History

Life After Power

Background

Published in February 2024, “Life After Power: Seven Presidents and Their Search for Purpose Beyond the White House” by Jared Cohen examines the post-presidential lives of seven U.S. presidents: Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Grover Cleveland, William Howard Taft, Herbert Hoover, Jimmy Carter, and George W. Bush. The book explores how each navigated life after leaving the Oval Office, highlighting endeavors such as Jefferson’s founding of the University of Virginia and Carter’s humanitarian work with The Carter Center. Cohen delves into their personal reinventions and the impact of their post-presidential activities on their legacies.

My Thoughts

I learned a great deal from this book as it knit together whole swaths of American history through the lives of the Presidents. Or more correctly, after the Presidency.

I love to delve into history and learn about the problems of the day. It puts so much in context and shows the human experience really doesn’t change that much. They had their problems just like we have ours today, which felt just as pressing and world shaking. Yet, most issues from years ago are simply forgotten. It reminds me of the week before Sept 11th 2001 and that the big headline that week was how Anne Heche thought she was God. Now my kids quite rightly say, “Ann who?”

Here are a few takeaways from the book.

  • Thomas Jefferson wanted to make a University and considered that his lasting legacy.
  • John Quincy Adams became much more influential in congress where he tirelessly fought for the end of slavery.
  • Grover Cleveland was known for his honesty and was re-elected during a time of corruption.
  • William Howard Taft never wanted to be president but wanted to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. (He got his wish after a long wait.) He was also the beloved governor of the Philippines for a time.
  • Herbert Hoover was known as the great humanitarian and was beloved in Europe.
  • Jimmy Carter was surprisingly partisan. I knew about his humanitarian work, but didn’t know how bitter he and his wife were about being put out of the Whitehouse.
  • George W. Bush took office and all the Ws were removed from the keyboards from the Clinton administration. That struck me wrong. However, Bush became a painter and now expresses himself in paint without selling and donating his paintings.

Recommendation

Great book and I really enjoyed it.

Forging Wargamers

Background

​Published in 2022, “Forging Wargamers: A Framework for Professional Military Education,” edited by Sebastian J. Bae, is a compilation of essays addressing the development and enhancement of wargaming education within military contexts.The book examines the lack of standardized pathways for training wargame designers and participants, highlighting the challenges posed by an informal system of knowledge transfer. Contributors discuss integrating wargaming into pre-commissioning education, establishing competency models, and incorporating social science methodologies. The volume emphasizes the need for structured educational frameworks to cultivate proficient wargamers, aiming to ensure the discipline’s effectiveness as both an educational and analytical tool.

Forging Wargamers
Forging Wargamers

My Thoughts

I’ve been working on this book for about 4 months now. It isn’t what I’d call a page turner, but I was glad I finished it.

The book was published by Marine Corps University Press so I’ve met several of the contributors and knew of their work. It was written before the rise of AI and much of how we think of wargaming may be changing in the next few years. Wargaming will continue to be a great tool for education and may take on more emphasis as we struggle to integrate AI tools into learning opportunities.

Recommendation

A good snapshot of the time, but it may already be obsolete.

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

Background

Published in 1993, “Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship” is a non-fiction book by Tom Clancy. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the inner workings of both attack and nuclear submarines, with tours of the USS Miami (SSN-755), an improved Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine, and the British submarine HMS Triumph. Clancy provides detailed insights into submarine design, construction, and operations, supplemented by diagrams, photographs, and previously classified information. The book also delves into the history and evolution of submarines, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of these complex vessels.

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship
Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

My Thoughts

This book was much more of a reference than a story so it was a little hard to push through it. Clancy does give some scenarios and speculations of how a submersible ship could be used in war and politics, but most of it read more like a text book. It truly is amazing what marvels of engineering these vessels are and how much they can do! It’s important to keep in mind this was written 30 years ago. I can only imagine what the new Columbia class boats are able to achieve.

Clancy reinforced my desire to never step on one of these boats. My hat is off to all the intrepid submariners who have endeavored to keep us safe. I sincerely hope they found joy in their service, but I would politely decline the opportunity if it ever presented itself. Seriously, I thought it was extreme to be shipped off to Mars and yet every habitation scenario I saw was better than life on a submarine.

Recommendation

This is dated information but still interesting.

The Good Allies

Background

Published in September of 2024, “The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism during the Second World War” by historian Tim Cook examines the evolving relationship between Canada and the United States during World War II. Initially wary neighbors, the two nations transformed into steadfast allies, collaborating closely to combat the Axis powers. Cook delves into diplomatic communications among leaders such as Churchill, Roosevelt, and King, highlighting how their interactions shaped wartime strategies and the post-war order. The book explores joint military operations, economic partnerships, and the cultural shifts that solidified the North American alliance, offering insights into how Canada navigated its role alongside a burgeoning global superpower.

The Good Allies
The Good Allies

My Thoughts

This was an interesting read as, like others, I wasn’t very aware of Canada’s contribution to World War II. Cook owns that stating, “It is up to Canadians to tell their story” which was a stated part of why this book was written.

In high school, I struggled to remember and meaningfully acknowledge the contributions of people outside my immediate friend group. Reading this book felt a lot like revisiting that dynamic. Canada played a significant role, making notable contributions, but their story often goes untold or forgotten. It’s no wonder Canada’s leadership worried about this exact issue. Caught between being perceived as English colonials or “upper Americans,” Canada has long been treated like the annoying younger sibling no one wants to include. Yet, during the war, they gave their time, talent, and resources—and continued to persevere despite it all. My hat’s off to you Canada!

Recommendation

This was a detailed read and I had to plow through some of it. However, I enjoyed the fresh perspective.

The Evolution of God

Background

Published in 2009, “The Evolution of God” by Robert Wright explores the development of the concept of God in the three main Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Wright examines how the idea of God has transformed over time, influenced by cultural, political, and social factors. He utilizes insights from archaeology, history, theology, and evolutionary psychology to trace these changes. Wright also discusses the role of evolutionary biology in the development of religion and speculates on the future of the concept of God.

The Evolution of God
The Evolution of God

My Thoughts

I was uncertain about this book a few times but it grew on me as he was finishing it out. This book is pieced together with secular evidence (e.g. existing documents, physically evidence, etc.) and is examined through the same lens. Ultimately, religion without faith can feel dry, disjointed, or incomplete. Or to put it another way, “They who dance are thought mad by those who hear not the music.”

There is an article of faith in my religion that reads in part, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.” The need for that qualifier is apparent throughout this book as numerous inferences are made through questionable translations and quotations.

Regardless, Wright did the best he could with the tools available and even tries to excuse believers as well. Unfortunately, he likely would be pilloried for any attempt simply due to the subject matter. Hopefully, our society will continue to grow along with our understanding of God and each other.

Recommendation

This one is worth the time. However, make sure to read through to the end.

Old Breed General

Background

Published in 2022, “Old Breed General”, written by Amy Rupertus Peacock and Don Brown, explores the life and military career of Major General William H. Rupertus, a key figure in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the author of the Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed. The book covers Rupertus’s leadership in crucial battles against Japanese forces, including Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu, where his strategic decisions were instrumental in the Pacific theater. Drawing from Rupertus’s wartime diaries and firsthand accounts, the authors detail his commitment to his troops, his resilience, and the legacy he left for future Marines. This biography also delves into the personal side of Rupertus, providing insights into his character, relationships, and the challenges he faced both on and off the battlefield.

Old Breed General
Old Breed General

My Thoughts

The book was written in a first person narrative form that was very effective in bringing the feel of the people and the peril on both sides of the war. Unlike the standard war movie, the book would endeavor to show the Japanese side of the engagement along with some of their ups and downs. In war, it is very easy to demonize the other side and is even helpful to dehumanize both the people and their culture. This was certainly the case on both sides of the war, but I appreciate the attempt at unbiased perspective given in the book. I learned quite a bit.

Recommendation

A good entry into the pacific theater.

Bradley

Background

Published in 1971, “Bradley” by Charles Whiting is a detailed biography of General Omar Bradley during World War II. Whiting explores Bradley’s rise from a quiet, unassuming West Point teacher to the leader of the Twelfth United States Army Group, the largest force commanded by an American general. The book covers his involvement in significant battles, including the defeat of the Afrika Korps, the invasions of Sicily and Normandy, and his leadership across the Rhine. It also discusses his post-war role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff​

Bradley
Bradley

My Thoughts

This book was fairly underwhelming, which I imagine was the point of the book. According to the book, General Bradley wasn’t someone who liked to pander to the press. That alone impresses me. He seems like a man with morals, which is also impressive. However, the book also details a few times where Bradley or “Brad” was jockeying for position and worried about his reputation. That was less impressive. In short, I am conflicted on my mental image of him and will have to seek out another source.

Recommendation

I appreciated the read.

City of Nets: A Portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s

Background

Published in 1986, “City of Nets: A Portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s” by Otto Friedrich provides a comprehensive look at Hollywood during a influential and turbulent decade. The book covers the peak and decline of the studio system, starting in 1939, when millions of Americans flocked to theaters weekly, and ending in the early 1950s with the rise of television and the aftermath of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings. Friedrich also explores the lives of the actors, writers, directors, and industry figures who shaped Hollywood, while also delving into its darker aspects, such as labor disputes, anti-communist purges, and power struggles.

City of Nets A Portrait of Hollywood in the 19040s
City of Nets A Portrait of Hollywood in the 19040s

My Thoughts

This book confirmed what I’d come to believe for some time. In short, Hollywood sucks! This was the “golden age” and it was such a nest of morally bereft people trying to pull one over on everyone else. It’s truly sad that I won’t be able to look at several movies with the same eyes again.

Recommendation

Don’t read it. I’m glad I didn’t read it back when it was published.

In the Mind of Stalin

Background

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
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.

Recommendation

Skip this one.

The Fifth Act American’s End in Afghanistan

Background

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
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.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it. It was both readable and relatable.