Ryan – Page 18 – Ryan's Book Blog

Crazy Rich Asians

September 20, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2013, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a novel written by Kevin Kwan. The book follows the story of Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American professor, who accompanies her boyfriend, Nick Young, to Singapore for a wedding and discovers that he belongs to one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Asia. As Rachel navigates the opulent and cutthroat world of Singapore’s elite, she must contend with jealous socialites, family drama, and the overpowering expectations of Nick’s formidable mother. This satirical and witty novel offers a glimpse into the extravagant lifestyles and social hierarchies of Asia’s ultra-rich while exploring themes of love, identity, and family.

My Thoughts

This book has been showing up in my searches for years. I finally gave up and read it. It wasn’t great but it wasn’t terrible either. I later learned there was a movie made about it.

The overall plot didn’t seem very likely and most of the characters had the morality of an episode of “The Bachelor”. The main character seemed like a female version of the husband on “I Dream of Genie” in that they never wanted any part of any special treatment, money, and so on. I’m glad I read it so I know what it is about but I don’t need any more of it.

Recommendation

I won’t be continuing the series.

Simply Lies

September 19, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2023, “Simply Lies” is a stand alone crime thriller by David Baldacci. The story follows a single mom and former detective ‘Mickey Gibson’ who has let herself go while trying to find the balance between her personal and professional life.

She works at home for ProEye, a global investigation company that specializes in finding proof of white collar crime and hidden assets. Gibson receives a call from what she believes to be her working peer and hurries out to what she believes is a simple cataloging task. However, she quickly finds herself brought into a murder and becomes a suspect.

Now she must solve the crime while running for her life and the life of her family.

My Thoughts

This was a dumb book. It was a well written dumb book but still wasn’t worth the time to anyone who takes a step back to think about the basic plot. She had no reason to involve herself in almost any of the circumstances and, as a former cop, would have known to better on several occasions. This book did hold my attention but was full of the almost campy mystery tropes. (E.g. Secret rooms, completely random clues that make no sense, and just plain dumb people.)

Recommendation

Skip this one.

Eric: A Discwork Novel

September 15, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1990, “Eric,” written by Terry Pratchett, is the ninth installment in the Discworld series. It follows the misadventures of a teenage demonologist named Eric Thursley, who inadvertently summons the inept wizard Rincewind instead of a powerful demon. With the help of Rincewind, Eric embarks on a comical journey through various dimensions, encountering a host of bizarre characters and situations. As they navigate this chaotic multiverse, they also cross paths with the ancient and capricious Discworld deity, the Great Tortoise.

My Thoughts

The Multiverse doesn’t belong to Marvel as Terry Pratchett did it 25 years before. Eric, the great and powerful, was an interesting jump through time and space that put classic Pratchett clueless Brits in the craziest of circumstances. 9 books in now, there seems to be some overlap in the basic dumb Brit that Pratchett has created but they seem to get the job done.

On a separate note, the luggage becomes truly terrifying in this book. More than simply indestructible as in previous books, the luggage has now developed a mean streak.

Recommendation

A good read.

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.