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.

On Killing

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.

On Killing
On Killing

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.

Jackson: The Iron Willed Commander

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.

Jackson The Iron Willed Commander
Jackson The Iron Willed Commander

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

All Roads Led To Gettysburg

Background

Published in August of 2022, “All Roads Led to Gettysburg,” revisits the Civil War’s crucial battle with a novel lens, disputing the idea that the engagement was coincidental. He explores the pre-battle maneuvers and geographical considerations that funneled the opposing forces to Gettysburg, underscoring the roles of transportation routes and natural landscapes in dictating the battle’s dynamics. Harman’s analysis redefines our understanding of this historic clash, suggesting a degree of inevitability to the confrontation due to strategic and environmental factors.

All Roads Led To Gettysburg
All Roads Led To Gettysburg

My Thoughts

This book took a fascinating look at the geography and terrain of the civil war era and made a convincing case of the inevitability of the outcomes. I had heard quite a bit about the railroads of the North and how that helped win the war. However, this went over and beyond to roads, waterways, and so on.

Recommendation

A good read

Killers of the Flower Moon

Background

Published in 2017, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” is a nonfiction book by David Grann. It narrates the chilling and little-known history of the Osage murders in the 1920s. The Osage Nation in Oklahoma became immensely wealthy due to oil reserves under their land, which led to a series of brutal murders as outsiders schemed to claim their wealth. The book unfolds in three parts, detailing the Osage community’s tragedy, the investigation led by the fledgling FBI, and Grann’s contemporary investigation into the murders that delves deeper into the conspiracy and its wide-reaching impact.

Killers of the Flower Moon
Killers of the Flower Moon

My Thoughts

A very sad tale of greed and corruption in American history. We love to romanticize the old West, but there were some terrible things that occurred during that period. It makes me thankful to live in our world today.

Recommendation

It was well written, but a rough topic. I have little to no desire to see the movie.

Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction

Background

Published in January of 2003, “Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction” is a concise book by Marc Mulholland that examines Northern Ireland’s complex history, including the rise of republicanism, the civil rights movement, and the growth of significant political groups like Sinn Féin and the DUP. The book brings the reader up to date with Northern Ireland’s history, drawing on new sources to provide fresh perspectives.

Northern Ireland A Very Short Introduction
Northern Ireland A Very Short Introduction

My Thoughts

A very short introduction is a little misleading. It seemed like a lot for me to take in as most of it was new information. Yet again, proof that there is so much more to the world than I have seen from this corner of it.

Recommendation

Very informative. A good read.

Washington: A Legacy of Leadership

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.

Washington A Legacy of Leadership
Washington A Legacy of Leadership

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.

The True Story of Pocahontas

Background

Published in 2007, “The True Story of Pocahontas: The Other Side of History,” a book by Dr. Linwood “Little Bear” Custalow and Angela L. Daniel. This book offers a unique perspective on the life of Pocahontas, focusing on the oral traditions and perspectives of her descendants from the Mattaponi tribe. Custalow, a Mattaponi tribal member, provides insights into Pocahontas’s life and the cultural context of her time, offering a narrative that differs from the more widely known historical accounts. The book aims to present a more accurate and culturally informed portrayal of Pocahontas’s story from the indigenous perspective.

The True Story of Pocahontas
The True Story of Pocahontas

My Thoughts

It is always instructive to read accounts stemming from oral history and this book is one of them. There was a similar title that was published back in 1994 and it would be interesting to read that book to compare the differences. Either way, I’m sure both would agree the Disney version was ridiculous. I’m not sure if their version of Pocahontas or Peter Pan was more offensive to Native Americans.

This version of the story was hard to hear in places as it was definitely one sided. No Englishman came off as a moral or good person throughout this history and the majority of their actions were reprehensible. Reading through it certainly gave me a lot to think about.

Recommendation

It was painful but worth the read.