Non-Fiction

Killing Jesus

Background

Published in 2013, “Killing Jesus” written by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, provides a historical account of the life and crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth. The book explores the political, social, and religious dynamics of the Roman Empire and Jewish leadership, setting the stage for the events that culminated in Jesus’s execution. Drawing from historical sources, the authors detail the intersections of power, betrayal, and faith, presenting the crucifixion not only as a pivotal religious moment but also as a political event shaped by the tensions of its time.

Killing Jesus
Killing Jesus

My Thoughts

O’Reilly and Gugard tried to only use information they were able to cite from specific contemporary sources. However, there simply isn’t many contemporary sources and so they used the four gospels as well. Of course, there are some minor differences in the narrative such as the final words on the cross, Matthew (27:46) & Mark (15:34), “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Luke (23:46), “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” John (19:30),”It is finished.” The latter being used by the authors. (Unfortunately, they didn’t include the phrase from Luke, (23:34) “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” I love that line. Even the movie “Ben Hurr” makes a big of it!)

Regardless, I think they did a good job of putting forth a decent secular narrative of the life of Jesus of Nazareth. However, for roughly a third of the world, Jesus is more than a man. He is the Christ, the Son of God, our Redeemer, and Savior. I tip my hat to the authors for the sheer gall of writing the book as it is riddled with opportunities to offend someone. (Perhaps that’s merely a 2024 way of thinking about it.)

Recommendation

Not bad. It helped by keeping in mind, the authors did their best with what they had.

The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person

Published in 2012, “The Book of Job: When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person” Rabbi Harold S. Kushner delves into the biblical story of Job, a righteous man who endures profound suffering. Kushner examines the age-old question of why bad things happen to good people, exploring themes of faith, justice, and the human condition. Drawing from the text and his own experiences, he offers perspectives on coping with adversity and finding meaning amid life’s challenges.

The Book of Job When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person
The Book of Job When Bad Things Happened to a Good Person

My Thoughts

A very enjoyable book that peaked my curiousity in several areas. For example, I didn’t know there was a fable of Job and a poem of Job sandwiched in the current version. And that the fable was known in other ancient societies. Also, that it was originally packaged with Psalms and the Songs of Solomon.

The book covers a lot of ground for it relatively small size. Once again, I am reminded that I need to read through the Torah so I can better understand the Jewish perspective.

Recommendation

I highly recommend it!

Healing Anxiety and Depression

Background

Published in 2004, “Healing Anxiety and Depression” authored by Dr. Daniel G. Amen and Dr. Lisa C. Routh, explores the neurological underpinnings of anxiety and depression through brain SPECT imaging. The authors identify seven distinct types of these disorders, each associated with specific brain patterns. They provide tailored treatment plans for each type, incorporating medication, diet, supplements, exercise, and therapeutic support. The book also includes a self-diagnostic test to help readers determine their specific type, aiming to offer a comprehensive approach to managing and overcoming anxiety and depression.

Healing Anxiety and Depression
Healing Anxiety and Depression

My Thoughts

While it is now a dated resource, I enjoyed several of the ideas put forth in the text. First is the idea that it is helpful to see what the brain is doing before a round of medication is attempted. The authors liken this to trying to figure out why a car won’t start without looking under the hood. I like this idea for a number of reasons.

First, it makes sense. It is my personal belief that most psychotropic medications are prescribed without a clear understanding of the underlying problem. Therefore, they are given with the expectation that they will need to be adjusted based on changes in the patient’s symptoms. However, dialing in a medication can take several years, if the patient hangs on that long.

Second, if there is no understanding of the underlying problem, it is unclear which medication to try. While the doctor and patient are trying to find the right dosage, the medication itself might be going in the wrong direction. (For example, if you want to decrease activity in the basal ganglia, then you shouldn’t prescribe a stimulant.)

Third, there may be a structural issue in the brain causing the problem, such as the cyst in the temporal lobe given as an example in the book. This would not be impacted by medication, no matter the dosage.

I am interested in learning more about the costs involved with SPECT scans and where they fall in the spectrum of care today. I appreciated that the book discussed diet and exercise as important to a person’s mental health.

Recommendation

This book is fairly specialized and assumes a certain level understanding of chemistry and psychology. The first part of the book was mostly medications and their side effects. It was fairly dense reading and was harder to push through. If you have interest and a high school education, you should be able to make it through.

Old Breed General

Background

Published in 2022, “Old Breed General”, written by Amy Rupertus Peacock and Don Brown, explores the life and military career of Major General William H. Rupertus, a key figure in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and the author of the Marine Corps Rifleman’s Creed. The book covers Rupertus’s leadership in crucial battles against Japanese forces, including Guadalcanal, Cape Gloucester, and Peleliu, where his strategic decisions were instrumental in the Pacific theater. Drawing from Rupertus’s wartime diaries and firsthand accounts, the authors detail his commitment to his troops, his resilience, and the legacy he left for future Marines. This biography also delves into the personal side of Rupertus, providing insights into his character, relationships, and the challenges he faced both on and off the battlefield.

Old Breed General
Old Breed General

My Thoughts

The book was written in a first person narrative form that was very effective in bringing the feel of the people and the peril on both sides of the war. Unlike the standard war movie, the book would endeavor to show the Japanese side of the engagement along with some of their ups and downs. In war, it is very easy to demonize the other side and is even helpful to dehumanize both the people and their culture. This was certainly the case on both sides of the war, but I appreciate the attempt at unbiased perspective given in the book. I learned quite a bit.

Recommendation

A good entry into the pacific theater.

Bradley

Background

Published in 1971, “Bradley” by Charles Whiting is a detailed biography of General Omar Bradley during World War II. Whiting explores Bradley’s rise from a quiet, unassuming West Point teacher to the leader of the Twelfth United States Army Group, the largest force commanded by an American general. The book covers his involvement in significant battles, including the defeat of the Afrika Korps, the invasions of Sicily and Normandy, and his leadership across the Rhine. It also discusses his post-war role as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff​

Bradley
Bradley

My Thoughts

This book was fairly underwhelming, which I imagine was the point of the book. According to the book, General Bradley wasn’t someone who liked to pander to the press. That alone impresses me. He seems like a man with morals, which is also impressive. However, the book also details a few times where Bradley or “Brad” was jockeying for position and worried about his reputation. That was less impressive. In short, I am conflicted on my mental image of him and will have to seek out another source.

Recommendation

I appreciated the read.

Counting the Cost

Background

Published in 2023, “Counting the Cost” by Jill Duggar and co-written with her husband Derick Dillard and Craig Borlase, offers an unfiltered look into Jill’s life growing up in the Duggar family, who were featured on the reality show 19 Kids and Counting. Jill shares her experiences of living under the strict rules of her parents, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and the pressures and manipulation she faced while being part of the reality TV world. The memoir details the control her father exerted, including contract disputes and financial injustices, as well as her and Derick’s struggle to break free from the family’s influence to build a life of their own. Jill also explores the impact of her brother Josh Duggar’s scandals on her life and mental health, revealing how the public release of her traumatic experiences affected her and her family.

Counting the Cost
Counting the Cost

My Thoughts

I never saw the show, but even I had heard of the Duggar family and would occasionally would be asked if they were “Mormon”. Spoiler, no, they are not. They are a fundamentalist Christian family who was led by an extremist group called the Institute in Basic Life Principles or the IBLP. IBLP’s leader, Bill Gothard, stepped down due to a sexual misconduct scandal while the Duggars were still on TV. IBLP’s teachings include the superiority of the father figure, no consumption of media or internet, the wearing of dresses for females, no dancing and so on.

Much like the book Educated by Tara Westover, this is a story of someone finding life outside of the bubble created by their parents and adapting to it. In that sense, it is an almost universal narrative as we all leave the nest and figure out how to become members of a productive society. Of course, this is an extreme example and the Duggar family are certainly not the norm. I resonated most with Derrick Dillard who truly has the patience of Job as he is portrayed in the book. He seems to have his head on straight as he slowly guided his family away out of, “the umbrella” of her parents. Even the cover photo shows him staring directly at the reader while his wife looks off to the right in the distance.

Recommendation

If you enjoyed the reality show, I’m sure you’d like the book.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

Background

Published in 2022, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” by Matthew Perry is a candid memoir, where Perry, best known as Chandler Bing on Friends, opens up about his decades-long battle with addiction, the impact it had on his career, and his personal life. Perry details his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, offering a raw and honest account of his experiences, including multiple rehab stints and a near-death health crisis in 2019. The memoir also explores his childhood, relationships, and how fame both fueled and complicated his path to recovery.

Friends, Lovers, and the BIg Terrible Thing
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

My Thoughts

This book was painful going through, particularly when his addiction finally took him such a short time later. It hurts to see people we know and love in pain and while I never knew him, I certainly watched Friends and saw his movies. The story was certainly raw and honest even to the point of showing his selfish side. In short, his life was tragic and it will be hard to watch those shows and movies again knowing the back story.

I’ve seen what drugs and alcohol can do to people and yet they are still everywhere. Perry’s story is an outlier, but no one wants that to happen to anyone. I don’t know the answer, but I for one, intend to stay as far away from it as possible.

Recommendation

I don’t know if I can recommend this or not.

City of Nets: A Portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s

Background

Published in 1986, “City of Nets: A Portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s” by Otto Friedrich provides a comprehensive look at Hollywood during a influential and turbulent decade. The book covers the peak and decline of the studio system, starting in 1939, when millions of Americans flocked to theaters weekly, and ending in the early 1950s with the rise of television and the aftermath of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) hearings. Friedrich also explores the lives of the actors, writers, directors, and industry figures who shaped Hollywood, while also delving into its darker aspects, such as labor disputes, anti-communist purges, and power struggles.

City of Nets A Portrait of Hollywood in the 19040s
City of Nets A Portrait of Hollywood in the 19040s

My Thoughts

This book confirmed what I’d come to believe for some time. In short, Hollywood sucks! This was the “golden age” and it was such a nest of morally bereft people trying to pull one over on everyone else. It’s truly sad that I won’t be able to look at several movies with the same eyes again.

Recommendation

Don’t read it. I’m glad I didn’t read it back when it was published.

Life as We Know It (Can Be)

Background

Published in April of 2024, “Life as We Know It (Can Be)” by Bill Weir (CNN’s chief climate correspondent), reflects on his life including decades of reporting and speculates on the future for his children. Written as a series of Earth Day letters to his son, the book explores ideas, communities, and various solutions in energy, food, and sustainability. Weir weaves together personal reflections, stories of resilience, and a call to action to build a more hopeful and sustainable future​.

Life as We Know It (Can Be)
Life as We Know It (Can Be)

My Thoughts

Though the book was interesting at times, I can’t say it was unbiased and objective. He constantly referred to President Trump as “The President in the red hat” and his stories consistently showed his bias as a climate activist. (His story about Al Gore was the most flattering of the former Vice-President that I’d ever seen.)

Recommendation

I’d skip this one.

Operation Jacknap

Published in 2020, “Operation Jacknap”, Jack Teich recounts his experience of being kidnapped at gunpoint outside his home in Long Island, New York, in 1974. These kidnappers demanded a record-breaking $750,000 ransom, which his family raised and paid under the guidance of the FBI. The book details the Teich’s week in captivity, his interactions with his kidnappers, and the nationwide manhunt that followed. Although one kidnapper was caught, many details remain unresolved, including the whereabouts of most of the ransom money. Teich’s memoir offers a narrative of survival and the impact the ordeal had on his family and community, while also delving into the larger social issues surrounding crime and justice at the time​.

Operation Jacknap
Operation Jacknap

My Thoughts

This was a surprisingly good read. Much of this case would have been completely different if it had occurred today, which might be something in favor of modern credit card transactions and cameras. It was of particular interest how the defense lawyer immediately tried to politicize the trial and make the issue about race. Ironically, the fact Mr. Teich was Jewish was a reason given as to why he was targeted.

There really is so much hate in the world and this book serves as a reminder of what could happen. “Trust but verify”, is one of my favorite phrases as is, “have your head on a swivel.”

Recommendation

A good read