Published in Sept of 2020, the Writer’s Library is a collection of interviews with writers and their favorite books.
The Writer’s Library
My Thoughts
Apparently, I don’t have a lot of sophistication because this was really hard to get through. In fact, I didn’t get much from the book. These people came across as pretentious and snooty. I understand I read a lot of trash but I’m going to have to add this one to that number.
One day I will learn that I don’t have to finish the book. I kept coming back to it over weeks and it just seemed to keep going.
The version I read was published in 2009 and is story of the beginning of the Korean War and how the 10,000 Marines of 1st Division fought their way through 100,000 Chinese soldiers. More specifically, how Captain William Barber and the 234 Marines of Fox Company held the Toktong Pass against all odds.
The Last Stand of Fox Company
My Thoughts
This is the modern day equivalent of the Battle of Thermopylae. The Marines held the pass against incredible odds and some made it out to tell the story. This book is foundational to the ethos of the United States Marines. They celebrate the pure grit it took to hold when anyone else would have run.
Recommendation
A good read if you want to understand the Marine Corps. The books is graphic so it should not be read by children.
Published in September 2020, “How to Lead” is written by David Rubenstein, a successful business leader and philanthropist. The book offers practical advice and insights on leadership, drawing on Rubenstein’s own experiences as well as interviews with some of the world’s most influential leaders in fields such as business, politics, and entertainment. The book covers a wide range of topics, including communication, decision-making, managing teams, and developing a personal leadership style. It also explores the qualities that make for effective leadership, such as vision, empathy, and resilience.
How To Lead
My Thoughts
The discussions were very interesting and I learned a lot. That said, there wasn’t much of a common thread in the interviews. The thoughts on success were as varied as the people that were interviewed. At least some had the courage to admit the role of luck in their success…
Recommendation
This was an interesting book but not a good one if you want to learn how to lead.
Published in November of 2020, “The Practice” is a manual to get creative people building and doing the work. It outlines the difference between an amateur and a professional when it comes to their work.
Shipping Creative Work
My Thoughts
This book had my mind racing about what I could be doing and want to be more intentional with my time and talents. I really do believe that anyone can be good at something if they put the time in. However, to be really great… The book would have you believe it is all about the hours and I believe that is partially true. I agree with Tony Robbins that if you, “have a big enough why you will figure out the how.” That “why” gives you the passion to keep putting in the practice. Of course, a little talent wouldn’t hurt either…
Published in October of 2020, “Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets” is a self-help book written by Andy Stanley, a renowned author and pastor. The book offers practical advice and guidance on decision-making, drawing on insights from psychology, neuroscience, and the author’s own experiences. Stanley argues that many people struggle with decision-making because they lack a clear framework for making choices and often base their decisions on emotion rather than reason. He offers a simple but powerful approach to decision-making that involves clarifying one’s core values, gathering relevant information, and considering the potential consequences of different options. The book also provides tips on overcoming common obstacles to good decision-making, such as indecision, fear, and a reluctance to admit mistakes.
Better Decisions Fewer Regrets
My Thoughts
I liked the style of writing as he was self deprecating and approachable. There was a lot of wisdom packed in there and a lot of experience as he works with people as a pastor. One of the things that stuck out to me was the advise on waiting a year before any kind of dating after a divorce. I wonder where I would be now if I had followed that advice…
Recommendation
Great book to help you evaluate where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there.
Published in September of 2020, You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power was started before the COVID-19 lock down but was heavily influenced by it. The central message is that God specifically cares for you and your needs.
You are Never Alone
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book as the author made specific mention that God is watching and cares for you where you are now. I have found this is the case in my life and it was comforting (confirmations bias) to hear it echoed through his words and through the scripture he quoted.
Recommendation
This is a good book if you are Christian and want a pick me up.
Published in November of 2020, Post Corona is the predictions of celebrated advertising theorist and Professor at the New York University Stern School of Business. He details how the COVID-19 virus has impacted our lives and what it means going forward into the future.
Post Corona From Crisis to Opportunity
My Thoughts
This was one of the few books that made enough of an impact on me that I mentioned it to my wife! A high bar indeed.
I had no idea that Amazon had already jumped ahead into healthcare. I knew it was only a matter of time but I didn’t know that had happened. I didn’t know so many business had fallen and what was happening to those who were still around… There was much I thought I had a handle on but so much swept by without my notice.
I’m in Mr. Galloway’s camp. I am free market kind of guy and I really think there shouldn’t be anyone who is “too big to fail”. After all, where was my bail out when my business tanked in 2007? I adapted! I had to fire my employees and pick myself up again. It hurt and it sucked but I’m better off in the long term. Anyway, he gave me a lot more to think about.
Decorated planetary scientist Sara Seager wrote this biography about the time in her life between the death of her first husband and the marriage of her 2nd. She details the journey of discovering planets orbiting other stars and the advances and awards she had been given along the way.
The Smallest Lights in the Universe
My Thoughts
I almost threw this book down more than once. I found the author to be self absorbed, selfish, and completely disconnected from reality. I felt great pity for her first husband for having to deal with her crap for the rest of his life and worse for the wife of the man she became interested in later on. I’m not sure why I kept reading.
I’m very interested in planetary science and the possibilities of worlds outside of our own. I liked that part of the book. However, her plight didn’t resonate with me at all. At the end of the book, she makes the announcement that she found out she was autistic. That ticked me off even more because it came across as a justification for her actions.
Published in April of 2020, “The Year 1000” is a non-fiction book written by historian Robert Lacey and archaeologist Danny Danziger that explores what life was like in England at the dawn of the second millennium. The book takes a fascinating look at the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the people living in England in the year 1000, based on a wide range of sources including archaeological evidence, historical records, and contemporary writings. The authors examine everything from diet and fashion to religion and politics, painting a vivid picture of a world that was simultaneously vastly different and surprisingly familiar to our own.
The Year 1000
My Thoughts
This book almost seems to be written as a counter to “The Year 1000: What Life Was Like at the Turn of the First Millennium, An Englishman’s World” as it deals with the entire world and not just the Western European perspective.
Great book! I really enjoyed learning about how the connections were being made all over the world. It was really enlightening to be shown how people connected and traded at a time I tend to think of as a dark spot in history.
Hell and Other Destinations: A 21st-Century Memoir is the biography of Madeleine Albright who was the first female Secretary of State under President Clinton.
Hell and Other Destinations
My Thoughts
I’m always interested in people who have lived interesting lives and that certainly applies to Madeleine Albright. As an immigrant from Eastern Europe, she certainly had some interest in the world outside of the United States.
I enjoyed hearing about her journey and how she thought others perceived her. I even enjoyed hearing about her pins and feel like I’m part of the insider crowd by knowing about them. The book was well written and I feel it did a good job representing her personality and beliefs. (For all I know about them.)
In general, I’m not really a fan of hers when it comes to politics. The world is a complex place and it is imperative we understand other countries. I believe she does a good job of that. However, I don’t share her optimize that most people in power will work for the good of everyone. It is sad commentary but people in power rarely want to give it up and do destructive things when they are faced with the possibility.
