History – Page 2 – Ryan's Book Blog

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

December 23, 2024 by Ryan

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.

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

December 11, 2024 by Ryan

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.

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

November 17, 2024 by Ryan

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.

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

October 30, 2024 by Ryan

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.

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

October 25, 2024 by Ryan

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

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

October 17, 2024 by Ryan

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

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

August 31, 2024 by Ryan

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.

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

August 22, 2024 by Ryan

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.

American Woman The Transformation of the Modern First Lady

August 21, 2024 by Ryan

Background

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

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.

Recommendation

Not a bad read.

Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education

August 17, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2022, “Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education,” edited by Dr. Lauren Mackenzie and published by the Marine Corps University Press, explores the critical integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda into military education systems. This book is a compilation of essays and articles published on the relevant topics and arranged to provide a narrative. It examines how the principles of WPS, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 1325, are being woven into the curricula of military institutions to ensure that future leaders understand the importance of gender perspectives in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. Through analysis and case studies, the book highlights the impact of WPS on operational effectiveness, strategic planning, and the protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.

My Thoughts

The book doesn’t really read like a cohesive whole. This was to be expected as anytime you have a variety of authors, you run into this problem. However, the editors struggled to give it flow in areas that were in need of more form and structure.

Most of the segments came from articles or peer reviewed literature. Unfortunately, there are a number of statements and inferences made that seem unsupported unless you delve further into the references. I found myself wondering about a few seeming leaps in logic and occasionally about conflicting ideas. Below is an example.

Several of the studies were using small sample sizes requiring t-distributions. It’s hard to see many of the findings to be much more than anecdotal evidence when you are interviewing 6 people. A specific example would be the quantitative discussion that 20% of women failed a course over a 4 year period only to find out the study was only involved 10 women. It’s hard to follow the sweeping generalizations on such evidence. It is also a little frightening that the evolving military attitude toward female combat fitness could be based on that kind of data. I only hope more data pours in as the years go by and all of us can have an honest look at what happened without the bias of our preconceived notions.

Recommendation

This one was difficult to get through.