both during the war and after.

My Thoughts

War is hard enough without so many of the public against you. Beyond the horror of theater, the most difficult thing for me to read was how our soldiers were treated when they came home.

A lot of the book had the feel of tall tales as it seems doubtful that one person could be so lucky. Still, I guess anything is possible.

Recommendation

Not for the faint of heart.

The Return of the King

February 2, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The third and final book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Return of the King finally sees the great war through and ends an age on Middle Earth.

My Thoughts

Again I enjoyed the read. The most recent movie gets further and further away from me as I read the actual book. Though it follows it closely, it isn’t much of a match for the book.

Recommendation

If you haven’t read it then you should.

The Bourne Supremacy

February 2, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Bourne Supremacy was published in 1986 and became a movie in 2004. The book follows Jason Bourne who is trying to find a normal life as David Webb, a professor of Asian studies. He quickly finds himself pressed back into the life of an assassin he can’t quite remember yet is trying to forget.

My Thoughts

I didn’t really know the Bourne Series were books till recently. This book didn’t resemble the movie at all. I mean not at all! The title is the same and some of the characters are the same but that’s really about it.

All that said, I really enjoyed the book. It was like a brand new Jason Bourne story. It was sort of like finding a vintage James Bond that I’d never seen.

Recommendation

Great book and well worth the read.