October 2021 – Ryan’s Book Blog

Dune Messiah

October 27, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Originally published in 1969, Dune Messiah is the sequel to Frank Herbert’s classic science fiction novel Dune. The story takes place 12 years after the events of Dune, and it follows Paul Atreides, who has now become the Emperor of the Known Universe. However, Paul soon realizes that his power comes at a great cost, and he begins to question whether he is truly the messiah that his followers believe him to be. The novel explores themes of power, religion, and the dangers of hero worship.

My Thoughts

I wasn’t quite that impressed after the first book. Paul has many special powers but that won’t stop everyone around him from trying to control him. He seems a little overpowered for my tastes but the story works regardless.

Recommendation

Good book. It went by very fast.

The State of Affairs

October 26, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in Oct 2017, The State of Affairs is a book discussing the contemporary view on marriage and sexuality. More particularly about why people stray from their marriages and commitments in general.

My Thoughts

Talk about a depressing book! As someone who has experienced divorce and being cheated on, this book was not only painful but insightful. I am consistently trying to learn and grow from my experiences and this book gave me some things to think about.

One of the hardest things of post-marital life is confronting where I had issues. (Some of which I didn’t know about until I remarried.) Some of the main takeaways here was that her affair was different for her than it was for me. This book had me break away from some of the black and white thinking I had on the issue. It also was a good reminder to talk through a dozen more things with my wife.

My favorite line from the book was, “I’d recommend having an affair like I’d recommend getting cancer.” I wholeheartedly agree.

Recommendation

I told my wife it was worth the read but I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone.

Write It When I’m Gone

October 23, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2007, Write It When I’m Gone is a book of essays and information from a member of the media that followed him through the vice presidency, through the Presidency and beyond.

My Thoughts

President Ford was outside of my time. All I really knew was the satire and a little bit of the history of that time. This book really changed my perspective in seeing a little bit of the man behind the falls and so on.

A few choice takeaways was how much he didn’t like Ronald Reagan and how approachable he was. I didn’t know about his work outside of the Presidency or how he really set the stage for the modern post-presidential business model.

Recommendation

Another solid read. I enjoyed it.

My Father at 100

October 17, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in January of 2011, My Father at 100 is a biography of President Ronald Reagan from the perspective of his youngest child.

My Thoughts

A very interesting read. I have to admit, I didn’t know who the original “Gipper” was or that everyone called President Reagan “Dutch”. Ronald Reagan was the President I remember most from my childhood but there was a lot I missed. In some ways, this book was perfect for me as it gave me a picture of the man from the point of view I had at the time. That of a child…

Recommendation

A good read and worth the time.

Letter to my Daughter

October 10, 2021 by Ryan

Background

First published in 2009, Letter to my Daughter is a book written by Maya Angelou about lessons learned in her life. It is written in the format of several essays with the tone of a grandmother speaking to a younger person.

My Thoughts

I can’t say I liked it. There were some good lessons there but I wouldn’t agree with all of them. I wanted to like it but I was surprised by the amount of bitterness in the book. She was raised in a terrible placed and had experiences I have trouble relating to. With all she had accomplished and the years and years she spent with the respect of so many, it saddened me that the bitterness is still there. It took some of my hope away that we may one day get past the pettiness of skin color.

Recommendation

I can’t recommend it.

Why Marriages Succeed or Fail

October 8, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Originally published in 1994, Why Marriages Succeed or Fail is a book from Dr. John Gottman about warning signs and what to do if your marriage is in trouble. The book has tests and guides for the individual to help tailor their treatment to their needs.

My Thoughts

A great book full of useful information. You can’t help but be nicer to your spouse while reading the book.

It is from the 90’s though so it was interesting to read through some the statements that likely wouldn’t play well today. (E.g. Gender norms and so on.) I believe we have swung pretty far out there and I believe Dr. Gottman’s book to be closer to my belief system.

Recommendation

Classic great book. Worth the time.

Dad is Fat

October 6, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2017, Dad is Fat is the autobiographical musings of Jim Gaffigan. The book is interspersed with jokes from several of his specials.

My Thoughts

After reading that terrible book by Hunter Biden, I wanted something a little lighter and definitely more fun. Jim Gaffigan didn’t disappoint! The book is hilarious and speaks to me directly as a father of 4. (I’m so glad I don’t live in New York!)

Recommendation

Great book that despite its 288 pages was still over too fast…

Beautiful Things

October 3, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2021, Beautiful Things is the autobiographical account of Hunter Biden, son of our 46th President. This is an apologetically unvarnished look at the life of an addict in the spotlight of politics.

My Thoughts

The only reason I read this was because I’m always interested in the other side of the story. I was interested to hear from Hunter Biden himself and see what he had to say about his life. There wasn’t much redemption there…

This book was painful to read through. I suspect it was painful for him to write as well. The really sad thing is the only reason anyone is interested in his life at all is that his dad became President of the United States.

Recommendation

The book is full of bitterness and failure. I’d skip this one.

Dune, The Duke of Caladan

October 1, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in Oct of 2020, Dune, The Duke of Caladan is the story of Leto Atreides. Who was this man and how did he get the privilege to oversee the spice mines on Arrakis. This novel is the first of 3 prequels to the saga of Dune.

My Thoughts

Another great book which felt very close to the writing of the original Dune series. Leto Atreides is set up to be the paragon of honor and responsibility. I’d compare him to Abraham Lincoln without the sense of humor. His people love him and his enemies hate him. Even the corrupt Emperor respects him…

Recommendation

Great read and worth the time.