Ryan – Page 14 – Ryan's Book Blog

Fourth Wing

September 14, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2023, “Fourth Wing” is a fantasy novel featuring young Violet Sorrengail who’s main goal was to living a quiet life surrounded by books and history. However, her mother, and also commanding general, ordered Violet to join the dragon riders to take her proper place as a Sorrengail.

Violet is small fragile and accident prone. She didn’t want to be a dragon rider but she was thrown into it all the same. In training, people die all the time and Violet does her best to use whatever she has to survive.

My Thoughts

This book had some interesting takes on dragons and the general mythology. However, it read just like the “Twilight Series”. It was the same premise of a sad little girl who lost a parent and was estranged from her other. Somehow, despite being completely useless and not wanting anything to do with what she is doing, she manages to be the best at everything. Somehow and for no apparent reason, the most attractive, dangerous, James Dean type bad boy (who her mother doesn’t approve of) is incredibly attracted to her and trusts her with the biggest secret in the entire kingdom.

Of course, my wife’s friend said it was great…

Recommendation

Not a great book but I can see all the teenage girls and mom’s who think they are teenage girls loving it.

The True Story of Pocahontas

September 13, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2007, “The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of History,” a book by Dr. Linwood “Little Bear” Custalow and Angela L. Daniel. This book offers a unique perspective on the life of Pocahontas, focusing on the oral traditions and perspectives of her descendants from the Mattaponi tribe. Custalow, a Mattaponi tribal member, provides insights into Pocahontas’s life and the cultural context of her time, offering a narrative that differs from the more widely known historical accounts. The book aims to present a more accurate and culturally informed portrayal of Pocahontas’s story from the indigenous perspective.

My Thoughts

It is always instructive to read accounts stemming from oral history and this book is one of them. There was a similar title that was published back in 1994 and it would be interesting to read that book to compare the differences. Either way, I’m sure both would agree the Disney version was ridiculous. I’m not sure if their version of Pocahontas or Peter Pan was more offensive to Native Americans.

This version of the story was hard to hear in places as it was definitely one sided. No Englishman came off as a moral or good person throughout this history and the majority of their actions were reprehensible. Reading through it certainly gave me a lot to think about.

Recommendation

It was painful but worth the read.

The High Republic: Light of the Jedi

September 9, 2023 by Ryan

Background

“The High Republic” is a multimedia publishing initiative set in the Star Wars universe, with various authors contributing to novels, comics, and other media. Set approximately 200 years before the events of “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” it explores a time of peace and prosperity in the galaxy, known as the High Republic era. The Jedi Order is at its zenith, acting as guardians of peace and justice. However, this era faces a new threat from a mysterious group known as the Nihil, who disrupt the harmony of the galaxy. As the Jedi and other characters strive to confront this menace, they grapple with moral dilemmas and challenges that test their commitment to the light side of the Force. “The High Republic” was launched in January 2021 with various publications, and new additions have continued to expand the story in the years following.

This book, “Light of the Jedi” shows the rise of the Nilhil starting with the Great Disaster when a ship was destroyed while in hyperspace, resulting in pieces of it threatening to destroy an entire system.

My Thoughts

Such a dumb book… The author has no idea about physics or how ridiculous most of the events were throughout the book. I found myself audibly saying “No, no, no!” Several times through the book.

Recommendation

Don’t waste your time.

Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General

September 6, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2022, “Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General” is a biography of James Longstreet during the Civil War. An argument is made that he was a greater general than history portrayed him and, if General Lee had followed his recommendations, several battles would not have been fought or would have worked out much better in the favor of the Confederacy. (E.g. Gettysburg.)

My Thoughts

I love a good Civil War book in general. However, this one went a little bit further in the weeds than I would have liked. He did make a compelling argument about Longstreet’s ability but I don’t have the expertise to fact check him. Still, it seemed very detailed and I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

It was a tedious read but worth my time.

Guards! Guards!

September 2, 2023 by Ryan

Background

First published in 1989, “Guards! Guards!” by Terry Pratchett is a fantasy novel set in the Discworld. The story follows the inept and often inebriated Night Watch of the city of Ankh-Morpork. When a secret society summons a fire-breathing dragon to overthrow the city and install a puppet ruler, it’s up to the unlikely hero, Sam Vimes, and his motley crew of guardsmen, including a naive recruit and a rather unusual librarian, to save the day. The novel is a witty and imaginative blend of fantasy and social commentary, exploring themes of power, corruption, and the absurdity of bureaucracy in Pratchett’s trademark style.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book a bit more than the last. I loved the constant foreshadowing of Carrot being the true king and it never came to pass. (His sword, birthmark, birth-story, and so on.) This book went by like several of my dreams in that it was completely ridiculous but still was surprisingly unremarkable. The characters were making their decisions and living their lives just like they would if nothing was amiss. I really enjoy Pratchett’s style.

Recommendation

Good book

Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus

August 23, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1818, “Frankenstein,” written by Mary Shelley tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist driven by his obsession with creating life. Experimenting with galvanism and chemistry, he successfully animates a creature from lifeless body parts. However, horrified by his creation’s grotesque appearance, Victor abandons the being, setting in motion a tragic series of events. The creature, rejected by society and desperate for acceptance, becomes increasingly isolated and vengeful, ultimately leading to a confrontation between creator and creation that explores themes of scientific ethics, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the complexities of human identity and empathy. The novel raises profound questions about the limits of human knowledge and the responsibilities that come with wielding such power.

My Thoughts

This is one of those books you need to spend some time reading. Not only is it over 200 years old, and the language is beginning to drift, but it is so much different than the expectations given to us by Hollywood and Halloween.

The “creature” is grotesque, inhumanly fast, and extremely articulate. Somehow it was able to acquire complex emotions, drives, and the ability to describe them in a detail a professional psychologist would envy all while keeping far distant from any human. And all it wanted was a female like himself…

Recommendation

Required reading

Lexington

August 19, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in July of 2023, “Lexington: The Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse” is a book by Kim Wickens who is a lawyer who became interested in Lexington when she heard so many Triple Crown winners were descended from him. Lexington, the horse, was a legendary 19th-century American Thoroughbred racehorse known for his exceptional speed and dominance on the track. Born in 1850, he quickly gained fame as a two-year-old, winning all of his races and establishing a reputation as one of the finest racehorses of his era. Renowned for his striking appearance, impressive stature, and remarkable athleticism, Lexington continued to achieve victory throughout his racing career, earning him the title of one of the greatest American racehorses of all time. His legacy extended beyond the track, as he became a highly influential sire, passing on his exceptional genetics to future generations of racehorses, shaping the sport for years to come.

My Thoughts

Initially, I saw the title of the book “Lexington” and the publication date of last month and thought, “Sweet! A new book on the Civil War!” Obviously, this wasn’t the case. I was very surprised the book was about an 170 year old horse. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on the context, I’m interested in everything and this was something I had no idea about.

Horses… Of all the things I’ve been exposed to in my life, horses cause the biggest allergic reaction. I can just stand downwind from a horse and find it hard to breathe. Long story short, I’ve not enjoyed them at all. I have ridden a few over the years, while heavily medicated, and just didn’t see the attraction. I would take a motorcycle over these giant smelly animals with a mind of their own any day of the week. Still, I’m certainly able to read a book and this seemed to be a good opportunity.

Almost everything about the story was new to me. I loved the tie ins to the Civil War and how Lexington and his offspring played such an interesting role. General Grant’s horse “Cincinnati” was famous in his own right and was Lexington’s colt. In fact, so many of Lexington’s children ended up throughout the United States the author makes the claim that it would be nearly impossible to find a Thoroughbred horse without being somehow descended from Lexington. We might as well call him the Abraham of horses.

Recommendation

Good read.

Pyramids

August 7, 2023 by Ryan

Background

“Pyramids” is a humorous and imaginative fantasy novel written by Terry Pratchett, first published in 1989. Set in the Discworld universe, the story follows Teppic, a young prince who becomes the reluctant ruler of the ancient desert kingdom of Djelibeybi. As he grapples with the peculiarities of ruling, including dealing with pyramids that distort time and space, Teppic finds himself entangled in a series of comical and absurd situations. The novel explores themes of tradition, identity, and the clash between modernity and ancient customs, all while delivering Pratchett’s signature wit and satirical commentary.

My Thoughts

This was an interesting take on the ancient Egypian culture and a fun riff on the metaphysical notions of healing, crystals, and so on. As always, Pratchett delivers his story with witty banter and modern innuendos (for 1989). Pratchett has a somewhat Gary Larson’s “Farside” like sense of humor which I enjoy. I particularly liked that the camel (who thinks of himself as named “You Bastard”) was the the disc’s (world’s) best mathematician.

Recommendation

A fun read.

“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People

August 3, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in January of 2023, ““You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People” is a book discussing the perspective of overweight people. The book talks about diets, trends, myths, and has many examples from the author’s personal life.

My Thoughts

I will say this was a very well written book. The author’s prose, vocabulary, her ability to express herself, and so on were absolutely on point. That said, this was a very angry book full of logical fallacies and nonsensical rants. It goes on the shelf of similar works of supposed oppression where there is no way the individual would be satisfied. One can’t use the term “fat” because thin people have “weaponized” it. Yet she prefers to be called fat…

The last chapter the author expands her ranting to all people or groups or whatever who have ever felt left out for any reason… Seriously, it was embarrassing.

Recommendation

Very well written garbage.

Mind Your Mindset

August 1, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2022, “Mind Your Mindset” is a self-help book that delves into the profound impact of one’s mindset on personal and professional success. Drawing from psychological research and real-life anecdotes, the author explores the power of cultivating a growth-oriented mindset over a fixed one. Through practical strategies and engaging insights, the book illuminates how individuals can shift their perspectives, embrace challenges as opportunities, and harness the potential for continuous learning and development.

My Thoughts

I thought I would really enjoy the book and honestly, it was a good read. However, it didn’t really have any special insights or any new way of thinking about the material presented. It feel on me like more white noise of the self-help world. Perhaps I wasn’t in the best space but it just wasn’t that great.

Recommendation

Nothing wrong with it but I didn’t get much out of it.