August 2024 – Ryan’s Book Blog

In the Mind of Stalin

August 31, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2023, “In the Mind of Stalin” by James Greensmith, provides an in-depth exploration of the psychological landscape of one of history’s most enigmatic and ruthless dictators, Joseph Stalin. Through meticulous research and analysis, Greensmith delves into the paradoxical nature of Stalin, examining how he could display moments of personal tenderness while orchestrating mass atrocities that led to millions of deaths. The book seeks to unravel the complex motivations, fears, and strategies that defined Stalin’s rule over the Soviet Union, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the man behind the iron fist. It is a compelling study for anyone interested in the darker aspects of political power and totalitarianism.

My Thoughts

Not exactly a book to pick you up and put a smile on your face. I didn’t like this one. I didn’t like how it read and I didn’t enjoy how everything was put together and referenced. Ironically, it read like propaganda with the exception of it being anti-Stalin.

I am no fan of Stalin, but I don’t know this narrative was an accurate picture of him. I found myself feeling like very little was definitive and I really wonder if the public will ever really know what happened.

Recommendation

Skip this one.

The Fifth Act American’s End in Afghanistan

August 22, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2022, “The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan,” Elliot Ackerman provides a firsthand account of the final days of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Drawing from his experiences as a Marine and CIA paramilitary officer, Ackerman recounts the evacuation of Afghan nationals who had worked closely with the American forces as the Taliban closed in on Kabul in August 2021. The memoir intertwines personal narratives with a broader reflection on the two-decade-long conflict, highlighting both the heroism and the failures that marked America’s longest war.

The Fifth Act American's End in Afghanistan — The Fifth Act American’s End in Afghanistan

My Thoughts

It’s always interesting to hear the first hand accounts of people living through moments in history. We know our part and have our specific observations on the greater whole. Sometimes those observations come through the keyhole of our limited experiences. The author had the benefit from personally seeing for multiple keyholes and even from differing organizational vantage points. However, it is still a first hand account.

I sympathize with his opinion that the withdrawal from Afghanistan was one of the most embarrassing moments in our history. I do think we needed to leave, but how we went about it will go down in history as a black mark on the United States for all time. We signaled weakness to the rest of the world and our foreign policy lost any teeth it had.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. It was both readable and relatable.

American Woman The Transformation of the Modern First Lady

August 21, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in February of 2024, “American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden.” by Katie Rogers explores how the role of the First Lady in the United States has evolved from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden. Rogers examines the shifting expectations, media scrutiny, and political influence that have shaped the position over the past few decades. By comparing and contrasting the last 5 First Ladies, the book provides a look at how each navigated her role, balancing personal identity with public duty in a changing political landscape

My Thoughts

While the book came from a New York Times correspondent, it was decently balanced in terms of political leaning. It was still left of center, but most of political commentary was kept to a minimum. There was a long section on President Biden I could do without, but I appreciated that it largely kept to subject at hand.

It makes me feel old as I remember each of the last 5 First Ladies well. (Same with a few of the previous ones as well.) Rogers was in line with what I remember happening at the time. Plus, after reading a few of their biographies, her research seemed to true to their narrative. I appreciate the aggregation of the information and taking the reader through the lens of precedent and expectation. It does make me wonder what the first “First Gentlemen” will feel and what they end up doing with that platform.

Recommendation

Not a bad read.

A Full Life Reflections at Ninety

August 18, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2015, “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety,” by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, is the reflection on his long and varied life, offering insights into his personal experiences, public service, and enduring values. Written as he reached his 90th year, Carter shares anecdotes from his childhood in rural Georgia, his years in the Navy, his political career, and his post-presidency humanitarian work. The memoir is rich with his thoughts on faith, family, and the principles that guided him through decades of public and private challenges. Carter’s humility, wisdom, and commitment to peace and human rights shine through in this deeply personal and reflective work, providing readers with an intimate portrait of one of America’s most respected statesmen.

My Thoughts

Honestly, I want to like President Carter. I respect that he really was his own person and by most accounts was a legitimately nice genuine guy. His charity work has been nothing short of amazing. He used his position to do as much good as he could and he was himself the whole time. He even mentioned my church in the book… However, I just couldn’t get into this book. I didn’t like the pacing and I feel like something intangible was tugging at me the entire time.

On a separate note, there doesn’t seem to be much room for a nice guy in politics. That thought gives me more pain than I’d like to admit. When I was in high school, I had a saying that if someone wanted to be politics, they shouldn’t be in politics. That’s exactly the kind of self defeating nonsense that justified me staying out of any meaningful work. I really don’t have an answer.

Recommendation

This was a hard one to get through.

Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education

August 17, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2022, “Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education,” edited by Dr. Lauren Mackenzie and published by the Marine Corps University Press, explores the critical integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda into military education systems. This book is a compilation of essays and articles published on the relevant topics and arranged to provide a narrative. It examines how the principles of WPS, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1325, are being woven into the curricula of military institutions to ensure that future leaders understand the importance of gender perspectives in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Through analysis and case studies, the book highlights the impact of WPS on operational effectiveness, strategic planning, and the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

My Thoughts

The book doesn’t really read like a cohesive whole. This was to be expected as anytime you have a variety of authors, you run into this problem. However, the editors struggled to give it flow in areas that were in need of more form and structure.

Most of the segments came from articles or peer reviewed literature. Unfortunately, there are a number of statements and inferences made that seem unsupported unless you delve further into the references. I found myself wondering about a few seeming leaps in logic and occasionally about conflicting ideas. Below is an example.

Several of the studies were using small sample sizes requiring t-distributions. It’s hard to see many of the findings to be much more than anecdotal evidence when you are interviewing 6 people. A specific example would be the quantitative discussion that 20% of women failed a course over a 4 year period only to find out the study was only involved 10 women. It’s hard to follow the sweeping generalizations on such evidence. It is also a little frightening that the evolving military attitude toward female combat fitness could be based on that kind of data. I only hope more data pours in as the years go by and all of us can have an honest look at what happened without the bias of our preconceived notions.

Recommendation

This one was difficult to get through.

The Walking Drum

August 16, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1984, “The Walking Drum” by Louis L’Amour is a historical adventure novel set in the 12th century, following the journey of Kerbouchard, a young man of Breton heritage, as he embarks on a quest to find his father. The story takes him across Europe and into the Middle East, where he encounters scholars, warriors, and lovers in a world full of danger and intrigue. As Kerbouchard navigates this tumultuous landscape, he evolves from a vengeful youth into a seasoned traveler and scholar, mastering various cultures and fighting skills. L’Amour’s richly detailed narrative weaves history with fiction, offering readers a vivid portrayal of the medieval world and a protagonist whose thirst for knowledge and adventure drives the story forward.

My Thoughts

I was hoping for a bit more than what it was. In many ways, it reads like a tall tale as Kerbouchard is a mix of Robin Hood, He-Man, and Einstein. (The Mary Sue of men…) It would be a fun story, but it felt like it just kept going. Perhaps my attention span just isn’t what it could be, but I was thankful when I was finally at the end.

Regardless, I felt it was true to the time and place. L’Amour is famous for doing his homework and this was no exception.

Recommendation

This wasn’t terrible, but don’t think I will be reading it again.

The World According to Bob

August 14, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2013, “The World According to Bob,” by James Bowen, continues the true story of his life with Bob, the streetwise cat who helped him overcome addiction and homelessness. This sequel delves into their deepening bond as they face new challenges brought on by James’s sudden fame following the success of his first book. Through short anecdotes, Bowen reflects on the lessons he learns from Bob about trust, loyalty, and the true meaning of companionship, showcasing how Bob continues to be a source of strength and inspiration in his life.

My Thoughts

I had some time to kill at the library and did a walk around through the biography section when I saw this book. Having not read the first book, or heard anything about it, the second looked like a fun read. My youngest noticed it in my room and took it from me that evening. Yet another testament to the power Bob has over us mere humans…

The book was just ok though. It wasn’t terrible and I enjoyed the stories, yet I felt like it could be more. I did enjoy the illustrations and I was glad I had the physical book so I could enjoy them. I wish James and Bob the best, but likely won’t be reading any of the other books.

Recommendation

You have to love Bob!

Midst Toil and Tribulation

August 12, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2012, “Midst Toil and Tribulation,” the sixth book in David Weber’s Safehold series, continues the struggle between the Empire of Charis and the Church of God Awaiting. Following the civil war in the Republic of Siddarmark, Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan of Charis attempt to prepare to assist Siddarmark against the Church’s invasion. More technologies emerge including steam-power, ironclads, agricultural equipment, and more weaponry that continue to give Charis the edge.

My Thoughts

This book was focused more on the longer term impacts of developing technology and adapting to change. Such as the move from columned musket men to strategic rifle fire. Consistent with this series, has been the fun of seeing how the author blends together decades of technological advancement in less than a year and watching the characters deal with that disruption. That was more evident in this installment than the others.

Recommendation

I’m excited to see what comes next.

How Firm a Foundation

August 2, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2011, “How Firm a Foundation,” by David Weber, is the fifth book in his Safehold series. It continues the saga of the Charisian Empire as it battles the forces of the Church of God Awaiting. More technological developments within the empire sway the outlook of the war and Empress Sharleyen plays a key role, overseeing trials in Zebediah and Corisande. Grand Inquisitor Zhaspyr Clyntahn incites violence against Charisian expatriates in Siddarmark and orchestrates further brutal crackdowns on all perceived heretics. As tensions rise, Charis faces internal sabotage and external threats, leading to significant casualties and strategic maneuvers.

My Thoughts

This installment of the series has been a bit more fun. Technology has started to include steam power and iron hulls, which effectively compressed decades of historic innovation into mere months. Although, not much has changed with the format of the story, there seems to be more realism in how people are reacting to the current events. The characters have seemed much more human. This book didn’t deal quite so close with Merlin and spent more time filling in the reader of the group of 4 and the other side. It was a good change.

Recommendation

Much more enjoyable than the last.