Published in 2008, “The Hero of Ages”, is the third book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy. Vin and Elend Venture continue to attempt saving the world from Ruin. The mists are growing more dangerous, ash chokes the land, and the Lord Ruler’s final legacy threatens humanity’s survival. Vin and Elend must unlock the secrets of the Well of Ascension and uncover the true nature of Allomancy, Feruchemy, and Hemalurgy.
The Hero of Ages
My Thoughts
This really was a fun read and good climax to the trilogy. Sanderson has a way of writing that keeps you guessing till the last and this was no exception. The premise of the story is pretty weak in terms of the metals and their abilities. However, we all have to suspend our expectations to some degree and there certainly have been worse forms of magic. (White Gold Wielder comes to mind. Another great series with a less than perfect premise.)
Published in 2013, “Killing Jesus” written by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, provides a historical account of the life and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. The book explores the political, social, and religious dynamics of the Roman Empire and Jewish leadership, setting the stage for the events that culminated in Jesus’s execution. Drawing from historical sources, the authors detail the intersections of power, betrayal, and faith, presenting the crucifixion not only as a pivotal religious moment but also as a political event shaped by the tensions of its time.
Killing Jesus
My Thoughts
O’Reilly and Gugard tried to only use information they were able to cite from specific contemporary sources. However, there simply isn’t many contemporary sources and so they used the four gospels as well. Of course, there are some minor differences in the narrative such as the final words on the cross, Matthew (27:46) & Mark (15:34), “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Luke (23:46), “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” John (19:30),”It is finished.” The latter being used by the authors. (Unfortunately, they didn’t include the phrase from Luke, (23:34) “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” I love that line. Even the movie “Ben Hurr” makes a big of it!)
Regardless, I think they did a good job of putting forth a decent secular narrative of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. However, for roughly a third of the world, Jesus is more than a man. He is the Christ, the Son of God, our Redeemer, and Savior. I tip my hat to the authors for the sheer gall of writing the book as it is riddled with opportunities to offend someone. (Perhaps that’s merely a 2024 way of thinking about it.)
Recommendation
Not bad. It helped by keeping in mind, the authors did their best with what they had.
Published in 2012, “The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person” Rabbi Harold S. Kushner delves into the biblical story of Job, a righteous man who endures profound suffering. Kushner examines the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people, exploring themes of faith, justice, and the human condition. Drawing from the text and his own experiences, he offers perspectives on coping with adversity and finding meaning amid life’s challenges.
The Book of Job When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person
My Thoughts
A very enjoyable book that peaked my curiousity in several areas. For example, I didn’t know there was a fable of Job and a poem of Job sandwiched in the current version. And that the fable was known in other ancient societies. Also, that it was originally packaged with Psalms and the Songs of Solomon.
The book covers a lot of ground for it relatively small size. Once again, I am reminded that I need to read through the Torah so I can better understand the Jewish perspective.
Published in 2004, “Healing Anxiety and Depression” authored by Dr. Daniel G. Amen and Dr. Lisa C. Routh, explores the neurological underpinnings of anxiety and depression through brain SPECT imaging. The authors identify seven distinct types of these disorders, each associated with specific brain patterns. They provide tailored treatment plans for each type, incorporating medication, diet, supplements, exercise, and therapeutic support. The book also includes a self-diagnostic test to help readers determine their specific type, aiming to offer a comprehensive approach to managing and overcoming anxiety and depression.
Healing Anxiety and Depression
My Thoughts
While it is now a dated resource, I enjoyed several of the ideas put forth in the text. First is the idea that it is helpful to see what the brain is doing before a round of medication is attempted. The authors liken this to trying to figure out why a car won’t start without looking under the hood. I like this idea for a number of reasons.
First, it makes sense. It is my personal belief that most psychotropic medications are prescribed without a clear understanding of the underlying problem. Therefore, they are given with the expectation that they will need to be adjusted based on changes in the patient’s symptoms. However, dialing in a medication can take several years, if the patient hangs on that long.
Second, if there is no understanding of the underlying problem, it is unclear which medication to try. While the doctor and patient are trying to find the right dosage, the medication itself might be going in the wrong direction. (For example, if you want to decrease activity in the basal ganglia, then you shouldn’t prescribe a stimulant.)
Third, there may be a structural issue in the brain causing the problem, such as the cyst in the temporal lobe given as an example in the book. This would not be impacted by medication, no matter the dosage.
I am interested in learning more about the costs involved with SPECT scans and where they fall in the spectrum of care today. I appreciated that the book discussed diet and exercise as important to a person’s mental health.
Recommendation
This book is fairly specialized and assumes a certain level understanding of chemistry and psychology. The first part of the book was mostly medications and their side effects. It was fairly dense reading and was harder to push through. If you have interest and a high school education, you should be able to make it through.
Published in July of 2024, “Excalibur The Chronicles of Arthur” is the first book in The Arthurian Chronicles series by Peter Gibbons. Set in Dark Age Britain, the novel reimagines the legend of King Arthur, focusing on his rise as a formidable warlord. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Britain is fragmented and vulnerable to Saxon invasions. Arthur, empowered by the druid Merlin and the legendary sword Excalibur, embarks on a quest to unite the fractured land and repel the Saxon threat. Gibbons’ portrayal emphasizes the brutal realities of the era, offering a fresh and action-packed retelling of the Arthurian saga.
Excalibur The Chronicles of Arthur
My Thoughts
This is not the usual Arthurian Legend. Merlin hands the sword to Arthur and there really isn’t anything special about him. The book is violent and even brutal at times, yet it was well written. I felt it was true to the time period and Gibbons writes a compelling story.
Recommendation
This isn’t for everyone, but I’m excited for the next volume to come out.
Published in 2022, “Old Breed General”, written by Amy Rupertus Peacock and Don Brown, explores the life and military career of Major General William H. Rupertus, a key figure in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the author of the Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed. The book covers Rupertus’s leadership in crucial battles against Japanese forces, including Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu, where his strategic decisions were instrumental in the Pacific theater. Drawing from Rupertus’s wartime diaries and firsthand accounts, the authors detail his commitment to his troops, his resilience, and the legacy he left for future Marines. This biography also delves into the personal side of Rupertus, providing insights into his character, relationships, and the challenges he faced both on and off the battlefield.
Old Breed General
My Thoughts
The book was written in a first person narrative form that was very effective in bringing the feel of the people and the peril on both sides of the war. Unlike the standard war movie, the book would endeavor to show the Japanese side of the engagement along with some of their ups and downs. In war, it is very easy to demonize the other side and is even helpful to dehumanize both the people and their culture. This was certainly the case on both sides of the war, but I appreciate the attempt at unbiased perspective given in the book. I learned quite a bit.
Published in 1971, “Bradley” by Charles Whiting is a detailed biography of General Omar Bradley during World War II. Whiting explores Bradley’s rise from a quiet, unassuming West Point teacher to the leader of the Twelfth United States Army Group, the largest force commanded by an American general. The book covers his involvement in significant battles, including the defeat of the Afrika Korps, the invasions of Sicily and Normandy, and his leadership across the Rhine. It also discusses his post-war role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Bradley
My Thoughts
This book was fairly underwhelming, which I imagine was the point of the book. According to the book, General Bradley wasn’t someone who liked to pander to the press. That alone impresses me. He seems like a man with morals, which is also impressive. However, the book also details a few times where Bradley or “Brad” was jockeying for position and worried about his reputation. That was less impressive. In short, I am conflicted on my mental image of him and will have to seek out another source.
Published in April of 2024, “A Calamity of Souls” by David Baldacci is a legal drama set in 1968 in Freeman County, Virginia. The story revolves around a murder trial in the Jim Crow South. Jack Lee, a white lawyer who takes on the seemingly impossible task of defending Jerome Washington, a Black Vietnam veteran falsely accused of murdering his wealthy white employers. Faced with a biased legal system and the threat of the death penalty, Jack partners with Desiree DuBose, a skilled Black lawyer sent to help from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Together, they navigate a racially charged atmosphere, uncovering corruption and secrets as they fight for justice. Baldacci combines courtroom suspense with a deep exploration of racial tensions in the American South during the Civil Rights era.
A Calamity of Souls
My Thoughts
This book was difficult to get into but it was hard to put it down once it was in full swing. While painful at times, the novel explores much of the ugly side of humanity where hatred is left unchecked. Baldacci creates compelling characters and a non-stop pace keeping the reader engaged. As a fellow Virginian, I enjoy that Baldacci weaves the local area into his books giving me another layer of familiarity with his content. While the narrative in this book felt forced and even saccharin at times, it left me feeling very glad I don’t live in that environment of constant racism and hatred.
Published in 2023, “Counting the Cost” by Jill Duggar and co-written with her husband Derick Dillard and Craig Borlase, offers an unfiltered look into Jill’s life growing up in the Duggar family, who were featured on the reality show 19 Kids and Counting. Jill shares her experiences of living under the strict rules of her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and the pressures and manipulation she faced while being part of the reality TV world. The memoir details the control her father exerted, including contract disputes and financial injustices, as well as her and Derick’s struggle to break free from the family’s influence to build a life of their own. Jill also explores the impact of her brother Josh Duggar’s scandals on her life and mental health, revealing how the public release of her traumatic experiences affected her and her family.
Counting the Cost
My Thoughts
I never saw the show, but even I had heard of the Duggar family and would occasionally would be asked if they were “Mormon”. Spoiler, no, they are not. They are a fundamentalist Christian family who was led by an extremist group called the Institute in Basic Life Principles or the IBLP. IBLP’s leader, Bill Gothard, stepped down due to a sexual misconduct scandal while the Duggars were still on TV. IBLP’s teachings include the superiority of the father figure, no consumption of media or internet, the wearing of dresses for females, no dancing and so on.
Much like the book Educated by Tara Westover, this is a story of someone finding life outside of the bubble created by their parents and adapting to it. In that sense, it is an almost universal narrative as we all leave the nest and figure out how to become members of a productive society. Of course, this is an extreme example and the Duggar family are certainly not the norm. I resonated most with Derrick Dillard who truly has the patience of Job as he is portrayed in the book. He seems to have his head on straight as he slowly guided his family away out of, “the umbrella” of her parents. Even the cover photo shows him staring directly at the reader while his wife looks off to the right in the distance.
Recommendation
If you enjoyed the reality show, I’m sure you’d like the book.
Published in 2022, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” by Matthew Perry is a candid memoir, where Perry, best known as Chandler Bing on Friends, opens up about his decades-long battle with addiction, the impact it had on his career, and his personal life. Perry details his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, offering a raw and honest account of his experiences, including multiple rehab stints and a near-death health crisis in 2019. The memoir also explores his childhood, relationships, and how fame both fueled and complicated his path to recovery.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
My Thoughts
This book was painful going through, particularly when his addiction finally took him such a short time later. It hurts to see people we know and love in pain and while I never knew him, I certainly watched Friends and saw his movies. The story was certainly raw and honest even to the point of showing his selfish side. In short, his life was tragic and it will be hard to watch those shows and movies again knowing the back story.
I’ve seen what drugs and alcohol can do to people and yet they are still everywhere. Perry’s story is an outlier, but no one wants that to happen to anyone. I don’t know the answer, but I for one, intend to stay as far away from it as possible.
