History

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.

American Woman The Transformation of the Modern First Lady

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

American Woman The Transformation of the Modern First Lady
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.

Recommendation

Not a bad read.

Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education

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.

Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education
Women, Peace, and Security in Professional Military Education

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.

The Sling and the Stone

Background

Published in 2004, “The Sling and the Stone,” is a comprehensive exploration of modern warfare and the evolution of conflict in the 21st century. Authored by Colonel Thomas X. Hammes, the book challenges conventional military strategies and highlights the increasing relevance of irregular warfare and insurgency tactics in contemporary conflicts. Drawing on historical examples and extensive research, Hammes examines the strengths and weaknesses of both conventional and unconventional approaches to warfare, offering insights into how nations and armed forces can adapt to effectively combat non-traditional threats.

The Sling and the Stone
The Sling and the Stone

My Thoughts

I’m amazed at how well this book has held up as it is over 20 years old. Of course, much has changed particularly with Al-Qaeda as the book was written before the Arab Spring. Still, it gave valuable insight into the Middle East and their varied intertwining histories. It is interesting even today that most people conceive of war in terms of nation states and battlefields. We have moved into a completely new paradigm, particularly now even our Marines have divested themselves from traditional armor and artillery. It’s a brave new world out there and I hope we are ready for it.

It was very interesting to see how the vision of 20 years ago gave seed to the Marine “Force Design 2030” and similar measures. Also, I really enjoyed the idea of modern warfighters playing MMORPGs to ready themselves for 4th generation war. Maybe all that time in my life wasn’t wasted after all.

Recommendation

An older read, but surprisingly relevant.

The Boys in the Boat

Background

Published in June of 2013, “The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown, recounts the inspiring true story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar rowing team and their quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the narrative follows the lives of the young men from diverse backgrounds who overcame immense personal and collective hardships. Through their determination, teamwork, and the guidance of their visionary coach, they triumphed against the odds, culminating in an electrifying race that captured the world’s attention and remains a testament to the power of perseverance and unity.

The Boys in the Boat
The Boys in the Boat

My Thoughts

I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. Now that I have, I don’t know I need to see it. This story was not quite what I was expecting. I enjoy a good sock-Hilter-in-the-jaw type books as much as anyone. However, I just wasn’t expecting it. Nor was the focus on Joe throughout most of the book. I regret there wasn’t much character development for the rest of the boys.

Recommendation

A good book and an inspiring story.

The Grand Strategy That Won The Cold War

Background

Published in 2016, “The Grand Strategy that Won the Cold War: Architecture of Triumph” by Douglas E. Streusand, presents an analysis of the strategic framework that led to the United States’ victory in the Cold War. Streusand examines the multifaceted approach adopted by American policymakers, emphasizing the importance of containment, military strength, economic vitality, and ideological warfare. Drawing on extensive research and historical evidence, he argues that the United States successfully constructed a resilient and adaptable grand strategy that effectively countered Soviet expansionism and ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The Grand Strategy That Won The Cold War
The Grand Strategy That Won The Cold War

My Thoughts

This was a fascinating look behind the scenes of the Reagan administration and how they went about combating communism and more specifically the USSR. The author is unapologetically pro President Reagan and states repeatedly that he both had the vision and followed through. If true, that is impressive and puts so many actions taken in perspective. I am currently looking for more information and/or the counter argument.

Recommendation

A little stuffy and full of references, but I enjoyed it.

The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google

Background

Published in 2017, “The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google,” written by Scott Galloway, is a critical analysis of how these four tech giants have come to dominate the global economy and influence nearly every aspect of our lives. Galloway explores the unique strategies and core business practices that have enabled Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google to achieve unparalleled growth and market power. The book provides insights into the companies’ impact on innovation, competition, and consumer behavior, as well as their role in reshaping industries and cultural norms. Galloway also examines the challenges and responsibilities these companies face given their monumental influence, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the future of technology and its intersection with society and the economy.

The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google
The Four: The Hidden DNA of Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google

My Thoughts

It is very interesting to read this book 6 years in the future from when it was written. Some of what he said remained true and some didn’t quite turn out the way he anticipated. In fairness, it’s hard to see a global pandemic and the changes forcing everyone to stay home made on the market.

Recommendation

Still a good book even though it doesn’t quite hold up.

Listen: On Music Sound and Us

Background

Published in 2023, “Listen: On Music, Sound, and Us,” by Mark Doffman is an insightful exploration into the world of music and sound and how they profoundly influence our lives. Doffman delves into the essence of listening, examining how we interact with sounds and music, and what these interactions reveal about our humanity. The book interweaves personal stories, scientific research, and cultural analysis to demonstrate how sound and music shape our experiences, relationships, and identities. Through a series of engaging narratives, Doffman invites readers to reconsider their auditory experiences and the role of listening in understanding the world and connecting with others. This work is not just about music’s aesthetic and cultural dimensions but also about its power to affect us on deeply personal and universal levels.

Listen: On Music Sound and Us
Listen: On Music Sound and Us

My Thoughts

This book was a novel approach in that it didn’t judge whatever anyone enjoyed. I found myself reflecting on past experiences with the intent just to enjoy it. That in itself was worth the read.

Recommendation

Good read.

A Stinky History of Toilets

Background

“A Stinky History of Toilets” is an engaging and educational book that delves into the fascinating evolution of toilets throughout history. With a blend of humor and fact, the book explores how different cultures have approached sanitation and the technological advancements that have led to the modern bathroom. From ancient latrines and the elaborate sewer systems of Rome to the inventiveness of the Victorian era and beyond, the narrative offers readers a unique perspective on a subject often taken for granted. This book not only provides a historical overview but also sheds light on the social and environmental implications of toilets, highlighting their critical role in public health and hygiene. With its entertaining style and informative content, “A Stinky History of Toilets” makes the history of this essential invention accessible and interesting to a wide audience, revealing the profound impact toilets have had on civilization and daily life.

A Stinky History of Toilets
A Stinky History of Toilets

My Thoughts

Toilets are one of those things we miss when we are without them. I have always been fascinated by the cultural differences in this very human activity. From the Captain Kirkish seats in Japan to the simple hole in the ground, we all have to go sometime. Even in my area, I have friends who live and die by their toilet seat bidets and swear their lives are the better for it. While I haven’t jumped on the bandwagon, I think it is a good idea to know your way isn’t the only way.

Recommendation

This was a fun book written in a simple style to educate everyone.