Non-Fiction

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.

The Evolution of God

Background

Published in 2009, “The Evolution of God” by Robert Wright explores the development of the concept of God in the three main Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Wright examines how the idea of God has transformed over time, influenced by cultural, political, and social factors. He utilizes insights from archaeology, history, theology, and evolutionary psychology to trace these changes. Wright also discusses the role of evolutionary biology in the development of religion and speculates on the future of the concept of God.

The Evolution of God
The Evolution of God

My Thoughts

I was uncertain about this book a few times but it grew on me as he was finishing it out. This book is pieced together with secular evidence (e.g. existing documents, physically evidence, etc.) and is examined through the same lens. Ultimately, religion without faith can feel dry, disjointed, or incomplete. Or to put it another way, “They who dance are thought mad by those who hear not the music.”

There is an article of faith in my religion that reads in part, “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.” The need for that qualifier is apparent throughout this book as numerous inferences are made through questionable translations and quotations.

Regardless, Wright did the best he could with the tools available and even tries to excuse believers as well. Unfortunately, he likely would be pilloried for any attempt simply due to the subject matter. Hopefully, our society will continue to grow along with our understanding of God and each other.

Recommendation

This one is worth the time. However, make sure to read through to the end.

Breaking Free from Sloth

Background

Published in 2012, “Breaking Free from Sloth” is a concise work by Donna Farhi, first published on February 7, 2012. In this selection from her book Bringing Yoga to Life, Farhi explores the concept of sloth, not merely as laziness, but as a habitual disinclination toward purposeful effort. Drawing from her extensive experience as a yoga teacher, she discusses how sloth can impede personal growth and spiritual practice. Farhi offers insights into overcoming self-sabotage and emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s actions with cherished values to live a more fulfilling life.

Breaking Free from Sloth
Breaking Free from Sloth

My Thoughts

This book read much like most yoga books I’ve gone through. It starts with defining terms and talks about finding the balance between extremes. However, it’s a good reminder not to get in a rut or do too much.

Recommendation

Very quick read and good advice.

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.