Published in 2011, Zero Day by David Baldacci introduces military investigator John Puller, a former combat veteran now working for the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigative Division. Puller is sent to a remote area in West Virginia to investigate the brutal murder of a military family, including a high-ranking officer. As he partners with local law enforcement, Puller uncovers a disturbing trail of violence and corruption that hints at a much larger conspiracy. His investigation leads him to confront not only physical dangers but also deep institutional secrets, forcing him to rely on both his investigative skills and military training.
Zero Day
My Thoughts
This was a fun read with a big ending. However, there was a lot of emphasis about how the Army does business that seemed a little off to me. Of course, that might be due to my bias with the Marines. Still, I enjoyed the book.
Recommendation
A solid Baldacci novel. I’m excited to get to the next books featuring Puller.
Published in 1996, What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission by John Bytheway offers practical and spiritual insights for young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are preparing to serve as missionaries. The book draws from Bytheway’s own mission experience and reflections, addressing common misconceptions, emotional hurdles, and day-to-day realities of missionary service. Topics include dealing with homesickness, adjusting to rigorous schedules, understanding companionship dynamics, and maintaining personal spiritual growth. The goal is to help prospective missionaries enter the field with more accurate expectations and better preparation for the challenges and rewards of mission life.
What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission
My Thoughts
As my son is preparing for his mission, I came across What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission in our kitchen. Naturally curious, I picked it up and gave it a read. It was a quick and held my attention, though it clearly reflects the time period in which it was originally written. Ironically, this book came out when I was serving my own mission, so I was not familiar with John Bytheway or his work till years afterward.
While researching the book, I found that it has been republished several times. My impression is that the updates were likely made to refresh the language, as the original version speaks in a style familiar to teenagers of the mid-1990s. (I have had some experience with this vernacular.) I worry that some of the references are old enough that they may not resonate with the current target demographic.
Despite the dated references, the core principles and advice remain strong. I especially appreciated the appendix, which provides simple historical background and helpful answers to common questions that missionaries might be asked. It is a thoughtful addition to an already solid resource.
Recommendation
I enjoyed it. The content was filled with concepts and language that resonated with me, particularly as it was written for my demographic 30 years ago. It also addressed a subject that has been on my mind recently. That said, I had not read it in the nearly three decades since its publication and likely would not have done so now if not for the fact that my son is preparing to leave soon.
