Published in 2023, Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick explores how artificial intelligence, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, is reshaping the way people learn, work, and create. Mollick, a Wharton professor, argues that AI is not just a tool to be programmed but a form of “co-intelligence” to collaborate with. The book outlines how individuals and organizations can engage with AI by experimenting directly with it, treating it as a creative and thinking partner rather than a traditional machine. He emphasizes a hands-on approach, encouraging readers to integrate AI into decision-making, writing, and problem-solving processes. The work also highlights the risks of misinformation and over-reliance, suggesting that human oversight and ethical considerations are necessary to use AI effectively.
Co-Intelligence Living and Working wIth AI
My Thoughts
Much has discussion of AI has been swirling around my work as of late and this book was recommended by a coworker.
This was a really good book and very timely for me professionally. We are creating a distance education course on this topic and it gave me quite a bit to think about. In fact, I kept having to put the book down to write another note about something I wanted to try.
Recommendation
Great quick read! (Just over 200 pages.) It is worth your time to know more about AI.
Published in May 2025, We Can Do Hard Things: Answers to Life’s 20 Questions is a collaborative work by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle. Drawing from their personal experiences, including Glennon’s anorexia diagnosis, Amanda’s breast cancer, and the death of Abby’s brother, the authors explore twenty recurring questions that address aspects of human existence such as identity, purpose, relationships, and resilience. Through conversations with over 100 individuals, including public figures like Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile, and Ina Garten, the book compiles insights aimed at guiding readers through life’s challenges.
We Can Do Hard Things
My Thoughts
This book was such a disappointment. Quite honestly, I couldn’t get through it. I kept trying to push through, but I just couldn’t make it. Hopefully, it redeems itself in the end, but I sincerely doubt it. I knew nothing about the book other than it was in the self-help section. I like to just pick up a book and read and occasionally that backfires. This experience was one of those times.
It took me a few weeks to put my finger on it, but the book appears to operate under the following assumptions:
Everyone was and continues to be a victim.
Everyone is living with “trauma”.
Everyone has permission to do anything they want.
Everyone else should honor, respect, and even applaud whatever it is you want.
Judgement and resentment only stem from others. Your opinions about everyone else isn’t judgement, it’s fact.
First, a quick pet peeve of mine. Trauma actually has a definition in the DSM-5-TR, “Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence.” (The word is thrown around so much in this book it lost the actual meaning. By context, most of what was defined as “trauma” barely rose to the level of irritation.) You pretending to be sick so “everyone else knew their roles” does not count as trauma. (A quote from the book.) Neither does feeling embarrassed, being uncomfortable, or not getting that pony you ever so wanted.
Second, we all have problems. Yet, here is a novel idea, perhaps you could attempt to solve those problems rather than looking around for someone to blame them on? We understand you are the center of your universe, but please, get over yourselves! Maybe develop some listening skills and gain some perspective. You may even thank your parents for not instantly giving into every demand that crosses your mind. Being able to choose integrity over convenience is called building character.
You also don’t get to do everything you want. Every choice has accountability connected to that choice. If a homicidal maniac decides that living according to their “authentic self” is to commit murder, that really isn’t ok. Even if they “sat with their feelings” and truly felt like that is who they are.
Finally, the rest of us really don’t have to put up with your issues. Back to the homicidal maniac, if they take someone’s life, they shouldn’t be surprised that some of us will eventually stop them from doing it. We may even inflict some “trauma” on that individual so they and others know it isn’t ok as well.
We all live in a society and there are rules and norms we all live with. If you break those rules, there will be repercussions. Some of us may not want to be around you anymore. This is no less judging than you complaining about our behavior.
Recommendation
Don’t waste your time. There was an occasional good idea but it was like finding a Dorito floating in pure sewage. As much as I love Doritos, but it just wasn’t worth it.
Published in 1996, What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission by John Bytheway offers practical and spiritual insights for young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are preparing to serve as missionaries. The book draws from Bytheway’s own mission experience and reflections, addressing common misconceptions, emotional hurdles, and day-to-day realities of missionary service. Topics include dealing with homesickness, adjusting to rigorous schedules, understanding companionship dynamics, and maintaining personal spiritual growth. The goal is to help prospective missionaries enter the field with more accurate expectations and better preparation for the challenges and rewards of mission life.
What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission
My Thoughts
As my son is preparing for his mission, I came across What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission in our kitchen. Naturally curious, I picked it up and gave it a read. It was a quick and held my attention, though it clearly reflects the time period in which it was originally written. Ironically, this book came out when I was serving my own mission, so I was not familiar with John Bytheway or his work till years afterward.
While researching the book, I found that it has been republished several times. My impression is that the updates were likely made to refresh the language, as the original version speaks in a style familiar to teenagers of the mid-1990s. (I have had some experience with this vernacular.) I worry that some of the references are old enough that they may not resonate with the current target demographic.
Despite the dated references, the core principles and advice remain strong. I especially appreciated the appendix, which provides simple historical background and helpful answers to common questions that missionaries might be asked. It is a thoughtful addition to an already solid resource.
Recommendation
I enjoyed it. The content was filled with concepts and language that resonated with me, particularly as it was written for my demographic 30 years ago. It also addressed a subject that has been on my mind recently. That said, I had not read it in the nearly three decades since its publication and likely would not have done so now if not for the fact that my son is preparing to leave soon.
Published in 2022, Do Pause: You Are Not a To-Do List by Robert Poynton explores the idea of intentionally stepping back from constant productivity to create space for reflection, awareness, and creativity. Drawing on his experience teaching improvisational techniques at Oxford and working with businesses, Poynton encourages readers to think of pauses not as breaks in action but as integral, active components of life and work. He presents different types of pauses, such as taking a breath, observing, or stopping altogether, as practical tools for navigating complex or fast-moving environments. Rather than offering time management strategies, the book redefines time itself as something we can engage with differently by shifting attention and perspective.
Do Pause You are not a To Do List
My Thoughts
This was a good reminder to slow down and enjoy life. I once caught one of my team outside smelling the flowers. He was a chaotic person and I had to send him to anger management at one point, but it brought me joy to see him taking a minute and enjoying something.
I think we all can do with a little more stillness in life. Particularly, at this point in time.
Published in 2022, Richard Bong: American’s #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II by Peter B. Mersky recounts the life and military career of Richard Ira Bong, the most successful American fighter pilot of World War II. The book traces Bong’s early life in Wisconsin, his training as a pilot in the Army Air Forces, and his rise to fame as he flew the P-38 Lightning in the Pacific Theater, ultimately achieving 40 confirmed aerial victories. The narrative details his combat missions, relationships with fellow pilots and commanders, and the public attention he received at home. It also covers his post-combat role as a test pilot and his untimely death in a plane crash shortly before the end of the war. Through official records, personal letters, and military analysis, the book provides a full portrait of Bong’s role in the war and his legacy in American aviation history.
Richard Bong: American’s #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II
My Thoughts
This was an engaging book on a subject I knew nothing about. Fortunately, there are plenty of others who know the story. As I was reading it, I mentioned that Richard Bong State Recreation Area was named after the top fighter pilot in WWII. My deputy both knew where it was and his dad liked to hunt there.
Dick Bong’s life is inspiring and is something deserving of remembrance. In particular, as I read it so near to Memorial Day.
Recommendation
Great read and pretty engaging for a history book.
Published in 2022, Armed with Good Intentions by Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples) is a memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from incarceration to personal transformation and public influence. Drawing on his own life experiences, Wallo reflects on the mindset and choices that led to his imprisonment at a young age and the discipline and clarity he developed while serving a 20-year sentence. The book presents his story as a testament to using time wisely, embracing accountability, and finding purpose. Through anecdotes and direct commentary, he emphasizes the importance of internal change and the practical steps that helped him transition into a motivational speaker and entrepreneur after his release.
Armed with Good Intentions
My Thoughts
I started reading this book at the same time as reading “We Can Do Hard Things” by Glennon Doyle et al. What a world of difference! Here is someone with actual problems who gained some perspective, broke the cycle, and is out to break that cycle for others just like him. After reading his story, I’m convinced he deserves all the wealth and success he has earned.
Recommendation
An inspiring story though the concepts and language is not for youth.
Published in April 2024, The Opposite of Depression: What My Work with Suicidal Patients Has Taught Me about Life, Hope, and How to Flourish by David M. Carreon, MD, explores the journey from mental distress to well-being. Drawing from his clinical experience and Christian faith, Carreon discusses the limitations of solely alleviating depressive symptoms and emphasizes the importance of adopting habits that promote overall flourishing. The book is structured into three sections: Mind, Body, and Soul. Each offering practical steps and insights aimed at guiding individuals toward a more fulfilling life.
The Opposite of Depression
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the book and the novelty of looking at what not to do to keep away from depression. I also enjoyed the Christian spin on the topic.
Recommendation
A good read. There weren’t any big epiphanies, but it was full of solid reminders.
Published in 2024, We Who Wrestle with God by Jordan B. Peterson explores the psychological, literary, and theological significance of the Book of Genesis, particularly its early chapters. Drawing on his background in psychology and mythology, Peterson examines the biblical stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, and the Tower of Babel as archetypal narratives that shape human understanding of morality, identity, responsibility, and meaning. He interprets these ancient texts through a Jungian and existential lens, arguing that the struggle with God reflects humanity’s internal struggle to confront chaos, find order, and live truthfully. The book also revisits themes Peterson has addressed in his previous works, including individual transformation and the importance of tradition in modern life.
We Who Wrestle with God
My Thoughts
I really enjoy Dr. Pererson’s writing. I believe he does an incredible job of linking ideas and examining things from the macro level, yet I find he can also be overly simplistic and generalize. This book uses the Old Testament as a source document, which is loaded with symbolism. Of course, any symbol can be interpreted in several ways. Dr. Peterson’s interpretation is a little too neat and tidy for me to fully accept at face value. However, any meaningful discussion would be impossible if we dived down every rabbit hole of nuance. It would just take far too long.
That said, I really enjoyed this book. So much so that I bought copies along with “12 Rules for Life” and “Beyond Order.” My son is working his way through the first book and it is making an impact.
Recommendation
Great book! These are very heavy concepts so spend some time thinking through some of the ideas.
Published in 2023, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity by Peter Attia, M.D., with Bill Gifford, presents a framework for living longer and healthier by shifting the focus from simply extending lifespan to improving “healthspan”—the years during which one is physically and cognitively capable. Drawing on his background in medicine and engineering, Attia critiques conventional approaches to treating chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s, arguing they are often reactive and too late to be effective. Instead, he proposes a proactive strategy called “Medicine 3.0,” emphasizing early intervention, personalized diagnostics, and lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional well-being. The book includes scientific explanations alongside Attia’s personal experiences to illustrate how individuals can take control of their long-term health outcomes.
Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity
My Thoughts
Not much of this book came as revelatory. It goes into detail about health and wellness. All the concepts were pretty well accepted but it was enjoyable to have them all put together. It reminded me of the Monty Python quote, “Try and be nice to people, avoid eating fat, read a good book every now and then, get some walking in, and try and live together in peace and harmony with people of all creeds and nations.”
The book may quibble with the “avoid eating fat,” but the rest is pretty much spot on. Eating better makes you feel better, moving more makes you feel better, getting good sleep makes you feel better, and not hating life makes you feel better. Not surprisingly, feeling better means you will live longer and enjoy life more.
Published in 2002, Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy was originally published in 1888. The novel follows Julian West, a wealthy Bostonian who falls into a hypnotic sleep in 1887 and wakes up in the year 2000 to find a radically transformed society. In this future, the United States has evolved into a socialist utopia where private enterprise has been replaced by a centrally planned economy, and wealth and goods are distributed equally. Through West’s experiences and conversations with his new hosts, Bellamy critiques the social and economic inequalities of the 19th century and presents his vision for a more cooperative and equitable future.
Looking Backward
My Thoughts
Honestly, I have no idea why this came up in my reading lists, but it was an interesting read. The fun part was to find the gaping holes in the logic and the rhetoric of this socialist quasi-manifesto. It was particularly interesting to see how the aliments of the late 1800s would be corrected from a naive utopian vision. I wonder how many people read this and honestly thought, “That’s a great idea!”
The economy has no meaning, and everyone eats, wears, and does pretty much the same thing. All are pressed into military service. All enter the workforce at 21 and retire at 45 where they can thereafter live a life of leisure. The US is still at odds with the rest of the world and simply uses a fairly simple IOU system to handle issues or trade imbalance other governments. Women’s roles are unequal at best and mate-selection is used as both a carrot and stick in this ideal world.
Recommendation
This book gives a good account of how a teenager may handle society government. If you enjoy that, this book is for you.
