Biography – Page 7 – Ryan's Book Blog

Saving Freedom: Truman, the Cold War, and the Fight for Western Civilization

June 25, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Originally published in Nov of 2020, Saving Freedom: Truman, the Cold War, and the Fight for Western Civilization by Joe Scarborough is a detailed account of the tumultuous years following World War II and the start of the Cold War. The book centers on President Harry S. Truman and his efforts to contain the spread of Soviet influence in Europe and around the world. Scarborough explores Truman’s personal and political struggles, as well as the larger geopolitical forces at play during this critical period in history. He also examines the rise of McCarthyism, the Korean War, and the challenges faced by the United States as it sought to promote democracy and freedom abroad while also confronting internal divisions and challenges to civil liberties at home. Ultimately, Saving Freedom is a compelling and insightful look at the postwar world and the complex political and moral choices that shaped the course of history.

My Thoughts

I think everyone enjoys a good underdog story and there are few better than our 33rd President Harry S. Truman. Going from, “I’m just mild about Harry” to “Give ’em hell Harry!”

I hadn’t thought much about his presidency past the dropping of the atomic bombs. However, the post WWII reconstruction was really interesting.

Recommendation

Great read that filled in a blank for me in my US History.

Me Talk Pretty One Day

June 16, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of humorous essays by American author David Sedaris. The book is divided into two sections, with the first half focusing on Sedaris’s childhood in North Carolina and the second half chronicling his move to Paris and struggles to learn French. Throughout the book, Sedaris uses wit and satire to comment on various aspects of modern life, from the quirks of family dynamics to the challenges of living in a foreign country. While the book is often irreverent and lighthearted in tone, it also touches on deeper themes of identity, language, and belonging. With its blend of humor and insight, Me Talk Pretty One Day is a witty and entertaining read that has resonated with readers around the world.

My Thoughts

David Sedaris is a wonderful author and it is a pleasure to read. He has a number of quips and is a master of wordplay although his humor is sometimes biting and can be dark.

Recommendation

For adults but worth the read.

Call Sign Chaos

June 14, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in September of 2019, “Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead” is a memoir by retired four-star general and former United States Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, co-written with Bing West. The book chronicles Mattis’s 40-year military career, from his early days as a Marine infantry officer to his role as head of the US Central Command. The narrative is organized around the leadership principles that Mattis developed over the course of his career, emphasizing the importance of accountability, clear communication, and strategic thinking. Throughout the book, Mattis reflects on his experiences in combat, his interactions with military and political leaders, and the challenges he faced in leading troops in some of the most complex and dangerous environments in the world.

My Thoughts

This was a good book but was came off more like Marine Corps lore rather than the simple honest truth. There are a lot of gems in there but I kept feeling like I was being sold something.

Recommendation

Read No Better Friend, No Greater Enemy. It was a better book.

Eat, Pray, Love

June 7, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in February of 2006, it is the story of Elizabeth Gilbert’s travels and what she learned after her divorce.

My Thoughts

The woman starts off as a self centered, entitled, and immoral person and is good enough to keep consistent throughout most of the book. She had some growth and is more emotionally centered but she still seems so narrow and self serving. While there are some good stories, it felt like a big humble brag from someone who is all about herself.

No surprise, she left her first husband for no apparent reason, left her next husband for a lesbian relationship with her “best friend” 3 months later (which ended 2 years later due to cancer), her next big relationship lasted a year and again ended for no particular reason.

Recommendation

I really didn’t like the book.

As You Wish

May 20, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in October of 2014, “As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride” is a memoir by actor Cary Elwes, who played the role of Westley in the beloved 1987 film The Princess Bride. The book recounts Elwes’s experiences filming the movie, from the audition process to the final scenes. Elwes also shares behind-the-scenes stories about the film’s other cast members, including Robin Wright, Andre the Giant, and Billy Crystal, and the movie’s director, Rob Reiner. Throughout the book, Elwes reflects on the enduring popularity of The Princess Bride and the ways in which it has touched the lives of fans around the world.

My Thoughts

This book was so much fun. I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at it all and particularly anything to do with Andre the Giant.

Recommendation

If you like the movie, you’ll love this book…

The Splendid and the Vile

May 4, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in February of 2020, “The Splendid and the Vile” is written by Erik Larson that focuses on Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. The book draws on diaries, letters, and other primary sources to provide a detailed account of Churchill’s leadership during the Blitz, the Nazi bombing campaign against Britain. Larson weaves together the political, military, and personal aspects of Churchill’s life, showing how he rallied the British people in their darkest hour and helped to change the course of the war. The book also explores the relationships and personalities of the people around Churchill, including his family, advisors, and close associates.

My Thoughts

I’ve read through a few histories on Winston Churchill but I really liked this one. As the subject matter time frame was so narrow, the author was able to get to a good deal of detail I hadn’t been exposed to before. I love a good story of pure grit and determination and there isn’t a much better subject than Churchill.

Recommendation

Great read if you like detail.

A Promised Land

May 2, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

A Promised Land is a book detailing the life of our 44th President Barack Obama from his run for the Presidency to about 2017. Published in November of 2021, former President Obama said he had been working on it for the last four years and there is still more to come.

My Thoughts

As always, it is good to hear the story straight from participants without the usual cheers and jeers interrupting the narrative. Having recently read John Boehner’s book dealing with that time frame, it gave a good balance to the narrative given. It’s amazing how much more polarized we have become in such a story time.

Recommendation

It was long but worth it to hear from the man himself.

Will

April 22, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in November of 2021, Will is a memoir by Will Smith. The book tells the story of Smith’s life, from his childhood in West Philadelphia to his rise to fame as a rapper, actor, and producer. Smith writes candidly about his struggles with poverty, violence, and racism, as well as his triumphs in the entertainment industry. He also shares his thoughts on success, happiness, and family. Will is a powerful and inspiring story about the power of hope and determination.

My Thoughts

Will Smith really let it all out there with this book. He has had a very interesting life that I would have never known about from his connections to organized crime to his multiple marriages and so on. However, I still like him and wish him the best.

Recommendation

Good read if you are a fan.

Is this Anything?

April 18, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in October of 2020, Is this Anything? is a book about the standup journey of Jerry Seinfeld.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book and it was fun to hear him go over some of his classic routine. He does a good job showing the work that goes on behind the scenes and mentions that he keeps written notes on every joke he has ever told.

Recommendation

I really enjoyed this. However, I’m a fan and I love a good story of grit.

Walk in my Combat Boots

April 14, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in February of 2021, Walk in My Combat Boots is a collection of true stories from America’s warriors, told by the men and women who lived them. The stories are raw, honest, and unforgettable. They offer a glimpse into the lives of those who have served our country in the armed forces, and the sacrifices they have made.

The book is divided into three sections: “The Call to Duty,” “The Fight,” and “The Homecoming.” In “The Call to Duty,” the authors share their stories of why they joined the military. In “The Fight,” they recount their experiences in combat. And in “The Homecoming,” they discuss the challenges of re-integrating into civilian life.

My Thoughts

Most of the stories are lacking in any kind of theme or similarity so it was easy to get lost in the narrative. My hat is off to our service men and women but I didn’t really enjoy this book.

Recommendation

It was hard to get through. I’d skip this one.