Published in 2025, Steve Martin Writes the Written Word is a collection of Steve Martin’s written work, gathering pieces from across his career as a humorist and author. It includes selections from his contributions to The New Yorker, excerpts from his novella Shopgirl, and a variety of comedic essays, some written from unusual perspectives. The book presents Martin’s approach to language and storytelling in a form that emphasizes the written word as both subject and medium.
Steve Martin Writes the Written Word
My Thoughts
I really don’t quite know what to say about this book. I found Mr. Martin’s writing to be good enough, but somehow discordant and, in part, surprisingly base and vulgar. He definitely makes use of an extensive vocabulary, frequent metaphors, and slang. It may be the slang that catches me off guard. It seemed to span decades in the same character. Essentially, it felt like an older man’s words in the mouths of twenty-something characters.
I enjoyed the written form of his stand up routines. Those pages seemed to fly by as I recalled him on stage with a banjo and the arrow-through-the-head. I didn’t care for Shopgirl at all. It seemed crude and heartless with an abrupt and implausible ending. However, that was the low point of this work.
Published in 1987, Taliesin is the first book in Stephen R. Lawhead’s Pendragon Cycle, blending the fall of Atlantis with the origins of Arthurian Britain. The story follows Charis, a princess of Atlantis who survives her homeland’s destruction, and Taliesin, a druid and bard in Britain, as their lives intertwine in exile and renewal. Their union produces Merlin, whose destiny will shape the future of Britain and its legendary kings.
Taliesin
My Thoughts
It’s been a bit since I’ve read some fantasy and I enjoyed it. This book started off pretty slow but it did reel me in. It was on hold for so long that I had forgotten what it was about so I was able to enjoy the story without expectations. Toward the end, I found myself finding excuses to listen to the book.
Published in 2025, I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams by Jordan Chiles is a memoir that follows the Olympic gymnast’s path from her early struggles in the sport to international recognition. Chiles recounts facing racism, body image concerns, and the pressure of elite competition while also describing the support and friendship she found among teammates such as Simone Biles. She reflects on the difficulties of navigating injuries, setbacks, and the emotional toll of narrowly losing a medal, while also capturing the triumphs of competing at the highest level. Through her personal story, she illustrates the persistence and resilience required to pursue a dream in the demanding world of gymnastics.
I’m That Girl
My Thoughts
I remember watching Ms. Chiles along with the others on Team USA. Like many of us, I didn’t know much about her, but I was rooting for her. I also remember her parents in the stands and the repeated showings of Snoop Dog who somehow highjacked the Paris games. However, that was about it. I was excited they won the gold and I was surprised she was given the Bronze after the Romanian girl was already celebrating. Honestly, I didn’t think too much about it other than feeling for the Romanian girl who thought she’d won. The familiar adage of “Don’t count your chickens till they’re hatched” came to mind. I then moved on to the next thing.
Evidently, there was a media storm that hit fueled by nationalism, racism, and just plain stupidity. All of it blessedly passed me by as I pay almost zero attention to social media. (I may live in an echo chamber but it is pretty peaceful in here.) From what I learned, it all seems very antithetical to what the Olympic Games stand for in my mind. All of it is unwelcome to say the least.
It was good to hear her story of hard work, faith, and perseverance. Ms. Chiles has much to be proud of and she did an amazing job representing our country. I don’t particularly like the attitude of trash talk and the lack of sportsmanship that I inferred from the pages. No one likes people who are bad sports and are only out there to win. This feels like an extremely unfortunate trend in our youth and society in general.
I also find the need to see everything from a tribal standpoint to be distasteful. Whether your tribe is black, White, Hispanic, Tesla owners, Harley Riders, Vegans, or even followers of Joanna Gaines, I’m happy you found something to be proud of. However, there are a lot of us out here who really don’t see the world the way you do. And that’s ok. You just don’t get to project your issues on others. Who am I to throw shade on Ms. Chiles or the Romanian girl. Both did their best on the world stage and were pretty amazing.
Recommendation
I was glad I read it. It gave me insight on an unfamiliar topic.
Published in April 17, 2025. In Crisis on Mount Hood: Stories from a Hundred Years of Mountain Rescue, emergency room physician Christopher Van Tilburg examines the legacy and evolution of the Hood River Crag Rats, the oldest all‑volunteer mountain rescue team in the United States. The narrative traces over a century of rescue efforts centered on the iconic 11,249‑foot Mount Hood in Oregon. It weaves together archival accounts of daring rescues, the author’s own three‑decade involvement, developments in rescue technology and outdoor culture, and the mounting impact of climate change on the mountain’s glaciated terrain.
Crisis on Mount Hood
My Thoughts
I was interested in the topic and continually interested in what drives people to go out of their way to save other people. Again and again, the author talks about people who were not prepared to be on the mountain and how he, and others like him, have to go up and bring them down. This is done without pay, without much support, and often without recognition. I’m glad that there are people in this world who put the needs of others above their own.
Recommendation
Not a bad read, but it seemed monotonous at times.
Published in February 2025, Source Code: My Beginnings is the first memoir by Bill Gates, chronicling his early life in Seattle through to the origins of Microsoft and culminating around the late 1970s, specifically when Microsoft signed its first licensing deal with Apple. In this memoir, Gates offers a candid, self-reflective account of his formative years from being a precocious and sometimes challenging child, through the influences of his family, like his grandmother and ambitious parents, to his early friendships and his uneasy fit in school.
Source Code
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the title of this book and the fact that Will Wheaton read the audio book. That bit of whimsy was needed for the rest of the book. It was very interesting to hear first-hand about those first few years and how much time and effort was put into coding. I have heard several people give the account that Bill Gates was just some kid that ripped off real programmers and became ridiculously rich. No one really comments on the work that was put into learning his craft, where he got his business skills, or why IBM was willing to talk to him in the first place. I was glad I had the chance to hear his side of the story.
Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories about Disability and Determination is an illustrated collection of over twenty short biographies featuring individuals with Down syndrome who have excelled in various fields: film, sports, business, fashion, activism, and more. Notable profiles include Chris Nikic (the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon) and Isabella Springmuhl Tejada (the first designer with Down syndrome invited to London Fashion Week). The stories also introduce readers to organizations such as the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, the National Down Syndrome Society, and The Buddy Walk. The book includes quick facts, inspirational quotes, a timeline of Down syndrome awareness, a timeline of the disability-rights movement in the U.S., additional resources, and an index.
Down Syndrome Out Loud
My Thoughts
When I selected this book, I was thinking of a few people I’ve known throughout my life with Down syndrome. To a one, they have all been open and happy people who have blessed the lives of those around them. Most notable was Billy Carter who is still the oldest person with Down syndrome I have ever known. He lived to the age of 77 and is still missed.
I enjoyed the book though the audio version’s narrator was a little too upbeat for my tastes. It was great to hear about other successful people who are living full lives despite the extra chromosome.
Recommendation
A great book on what is possible for someone who has a disability.
Published in 2025, Plan B: A Service-framed Examination of Economic Warfare was released by the Marine Corps University Press as the first entry in its Marine Corps Futures series. The work originates from discussions within the Commandant’s Office of Net Assessment and considers how the U.S. might employ economic warfare, particularly against the People’s Republic of China. It analyzes the historical role of economic coercion, outlines how a blockade of energy supplies could shape a modern Sino-American conflict, and assesses how the Marine Corps could contribute to such a strategy. The book discusses both the potential advantages and the challenges of implementing blockade operations and concludes with recommendations for preparing Marine Corps forces for missions tied to economic warfare.
Plan B
My Thoughts
It really is amazing at this time when thousands of man made satellites are in orbit, when supersonic war heads can drop straight out of the heavens and destroy us all without enough time to blink, that a simple naval blockage can bring a country to its knees. It seems very little has changed.
This was interesting reading although it wasn’t what I’d call a page turner. The concept is simple enough to grasp, but I just kept coming back to the thought of how fragile and interconnected we are as a global society. Much like the trucks that keep our grocery stores stocked, huge tankers keep whole countries supplied with energy and just about everything else.
Recommendation
I wouldn’t recommend it unless you have a direct interest.
Published in 1950, “Wingless Victory” by Anthony Richardson recounts the true story of Royal Air Force officer Sir Basil Embry after his aircraft was shot down over occupied France in 1940. The book follows Embry’s repeated attempts to evade capture as he navigates hostile territory, relying on disguises, wit, and determination to stay ahead of German forces. Captured multiple times yet always managing to break free, he eventually made his way back to Britain, where his experiences became a symbol of courage and persistence during wartime. Richardson, who had served with Embry, shaped the account into a narrative that captures both the danger and ingenuity of escape in occupied Europe.
Wingless Victory
My Thoughts
This was a gripping tale that optimizes the “stiff upper lip” attitude the British are known for. Sir Embry rightly went on to inspire others as he served in higher positions of leadership and trust. His single focus and consistent faith that he would get home, even amid disappointments and high odds, is truly inspiring.
In particular, I enjoyed how he was constantly making plans and contingencies. He was thrown several curves and he continued to adjust and push on.
Published in 2013, Images of America: Spotsylvania County by John F. Cummings III focuses on the county’s Civil War history, particularly its role as the site of several major battles including Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Spotsylvania Court House. Through a curated selection of historical photographs, maps, and portraits, Cummings documents the war’s impact on the local landscape and its people, including soldiers, civilians, and landmarks that witnessed the conflict. The book places emphasis on battlefield preservation, historic memory, and the ways in which Spotsylvania has commemorated its past over the decades.
Images of America Spotsylvania County
My Thoughts
While I was hoping for more of a history of the area, this book primarily centered on the Civil War and it’s influence on the region. I found the stories interesting and the photographs fascinating. However, I was hoping for much more. The title of the book was misleading as it should have included the Civil War rather than generically labeled as it was.
Regardless, I enjoyed it.
Recommendation
If you are a Civil War buff, this book will be of interest.
Published in 2024, “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt examines the rise in adolescent mental health issues over the past decade, attributing much of the trend to the shift from play-based, in-person childhoods to screen-based, phone-centric upbringings. Haidt argues that this “great rewiring” began around 2010 with the widespread adoption of smartphones and social media, which disrupted key developmental processes. Drawing on psychology, sociology, and education research, the book outlines the ways in which this digital transformation has contributed to increased anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal among youth. Haidt proposes a framework for reversing these effects by advocating for later introduction of smartphones, more independence for children, and greater emphasis on real-world experiences.
The Anxious Generation
My Thoughts
This was a truly terrifying read that caused a great deal of thought and rethinking of our current youth culture. After finishing the book, I believe there should be an additional volume addressing how this screen culture has rewired adults as well.
I’m more and more convinced about how plastic the brain and body can be. How someone can completely transform themselves given the right conditions. However, that concept is also at play with respect to sitting in front of a screen all day. This impacts us all. I really loved how well Haidt brought in the larger social influences in addition to the impacts on the individual. If you take a phone away from a young person, they still are in a world where everyone else has a phone and so they can’t interact like I was able to growing up in the pre-phone era.
The key take away for me? I like the saying, “Fake war and fake love does not make a real man.” – Unknown authorship. After reading this book, I could say, “Fake friends and impossible expectations will break anyone.”
