Biography – Page 11 – Ryan's Book Blog

On Call in Hell

May 15, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2007, On Call in Hell is the story of a man who served a tour as a Marine officer and later became a Navy doctor. He shares his journey and juxtaposes those two perspectives as he served in Iraq.

My Thoughts

I’d never met a Marine who went into Navy medicine so this was an interesting read. Still, I’ve met a number of Navy Corpsman and the attitude was pretty close to what I would have expected. I would have preferred it be read by the author since some of the saying didn’t quite come out correctly. I felt like there may have been a bit of humble brag going on but hey, it’s his book.

Recommendation

A very interesting look at a relatively unknown field. If you have interest in military medicine, I feel this book would be a good place to start.

Embrace the Suck

May 3, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in December of 2020, Embrace the Suck is a book about taking on and overcoming the obstacles in life from the perspective of a former Navy SEAL.

My Thoughts

This was a decent read and pretty motivating. I felt he was a little over the top with some of his descriptions and language but I guess that’s par for the course. He had some practical applications which, had I followed them, would have made the read more impactful.

Recommendation

It was Ok

A Very Punchable Face

March 25, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in July of 2020, A Very Punchable Face is the biography of Colin Jost who has been a “head writer” and cast member of Saturday Night Live for several years.

My Thoughts

Seeing the how the “sausage is made” can be unpleasant at times. This was one of those times for me. In short, I didn’t enjoy the book. For me, it was a reminder of how different some people’s lives are and how little hope and reason they see in their own existence. Still, I was pleasantly surprised with the archetypal story of a “regular guy” making it to the top. That was a fun story arc but most of the antidotes along the way just didn’t need to be told.

Recommendation

Skip this one.

The Last Stand of Fox Company

January 27, 2021 by Ryan

Background

The version I read was published in 2009 and is story of the beginning of the Korean War and how the 10,000 Marines of 1st Division fought their way through 100,000 Chinese soldiers. More specifically, how Captain William Barber and the 234 Marines of Fox Company held the Toktong Pass against all odds.

My Thoughts

This is the modern day equivalent of the Battle of Thermopylae. The Marines held the pass against incredible odds and some made it out to tell the story. This book is foundational to the ethos of the United States Marines. They celebrate the pure grit it took to hold when anyone else would have run.

Recommendation

A good read if you want to understand the Marine Corps. The books is graphic so it should not be read by children.

The Smallest Lights in the Universe

December 15, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Decorated planetary scientist Sara Seager wrote this biography about the time in her life between the death of her first husband and the marriage of her 2nd. She details the journey of discovering planets orbiting other stars and the advances and awards she had been given along the way.

My Thoughts

I almost threw this book down more than once. I found the author to be self absorbed, selfish, and completely disconnected from reality. I felt great pity for her first husband for having to deal with her crap for the rest of his life and worse for the wife of the man she became interested in later on. I’m not sure why I kept reading.

I’m very interested in planetary science and the possibilities of worlds outside of our own. I liked that part of the book. However, her plight didn’t resonate with me at all. At the end of the book, she makes the announcement that she found out she was autistic. That ticked me off even more because it came across as a justification for her actions.

Recommendation

I’d skip this one.

Madeleine Albright

December 3, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st-Century Memoir is the biography of Madeleine Albright who was the first female Secretary of State under President Clinton.

My Thoughts

I’m always interested in people who have lived interesting lives and that certainly applies to Madeleine Albright. As an immigrant from Eastern Europe, she certainly had some interest in the world outside of the United States.

I enjoyed hearing about her journey and how she thought others perceived her. I even enjoyed hearing about her pins and feel like I’m part of the insider crowd by knowing about them. The book was well written and I feel it did a good job representing her personality and beliefs. (For all I know about them.)

In general, I’m not really a fan of hers when it comes to politics. The world is a complex place and it is imperative we understand other countries. I believe she does a good job of that. However, I don’t share her optimize that most people in power will work for the good of everyone. It is sad commentary but people in power rarely want to give it up and do destructive things when they are faced with the possibility.

Recommendation

As hers is a name to know, I recommend the book.

Don’t Burn this Book

November 19, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2020, “Don’t Burn this Book” is the story of how a gay-Jewish-liberal crossed into “Classical Liberalism”.

My Thoughts

Another book I really didn’t know what it was about until I started reading it. I was pleased with the read. It served to reinforce a lot of my existing stereotypes of both liberals and conservatives and had the added bonus of reminding me that I had stereotypes. The irony of the book trying to teach critical thinking while stroking my ego didn’t go unnoticed.

I certainly agree that the media is far too political. I go out of my way to find some news source that just gives the news without just spitting out their tribal loyalty. (I don’t know that really exists.)

Dave gave some well reasoned arguments and I like he had the guts to stand up for what he thinks is right. He also had a lot of praise for Dr. Jordan Peterson who I have followed for some time now. Both of which, I liked…

Recommendation

Great read and worth the time.

Your Blue Flame

November 17, 2020 by Ryan

Background

“Your Blue Flame” was published in April of 2020 by Jennifer Fulwiler who has a radio talk show on SiriusXM and is a standup comedian. In this book, she challenges readers to follow their passions and do the things they were meant to do in this life.

My Thoughts

First, I had never heard of Jennifer Fulwiler and had no idea what the book was about. (It was listed under Biography which it sort of is.) As I started into it, I thought, “Oh great! Another you-can-do-it book”. It was just that but, this time, I actually thought of a couple of things I’ve been meaning to do.

This book had my mind turning and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t think I would but I was wrong.

Of course, there are problems with just following your passion and Jennifer did a good job of giving some ideas about it. However, some things just have to be done. For example, someone has to clean the toilet. I’m sure that isn’t their “blue flame” or what they were meant to do. However, I have 3 boys, that toilet needs attention…

Recommendation

A good read. Particularly if you need some motivation.

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.)