Biography – Page 3 – Ryan’s Book Blog

The Algebra of Happiness

April 19, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2019, “The Algebra of Happiness” is a book by Scott Galloway that offers a blend of personal anecdotes, professional advice, and insights into achieving success, happiness, and life fulfillment. The book draws from Galloway’s experiences as an entrepreneur, professor, and public speaker, providing guidance on relationships, career choices, and personal growth.

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this book. In particular, the fact that his sons brought so much joy into his life. (I don’t know that kissing them on the mouth is needed, but still.) It’s amazing how much he gets wrong at the same time of getting so much right.

Recommendation

It was still worth the read.

On Killing

March 6, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 1995, “On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society,” by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, delves into the psychological impact of killing on soldiers and law enforcement officers. Grossman combines historical data, interviews, and psychological research to explore the resistance humans have to taking life and the techniques developed by the military to overcome this inhibition. The book examines the consequences of killing, including post-traumatic stress disorder and other long-term psychological effects. Grossman’s work is a seminal exploration of the complex interplay between the duty to kill in certain professions and the innate human aversion to taking life, offering crucial insights into the human psyche and the societal implications of institutionalized violence.

My Thoughts

This book was not what I thought it was going to be. It shed new light on the personal struggles that men have had killing others for centuries. I was introduced to a side of the military I don’t often see and have more hope for humanity because of it.

Recommendation

This can be a rough book for those who are sensitive.

Desert Born, World Forged

January 17, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in early 2024, “Desert Born, World Forged” is a book by Alex Sebby who tells of his life through growing up, through the Marine Corps, and his work today. This is not the fantasy novel by the same name.

My Thoughts

With respect to my coworker, who wrote the book, this book was in sore need of an editor. Time periods change throughout it and it doesn’t seem to make sense through several chapters. The book was self published and it shows.

Recommendation

Skip this one.

Jackson: The Iron Willed Commander

November 14, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2012, “Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander,” authored by Paul Vickery, offers an insightful examination of Andrew Jackson’s ascent from humble origins to a pivotal figure in American history, focusing on his military achievements and presidential tenure. The book highlights Jackson’s unwavering determination and leadership, particularly during the War of 1812, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping American nationalism. Through exploring Jackson’s significant contributions and the challenges he overcame, Vickery portrays a leader whose influence was crucial during a formative period in the United States, leaving a lasting imprint on the nation’s trajectory.

My Thoughts

Old Hickory himself! As I was reading this, I was reminded of General Mattis. Jackson was loved by his men because he was one of them. (Or at least they saw it that way.) As a general he was fantastic and seemed to do no wrong. Of course, his treatment of the Native American’s will always follow him. He is one of those people who make you wonder if it is the events that make the man or the man that makes the events.

Recommendation

A good book

Washington: A Legacy of Leadership

October 23, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published on April 18, 2011. “Washington: A Legacy of Leadership” is part of “The Generals” series and offers insights into George Washington’s leadership style and achievements, focusing on how his strategies and decisions shaped the United States. If you’re looking for a comprehensive analysis of Washington’s leadership and legacy, this book likely explores his role as a military leader and the first President of the U.S., highlighting the qualities that have cemented his status as a pivotal figure in American history.

My Thoughts

This book was full of information which was not part of my elementary history book. Paul Vickery does a good job trying to look through General Washington’s eyes and tries to empathize with his decisions. He links life events to specific decisions that shaped the military career of our first President.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it.

Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General

September 6, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2022, “Lieutenant General James Longstreet: Innovative Military Strategist: The Most Misunderstood Civil War General” is a biography of James Longstreet during the Civil War. An argument is made that he was a greater general than history portrayed him and, if General Lee had followed his recommendations, several battles would not have been fought or would have worked out much better in the favor of the Confederacy. (E.g. Gettysburg.)

My Thoughts

I love a good Civil War book in general. However, this one went a little bit further in the weeds than I would have liked. He did make a compelling argument about Longstreet’s ability but I don’t have the expertise to fact check him. Still, it seemed very detailed and I enjoyed it.

Recommendation

It was a tedious read but worth my time.

“You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People

August 3, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in January of 2023, ““You Just Need to Lose Weight”: And 19 Other Myths About Fat People” is a book discussing the perspective of overweight people. The book talks about diets, trends, myths, and has many examples from the author’s personal life.

My Thoughts

I will say this was a very well written book. The author’s prose, vocabulary, her ability to express herself, and so on were absolutely on point. That said, this was a very angry book full of logical fallacies and nonsensical rants. It goes on the shelf of similar works of supposed oppression where there is no way the individual would be satisfied. One can’t use the term “fat” because thin people have “weaponized” it. Yet she prefers to be called fat…

The last chapter the author expands her ranting to all people or groups or whatever who have ever felt left out for any reason… Seriously, it was embarrassing.

Recommendation

Very well written garbage.

Countdown to Dallas

June 30, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2013, “Countdown to Dallas” is by Paul Brandus exploring the events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The book examines the lives of both Kennedy and Lee Harvey Oswald, and it debunks various theories about who was responsible for the assassination. Brandus argues that the assassination was at the hands of Oswald and gives compelling evidence of the series of events that led to that day in Dallas.

My Thoughts

I never saw the movie “JFK” by Oliver Stone but Paul Brandus doesn’t seem to have a high opinion of it. In fact, he takes every opportunity to show where it was in error. I also had no idea of the time Oswald lived in Russia or his communist ties. I didn’t know he idealized Cuban Marxism or that he was so far down the end of his rope. I was gratified to hear that the Marines kicked him out. He sounds like a real piece of work.

However, if all the above were true, I can certainly understand why it wouldn’t be such a great idea to inform everyone of exactly who this guy was and what he was about as it would certainly cause issues. Of course, it did anyway and that is a worthy story in of itself.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. The book seems to be well researched and written but there is still some tangible bias in his language. It’s enough that makes me want to delve further.

Born to Run 2

June 24, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2022, “Born to Run 2” is the sequel to “Born to Run” (2009). Both were written by Christopher McDougall and explores the author’s journey to of the events after the first book. In this book, McDougall delves into practical exercises and still continues his belief the science, biomechanics, and natural form of running for the human body. He also gives some histories of people who made an appearance in his first book.

My Thoughts

I was one of those people who bought minimalist shoes and went running after reading his first book. I ran almost daily back in those days and it is the only thing I miss about my time working in Washington D.C.

This book almost had me buying a new pair of shoes and start running again. (I still have my old pair because they almost never wear out but according to this book, I bought them too small). I currently am laid up due to some plantar fasciitis in my foot. However, McDougall gives specific exercises to deal with it. I still may…

Recommendation

This is a bit of a niche read and meant as more of a reference but it was worth my attention.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive

May 26, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2023, “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive” is children’s book presenting an account of the life and experiences of Ruth Bader Ginsburg though unusual facts and anecdotes. The book explores Ginsburg’s journey from her early years and education, her marriage, her legal career, and many of her personal hobbies.

My Thoughts

This was a fun read. Almost all the stories were not in her biography so most of it was novel content to me. I particularly liked that she stopped driving after hitting Sandra Day O’Connor’s car. That cracked me up.

Recommendation

A very quick and fun read.