Non-Fiction – Page 16 – Ryan's Book Blog

Six People Who Built America

June 27, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Released in June of 2021, “Six People Who Built America” by Harold Evans is a biographical account of six influential individuals who made significant contributions to the growth and development of the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The book profiles Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, exploring their lives and legacies in depth. The author examines the impact these figures had on American industry, technology, and society, while also acknowledging the controversies and challenges associated with their achievements. With its rich historical detail and engaging narrative, Six People Who Built America provides an informative and thought-provoking look at some of the most important figures in American history.

My Thoughts

This lecture brought together some ideas I hadn’t considered and linked them together in world history. Each of the people discussed couldn’t have done what they did without the others around them and those who came before.

Recommendation

Pretty good but it seemed shorter than I would have liked.

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.

The Happiness Advantage

June 9, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published back in 2010, “The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work” is a self-help book by Shawn Achor. The book argues that happiness is not just a byproduct of success, but rather a precursor to it. Achor presents seven principles that he believes can help individuals cultivate a positive mindset and improve their performance in various areas of life, including work, relationships, and health. These principles include focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses, cultivating optimism and gratitude, and building strong social connections. Achor draws on research from the fields of positive psychology and neuroscience to support his ideas, and includes practical exercises and strategies for readers to apply in their own lives.

My Thoughts

I believe I read this some time ago and I’ve read a dozen others like it in the time since. However, they all have a few things in common. 1) They all agree it is better to be happy than to be otherwise and 2) you can be happy no matter what is going on in your life. The key is really being thankful for what you have and in being of service to others.

However, this book was one of the first that studied happiness from a psychological perspective. They tried the science of what being in a good mood can do for your memory, cognitive abilities, creativity, and so on. In short, it helps.

Recommendation

A good book and helpful for inspiring.

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.

The Book of Joy

June 2, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in September of 2016, The Book of Joy is a record of discussions had between Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.

My Thoughts

This was a very interesting book given the context of different spiritual leaders from very different systems of beliefs. However, I felt they did a great job of keeping things positive and working to better humanity.

Recommendation

The book is an engaging read and was a great reminder of all the reasons to remain positive.

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…

How to be Perfect

May 17, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

From Michael Schur the producer of “The Good Place” came “How to Be Perfect” which was published in January of 2022. This book goes over some of the philosophical research Mr. Schur did for “The Good Place” and dips its toe in most philosophical studies.

My Thoughts

The author does a good job in keeping you engaged with jokes and so on. However, there was a few too many jokes which made it feel like a sitcom. (I guess that shouldn’t have been a surprise.)

Recommendation

I liked it.

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.