Author: Ryan

The Long Earth

Background

The Long Earth is a science fiction novel by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter, first published in 2012. The story follows the adventures of a group of people who discover that they can step sideways into parallel universes that are almost identical to our own, but with subtle differences. The group uses this ability to explore these new worlds and to try to find a way to stop a mysterious force that is trying to destroy them.

The Long Earth was a critical and commercial success, and it was nominated for the Arthur C. Clarke Award. It has been praised for its humor, its originality, and its thought-provoking exploration of the nature of reality.

The Long Earth
The Long Earth

My Thoughts

This was such and interesting book and was one of those concepts you can step back and reflect on for some time. Terry Pratchett is a master of storytelling and really brought me into the story. Much can be extrapolated from the text; theories of evolution, science, chaos theory, multiverse, and so on.

Recommendation

Long but enjoyable.

The Carpet People

Background

The Carpet People is a comic fantasy novel by British writer Terry Pratchett. It was first published in 1971, and was later re-written by the author when his work became more widespread and well-known. The story follows the adventures of a group of small people who live on a carpet. The carpet is their world, and they have no knowledge of anything else.

The Carpet People
The Carpet People

My Thoughts

This was my first Terry Pratchett book and right from the beginning, I was hooked. I love his sense of humor and it is reflected in pretty much everything in the story. There are certainly some elements that are a little less refined and I’m curious to have read the original that he released when he was 17 to compare and contrast.

Recommendation

It was worth the time.

The Aeronaut’s Windlass

Background

Published in September of 2015, “The Aeronaut’s Windlass” by Jim Butcher is a steampunk adventure that follows the exploits of a group of characters as they navigate a world filled with airships, magic, and political intrigue.

The Aeronaut's Windlass
The Aeronaut’s Windlass

My Thoughts

I loved the “Dresden Files” series and so I thought I’d try another from the same author. This book started off pretty slow to me but picked up as it went along. I really enjoyed the new take on technologies, wildlife, and the world as a whole. Toward the end, I couldn’t get enough. I was sad to see the series hadn’t moved along for almost a decade.

Recommendation

I really enjoyed it.

Legacy Earth

Background

Published in September of 2021, “Legacy Earth” is a science fiction novel by author Mike Buzzell. Set in the year 2256, the story follows the adventures of a group of humans who have been living on a distant planet for generations after Earth was destroyed in a catastrophic event. When they discover evidence that Earth may still exist, a small team is sent on a dangerous mission to confirm the discovery and possibly reclaim their ancestral home. Along the way, they encounter unexpected allies and enemies, and must confront the consequences of the choices their ancestors made in order to survive. The novel explores themes of environmentalism, the search for identity and belonging, and the impact of technology on society.

Legacy Earth
Legacy Earth

My Thoughts

This was an interesting book as it took several liberties with history and the military to build out a possible scenario for the future. It took a bit to get started as the main character is a little too good for belief. He doesn’t seem to slow down as the book goes on but the other characters become more likeable as they become fleshed out. There were a few things that were discordant to me which likely shouldn’t have been given that it is set 500 years in the future. Still, my exposure to Marines makes me less-than-sympathetic to people who haven’t done their research on their culture. I got over it though.

Recommendation

It was a good enough book for me to get in the door to the series. Let’s see where it goes from here.

Raising Your Spirited Child

Background

Published way back in 1991, “Raising Your Spirited Child” by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is a guidebook for parents who have children with intense and challenging personalities. Kurcinka identifies these children as “spirited” and explains that they possess qualities such as high energy, sensitivity, persistence, and emotional intensity that, when properly channeled, can lead to great creativity, resilience, and success. However, she also acknowledges that these same qualities can cause conflicts with parents, teachers, and peers if not managed properly. Kurcinka provides practical strategies for understanding and nurturing spirited children, including tips for managing behavior, communicating effectively, and promoting healthy development. She emphasizes the importance of accepting and appreciating a child’s individuality and working with their unique strengths and weaknesses to help them thrive.

Raising Your Spirited Child
Raising Your Spirited Child

My Thoughts

I was very surprised to learn the book was from 1991 as even I was thinking, “This kid just needs a good beating…” a few times in the book. That was somewhat tongue in cheek though as I agree with most of her ideas.

There is a fine line between being sensitive to a child’s needs and being enabling or overindulgent. As a parent, I feel like I tread on that line on a daily basis.

Recommendation

Definitely worth the read and attention. Even if you don’t agree, the book will make you think a little bit about why you think the things you do.

Eat & Run

Background

Published in June of 2012, “Eat & Run” by Scott Jurek is a memoir that documents his rise to become one of the most well known ultramarathon runners of all time and his transition to a plant-based diet. Jurek recounts his childhood in a Minnesota logging town, his early days as a struggling runner, and his eventual success in some of the world’s toughest races, including the Western States 100 and the Badwater Ultramarathon. Throughout the book, Jurek provides practical advice on training, nutrition, and the mental toughness needed to succeed in long-distance running.

Eat & Run
Eat & Run

My Thoughts

I remember 2012 and that, like many, I had adopted the barefoot running craze that swept the country with the book “Born to Run.” It was interesting to read something from that time period but from the angle of an Ultra Marathoner. The author was a fan of some cushion in his soul…

I’ve heard the name Scott Jurek in a few places. More recently in the book, “In Pursuit of Endurance” which I read a few weeks back. He definitely made a name for himself but I didn’t know much about the vegetarian thing. I can’t say I care a great deal about that but I was interested to hear about some of his ideas on how to cook.

Recommendation

I won’t be reading it again but I was glad I finished it.

The Long Run

Background

Published in March of 2009 “The Long Run” is a memoir by Matt Long, a New York City firefighter and Ironman triathlete who survived a horrific bus accident that left him with life-threatening injuries. The book details Long’s harrowing road to recovery, which included dozens of surgeries and years of physical therapy. Along the way, Long reflects on his love of sports, his career as a firefighter, and the importance of perseverance and mental toughness. Through his story, Long also sheds light on the selflessness and bravery of first responders, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Overall, “The Long Run” is an inspiring and uplifting tale of one man’s remarkable journey to overcome incredible odds and reclaim his life.

The Long Run
The Long Run

My Thoughts

The book started and sounded like any number of Firefighter/Police/Military conversations I’ve heard where one person is trying to posture themselves above everyone else. I wasn’t impressed. However, as the book went on, the author didn’t quite seem to be such a blowhard. Then he slowly takes you on the ride he went through bit by bit. It isn’t quite chronological but he did a good job stringing things together. Also, I loved the name of his bar. That seemed to be perfect!

Recommendation

Worth the time.

The Great Gatsby

Background

The Great Gatsby is a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man known for throwing extravagant parties in 1920s New York. The narrator, Nick Carraway, becomes Gatsby’s neighbor and befriends him, learning of his mysterious past and his love for Nick’s cousin, Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby tries to win back Daisy’s heart, despite her marriage to the wealthy and unfaithful Tom Buchanan. The novel explores themes of love, wealth, power, and the corruption of the American Dream, culminating in a tragic and ultimately empty pursuit of a life that cannot be regained.

The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby

My Thoughts

That background was written by ChatGPT. I think it did a great job…

The book was quite the throwback and some of the thoughts were pretty jarring. (E.g. The treatment of Jewish characters and so on.) One can pull a number of lessons out of the text beyond the surface levels of money and power. The central notion of the fundamental character of people was so bleak that it was hard to read.

How much of our suffering is really for our own good? That’s a terrifying question when you stop to consider the implications.

Recommendations

It’s a classic so you should read it. However, I didn’t enjoy it.

The Fellowship of the Ring

Background

The Fellowship of the Ring is the first novel in J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy trilogy, The Lord of the Rings. The story begins in the peaceful Shire, where hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits a powerful and dangerous ring from his uncle Bilbo. Realizing the true nature of the ring, Frodo embarks on a perilous journey to destroy it in the fires of Mount Doom, aided by a fellowship of eight others, including the wizard Gandalf, the elf Legolas, the dwarf Gimli, and the humans Aragorn, Boromir, Merry, Pippin, and Sam. As they journey through treacherous terrain, they encounter dark forces in the form of the Ringwraiths, who are seeking the ring for their master, the evil Sauron. The Fellowship must overcome numerous obstacles and challenges in their quest to save Middle-earth from Sauron’s tyranny. (By ChatGPT)

The Fellowship of the Ring
The Fellowship of the Ring

My Thoughts

I ran a race Saturday and wanted to have something familiar to listen to while I ran. As this was a race, there usually isn’t a lot of brainpower to learn another story and this seemed to be a good choice. Also, my oldest son just finished it again in the last month so it’s good to keep up to date. The last time I read it, I was in the dentist’s chair so this was a little more comfortable.

Recommendation

It’s a classic… A little wordy at times and I can do without all the songs but a familiar story. I keep coming back!

Running with the Kenyans

Background

Published in April of 2013, Running with the Kenyans is the autobiographical story of how an Englishman decided to find out why the Kenyans dominate in distance running.

Running with the Kenyans
Running with the Kenyans

My Thoughts

It was a pretty easy read and in line with most of my experiences overseas. I can appreciate that this guy cared enough to improve his running but moving his family to Kenya seemed a little extreme. He talks about several of the points where he doesn’t feel safe, how he is stopped by the police, how there isn’t anyone who can come to his aid for miles around, and how he had to hire a “security” person to wander around his family’s place while they sleep. I don’t see that as worth improving your time but that’s just me.

Recommendation

An interesting book but I don’t think it was worth the time.