Month: June 2023

Countdown to Dallas

Background

Published in 2013, “Countdown to Dallas” is by Paul Brandus exploring the events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The book examines the lives of both Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald, and it debunks various theories about who was responsible for the assassination. Brandus argues that the assassination was at the hands of Oswald and gives compelling evidence of the series of events that led to that day in Dallas.

Countdown to Dallas
Countdown to Dallas

My Thoughts

I never saw the movie “JFK” by Oliver Stone but Paul Brandus doesn’t seem to have a high opinion of it. In fact, he takes every opportunity to show where it was in error. I also had no idea of the time Oswald lived in Russia or his communist ties. I didn’t know he idealized Cuban Marxism or that he was so far down the end of his rope. I was gratified to hear that the Marines kicked him out. He sounds like a real piece of work.

However, if all the above were true, I can certainly understand why it wouldn’t be such a great idea to inform everyone of exactly who this guy was and what he was about as it would certainly cause issues. Of course, it did anyway and that is a worthy story in of itself.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. The book seems to be well researched and written but there is still some tangible bias in his language. It’s enough that makes me want to delve further.

Mort

Background

Published in 1987, “Mort” is a novel by Terry Pratchett, and part of the Discworld series. The story follows Mort, an awkward and unhappy apprentice to his family’s farm, who is unexpectedly taken on as an apprentice by Death himself. Mort learns the ropes of his new job, which includes collecting souls and ferrying them to the afterlife. He also begins to question the nature of death and his own place in the world.

Mort’s journey takes him to all corners of the Discworld, where he encounters a variety of characters, including the witches Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the wizard Rincewind, and the vampire lord Krok. Along the way, he learns about the importance of life, death, and free will.

Mort
Mort

My Thoughts

This was such a good book! British whimsy regarding death himself! This has been my favorite book so far in the series.

Recommendation

Great read. Highly suggested.

Born to Run 2

Background

Published in 2022, “Born to Run 2” is the sequel to “Born to Run” (2009). Both were written by Christopher McDougall and explores the author’s journey to of the events after the first book. In this book, McDougall delves into practical exercises and still continues his belief the science, biomechanics, and natural form of running for the human body. He also gives some histories of people who made an appearance in his first book.

Born to Run 2
Born to Run 2

My Thoughts

I was one of those people who bought minimalist shoes and went running after reading his first book. I ran almost daily back in those days and it is the only thing I miss about my time working in Washington D.C.

This book almost had me buying a new pair of shoes and start running again. (I still have my old pair because they almost never wear out but according to this book, I bought them too small). I currently am laid up due to some plantar fasciitis in my foot. However, McDougall gives specific exercises to deal with it. I still may…

Recommendation

This is a bit of a niche read and meant as more of a reference but it was worth my attention.

Equal Rites

Background

Published in 1987, “Equal Rites” is the third novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The book follows the story of Eskarina Smith, a young girl who has inherited the wizarding abilities traditionally reserved for boys. Despite societal expectations and the disapproval of the wizards at Unseen University, Esk sets out to become a wizard herself. With the help of Granny Weatherwax, a wise witch, they navigate a world filled with magic, gender stereotypes, and comedic mishaps.

Equal Rites
Equal Rites

My Thoughts

This was a fun book and a great canvas to paint the story of Granny Weatherwax. Such a great character and a departure from the traditional witch. I also enjoyed the whole idea of the female wizard and the struggles others would have with that possibility. One could forget this was written in 1987.

Recommendation

Great read.

Walk The Wire

Background

Published on April 21, 2020, “Walk the Wire” is a thriller novel written by David Baldacci. The book is part of the Amos Decker series, featuring the that brilliant and unique detective and yet also crosses over Will Robie from his other books. In this installment, Decker is sent to investigate a seemingly perfect small town called London, where a series of mysterious and gruesome murders have occurred. As Decker delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not only the town but also his own life. With his exceptional memory and analytical skills, Decker must navigate through twists and turns to unravel the truth and stop the killer before more lives are lost.

Walk The Wire
Walk The Wire

My Thoughts

When Will Robie came into the book, I was so excited… Sad but true. This book was a little slower than the others in the Decker series and wasn’t quite as satisfying in some ways. For one, he starts to heal from his affliction and their wasn’t enough of Jessica and Will. Still it was a fun book.

Recommendation

Could have been better but I was still entertained.

The Light Fantastic

Background

“The Light Fantastic” is the second novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. Set in a flat world resting on the backs of four elephants carried by a giant turtle, it follows the misadventures of the bumbling wizard Rincewind and his hapless companion Twoflower. When a red star appears in the sky, threatening to collide with Discworld and bring about the end of the world, Rincewind, Twoflower, and an odd assortment of characters embark on a hilarious and perilous journey to save the day.

The Light Fantastic
The Light Fantastic

My Thoughts

This one took a little bit to grow on me but I learned to like the characters. (Particularly, the luggage.)

Recommendation

Not his best work but still interesting

The Four Loves

Background

Published in 1960, “The Four Loves” is a non-fiction book written by C.S. Lewis on the nature of love. In this insightful work, Lewis explores love from a philosophical and Christian perspective. Expounding on four distinct categories of love:

  1. Storge: This refers to familial or natural affection, the love between family members, or the love that arises naturally, such as the love between parents and children.
  2. Philia: This represents friendship and the love between friends. It encompasses loyalty, camaraderie, and mutual respect.
  3. Eros: Eros refers to romantic or passionate love. It is associated with desire, attraction, and physical intimacy.
  4. Agape: Agape is unconditional love, often seen as divine or selfless love. It is characterized by compassion, generosity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Lewis delves into the complexities and nuances of each type of love. He examines their strengths, potential pitfalls, and how they relate to one another. Drawing from literature, theology, and personal experiences, Lewis offers profound reflections on the meaning and significance of love in our lives. “The Four Loves” is a timeless exploration of human relationships and emotions that continues to resonate with readers, offering wisdom and understanding on the nature of love.

The Four Loves
The Four Loves

My Thoughts

I can’t heap enough praise on this book. C.S. Lewis does not tell a story here, rather he is explaining, as plain as he can, the nature of love. I went through it a number of times and still think I’m just scratching the surface.

Recommendation

Read this book!

Legacy Earth: AI Wars

Background

Published in April of 2022, “AI Wars” by Ross Buzzell is the fourth book in the Legacy Earth series. The story continues the adventures of Lance Warder and his squad, Hrafn, as they face a new threat from an ancient artificial intelligence known as the Reeves. This AI force emerges from a mysterious area of space called the Dark Pillar, challenging humanity and other galactic races. The novel explores the consequences of past human actions and their creation of advanced AI, as well as the ethical and existential dilemmas they now face. The Hrafn squad must navigate complex alliances and fierce battles, striving to protect the galaxy from this formidable foe while uncovering deeper secrets about the AI’s motives and history

Legacy Earth AI Wars
Legacy Earth AI Wars

My Thoughts

Our hero continues climbing the social and military latter as he once again saves everyone from evil. Lance Warder can’t be stopped and even his enemies learn to like him. (Or at least respect him.)

Recommendation

The books are getting too formulaic. I think I’m going to drop the series.

Tress of the Emerald Sea

Background

Published in January of 2023, “Tress of the Emerald Sea” is a fantasy book written by Brandon Sanderson. Tress is a simple girl from a remote island until her one love is captured. She takes it upon herself to venture out to rescue him from the dreaded sorceress of the midnight sea. Sanderson creates an entire world full of unique dangers and delights and yet relatable to any audience.

Tress of the Emerald Sea
Tress of the Emerald Sea

My Thoughts

This really was a great book and it took me (seemingly) forever to get through it as I was reading just a little before bed each night. I really enjoyed the journey and loved this little one off for Sanderson.

Recommendation

Very enjoyable read.

Legacy Earth: Deterrence Expedition

Background

Published in February of 2022, “Deterrence Expedition” is the third book in Ross Buzzell’s Legacy Earth series. The story unfolds two years after a devastating attack that left 80,000 people dead, with evidence pointing to a Galio super-weapon as the cause. As Earth faces mounting threats from the galaxy’s most powerful empire, Lieutenant Lance Warder is thrust into a dangerous mission to stop the impending onslaught. Joined by the enigmatic Jarog operative Valdivia, Warder and his team must navigate the complexities of interstellar politics and warfare, uncovering hidden dangers as they march into unexplored space. The novel explores themes of resilience, duty, and the harsh realities of a galaxy on the brink of war​.

Legacy Earth Deterrence Expedition
Legacy Earth Deterrence Expedition

My Thoughts

Lance Warder does it again with his manly swagger. This futuristic John Wayne takes on all comers and comes out the other side victorious. The reader had a chance to see some new cultures and species but they all seem to be cut from the same cloth.

Recommendation

The books are getting a bit predicable.