Biography

Background

Published in 2024, “Carson the Magnificent” is a biography that delves into the life and career of Johnny Carson, the iconic host of “The Tonight Show” from 1962 to 1992. The book explores Carson’s journey to becoming a television legend, his influence on late-night entertainment, and his complex personal life, including his struggles with alcohol and multiple marriages. Drawing from extensive research and interviews, the biography offers an in-depth look at the man behind the public persona, highlighting both his professional achievements and personal challenges.​

My Thoughts

Like nearly every person of my generation, Johnny Carson was on the TV every weeknight. This is where I first saw so many comics and really start to understand who was who in Hollywood. My knowledge of Ed McMahon was his booming laugh and signature, “Heeeeeer’s Johnny!” which was always followed by the ever affable King of Late Night.

I didn’t know much about his growing up, his Navy career, his children, his troubles with drinking, and how alone he was in general. I did know about his divorces (mostly through other comedians like Eddie Murphy and the like). I also knew he considered himself a magician though I didn’t know to what level.

To me, Carson was a dependable easy smile after a long day. He has been missed.

Recommendation

Great book and I’m glad I read it.

Background

Published on November 19, 2024, “Cher: The Memoir, Part One” chronicles the early life of the iconic entertainer Cher, from her birth in 1946 up to the late 1970s. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian, she faced a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty and instability, including periods when her mother, Georgia, had to leave her in care due to financial hardships. The memoir delves into her rise to fame alongside Sonny Bono, detailing their partnership both on and off the stage, the creation of the hit “I Got You Babe,” and the complexities of their personal and professional relationship. Cher candidly discusses Sonny’s controlling behavior and infidelities, shedding light on the challenges she faced in asserting her independence.

My Thoughts

Whenever you are feeling bad about yourself or your childhood, grab a biography of someone famous and hold on for the ride. Cher is no exception to this rule. She had a messed up childhood, growing up, and adulthood. I just hope she gets a break in Part 2.

However, I didn’t know much about Cher from her early career. My memories of her were after the events covered, it isn’t a surprise that most of this was a surprise. I knew of Sonny and Cher but had never seen anything from them. I didn’t know about their troubles, her relationships after Sonny and really anything about her until the 80s.

I’m glad to hear she didn’t use drugs and seemed to want to do the right thing. I hope that persists as well in the next volume.

Recommendation

Not a bad read and I learned a lot.

Background

Published in October 2024, “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon” by Mirin Fader chronicles the journey of Hakeem Olajuwon from his early days in Lagos, Nigeria, to his influential career in the NBA. The biography delves into his time with the University of Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama,” his pivotal role in leading the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships, and the development of his signature move, the “Dream Shake.” It also explores how Olajuwon’s deep commitment to Islam shaped his approach to basketball and life, inspiring many within the Muslim community. The book further highlights his ongoing contributions as an international ambassador for the sport, including his work with NBA Africa and mentorship of current NBA stars.

My Thoughts

Growing up in Utah, we watched the Jazz play the Rockets and I very much knew who Hakeem (or at the time Akeem) Olajuwon was. Or at least from our limited perspective. My father would complaint about how “dirty” the other team was playing and would get upset with the calls. That was my understanding of right and wrong as a young person who had grown up hearing the moral of the story from He-Man GI-Joe and others. When I moved away, I was shocked to hear that our own Karl Malone was known as one of the most dirty players out there. The truth seems to be that it was a very physical game and everyone did it. Along with Olajuwon.

As with most things in life, there is much more to the story. Olajuwon was much more than the dirty player I saw on TV. His isn’t a perfect story, but it follows the archetypical hero’s journey in showing how he found himself, his faith, and his purpose.

Recommendation

If you are a fan, I’m sure you will love it. If not, it was still a good read.

Background

Published in 2011, “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson is a comprehensive biography of the co-founder of Apple Inc., chronicling his life from childhood to his death in 2011. Based on extensive interviews with Jobs, his family, colleagues, and rivals, the book explores his early fascination with technology, his role in founding Apple, his departure and return to the company, and his impact on multiple industries, including personal computing, music, film, and mobile technology. It presents his leadership style, creative vision, and often intense personality, offering insight into his drive for perfection and innovation. The biography also delves into his personal relationships, struggles, and philosophy on life and business, painting a portrait of a man who reshaped modern technology and design.

My Thoughts

I was never really a fan of Steve Jobs, but I have to admit that he made quite the impact. I have worked extensively with Apple computers having been introduced to them in the late 90’s and owning several at a time ever since. They simply last forever. In fact, the iMac we bought for the family in 2015 is still being used today as the family computer. (Not too shabby.)

I saw Apple just about die in 1995 and jump back to life with the first G3s, iMacs, G4s, iPods, iPhones, iPads, and so on. I’ve owned at least one of each and then some. I didn’t know that Steve Jobs was behind them all and how they all came together. I have often wondered why so many people are such avid fans and the book helped to clarify some of that zeal for the product.

As I was reading the book, I thought there have been a lot of products Apple released that definitely didn’t have same commitment to end to end styling. The packaging went from simple and beautiful to just ridiculous. For example, the Apple Vision Pro is an amazing piece of hardware. It has the ugliest carrying case known to man. It is so front heavy that it is a pain to wear and you have to buy accessories with it to; hold the battery, support the headband, and prescription inserts just to be able to see. That seems to be the trend with the iPhones now as well. You need a 3rd party case or the camera will bang down on whatever surface you put it on. I just don’t see that kind of thing happening if Jobs were still in charge and screaming at people.

It’s sad, but Apple isn’t the same company without him. That said, he was an egotistical, troubled, drug addled, jerk who I would never want to work around. Regardless, he knew want he wanted and had style.

Recommendation

This was a long read, but I enjoyed it.

Background

Published in Japan in 2007 and in English in 2013, “The Reason I Jump” was written by Naoki Higashida, who is described as a severely autistic teenager. This book offers insight to the personal mind of someone living with autism. Structured as a series of questions and answers, the book addresses common misconceptions about autism and provides explanations for behaviors that might seem puzzling to neurotypical individuals. Higashida conveys his thoughts and feelings with clarity and emotion, aiming to foster understanding and empathy. The book was translated into English by David Mitchell and Keiko Yoshida, with Mitchell, a parent of an autistic child, contributing an introduction.

My Thoughts

This was one of those rare works where with the introduction and the afterward were of more value to me than the actual narrative. The text itself made some definitive statements about how people living with autism perceive the world. While the author is certainly able to describe his experience, blanket statements about everyone along the spectrum of autism felt arrogant and inappropriate. A fundamental misunderstanding of what a spectrum implies seems to be sadly lacking in the general population and the narrative seemed to feed this misunderstanding. That said, I was pleased to hear Higashida is now a public speaker who actively engages with people and tries to help them understand autism. This condition certainly warrants more study and understanding.

I found the book by the author or more precisely, the author’s name. I have a friend named David Mitchell and wanted to see what the author wrote. I didn’t know this was a translation until I had already ordered it and started the book. However, I’m currently about a third through another David Mitchell book, “Cloud Atlas” which I’m really not enjoying so it may not make this blog. I really try to finish books, even when they are difficult yet I’m not sure about this one. Please forgive my occasional selection bias.

Recommendation

I’m on the fence here. It wasn’t great but it did give me some things to think about.

Background

Published in September of 2024, “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes” is a humorous essay collection by Laci Mosley, host of the award-winning “Scam Goddess” podcast. The book delves into various frauds, cons, and schemes, examining how the scammer mindset has influenced Mosley’s upbringing, career, relationships, and more. Through personal anecdotes and true-crime scam stories, Mosley offers insights into navigating a complex and often unjust world.

My Thoughts

I had never heard of Laci Mosley before reading this book. I had to Google “Florida Girls” and realized there really wasn’t any way I would stumble across her work thus far. (Till now!) I enjoy reading a random new book release in a failing attempt to diversify my interests and keep me current. I say failing because I seem to slide further into my “get off the lawn” phase in life. I love the quote from the Simpsons (Abe Simpson Season 7, Episode 24), “I used to be with it, but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I’m with isn’t ‘it,’ and what’s ‘it’ seems weird and scary to me. It’ll happen to you!”

Anyway, I enjoyed the book. I certainly don’t agree with the main premise that everyone is a scammer and trying to get one over on everyone. In fact, it saddens me to think there are so many people out there with the same perspective. Mosley mentions in the book how she stole food from a hotel because she didn’t want to wait in line. No apology, no shame, just a passing mention that it was their fault for not having enough attendants. That is full on self centered entitlement. She not only doesn’t see that behavior as wrong, she honestly believes she was being the moral actor as she was engaged in what she deemed as a good cause at the time. Plus, and as a bonus, it is the fault of institution that allowed it to happen. To use the classic phrase, “This is why we can’t have nice things.”

Oh yeah, back on track. I enjoyed the book. Mosley is very open with her thoughts and feelings has she shares her story. Her words are alive with energy and enthusiasm and she almost made me forget that most of what she shared was morally reprehensible. I have almost nothing in common with an attention seeking, actress, female, black, millennial and even less with a self described “Scam Goddess”, but I appreciate the window into her story.

Recommendation

I’m on the fence here. I’d imagine if you know and love Laci Mosley, you would likely love this book. However, even though I enjoyed the read and specifically enjoyed the alternate perspective, reading it hurt my heart and may have dimmed my perspective on humanity. The reader will have make up their own mind on this one.

Background

Published in 1986, “Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills” is a biography by Charles Henderson that chronicles the life and military career of Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, a legendary Marine sniper during the Vietnam War. Born in 1942, Hathcock developed exceptional marksmanship skills from a young age, which he honed throughout his service in the United States Marine Corps. During his deployment in Vietnam, he achieved 93 confirmed kills and numerous unconfirmed ones, earning him a formidable reputation among both allies and adversaries. Hathcock’s missions were marked by extraordinary feats, including a 2,500-yard shot that set a record for the longest sniper kill at the time, and a perilous solo mission to eliminate a high-ranking North Vietnamese general. Beyond his combat achievements, Hathcock contributed significantly to sniper training and tactics, leaving a lasting impact on military marksmanship. His career was cut short after sustaining severe injuries while rescuing fellow Marines from a burning vehicle, an act that exemplified his bravery and dedication.

My Thoughts

This book was recommended by a coworker and is part of the lore surrounding the Marine Corps. I hadn’t heard of this one before, but I was glad to get the chance to read it. Carlos Hathcock is the personification of the classic hero. He is humble, modest, honorable, got the job done and doesn’t need to tell you all about it.

Recommendation

A good read if you enjoy military books. There are some moments that aren’t for kids.