The Writer’s Library

Background

Published in Sept of 2020, the Writer’s Library is a collection of interviews with writers and their favorite books.

The Writer's Library
The Writer’s Library

My Thoughts

Apparently, I don’t have a lot of sophistication because this was really hard to get through. In fact, I didn’t get much from the book. These people came across as pretentious and snooty. I understand I read a lot of trash but I’m going to have to add this one to that number.

One day I will learn that I don’t have to finish the book. I kept coming back to it over weeks and it just seemed to keep going.

Recommendation

Skip this one. I wish I had…

The Fires of Heaven

Background

Published in Oct of 1993, The Fires of Heaven is the fifth book in Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. This book sees Rand firmly placed as the “Car’a’carn” or chief of chiefs over all Aiel but the Shaido. He has to catch them before they lay siege to the rest of the world. The White Tower is broken and a new Amyrlin Seat begins to rule. The forsaken (Rahvin and Moghedien more specifically) are still loose and must be dealt with.

The Fires of Heaven
The Fires of Heaven

My Thoughts

This one took me longer to get through than I would have expected. It kept me interested but hasn’t been my favorite thus far. The illustrations are pretty bad on the cover which bothered me more than it should have done while I was reading it.

Recommendation

A must read to get through the series.

The Last Stand of Fox Company

Background

The version I read was published in 2009 and is story of the beginning of the Korean War and how the 10,000 Marines of 1st Division fought their way through 100,000 Chinese soldiers. More specifically, how Captain William Barber and the 234 Marines of Fox Company held the Toktong Pass against all odds.

The Last Stand of Fox Company
The Last Stand of Fox Company

My Thoughts

This is the modern day equivalent of the Battle of Thermopylae. The Marines held the pass against incredible odds and some made it out to tell the story. This book is foundational to the ethos of the United States Marines. They celebrate the pure grit it took to hold when anyone else would have run.

Recommendation

A good read if you want to understand the Marine Corps. The books is graphic so it should not be read by children.

The Shadow Rising

Background

Book 4 in the Wheel of Time series, The Shadow Rising was first published in September of 1992. Robert Jordan shows how prolific and author he is by turning out this 1000+ page book in less than a year from the last.

The Shadow Rising begins setting the stage for the coming battle prophesied with the proclamation of the Dragon Reborn.

The Shadow Rising
The Shadow Rising

My Thoughts

This book took me more time to get through then it likely should have. However, I really enjoyed the experience. I was compelled to keep reading as I was drawn into the story.

It did take a few to get going though. There was a lot that occurred but really this book was just positioning everyone for the next book. (This is why I believe I stopped reading the series when it came out back in 1993.)

Recommendation

A slow but satisfying read.

How to Lead

Background

Published in September 2020, “How to Lead” is written by David Rubenstein, a successful business leader and philanthropist. The book offers practical advice and insights on leadership, drawing on Rubenstein’s own experiences as well as interviews with some of the world’s most influential leaders in fields such as business, politics, and entertainment. The book covers a wide range of topics, including communication, decision-making, managing teams, and developing a personal leadership style. It also explores the qualities that make for effective leadership, such as vision, empathy, and resilience.

How To Lead
How To Lead

My Thoughts

The discussions were very interesting and I learned a lot. That said, there wasn’t much of a common thread in the interviews. The thoughts on success were as varied as the people that were interviewed. At least some had the courage to admit the role of luck in their success…

Recommendation

This was an interesting book but not a good one if you want to learn how to lead.