Published back in the 1830s, “The Book of Mormon” is the book which inspired the name “Mormons” to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This book is another testament to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and, with the Bible, testifies that He is the Christ! He asks that we follow him and that He loves us all.
The Book of Mormon
My Thoughts
I read through this book about twice a year and read verses from it nearly daily. I am convinced it is scripture along with the Bible and they contain the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Recommendation
Read it and pray to the Father in the name of the Son if the book is true.
Published in early 2024, “Desert Born, World Forged” is a book by Alex Sebby who tells of his life through growing up, through the Marine Corps, and his work today. This is not the fantasy novel by the same name.
Desert Born, World Forged
My Thoughts
With respect to my coworker, who wrote the book, this book was in sore need of an editor. Time periods change throughout it and it doesn’t seem to make sense through several chapters. The book was self published and it shows.
Published in October of 2023, “How the Talmud Can Change Your Life” Liel Leibovitz illustrates how the ancient teachings of the Talmud provide practical insights and guidance for modern living, addressing a wide array of challenges and moral questions. Leibovitz encourages readers to engage with the Talmud’s rich narratives and debates, revealing its relevance to contemporary issues and personal growth.
How the Talmud Can Change Your Life
My Thoughts
The book was very informative and gave me a much better hold on Jewish thought and Rabbinical teaching, in particular. I enjoy the idea of debate going on throughout time and circumstance to make the scriptures relevant in our day. However, Leibovitz makes the claim that if God Himself made a statement, it would be debated and wouldn’t carry any weight. I can’t get on board with that.
Recommendation
This was a good book as a primer into Jewish writing and theology. Particularly, their cannon of scriptures.
Published in 2012, “Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander,” authored by Paul Vickery, offers an insightful examination of Andrew Jackson’s ascent from humble origins to a pivotal figure in American history, focusing on his military achievements and presidential tenure. The book highlights Jackson’s unwavering determination and leadership, particularly during the War of 1812, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping American nationalism. Through exploring Jackson’s significant contributions and the challenges he overcame, Vickery portrays a leader whose influence was crucial during a formative period in the United States, leaving a lasting imprint on the nation’s trajectory.
Jackson The Iron Willed Commander
My Thoughts
Old Hickory himself! As I was reading this, I was reminded of General Mattis. Jackson was loved by his men because he was one of them. (Or at least they saw it that way.) As a general he was fantastic and seemed to do no wrong. Of course, his treatment of the Native American’s will always follow him. He is one of those people who make you wonder if it is the events that make the man or the man that makes the events.
Published in August of 2022, “All Roads Led to Gettysburg,” revisits the Civil War’s crucial battle with a novel lens, disputing the idea that the engagement was coincidental. He explores the pre-battle maneuvers and geographical considerations that funneled the opposing forces to Gettysburg, underscoring the roles of transportation routes and natural landscapes in dictating the battle’s dynamics. Harman’s analysis redefines our understanding of this historic clash, suggesting a degree of inevitability to the confrontation due to strategic and environmental factors.
All Roads Led To Gettysburg
My Thoughts
This book took a fascinating look at the geography and terrain of the civil war era and made a convincing case of the inevitability of the outcomes. I had heard quite a bit about the railroads of the North and how that helped win the war. However, this went over and beyond to roads, waterways, and so on.
Published in 2017, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” is a nonfiction book by David Grann. It narrates the chilling and little-known history of the Osage murders in the 1920s. The Osage Nation in Oklahoma became immensely wealthy due to oil reserves under their land, which led to a series of brutal murders as outsiders schemed to claim their wealth. The book unfolds in three parts, detailing the Osage community’s tragedy, the investigation led by the fledgling FBI, and Grann’s contemporary investigation into the murders that delves deeper into the conspiracy and its wide-reaching impact.
Killers of the Flower Moon
My Thoughts
A very sad tale of greed and corruption in American history. We love to romanticize the old West, but there were some terrible things that occurred during that period. It makes me thankful to live in our world today.
Recommendation
It was well written, but a rough topic. I have little to no desire to see the movie.
Published in January of 2003, “Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction” is a concise book by Marc Mulholland that examines Northern Ireland’s complex history, including the rise of republicanism, the civil rights movement, and the growth of significant political groups like Sinn Féin and the DUP. The book brings the reader up to date with Northern Ireland’s history, drawing on new sources to provide fresh perspectives.
Northern Ireland A Very Short Introduction
My Thoughts
A very short introduction is a little misleading. It seemed like a lot for me to take in as most of it was new information. Yet again, proof that there is so much more to the world than I have seen from this corner of it.
Published on April 18, 2011. “Washington: A Legacy of Leadership” is part of “The Generals” series and offers insights into George Washington’s leadership style and achievements, focusing on how his strategies and decisions shaped the United States. If you’re looking for a comprehensive analysis of Washington’s leadership and legacy, this book likely explores his role as a military leader and the first President of the U.S., highlighting the qualities that have cemented his status as a pivotal figure in American history.
Washington A Legacy of Leadership
My Thoughts
This book was full of information which was not part of my elementary history book. Paul Vickery does a good job trying to look through General Washington’s eyes and tries to empathize with his decisions. He links life events to specific decisions that shaped the military career of our first President.
Published on September 12, 2023, Tyranny of the Minority, is a book by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt that delves into the current political landscape in the United States, examining how the country is transitioning towards a multiracial democracy while facing an authoritarian backlash that jeopardizes its democratic foundations. The authors explore why democracy is under siege in the U.S. and not in other similar nations, offering insights into the unique vulnerabilities of the American constitutional framework to minority rule and the potential solutions to safeguard democracy. They draw comparisons with various global instances to illustrate how political parties can turn against democratic principles and how outdated institutions in the U.S. contribute to enabling minority rule, contrasting this with reforms in other democracies aimed at eliminating such outdated systems.
Tyranny of the Minority
My Thoughts
The book had some interesting points and made clear that we are in trouble in terms of our politics. I agree with that assessment. My personal thoughts is we, as Americans, have allowed the system to devolve into partisan bickering. While that has always existed, the parties were able to work together from time to time. Now it is seen as a sign of strength to not discuss anything with the other party. It is a new level of ridiculous.
Published in 1979, is a novel set in a far-future world where the East rules the West. The story explores a post-apocalyptic setting where a computer named ARDNEH alters the laws of physics to prevent nuclear explosions, inadvertently making technology obsolete and allowing magic to flourish. This blend of science fiction and fantasy features a struggle against the oppressive Empire of the East, led by a peasant farmer named Rolf who becomes a key figure in the resistance movement.
Empire of the East
My Thoughts
I grew up with Fred Saberhagen’s books in my home so I thought I’d give this one a go. Honestly, it wasn’t that great. The premise seems fine, but I guess there were so many ways he could have take the book and I was disappointed in where it went.
