Non-Fiction

Aristotle: An Introduction

Background

Published in 2008, “Aristotle: An Introduction” by Hugh Griffith offers an accessible overview of Aristotle’s philosophy, emphasizing his belief in underlying systems and order governing all aspects of life, including human conduct. The work includes introductions and excerpts from Aristotle’s treatises, notably “The History of Animals” and “Nicomachean Ethics,” exploring topics such as the best kind of life and the ideal society to facilitate it.

Aristotle: An Introduction
Aristotle: An Introduction

My Thoughts

This work centered much more on the content of the collective works of Aristotle including several lengthy readings directly from the originals. Aristotle tried to put the entire world in order and was interested in just about everything. Most of his work would even stand up to our modern definitions despite the lack of our instruments and technology.

There were many interesting observations on several subjects like the sheep as not particularly intelligent and the hind (deer) as much more so among non-non-predatory animals. Praising bees for working together and lions for the same. His thoughts about when to marry (18 years for women and 37 years for men) were interesting as well. (As noted from a previous book, this was when he himself was married so it was fun to see it in his own text). His reasoning was a woman needs to be old enough to have children but not too old to be at risk. Whereas a man should be past the action part of his life and gaining wisdom. Unlike Plato, Aristotle did not see the sexes as equal. He also saw manual labor to be the dominion of slaves (servile) and the labor of thinking to be the dominion of the free peoples (liberal). Of course, this was as much a reflection of the ancient world as it was of Aristotle himself.

Recommendation

The book was easily approached and understood. A good read.

Aristotle in 90 Minutes

Background

Published in 1996, “Aristotle in 90 Minutes” by Paul Strathern provides a concise overview of Aristotle’s life and philosophical contributions. The book explores Aristotle’s extensive work across various fields, including logic, ethics, politics, and natural sciences, highlighting his methodical approach to categorizing human knowledge. Strathern presents Aristotle’s ideas in an accessible manner, offering insights into his influence on Western thought. The text includes selections from Aristotle’s writings, chronologies to contextualize his era, and suggestions for further reading, serving as an introductory guide for those interested in understanding Aristotle’s impact on philosophy.

Aristotle in 90 Minutes
Aristotle in 90 Minutes

My Thoughts

As I approached the writings of “The Great Philosopher”, I thought it might be a good idea to get some supporting texts under my belt before I start on his writings. This may turn out to be a terrible idea as I am already influenced by what I’ve read. (I’m reading three other books on the subject.) However, I believe I will get more out of Aristotle’s thoughts if I come at it with some familiarity.

This was a good bird’s eye view of the life and teachings of Aristotle. As I have studied his life before, very little was a surprise other than some of his personal life. (E.g. Falling in love.) However, it was a great reminder and has been useful in tying everything together.

Recommendation

This would be a great book to start off studying the work of Aristotle and understanding the major events in his life.

The Reason I Jump

Background

Published in Japan in 2007 and in English in 2013, “The Reason I Jump” was written by Naoki Higashida, who is described as a severely autistic teenager. This book offers insight to the personal mind of someone living with autism. Structured as a series of questions and answers, the book addresses common misconceptions about autism and provides explanations for behaviors that might seem puzzling to neurotypical individuals. Higashida conveys his thoughts and feelings with clarity and emotion, aiming to foster understanding and empathy. The book was translated into English by David Mitchell and Keiko Yoshida, with Mitchell, a parent of an autistic child, contributing an introduction.

The Reason I Jump
The Reason I Jump

My Thoughts

This was one of those rare works where with the introduction and the afterward were of more value to me than the actual narrative. The text itself made some definitive statements about how people living with autism perceive the world. While the author is certainly able to describe his experience, blanket statements about everyone along the spectrum of autism felt arrogant and inappropriate. A fundamental misunderstanding of what a spectrum implies seems to be sadly lacking in the general population and the narrative seemed to feed this misunderstanding. That said, I was pleased to hear Higashida is now a public speaker who actively engages with people and tries to help them understand autism. This condition certainly warrants more study and understanding.

I found the book by the author or more precisely, the author’s name. I have a friend named David Mitchell and wanted to see what the author wrote. I didn’t know this was a translation until I had already ordered it and started the book. However, I’m currently about a third through another David Mitchell book, “Cloud Atlas” which I’m really not enjoying so it may not make this blog. I really try to finish books, even when they are difficult yet I’m not sure about this one. Please forgive my occasional selection bias.

Recommendation

I’m on the fence here. It wasn’t great but it did give me some things to think about.

How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered

Published in 2020, “How to Eat: All Your Food and Diet Questions Answered” was co-authored by Mark Bittman and Dr. David L. Katz, How to Eat addresses common questions about food, health, and diet in a straightforward Q&A format. The book covers topics such as optimal dietary patterns, the role of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, and the impact of specific foods like grains, meat, and dairy on health. Bittman and Katz aim to dispel myths and clarify misconceptions surrounding nutrition, providing readers with practical advice for making informed dietary choices. The content is inspired by their popular article on Grub Street, where they shared their perspectives on food and diet.

How to Eat
How to Eat

My Thoughts

This is my wife’s favorite book on dieting or to be more specific, it is on a how best to make a permanent change. Again and again, Bittman and Katz make the point that we know a great deal about what people should eat. What we should eat shouldn’t be in excess or based on one food or even macro nutrient. Our food should be minimally processed and we likely don’t need to eat meat in our food rich country. They also dive into sustainability and ethical considerations.

I liked the book in that the recommendations were based on robust studies and declared biases. A common refrain in the text was, “compared to what” when asked if something is bad. (E.g. Is bread bad? Compared to what? If donuts, yes. If whole grain, no.) The book was easy to read as it is largely in-line with my existing thoughts about food. I don’t know I agree about their position on meat and protein, but I do agree with the rest. The book was a success in that it served to motivate me to eat better.

My Recommendation

Good book

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

Background

Published in 1993, “Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship” is a non-fiction book by Tom Clancy. The book offers an in-depth exploration of the inner workings of both attack and nuclear submarines, with tours of the USS Miami (SSN-755), an improved Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine, and the British submarine HMS Triumph. Clancy provides detailed insights into submarine design, construction, and operations, supplemented by diagrams, photographs, and previously classified information. The book also delves into the history and evolution of submarines, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of these complex vessels.

Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship
Submarine: A Guided Tour Inside a Nuclear Warship

My Thoughts

This book was much more of a reference than a story so it was a little hard to push through it. Clancy does give some scenarios and speculations of how a submersible ship could be used in war and politics, but most of it read more like a text book. It truly is amazing what marvels of engineering these vessels are and how much they can do! It’s important to keep in mind this was written 30 years ago. I can only imagine what the new Columbia class boats are able to achieve.

Clancy reinforced my desire to never step on one of these boats. My hat is off to all the intrepid submariners who have endeavored to keep us safe. I sincerely hope they found joy in their service, but I would politely decline the opportunity if it ever presented itself. Seriously, I thought it was extreme to be shipped off to Mars and yet every habitation scenario I saw was better than life on a submarine.

Recommendation

This is dated information but still interesting.

Scam Goddess

Background

Published in September of 2024, “Scam Goddess: Lessons from a Life of Cons, Grifts, and Schemes” is a humorous essay collection by Laci Mosley, host of the award-winning “Scam Goddess” podcast. The book delves into various frauds, cons, and schemes, examining how the scammer mindset has influenced Mosley’s upbringing, career, relationships, and more. Through personal anecdotes and true-crime scam stories, Mosley offers insights into navigating a complex and often unjust world.

Scam Goddess
Scam Goddess

My Thoughts

I had never heard of Laci Mosley before reading this book. I had to Google “Florida Girls” and realized there really wasn’t any way I would stumble across her work thus far. (Till now!) I enjoy reading a random new book release in a failing attempt to diversify my interests and keep me current. I say failing because I seem to slide further into my “get off the lawn” phase in life. I love the quote from the Simpsons (Abe Simpson Season 7, Episode 24), “I used to be with it, but then they changed what ‘it’ was. Now what I’m with isn’t ‘it,’ and what’s ‘it’ seems weird and scary to me. It’ll happen to you!”

Anyway, I enjoyed the book. I certainly don’t agree with the main premise that everyone is a scammer and trying to get one over on everyone. In fact, it saddens me to think there are so many people out there with the same perspective. Mosley mentions in the book how she stole food from a hotel because she didn’t want to wait in line. No apology, no shame, just a passing mention that it was their fault for not having enough attendants. That is full on self centered entitlement. She not only doesn’t see that behavior as wrong, she honestly believes she was being the moral actor as she was engaged in what she deemed as a good cause at the time. Plus, and as a bonus, it is the fault of institution that allowed it to happen. To use the classic phrase, “This is why we can’t have nice things.”

Oh yeah, back on track. I enjoyed the book. Mosley is very open with her thoughts and feelings has she shares her story. Her words are alive with energy and enthusiasm and she almost made me forget that most of what she shared was morally reprehensible. I have almost nothing in common with an attention seeking, actress, female, black, millennial and even less with a self described “Scam Goddess”, but I appreciate the window into her story.

Recommendation

I’m on the fence here. I’d imagine if you know and love Laci Mosley, you would likely love this book. However, even though I enjoyed the read and specifically enjoyed the alternate perspective, reading it hurt my heart and may have dimmed my perspective on humanity. The reader will have make up their own mind on this one.

The Good Allies

Background

Published in September of 2024, “The Good Allies: How Canada and the United States Fought Together to Defeat Fascism during the Second World War” by historian Tim Cook examines the evolving relationship between Canada and the United States during World War II. Initially wary neighbors, the two nations transformed into steadfast allies, collaborating closely to combat the Axis powers. Cook delves into diplomatic communications among leaders such as Churchill, Roosevelt, and King, highlighting how their interactions shaped wartime strategies and the post-war order. The book explores joint military operations, economic partnerships, and the cultural shifts that solidified the North American alliance, offering insights into how Canada navigated its role alongside a burgeoning global superpower.

The Good Allies
The Good Allies

My Thoughts

This was an interesting read as, like others, I wasn’t very aware of Canada’s contribution to World War II. Cook owns that stating, “It is up to Canadians to tell their story” which was a stated part of why this book was written.

In high school, I struggled to remember and meaningfully acknowledge the contributions of people outside my immediate friend group. Reading this book felt a lot like revisiting that dynamic. Canada played a significant role, making notable contributions, but their story often goes untold or forgotten. It’s no wonder Canada’s leadership worried about this exact issue. Caught between being perceived as English colonials or “upper Americans,” Canada has long been treated like the annoying younger sibling no one wants to include. Yet, during the war, they gave their time, talent, and resources—and continued to persevere despite it all. My hat’s off to you Canada!

Recommendation

This was a detailed read and I had to plow through some of it. However, I enjoyed the fresh perspective.

How to Piss Off Men

Background

Published in 2023, “How to Piss Off Men: 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego” is a humorous guide by Kyle Prue, offering over 100 witty phrases and comebacks designed to challenge “toxic masculinity and leave even the most persistent mansplainers at a loss for words.” The book provides readers with tools to confront and dismantle everyday sexism in a clever and impactful manner.

How to Piss Off Men
How to Piss Off Men

My Thoughts

This book originally came from a viral TicToc post from Prue which eventually led to a published book. The target audience is men and the stated reason for writing the material is to help men sit with the content and think about why that particular statement would bother them. It was a very fast read and several of the items won’t make sense as time goes on. (E.g. “Let’s go Brandon.”) However, some were genuinely amusing.

Recommendation

It was a fun list that went by fast. I would recommend listening to the audiobook which featured a conversation with the author and his mother about the work.

Punishing Putin

Background

Published in February of 2024, “Punishing Putin: Inside the Global Economic War to Bring Down Russia” is a comprehensive examination of the unprecedented economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its European allies in response to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Authored by journalist Stephanie Baker, the book delves into the intricate strategies and international collaborations aimed at undermining Russia’s economy and war capabilities. Baker provides an in-depth analysis of the sanctions’ development, implementation, and their far-reaching impacts on global alliances and economic structures. Through meticulous research and access to key Western and Russian sources, she offers readers a nuanced understanding of this significant aspect of modern economic statecraft.

Punishing Putin
Punishing Putin

My Thoughts

There was certainly plenty of detail in this book and no small amount of frustration as the seesaw of opinion and politics has been operating over the last few decades. It is fairly incredible how Russia continues to operate under sanctions, yet becomes more understandable as constant failures to commit or to create a united front have plagued the effort since early on. Where would we be at this point had there been a more effective early intervention? At the time of this writing, the US has sent over 175 Billion dollars worth of resources in aid and we are sending more. (Source)

Baker opens the window to the world of international law and finance with this book. I can honestly say that I learned a lot and am processing even more after reading through this.

Recommendation

A great read if you are interested.

Marine Sniper

Background

Published in 1986, “Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills” is a biography by Charles Henderson that chronicles the life and military career of Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, a legendary Marine sniper during the Vietnam War. Born in 1942, Hathcock developed exceptional marksmanship skills from a young age, which he honed throughout his service in the United States Marine Corps. During his deployment in Vietnam, he achieved 93 confirmed kills and numerous unconfirmed ones, earning him a formidable reputation among both allies and adversaries. Hathcock’s missions were marked by extraordinary feats, including a 2,500-yard shot that set a record for the longest sniper kill at the time, and a perilous solo mission to eliminate a high-ranking North Vietnamese general. Beyond his combat achievements, Hathcock contributed significantly to sniper training and tactics, leaving a lasting impact on military marksmanship. His career was cut short after sustaining severe injuries while rescuing fellow Marines from a burning vehicle, an act that exemplified his bravery and dedication.

Marine Sniper
Marine Sniper

My Thoughts

This book was recommended by a coworker and is part of the lore surrounding the Marine Corps. I hadn’t heard of this one before, but I was glad to get the chance to read it. Carlos Hathcock is the personification of the classic hero. He is humble, modest, honorable, got the job done and doesn’t need to tell you all about it.

Recommendation

A good read if you enjoy military books. There are some moments that aren’t for kids.