Ryan – Page 23 – Ryan's Book Blog

The Four Loves

June 14, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1960, “The Four Loves” is a non-fiction book written by C.S. Lewis on the nature of love. In this insightful work, Lewis explores love from a philosophical and Christian perspective. Expounding on four distinct categories of love:

Storge: This refers to familial or natural affection, the love between family members, or the love that arises naturally, such as the love between parents and children.
Philia: This represents friendship and the love between friends. It encompasses loyalty, camaraderie, and mutual respect.
Eros: Eros refers to romantic or passionate love. It is associated with desire, attraction, and physical intimacy.
Agape: Agape is unconditional love, often seen as divine or selfless love. It is characterized by compassion, generosity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Lewis delves into the complexities and nuances of each type of love. He examines their strengths, potential pitfalls, and how they relate to one another. Drawing from literature, theology, and personal experiences, Lewis offers profound reflections on the meaning and significance of love in our lives. “The Four Loves” is a timeless exploration of human relationships and emotions that continues to resonate with readers, offering wisdom and understanding on the nature of love.

My Thoughts

I can’t heap enough praise on this book. C.S. Lewis does not tell a story here, rather he is explaining, as plain as he can, the nature of love. I went through it a number of times and still think I’m just scratching the surface.

Recommendation

Read this book!

Legacy Earth: AI Wars

June 10, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2022, “AI Wars” by Ross Buzzell is the fourth book in the Legacy Earth series. The story continues the adventures of Lance Warder and his squad, Hrafn, as they face a new threat from an ancient artificial intelligence known as the Reeves. This AI force emerges from a mysterious area of space called the Dark Pillar, challenging humanity and other galactic races. The novel explores the consequences of past human actions and their creation of advanced AI, as well as the ethical and existential dilemmas they now face. The Hrafn squad must navigate complex alliances and fierce battles, striving to protect the galaxy from this formidable foe while uncovering deeper secrets about the AI’s motives and history

My Thoughts

Our hero continues climbing the social and military latter as he once again saves everyone from evil. Lance Warder can’t be stopped and even his enemies learn to like him. (Or at least respect him.)

Recommendation

The books are getting too formulaic. I think I’m going to drop the series.

Tress of the Emerald Sea

June 8, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in January of 2023, “Tress of the Emerald Sea” is a fantasy book written by Brandon Sanderson. Tress is a simple girl from a remote island until her one love is captured. She takes it upon herself to venture out to rescue him from the dreaded sorceress of the midnight sea. Sanderson creates an entire world full of unique dangers and delights and yet relatable to any audience.

My Thoughts

This really was a great book and it took me (seemingly) forever to get through it as I was reading just a little before bed each night. I really enjoyed the journey and loved this little one off for Sanderson.

Recommendation

Very enjoyable read.

Legacy Earth: Deterrence Expedition

June 5, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in February of 2022, “Deterrence Expedition” is the third book in Ross Buzzell’s Legacy Earth series. The story unfolds two years after a devastating attack that left 80,000 people dead, with evidence pointing to a Galio super-weapon as the cause. As Earth faces mounting threats from the galaxy’s most powerful empire, Lieutenant Lance Warder is thrust into a dangerous mission to stop the impending onslaught. Joined by the enigmatic Jarog operative Valdivia, Warder and his team must navigate the complexities of interstellar politics and warfare, uncovering hidden dangers as they march into unexplored space. The novel explores themes of resilience, duty, and the harsh realities of a galaxy on the brink of war.

My Thoughts

Lance Warder does it again with his manly swagger. This futuristic John Wayne takes on all comers and comes out the other side victorious. The reader had a chance to see some new cultures and species but they all seem to be cut from the same cloth.

Recommendation

The books are getting a bit predicable.

The Color of Magic

June 1, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1983, “The Color of Magic” is the first novel in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The book introduces readers to the fantastical and humorous world of Discworld, a flat disc-shaped world carried on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle. The story follows the bumbling wizard Rincewind, who is reluctantly swept up in a series of chaotic and dangerous events after encountering the naïve tourist Twoflower and his magical luggage. As they travel across Discworld, they encounter eccentric characters, wacky situations, and parodies of fantasy tropes.

My Thoughts

I’m writing this review after reading a few more novels in the Discworld series and I can see how Sir Pratchett was just getting his footing in the new world he was creating. (I wonder if he had any idea how prolific and expansive this series would be?) I still enjoyed it but feel it wandered around a bit in the beginning. It took me a while to feel that he got on track. Still, I’m glad I read this one first.

Recommendation

Worth the read but they get better later on.

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment

May 31, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2010, “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love” is a self-help book written by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller. Drawing on extensive research in psychology and neuroscience, the book explores the concept of adult attachment and how it influences our romantic relationships. The authors present three attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—and explain how each style affects our behaviors, emotions, and expectations in relationships. They provide insights into the dynamics of attachment and offer practical advice on how to navigate challenges, improve communication, and build healthier, more fulfilling connections with our partners. By understanding our own attachment style and that of our partners, “Attached” seeks to provide valuable tools and strategies for creating and maintaining lasting love and security in relationships.

My Thoughts

I try to read another relationship book every so often to constantly improve my marriage and family relationships. Most tend to be pretty much the same but this one had a different spin. Of course, your upbringing and prior experiences would color your relationships but Levine and Heller were much more specific in their thoughts. I’m convinced that relationships aren’t quite as generalizable as they were made out to be here but I liked their take on how to cope with the various circumstances.

Recommendation

I talked about this one with my wife… High praise for these type of books.

Ready Player One

May 30, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2011, “Ready Player One” is a science fiction novel written by Ernest Cline. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows Wade Watts, a young protagonist who escapes the harsh reality of his impoverished world by entering the virtual reality world known as the OASIS. When the eccentric creator of the OASIS, James Halliday, passes away, he leaves behind a challenge for all OASIS users—a high-stakes treasure hunt for an Easter egg that promises immense wealth and control over the virtual world. Wade embarks on a quest filled with ’80s pop culture references and puzzles, competing against a powerful corporation, and forming unlikely alliances in both the virtual and real worlds. As the race intensifies, Wade discovers the true implications of the game and the consequences it could have for society.

My Thoughts

I originally thought to listen to this book while I was running a half marathon but I decided against it. However, it stuck in my mind and I realized I hadn’t watched the movie as of yet. Big mistake! Wow, that movie had almost nothing to do with the book… Don’t watch the movie!!!

So, I had to re-read the book. I loved it again! This hits me in all the right places as it touches on so much of my childhood and the things I loved back then.

Recommendation

Love it! If you were a computer loving child of the 80’s, I think you will love it too.

Major Decisions

May 27, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2021, “Major Decisions” by Henry Eyring explores the complexities and challenges of college and making significant life choices. The book offers a balanced perspective on the decision-making process delving into various factors that influence major decisions, including personal values, societal pressures, and practical considerations. Eyring provides strategies and tools to navigate to help make decisions while emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, gathering information, and seeking guidance.

My Thoughts

There are a good many things in this book that I wish I had known before I started the college process or what I call the “unscripted” time after High School. (Of course, I don’t know that I would have listened if someone told me. In fact, they likely did…) I liked how Eyring broke down how to find out what you want to do and where to go from there. What would have been very handy was the idea that you should go to the school who caters to your needs.

Recommendation

Great book and worth the read.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive

May 26, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2023, “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive” is children’s book presenting an account of the life and experiences of Ruth Bader Ginsburg though unusual facts and anecdotes. The book explores Ginsburg’s journey from her early years and education, her marriage, her legal career, and many of her personal hobbies.

My Thoughts

This was a fun read. Almost all the stories were not in her biography so most of it was novel content to me. I particularly liked that she stopped driving after hitting Sandra Day O’Connor’s car. That cracked me up.

Recommendation

A very quick and fun read.

Pele

May 25, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2021, “Pele” is an autobiographical look at the remarkable life of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pele. With a balanced narrative, Pele shares his humble origins in impoverished Brazil, his rapid ascent to international stardom, and his accomplishments both on and off the soccer field.

My Thoughts

It’s always humbling and thought provoking to read an autobiography from someone who was born poor outside of the United States. We are so very blessed in this country and it’s a shame so many people aren’t aware of how many advantages we have. Pele or Edson wasn’t really born poor by the standards of those around him but it is a world of difference to the average family in the US.

There were so many things I didn’t know about him outside of the soccer field. I found the persona he crafted to be likable despite the occasional Latino machismo-like feel. He comes across as basically a good person who is doing his best in a world of corruption. However, the book was slow and I feel like I had to push myself to finish it.

Recommendation

If you are a fan, I’d bet you’d love it. For the rest of us, you could skip this one without too much guilt.