Published in 2023, “In the Mind of Stalin” by James Greensmith, provides an in-depth exploration of the psychological landscape of one of history’s most enigmatic and ruthless dictators, Joseph Stalin. Through meticulous research and analysis, Greensmith delves into the paradoxical nature of Stalin, examining how he could display moments of personal tenderness while orchestrating mass atrocities that led to millions of deaths. The book seeks to unravel the complex motivations, fears, and strategies that defined Stalin’s rule over the Soviet Union, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the man behind the iron fist. It is a compelling study for anyone interested in the darker aspects of political power and totalitarianism.
In the Mind of Stalin
My Thoughts
Not exactly a book to pick you up and put a smile on your face. I didn’t like this one. I didn’t like how it read and I didn’t enjoy how everything was put together and referenced. Ironically, it read like propaganda with the exception of it being anti-Stalin.
I am no fan of Stalin, but I don’t know this narrative was an accurate picture of him. I found myself feeling like very little was definitive and I really wonder if the public will ever really know what happened.
Published in 2022, “The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan,” Elliot Ackerman provides a firsthand account of the final days of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Drawing from his experiences as a Marine and CIA paramilitary officer, Ackerman recounts the evacuation of Afghan nationals who had worked closely with the American forces as the Taliban closed in on Kabul in August 2021. The memoir intertwines personal narratives with a broader reflection on the two-decade-long conflict, highlighting both the heroism and the failures that marked America’s longest war.
The Fifth Act American’s End in Afghanistan
My Thoughts
It’s always interesting to hear the first hand accounts of people living through moments in history. We know our part and have our specific observations on the greater whole. Sometimes those observations come through the keyhole of our limited experiences. The author had the benefit from personally seeing for multiple keyholes and even from differing organizational vantage points. However, it is still a first hand account.
I sympathize with his opinion that the withdrawal from Afghanistan was one of the most embarrassing moments in our history. I do think we needed to leave, but how we went about it will go down in history as a black mark on the United States for all time. We signaled weakness to the rest of the world and our foreign policy lost any teeth it had.
Published in February of 2024, “American Woman: The Transformation of the Modern First Lady, from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden.” by Katie Rogers explores how the role of the First Lady in the United States has evolved from Hillary Clinton to Jill Biden. Rogers examines the shifting expectations, media scrutiny, and political influence that have shaped the position over the past few decades. By comparing and contrasting the last 5 First Ladies, the book provides a look at how each navigated her role, balancing personal identity with public duty in a changing political landscape
American Woman The Transformation of the Modern First Lady
My Thoughts
While the book came from a New York Times correspondent, it was decently balanced in terms of political leaning. It was still left of center, but most of political commentary was kept to a minimum. There was a long section on President Biden I could do without, but I appreciated that it largely kept to subject at hand.
It makes me feel old as I remember each of the last 5 First Ladies well. (Same with a few of the previous ones as well.) Rogers was in line with what I remember happening at the time. Plus, after reading a few of their biographies, her research seemed to true to their narrative. I appreciate the aggregation of the information and taking the reader through the lens of precedent and expectation. It does make me wonder what the first “First Gentlemen” will feel and what they end up doing with that platform.
Published in 2015, “A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety,” by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, is the reflection on his long and varied life, offering insights into his personal experiences, public service, and enduring values. Written as he reached his 90th year, Carter shares anecdotes from his childhood in rural Georgia, his years in the Navy, his political career, and his post-presidency humanitarian work. The memoir is rich with his thoughts on faith, family, and the principles that guided him through decades of public and private challenges. Carter’s humility, wisdom, and commitment to peace and human rights shine through in this deeply personal and reflective work, providing readers with an intimate portrait of one of America’s most respected statesmen.
A Full Life Reflections at Ninety
My Thoughts
Honestly, I want to like President Carter. I respect that he really was his own person and by most accounts was a legitimately nice genuine guy. His charity work has been nothing short of amazing. He used his position to do as much good as he could and he was himself the whole time. He even mentioned my church in the book… However, I just couldn’t get into this book. I didn’t like the pacing and I feel like something intangible was tugging at me the entire time.
On a separate note, there doesn’t seem to be much room for a nice guy in politics. That thought gives me more pain than I’d like to admit. When I was in high school, I had a saying that if someone wanted to be politics, they shouldn’t be in politics. That’s exactly the kind of self defeating nonsense that justified me staying out of any meaningful work. I really don’t have an answer.
Published in 2013, “The World According to Bob,” by James Bowen, continues the true story of his life with Bob, the streetwise cat who helped him overcome addiction and homelessness. This sequel delves into their deepening bond as they face new challenges brought on by James’s sudden fame following the success of his first book. Through short anecdotes, Bowen reflects on the lessons he learns from Bob about trust, loyalty, and the true meaning of companionship, showcasing how Bob continues to be a source of strength and inspiration in his life.
The World According to Bob
My Thoughts
I had some time to kill at the library and did a walk around through the biography section when I saw this book. Having not read the first book, or heard anything about it, the second looked like a fun read. My youngest noticed it in my room and took it from me that evening. Yet another testament to the power Bob has over us mere humans…
The book was just ok though. It wasn’t terrible and I enjoyed the stories, yet I felt like it could be more. I did enjoy the illustrations and I was glad I had the physical book so I could enjoy them. I wish James and Bob the best, but likely won’t be reading any of the other books.
Published in 1989, “Education of a Wandering Man,” by Louis L’Amour offers an autobiographical account of his unconventional path to becoming a celebrated author. This memoir chronicles L’Amour’s early years of adventure, from “hoboing” during the Great Depression to traveling the world as a merchant seaman and prizefighter. Alongside his physical journeys, L’Amour shares his lifelong passion for self-education through reading, documenting the diverse books and experiences that shaped his worldview. This book provides an inspiring glimpse into the formative years of one of America’s great storytellers.
Education of a Wandering Man
My Thoughts
This book was very unexpected as I only knew L’Amour from his writings. (And second hand at that!) He references so many books that I lost track of where I might want to start next. Thankfully, there is a list of the books he mentioned at the back of the book.
L’Amour lived an interesting life to say the least. There isn’t much of his later years, but what he covered does adequately surmise his views on what an education is and how to get one. In short, it takes effort on the part of the learner and it never ends. I agree with that view wholeheartedly.
Published in 2017, “The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place,” by Andy Crouch, explores how families can navigate the influence of technology in modern life. Crouch provides advice and insights on creating an intentional approach to tech use, encouraging families to foster deeper relationships, creativity, and spiritual growth. By prioritizing human connections and setting thoughtful boundaries around digital devices, the book aims to help families reclaim their time and attention from the distractions of the digital age.
The Tech-Wise Family
My Thoughts
Distractions by technology have certainly been on the rise. However, it also gives us access to information and communication on a scale never seen in recorded history. I emphatically agreed with Crouch’s assertion that this technology needs to be regulated. While I do agree with the broad strokes of the message, I disagree on exactly how to go about implementing his vision. I will also give him credit for his disclaimers that he and his family are not perfect in their execution of his espoused ideals.
One section of the book resonated with me in particular. The idea that we have unprecedented access to all the best music in the world and yet make the least music of any time in history. While this could be seen as just another sector of specialization, I’d not thought about so many people never making music themselves. I sincerely hope almost everyone at least has the experience of singing in the shower as making music strikes me a fundamentally human activity. Maybe other specialities are as rewarding from neurosurgery to parkour. (PARKOUR!!!)
I am an optimist when it comes to technology. I sincerely believe most people will figure out their own balance and are not in need of the rules Crouch tries to follow. However, I salute his attempt to address the situation. I strongly believe parents need to support their children and, in most cases, that will require them to place reasonable boundaries on their activities. In theory, we (as parents) have the benefit of experience to give perspective to these boundaries. Yet, these disruptions are so new, many of us are still reeling with the changes. It may feel like it is the blind leading the blind here, yet I believe it is the same struggle as before. We, as humans, need to be intentional about our lives. We crave attachments and are easily bored with the shallow and vapid things of this life. It may take time, but I believe we each have to learn our own way and those of us smart enough to learn from others will have a distinct advantage.
Published in 2016, “Shoe Dog,” is a memoir by Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, Inc. The book offers a candid account of Knight’s journey from selling shoes out of the trunk of his car to building one of the world’s most iconic and successful athletic brands. Knight details the challenges, risks, and triumphs he faced along the way, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, innovation, and teamwork. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, “Shoe Dog” provides a unique glimpse into the entrepreneurial spirit that fueled the creation and growth of Nike.
Shoe Dog
My Thoughts
The writing was a narrative style that was an easy read. Of course, the copy I found was the young reader’s edition so it was an accessible read. (Apparently the full version is a quarter longer than this version.)
It has been distressing to read similar tales of how major companies rose from obscurity. Phil Knight’s company was on the brink of collapse on several occasions and were it not for a bit of luck that was seemingly out of his control, there would be no Nike brand today. That steals the validity from the advice he gives such as on the cover, “You must forget your limits” or “Dare to take chance, lest you leave your talent buried in the ground.” I wonder how many people did exactly that and are now penniless.
I have started several companies and never grew past 22 employees. However, when that company finally failed, it fell hard and it ruined me financially. Nothing remained of what I saved from before, no 401k, and no college degree to fall back on. I took the risks and shoulder all the blame. Over the last 20 years, I’ve built myself back up, but I’m very skeptical of the advice given in this book and more particularly of the dishonesty in how success was achieved. It is a slippery slope to start endorsing ends justifying means and I had hoped for better.
Recommendation
I’m glad I read it, but it left my world view worse off.
Published in November of 2020, “My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices,” is co-authored by Amy Crouch and her father, Andy Crouch. The book explores Amy’s experiences growing up in a household that prioritized intentional and controlled use of technology. Amy, a Cornell University student, reflects on how this tech-wise upbringing helped her avoid common digital pitfalls and cultivate meaningful real-world interactions. Supported by research from the Barna Group, the book examines the pervasive influence of technology on young people’s lives and offers practical advice for balancing digital engagement with offline experiences. Andy Crouch provides additional insights, creating a dialogue attempting to bridge generational perspectives on managing technology effectively.
My Tech-Wise Life
My Thoughts
My wife was reading, “The Tech-Wise Family”, which was written by Andy Crouch and really enjoyed it. I tried to reserve it and put it on hold. However, this one was available so I grabbed it and got started.
I enjoyed and agree with most of the things presented in the subject, yet I found the back and forth with the father distracting and unnecessary. Amy seemed to be genuine and was engaged with the topic. I believe she is likely to be able to connect with the younger audience. Her dad on the other hand came off as a little preachy. I understand that I am not the target demographic for this book, but even I didn’t like the guy. I will still read his book when it comes available though.
Recommendation
It was ok. I likely would have felt a bit better about it if I had read Andy’s book first.
Published in 2023, “Romney: A Reckoning” is a biography of former Presidential nominee Mitt Romney written by McKay Coppins. Romney has been both the darling of the GOP as the lead Republican and fell out of favor as he questioned the Republican party for standing behind President Trump through thick and thin. The book takes the reader through the beginnings of the Romney fortune, his upbringing, and through his years in politics through 2023.
Romney: A Reckoning
My Thoughts
The book cast Mitt Romney as someone who put principle over preference and as a man of honor and integrity. I was no fan of Mitt Romney through the presidential election as I believed he was not the person to represent my religion. Similar to Harry Reid, I had a hard time seeing eye to eye with these men and felt they shouldn’t be the standard bearers. Also, I didn’t see President Obama as someone that could be beaten. He was too well loved and the country simply couldn’t vote against him. (I do agree with Romney’s opinion that President Obama was out of his depth, but was just to arrogant to understand it.)
The ongoing feud with President Trump was interesting to see from Romney’s perspective. I’m inclined to believe the narrative as truth is a relative term for President Trump. He was a terrible President and was an embarrassment to our country. In fact that he is the front runner again is simply terrifying. I’m just as impressed with President Biden and I honestly fear for our nation in the coming years.
