Author: Ryan

Humankind

Background

Published in September of 2019, Humankind is a book about where humans came from and who they really are.

Humankind
Humankind

My Thoughts

An interesting read, the book came to me from my Aunt. Rutger Bregman’s style leads you down a road of ideas and pulls the rug out from under you at the last moment to make his point. He is dutch which makes sense why there are a lot of socialist assumptions throughout the book.

The underlying ideas is that people are basically good. I liked that idea and the examples given…

Recommendation

I’ve found myself recommending this book to a few select people. For example, he does make a compelling argument for social learning with which a co-worker was having trouble. However, it isn’t for everyone and isn’t a light read.

Hello Molly

Background

Published in April of 2022, Hello Molly is the autobiography of Molly Shannon of SNL and movie fame.

Hello Molly
Hello Molly

My Thoughts

After reading this, so much made sense about Molly Shannon. Her energy, her almost reckless self endangerment… It makes a lot of sense now…

It did serve to deepen the divide in how I think verses others.

Recommendation

It wasn’t bad.

The Four Winds

Background

Published in January of 2021, The Four Winds is the story of a woman and her kids leaving the farm in Texas during the dust bowl and heading to California. Things didn’t work out like they planned.

The Four Winds
The Four Winds

My Thoughts

I read this book because our church’s adult women put it out there as their book club pick. In short, I didn’t like it. It was reading the Grapes of Wrath again but this time with an empowerment story complete with a worthless husband.

Recommendation

I wasn’t a fan.

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget

Background

Published in November of 2020, Forgiving What You Can’t Forget is a book about moving on from trauma.

Forgiving What You Can't Forget
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book and even referred someone in my church to it. It is so hard to let the Savior in and allow that change of heart to happen. (Particularly when there has been injury.)

Recommendation

It’s worth the read

A Darkling Plain

Background

Published in 2007, A Darkling Plain is set 6 months after Infernal Devices. Hester is presumed dead as is the Stalker Fang. The world is getting ready for the last war.

A Darkling Plain
A Darkling Plain

My Thoughts

This was a good resolution and I love what happened to Shrike at the end in particular.

Recommendation

You have to finish it…

Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter

Background

Published in September of 2022, Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter is the biography of our 39th President and his wife.

Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter
Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter

My Thoughts

At over 900 pages, I had been working on this book for some time. Most of it happened well before I was born but it was a pleasure to learn some of the backstory and gaps in my knowledge.

This bio seemed to be pretty balanced and was exhaustive.

Recommendation

If you can stick with it, do it!

The Book of Mormon

Background

First published in March of 1830, The Book of Mormon is the cornerstone book of scripture for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is meant to go hand in hand with the Bible to bring all people to Christ.

The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon

My Thoughts

I like to put this in here every now and then when I finish the book. I read a little bit out of it every day so I finish it about once every 8 months or so. Love it or not, it has done me a world of good.

Recommendation

Read it! You won’t regret it.

What it Means to Be a Man

Background

Published in January of 2023, What it Means to Be a Man is a book by retired Majoy General Bill Mullen.

What it Means to Be a Man
What it Means to Be a Man

My Thoughts

I used to work for General Mullen and I devoured this book when I saw it came out. It gave me a few things to think about but really was a reflection of the man he is.

Recommendation

Good book. Particularly if you are raising sons.

Infernal Devices

Background

Published in 2005, Infernal Devices is the third book in the “Mortal Engines Quartet”. It follows Predator’s Gold and starts the story 16 years after the last book ended. This story picks up with their child (Wren) and her adventures become the catalyst to change all their lives.

Infernal Devices
Infernal Devices

My Thoughts

Another good book but a little slower than the last. It took me a minute to take a shine to Wren and the other new characters.

Recommendation

Can’t turn back now.

MindReader

Background

Published in August of 2022, MindReader makes the claim that you will never be lied to again on it’s cover. It is a guide to attempt to understand what is the motivation behind people and what might clue you in on it.

MindReader
MindReader

My Thoughts

Of course, you can’t actually read minds but I do agree most people are pretty easy to get a handle on. However, these days there are more and more people who are coming out of their specific echo chambers and may not fit the mold you may expect.

Recommendation

It was OK. There was no “Ah-hah” moments throughout the book.