May 2023 – Ryan’s Book Blog

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment

May 31, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2010, “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love” is a self-help book written by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller. Drawing on extensive research in psychology and neuroscience, the book explores the concept of adult attachment and how it influences our romantic relationships. The authors present three attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—and explain how each style affects our behaviors, emotions, and expectations in relationships. They provide insights into the dynamics of attachment and offer practical advice on how to navigate challenges, improve communication, and build healthier, more fulfilling connections with our partners. By understanding our own attachment style and that of our partners, “Attached” seeks to provide valuable tools and strategies for creating and maintaining lasting love and security in relationships.

My Thoughts

I try to read another relationship book every so often to constantly improve my marriage and family relationships. Most tend to be pretty much the same but this one had a different spin. Of course, your upbringing and prior experiences would color your relationships but Levine and Heller were much more specific in their thoughts. I’m convinced that relationships aren’t quite as generalizable as they were made out to be here but I liked their take on how to cope with the various circumstances.

Recommendation

I talked about this one with my wife… High praise for these type of books.

Ready Player One

May 30, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2011, “Ready Player One” is a science fiction novel written by Ernest Cline. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Wade Watts, a young protagonist who escapes the harsh reality of his impoverished world by entering the virtual reality world known as the OASIS. When the eccentric creator of the OASIS, James Halliday, passes away, he leaves behind a challenge for all OASIS users—a high-stakes treasure hunt for an Easter egg that promises immense wealth and control over the virtual world. Wade embarks on a quest filled with ’80s pop culture references and puzzles, competing against a powerful corporation, and forming unlikely alliances in both the virtual and real worlds. As the race intensifies, Wade discovers the true implications of the game and the consequences it could have for society.

My Thoughts

I originally thought to listen to this book while I was running a half marathon but I decided against it. However, it stuck in my mind and I realized I hadn’t watched the movie as of yet. Big mistake! Wow, that movie had almost nothing to do with the book… Don’t watch the movie!!!

So, I had to re-read the book. I loved it again! This hits me in all the right places as it touches on so much of my childhood and the things I loved back then.

Recommendation

Love it! If you were a computer loving child of the 80’s, I think you will love it too.

Major Decisions

May 27, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2021, “Major Decisions” by Henry Eyring explores the complexities and challenges of college and making significant life choices. The book offers a balanced perspective on the decision-making process delving into various factors that influence major decisions, including personal values, societal pressures, and practical considerations. Eyring provides strategies and tools to navigate to help make decisions while emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, gathering information, and seeking guidance.

My Thoughts

There are a good many things in this book that I wish I had known before I started the college process or what I call the “unscripted” time after High School. (Of course, I don’t know that I would have listened if someone told me. In fact, they likely did…) I liked how Eyring broke down how to find out what you want to do and where to go from there. What would have been very handy was the idea that you should go to the school who caters to your needs.

Recommendation

Great book and worth the read.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive

May 26, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2023, “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive” is children’s book presenting an account of the life and experiences of Ruth Bader Ginsburg though unusual facts and anecdotes. The book explores Ginsburg’s journey from her early years and education, her marriage, her legal career, and many of her personal hobbies.

My Thoughts

This was a fun read. Almost all the stories were not in her biography so most of it was novel content to me. I particularly liked that she stopped driving after hitting Sandra Day O’Connor’s car. That cracked me up.

Recommendation

A very quick and fun read.

Pele

May 25, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2021, “Pele” is an autobiographical look at the remarkable life of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pele. With a balanced narrative, Pele shares his humble origins in impoverished Brazil, his rapid ascent to international stardom, and his accomplishments both on and off the soccer field.

My Thoughts

It’s always humbling and thought provoking to read an autobiography from someone who was born poor outside of the United States. We are so very blessed in this country and it’s a shame so many people aren’t aware of how many advantages we have. Pele or Edson wasn’t really born poor by the standards of those around him but it is a world of difference to the average family in the US.

There were so many things I didn’t know about him outside of the soccer field. I found the persona he crafted to be likable despite the occasional Latino machismo-like feel. He comes across as basically a good person who is doing his best in a world of corruption. However, the book was slow and I feel like I had to push myself to finish it.

Recommendation

If you are a fan, I’d bet you’d love it. For the rest of us, you could skip this one without too much guilt.

Limitless

May 22, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2020, “Limitless” by Jim Kwik is a self-help book that explores methods and techniques to enhance cognitive abilities and unlock one’s full potential. With a focus on optimizing memory, learning, and overall brain performance, Kwik offers strategies and exercises to improve mental clarity, focus, and retention. Through anecdotes and insights, the book provides tools to overcome limitations, boost creativity, and cultivate a growth mindset.

My Thoughts

I remember when this book came out as the author hit the podcast circuit and did shows on a few that I was listening to at the time. I was interested but not enough to get the book. About a month ago, a Marine LtCol told me this would be an excellent book for a new course at the University where I work. He even went ahead and bought me a copy of the book. Thank you!

I have been reading it off and on since I received my copy. I’ve done some in print and some in audio but this isn’t a book you just read through and it’s done. This is a book that requires effort and exercises which slowed down my consumption considerably. I’ve enjoyed the process of getting through it but there wasn’t a ton of hidden gems that I was hoping to find. (Perhaps I have just read too many books that are similar. In fact, “Atomic Habits” was referenced directly in this book.) I will keep at the exercises and see where it takes me.

Recommendation

A great read but will take some time if you put the effort in.

Storm Front

May 21, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2000, “Storm Front” by Jim Butcher is an urban fantasy novel that introduces Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator in modern-day Chicago. In a world where magic and supernatural beings exist, Dresden becomes entangled in a web of mystery and danger when a series of brutal murders occurs in the city. Using his unique skills and dry sense of humor, Dresden must navigate alliances, confront ancient powers, and unravel a conspiracy that threatens both the mortal and supernatural realms.

My Thoughts

I ran a half marathon and wanted something both familiar and enjoyable to listen to while I put one foot in front of the other. Also, a friend of mine said the book didn’t really hold up after he had read the series. So, I was curious and pulled it down again. I was glad I did.

This book isn’t as refined as his later work but it was also his first foray into the writing business. As it was a class assignment Butcher’s teacher said was good enough for prime time, I don’t know we should be making too many judgements.

Regardless, I still enjoyed the book. Harry Dresden is a wonderful character and it was a pleasure to revisit him when he had more humility and was just getting started. When I was done with the run, I had to finish it!

Recommendation

Great book, great series. Not for children but I can’t say enough good things.

Back to Work

May 20, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2011, “Back to Work” is a book that examines the economic challenges faced by the United States and suggests potential solutions for improving the nation’s economy. Drawing on his experience as the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton analyzes the factors that contributed to the economic downturn and proposes measures for recovery. With a focus on job creation, education, innovation, and infrastructure development, Clinton argues for the government’s role in promoting economic growth and ensuring a prosperous future for Americans. Clinton presents a vision for revitalizing the American economy and restoring its global competitiveness.

My Thoughts

I find most of the points made in this book to be valid. I believe people are more alike than different and that we can come together on many issues. However, we have devolved so much that we can’t seem to have a simple conversation and get anything done.

I attended a local school board recently and was appalled by what I saw. Our board members took 35 minutes of squabbling just to agree on the agenda. Most of it was posturing and egotistical members trying to claim credit for who “passed in the motion”. (As if that mattered in the slightest.) However, this seems to be what passes as politics these days. I enjoyed that this book wasn’t along that vein.

I’m not a fan of former president Bill Clinton in a few ways but I do like that he balanced the budget during his presidency and promotes the dignity of work. I also like his work with another former president H. W. Bush in promoting dialog between the parties. I felt there were a number of assumptions made but at least he had practical ideas which would likely appeal to a broad swath of our society.

Recommendation

Dry but not a bad read.

Remarkably Bright Creatures

May 15, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2022, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” is the story of how an octopus put a family together.

Tova Sullivan is a widow who works the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium. She has been haunted by the disappearance of her son, Erik, for over 30 years. One night, Tova becomes acquainted with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus is a curious and intelligent creature, and Tova is drawn to him. As they spend more time together, Tova begins to suspect that Marcellus knows something about Erik’s disappearance. With Marcellus’ help, Tova may finally be able to find the answers she has been searching for.

My thoughts

This book was a long time on hold before it made it to me and it felt overblown by the recommendations and interest generated. The book took a long time to get started but I did finally get interested by the time the ending came around.

Recommendation

Not worth the hype.

First Contact

May 12, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in ???, “First Contact” is the second book in the Legacy Earth series written by Ross Buzzell. Lance Warder is stationed on Mars when first contact is made by the alien race known as the “Galio”. Lance is at the right place and right time to be selected to act as diplomatic security and is the first to learn about this new race and the 5 others in our galaxy. However, the radical group known as the Veles does not want contact to occur and attempts to sabotage the mission.

My Thoughts

This book was somewhat like a teenager’s idea of what would make a good Sci-Fi. Lance is very overpowered and is the only one who really understands what is going on. The other characters are two dimensional and are hardly needed by Lance or the story as a whole. Even the love scenes read like someone didn’t quite know what kissing a girl was like.

Of course, this doesn’t mean it wasn’t a fun read. The action keeps the book moving along but there are some groan-worthy moments.

Recommendation

I’m on the fence but I will continue through the series.