Published in July of 2020, A Very Punchable Face is the biography of Colin Jost who has been a “head writer” and cast member of Saturday Night Live for several years.
A Very Punchable Face
My Thoughts
Seeing the how the “sausage is made” can be unpleasant at times. This was one of those times for me. In short, I didn’t enjoy the book. For me, it was a reminder of how different some people’s lives are and how little hope and reason they see in their own existence. Still, I was pleasantly surprised with the archetypal story of a “regular guy” making it to the top. That was a fun story arc but most of the antidotes along the way just didn’t need to be told.
Published in 2014, Left of Bang is the book outlining the ideas of the Combat Hunter program in the Marine Corps.
Left of Bang
My Thoughts
A very interesting book but I believe the author is correct when he mentions how most people have already learned how to do this. I’ve had many conversations over the years with people who understand and who do not. When you’ve really been to a dangerous place, you tend to continue to be on alert. You continue to watch and observe. The Marines call this “situational awareness” and if they want extra attention put on it they say, “Put your head on a swivel!”
It is a hard concept to teach but a harder one two learn. To quote my old Sensai, “pain makes believers.” It has been interesting to see this program come and go in the Marine Corps.
Recommendation
I’m glad I read it but I’m not sure how much I got out of it. The biggest benefit was the jargon they used for the concepts they were illustrating.
Published in January of 2017, A World in Disarray is a sobering view of geopolitics from Richard Haass who is an American diplomat and has been president of the Council on Foreign Relations since July 2003. The book outlines the major struggles and players of the world at the time President Trump came into office.
A World in Disarray
My Thoughts
As the book started, I thought this was very dated material. It is amazing how much has changed since early 2017. I think few people have really been paying attention of how the United States has moved throughout the international community during the Trump administration. There was real fear with Russia, North Korea, and China before he took office. While there are still issues there, we aren’t anywhere close to what existed as he took office.
That said, it is vital we keep looking back to history to instruct our steps forward. In our hyper-connected world, we seem to be so swayed in the thoughts and trends of the moment that we forget these roads have been traveled before. We can watch how they play out and it isn’t pretty.
I’m very interested to see where we go under the Biden administration. Will the world powers took to the United States for guidance? Will they the respect us? Fear us? Perhaps they will simply disregard us as we squabble over the ridiculous and eat ourselves alive with a runaway debt.
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.
