Biography – Page 10 – Ryan's Book Blog

I’m Your Huckleberry

November 16, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2020, famed actor Val Kilmer talks about his life and experiences in, “I’m Your Huckleberry”.

My Thoughts

I have always liked Val Kilmer and the roles he has played. I didn’t know he was the youngest person to attend “the” Juilliard School or that his 1 time Batman was due to the chance to work with Robert Deniro and Al Pachino. (I pity I never bothered to see that movie…)

Honestly, there have been rare exceptions of celebrities whose thoughts I care about. I don’t see them as our mentors or think they are people we should aspire to be like. Val Kilmer is an interesting person and has had an interesting life. There were so many famous people he either dated or crashed at their place that I lost track. However, he is a little too out there for my tastes. I find his dedication to love admirable and I wish him all the best!

Recommendation

A very interesting read.

Sigh, Gone

November 15, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2020, “Sigh, Gone” is the autobiography of an immigrant from Vietnam and his experiences growing up in America.

My Thoughts

It was a pretty good book all and all. I didn’t care for the amount of strong language in it but I guess that was his experience. It was also refreshing to hear from another perspective of someone identifying as “other”, as the sociologists say. Phuc really had a hard time navigating through what was expected of him both of society and his family.

The unspoken truth is we all have had the same experiences. Yes, there are certainly those who had it worse than others but all of us identify as the “other” and have had to try to “fit in” at some point or another. We all experience confusion and all have baggage from their parents.

I’d encourage anyone who thinks America is a terrible place to do some traveling. Phuc tells about how he won the Thanksgiving theme essay contest because he was simply thankful his grandparents were “safe in America”. I’ve lived abroad for a time and there are certainly worse places than the USofA.

Recommendation

It was a captivating read and interesting subject. However, there is a lot of strong language and less-than-ideal content. (There is a reason the author forbade his children from reading it till they were at least 16.)

The Lincoln Conspiracy

November 13, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, “The Lincoln Conspiracy” is the story of the first plot to kill Abraham Lincoln before he was able to take office. This book also gives the beginnings of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and gives some background on the first woman detective.

My Thoughts

Yet another testament to the character of our most beloved president, Abraham Lincoln. The more I read about the man, the more I like him.

Of course, it’s hard to look through the glass of time and really distinguish the man from the myth. He was the classic underdog. He was belittled, hated, and eventually murdered and yet still did what he thought was right. Not a bad way to live. It really is a pity we have so few shining examples of integrity today.

Recommendation

Great read and worth the time.

24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

November 6, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, “24” is the biography of Willie Mays. The pretty amazing story of one of the most famous and accomplished baseball players of all time.

24 Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

My Thoughts

Beyond his raw talent and love of the game, I loved that he was just a good person doing his best. Really, that was what stood out to me. Everyone said he was a good guy and was great to be around. Who can ask for more than that?

Recommendation

If you like baseball and/or a good underdog story. Look no further!

What Makes a Marriage Last

November 5, 2020 by Ryan

Background

This compilation of marriage advice was published in May of 2020 just as we were settling into our pandemic lockdowns. Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue interview the famous who somehow managed to avoid divorce throughout their storied careers.

My Thoughts

It took me a few days to get through it. Not because it was hard to read or wasn’t interesting but rather, it caused me to stop and think about things in my own marriage and circumstances for a bit. My poor wife had to endure me giving her bits of advice I had picked up from the book.

This book wasn’t really a deep dive into marital psychology. It was sort of like your great aunt giving you advice on your wedding day. You realize it is likely good to know but until you’ve had some experience, it doesn’t really seem to apply. I’ve spent over 20 years being married so I was listening a bit better this time around.

Recommendation

I liked the book and it was worth the time to read. However, I’d imagine those of you who can name more YouTubers than celebrities likely won’t have any idea who most of the people are (including the authors).

My Vanishing Country

October 26, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, My Vanishing Country is a quazi-autobiography of Bakari Sellers who was one of the youngest state representative from South Carolina. He reflects on his childhood and his rise into politics. He also talks about the state of the world today.

My Thoughts

I read this book because it was a recent release and thought it might be interesting. It wasn’t… I thought there was a lot of hate in the book and I didn’t enjoy it. I don’t agree with several of the statements made but everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Recommendation

A waste of time.

The Art of Her Deal

October 10, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Mary Jordan gives us a story of our First Lady from her growing up in Slovenia to living in the White House.

My Thoughts

I have to admit I didn’t really think of Melania Trump. I knew President Trump was married but didn’t think much about who he had married or what she was about. Also, I don’t know that I still know anything. It seems she is more than happy to make up things about herself so I don’t know how much of this is real and how much was also a story. It reminds me of a Daniel Tosh joke. “Plastic surgery gives you the rare chance to make your insides match your outsides. You know, Fake!”

If you can take this at face value, both she and everyone in her circle seems morally bereft. I’m saddened that these are who my children have to see as their top government officials.

Recommendation

If you like a good train wreck, you might like this book.

The Good Neighbor

October 9, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Fred Rogers is someone who most know as simply Mr. Rogers. This is the story of the person who almost single-handedly changed the face of children’s education for at least 2 generations. He was the driving force behind the funding of PBS and was in millions of homes for over 30 years. This is his story.

My thoughts

Fred Rogers really is Mr. Rogers. That was the main revelation I got from the book. He was just a really good man. A man full of love for everyone and more particularly of children. He cared deeply about how children could be impacted by television and wanted to make things better for them. Seriously, how can anyone live a better life than he did?

Recommendation

Great man and great book!

Churchill

September 20, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2017, Jacob Bannister tells the story of one of those larger than life people, Winston Churchill. We are taken through his life and share in his rise in power to one of the main figures of World War II.

My Thoughts

I found this to be a very interesting read. I knew of most of the stories in the book but I believe this one did a great job of bring the character of Churchill to life.

Recommendation

Great book. Worth the time.

No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy

August 29, 2020 by Ryan

Background

This is the biography of General James Mattis written by Jim Proser written in 2018. This predates Gen. Mattis stepping down from the post of Secretary of Defense in the same year.

My Thoughts

A great story of a very impressive man. He reminds me of Grant in his honesty and honor without the vice of alcohol. Mattis led from the front and told it like it is. He didn’t expect special treatment and got the job done. There aren’t many men like him, if there ever were.

Recommendation

I highly recommend it, particularly if you are in a leadership role.