Ryan – Page 13 – Ryan's Book Blog

Christlike Parenting

October 2, 2024 by Ryan

Background

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.

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.

Recommendation

Not bad. It was a quick read and a good reminder.

Infinity Blade Awakening

October 1, 2024 by Ryan

Background

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.

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.

Recommendation

It was worth the time.

At the Sign of Triumph

September 28, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2016, “At the Sign of Triumph” is the ninth book in David Weber’s Safehold series. This volume brings the long-running conflict between the Empire of Charis and the Church of God Awaiting to a climactic conclusion. The Church, despite its overwhelming resources and global influence, finds itself on the verge of defeat after eight years of war. Charis, though vastly outnumbered, has technological advantages, a strong leadership in Emperor Cayleb, and the crucial guidance of Merlin Athrawes, a cybernetic avatar with ancient knowledge.

My Thoughts

We made it! This book takes the reader through the end of the “Church of God Awaiting!” Yet there is more. I have another book on hold that was written three years after this Safehold book was written. (3 years is an eternity to David Weber, a writing machine.) I’m excited to see what he wanted to tack on as the story was left wide open. I am very happy to make it to the first ending of the series.

Recommendation

This series was a lot as these are not small books! Still, there is plenty of plot and characters and very interesting ideas, particularly if you are interested in the evolution of military technology.

The Hunt for Red October

September 23, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1984, “The Hunt for Red October” by Tom Clancy, is a Cold War-era novel that follows the pursuit of a Soviet submarine captain, Marko Ramius, who seeks to defect to the United States with the USSR’s newest ballistic missile submarine, the Red October. As the Soviets launch a massive search to stop Ramius, American intelligence officer Jack Ryan is the first to discover Ramius’s intent and finds himself in the thick of the fray to secure the ship and prevent a potential nuclear disaster.

My Thoughts

It was a great book and a great movie. Of course the book doesn’t match the movie, but it is close enough to enjoy without too many issues. Clancy has a highly readable style to keep the reader engaged throughout the book. However, it does jump around quite a bit particularly during the action scenes. Regardless, it was fun to see what the original words were that inspired the movie. It was also fun to hear the commentary about personal computers from 1984.

Recommendation

It was worth the time. If you have interest, you would like it.

Hell’s Foundations Quiver

September 22, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2015, “Hell’s Foundations Quiver” is the eighth book of David Weber’s Safehold series. The conflict between the Charisian Empire and the Church of God Awaiting continues to escalate. Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan continue their struggle to liberate Safehold from the Church’s technological and ideological stranglehold. As new alliances are forged, the Empire advances in its technological innovations with Merlin Athrawes’ guidance, bringing the conflict to a critical turning point. Amidst political and military upheaval, Weber deepens the themes of faith, rebellion, and the cost of progress.

My Thoughts

This one wasn’t quite as much of a push as the last Safehold book. Technology has progressed past ironclads and now has WWI style swivel mount guns. Shotguns are introduced, along with lighters, and prop propelled ships.

There is some interesting interplay with personality between Merlin and Namoo. The book explores how people can change given their differing circumstances. It’s a interesting take on the nature and nurture dichotomy.

Recommendation

In for a penny, in for a pound… I’m going to finish it, but you certainly don’t have to.

Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family

September 15, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2024, “Safe: A Memoir of Fatherhood, Foster Care, and the Risks We Take for Family” by Mark Daley is a candid and emotional journey through the U.S. foster care system. Daley and his husband, Jason, embark on a quest to become parents, navigating the often broken and bureaucratic world of foster care. Their experiences highlight the complexities and challenges of adopting children who have faced severe trauma and instability. Daley’s narrative also reflects on the broader issues within the foster care system, while providing a personal look at love, resilience, and the lengths people will go to create a family. The memoir serves as both a critique of the system and a hopeful story of the transformative power of parenthood.

My Thoughts

This book was hard to get through the beginning, as Daley centered largely on his own issues and early marriage. I imagined this served as the platform as to why they wanted to foster children, but it came across like overcompensation for coming out as gay or like he was trying to force acceptance or validation from the reader. For example, there were a number of very specific physical descriptions like kissing, “on the lips” which felt like the author desperately wanted the reader to know they are actually gay. It felt out of place and unnecessary given the topic at hand.

Thankfully, when the book starting getting better when it dealt with the issues of the children. The foster system has a lot of problems and this book highlighted a few of them. The book is anecdotal to their experience, yet it showed how easily children can be lost in the system. This was an issue of interest to me some time ago and more particularly for those who are aging out of the system. At age 18, the funding for this population dries up completely, making them high risk for crime, drugs, homelessness, and so on. I’m personally thankful for all those people who open their homes to those that need it.

Recommendation

I’d steer clear of this book. It puts a human face on the problem, but there are better books that do the same.

The Well of Ascension

September 10, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2007, “The Well of Ascension” is the second book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. Following the death of the Lord Ruler, Vin and her crew face the challenge of holding together the city of Luthadel as various factions vie for control. With Elend Venture now king, political intrigue grows as enemies close in from all sides. Meanwhile, Vin begins to sense an ominous force rising and is drawn toward the legendary Well of Ascension, a mystical location that may hold the key to saving—or destroying—the world. As Vin grapples with her identity and the responsibilities of power, she must also confront darker truths about the nature of Allomancy and her own destiny.

My Thoughts

Not a bad sequel to the first of the mistborn series. Sanderson did a good job on building on the first novel and expanding it into a bigger more complex world. This book touches on political revolution and some of the “no win” issues in war while still keeping the story going. It also sets up for the next book nicely.

Recommendation

The first book could have stood on it’s own. However, this one follows it nicely. I’d recommend it if you have the time.

Like a Mighty Army

September 5, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2014, “Like a Mighty Army” is the seventh book in David Weber’s Safehold series. The story continues the on going saga of the Empire of Charis as it battles the oppressive Church of God Awaiting on the planet Safehold. As Emperor Cayleb and Empress Sharleyan strive to unify the world and advance their society, they are aided by Merlin Athrawes, a cybernetic avatar with the memories of a long-dead woman. The novel explores the escalating conflict as both sides adopt new technologies and strategies, leading to pivotal battles that will shape the future of humanity. Themes of faith, freedom, and innovation are woven throughout, highlighting the struggle against tyranny and the quest for enlightenment.

My Thoughts

I can’t really put my finger on why, but I’m burning out on the series. I had to push a few times to continue the story. There were plenty of good narratives, side stories, drama and so on that I would expect to keep my attention. However, this one was a hard push.

Recommendation

It is still a good story. However, it is book seven so read the preceding books or you will find yourself very lost.

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.