Published in April of 2024, “Life as We Know It (Can Be)” by Bill Weir (CNN’s chief climate correspondent), reflects on his life including decades of reporting and speculates on the future for his children. Written as a series of Earth Day letters to his son, the book explores ideas, communities, and various solutions in energy, food, and sustainability. Weir weaves together personal reflections, stories of resilience, and a call to action to build a more hopeful and sustainable future.
Life as We Know It (Can Be)
My Thoughts
Though the book was interesting at times, I can’t say it was unbiased and objective. He constantly referred to President Trump as “The President in the red hat” and his stories consistently showed his bias as a climate activist. (His story about Al Gore was the most flattering of the former Vice-President that I’d ever seen.)
Published in 2020, “Operation Jacknap”, Jack Teich recounts his experience of being kidnapped at gunpoint outside his home in Long Island, New York, in 1974. These kidnappers demanded a record-breaking $750,000 ransom, which his family raised and paid under the guidance of the FBI. The book details the Teich’s week in captivity, his interactions with his kidnappers, and the nationwide manhunt that followed. Although one kidnapper was caught, many details remain unresolved, including the whereabouts of most of the ransom money. Teich’s memoir offers a narrative of survival and the impact the ordeal had on his family and community, while also delving into the larger social issues surrounding crime and justice at the time.
Operation Jacknap
My Thoughts
This was a surprisingly good read. Much of this case would have been completely different if it had occurred today, which might be something in favor of modern credit card transactions and cameras. It was of particular interest how the defense lawyer immediately tried to politicize the trial and make the issue about race. Ironically, the fact Mr. Teich was Jewish was a reason given as to why he was targeted.
There really is so much hate in the world and this book serves as a reminder of what could happen. “Trust but verify”, is one of my favorite phrases as is, “have your head on a swivel.”
Published in 2002, “Christlike Parenting” by Glenn I. Latham, presents a approach to raising children emphasizing the importance of kindness, patience, positive reinforcement in parenting, and encouraging parents to model their behavior after Christ. By focusing on building positive relationships and avoiding punitive discipline, Latham shows how effective parenting can lead to happier, more respectful children. The techniques are explained and both scriptural references and psychological insights are cited, making the book a useful guide for Christian families and those looking for practical parenting advice rooted in love and understanding.
Christlike Parenting
My Thoughts
While I felt some of Dr. Latham’s methods were a little too “Pollyanna” for the real world, I do agree with most of what he put in the book. Kids really don’t need you yelling at them and the world heaps plenty of problems on them without their parents adding to the load. As much as I believe all parents try to stay in control of the situation, they typically aren’t in an environment of stress. That said, I thought the majority of the book to be pretty well spot on.
What I believe was missing from the book is how to “repair” the damage after it occurs. Likely his response would be something along the lines of being consistent, forgiving, and being the role model for the children to emulate. However, I believe that would include owning our issues and apologizing to children when appropriate. That can be a hard pill to swallow by several families, but I believe it to be worth it.
Also, Dr. Latham quoted my Psychology Chair at Utah State, Dr. Carl Cheney on page 115. That really made my day! He is an incredible man and loved seeing his name in print.
Published in 2011, “Infinity Blade Awakening” by Brandon Sanderson is set in the universe of the popular mobile game Infinity Blade. The story picks up after the events of the first game and follows Siris, the hero who defeated the God King. However, rather than gaining freedom, Siris soon learns that his victory was only the beginning of a much larger and darker struggle. As he embarks on a journey to uncover ancient secrets about his world and his own identity, Siris must face powerful enemies and question everything he thought he knew about his purpose.
Infinity Blade Awakening
My Thoughts
I enjoyed the book right from the start. The idea that the book would begin after the quest was completed and the main enemy the “God King” was killed was a refreshing change. This was a relatively short read, but Sanderson did a good job getting plenty of information and story on the page. I have no knowledge of the Infinity Blade game, yet that wasn’t a hindrance to enjoy the story.
