Non-Fiction – Page 6 – Ryan's Book Blog

Procrastination on Purpose

March 2, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2015, “Procrastination on Purpose” is a groundbreaking book by Rory Vaden that challenges conventional views on procrastination. Instead of viewing it as a negative trait, Vaden introduces the concept of ‘strategic delay’—using procrastination as a tool for more effective time management and decision-making. The book outlines a five-tiered method to multiply time, encouraging readers to prioritize tasks based on significance rather than urgency. Vaden’s approach helps individuals differentiate between mere activity and true productivity, advocating for a more thoughtful and purposeful engagement with our to-dos. By embracing this counterintuitive approach to procrastination, readers learn to leverage time as a strategic asset, enabling more meaningful work and personal life balance.

My Thoughts

My son was reading this and said he really liked it. He was good enough to lent it to me and I thought it was pretty good. He made some pretty good arguments about automation and paid appropriate homage to Stephen Covey so I was happy.

Recommendation

Not bad.

Atomic Habits

February 28, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published back in 2018, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear is a transformative guide that delves into the power of small, consistent actions in shaping one’s life. Clear articulates how minuscule changes can lead to remarkable results by focusing on the compound effects of habits over time. The book presents a comprehensive framework for understanding how habits form, how they can be changed, and the impact they have on our identity and daily lives. Through a blend of scientific research, real-world examples, and practical advice, Clear provides readers with strategies to break bad habits and cultivate positive ones, emphasizing the significance of incremental improvement and the role of environment in habit formation. “Atomic Habits” empowers readers to harness the strength of tiny changes, offering a pathway to achieving personal goals and lasting change.

My Thoughts

This is second time reviewing this book on this blog and I doubt it will be the last. It is also the second time I was talking to a Marine when they mentioned the book and how much it meant to them. So I read it, again. This time I enjoyed it so much it not only was discussed with my wife, but we actually bought the book.

Recommendation

Great book. Give it a read!

Desert Born, World Forged

January 17, 2024 by Ryan

Background

Published in early 2024, “Desert Born, World Forged” is a book by Alex Sebby who tells of his life through growing up, through the Marine Corps, and his work today. This is not the fantasy novel by the same name.

My Thoughts

With respect to my coworker, who wrote the book, this book was in sore need of an editor. Time periods change throughout it and it doesn’t seem to make sense through several chapters. The book was self published and it shows.

Recommendation

Skip this one.

Jackson: The Iron Willed Commander

November 14, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2012, “Jackson: The Iron-Willed Commander,” authored by Paul Vickery, offers an insightful examination of Andrew Jackson’s ascent from humble origins to a pivotal figure in American history, focusing on his military achievements and presidential tenure. The book highlights Jackson’s unwavering determination and leadership, particularly during the War of 1812, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping American nationalism. Through exploring Jackson’s significant contributions and the challenges he overcame, Vickery portrays a leader whose influence was crucial during a formative period in the United States, leaving a lasting imprint on the nation’s trajectory.

My Thoughts

Old Hickory himself! As I was reading this, I was reminded of General Mattis. Jackson was loved by his men because he was one of them. (Or at least they saw it that way.) As a general he was fantastic and seemed to do no wrong. Of course, his treatment of the Native American’s will always follow him. He is one of those people who make you wonder if it is the events that make the man or the man that makes the events.

Recommendation

A good book

All Roads Led To Gettysburg

November 5, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in August of 2022, “All Roads Led to Gettysburg,” revisits the Civil War’s crucial battle with a novel lens, disputing the idea that the engagement was coincidental. He explores the pre-battle maneuvers and geographical considerations that funneled the opposing forces to Gettysburg, underscoring the roles of transportation routes and natural landscapes in dictating the battle’s dynamics. Harman’s analysis redefines our understanding of this historic clash, suggesting a degree of inevitability to the confrontation due to strategic and environmental factors.

My Thoughts

This book took a fascinating look at the geography and terrain of the civil war era and made a convincing case of the inevitability of the outcomes. I had heard quite a bit about the railroads of the North and how that helped win the war. However, this went over and beyond to roads, waterways, and so on.

Recommendation

A good read

Killers of the Flower Moon

November 3, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2017, “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” is a nonfiction book by David Grann. It narrates the chilling and little-known history of the Osage murders in the 1920s. The Osage Nation in Oklahoma became immensely wealthy due to oil reserves under their land, which led to a series of brutal murders as outsiders schemed to claim their wealth. The book unfolds in three parts, detailing the Osage community’s tragedy, the investigation led by the fledgling FBI, and Grann’s contemporary investigation into the murders that delves deeper into the conspiracy and its wide-reaching impact.

My Thoughts

A very sad tale of greed and corruption in American history. We love to romanticize the old West, but there were some terrible things that occurred during that period. It makes me thankful to live in our world today.

Recommendation

It was well written, but a rough topic. I have little to no desire to see the movie.

Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction

October 25, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in January of 2003, “Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction” is a concise book by Marc Mulholland that examines Northern Ireland’s complex history, including the rise of republicanism, the civil rights movement, and the growth of significant political groups like Sinn Féin and the DUP. The book brings the reader up to date with Northern Ireland’s history, drawing on new sources to provide fresh perspectives.

My Thoughts

A very short introduction is a little misleading. It seemed like a lot for me to take in as most of it was new information. Yet again, proof that there is so much more to the world than I have seen from this corner of it.

Recommendation

Very informative. A good read.

Washington: A Legacy of Leadership

October 23, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published on April 18, 2011. “Washington: A Legacy of Leadership” is part of “The Generals” series and offers insights into George Washington’s leadership style and achievements, focusing on how his strategies and decisions shaped the United States. If you’re looking for a comprehensive analysis of Washington’s leadership and legacy, this book likely explores his role as a military leader and the first President of the U.S., highlighting the qualities that have cemented his status as a pivotal figure in American history.

My Thoughts

This book was full of information which was not part of my elementary history book. Paul Vickery does a good job trying to look through General Washington’s eyes and tries to empathize with his decisions. He links life events to specific decisions that shaped the military career of our first President.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it.

Tyranny of the Minority

October 21, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published on September 12, 2023, Tyranny of the Minority, is a book by Steven Levitsky and Daniel Ziblatt that delves into the current political landscape in the United States, examining how the country is transitioning towards a multiracial democracy while facing an authoritarian backlash that jeopardizes its democratic foundations. The authors explore why democracy is under siege in the U.S. and not in other similar nations, offering insights into the unique vulnerabilities of the American constitutional framework to minority rule and the potential solutions to safeguard democracy. They draw comparisons with various global instances to illustrate how political parties can turn against democratic principles and how outdated institutions in the U.S. contribute to enabling minority rule, contrasting this with reforms in other democracies aimed at eliminating such outdated systems.

My Thoughts

The book had some interesting points and made clear that we are in trouble in terms of our politics. I agree with that assessment. My personal thoughts is we, as Americans, have allowed the system to devolve into partisan bickering. While that has always existed, the parties were able to work together from time to time. Now it is seen as a sign of strength to not discuss anything with the other party. It is a new level of ridiculous.

Recommendation

It didn’t make a lasting impression.

Master of Change

October 11, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in September of 2023, Brad Stulberg’s “Master of Change” presents a novel approach to navigating life’s constant changes. It combines insights from contemporary science and age-old wisdom, advocating for a mindset that embraces flexibility and resilience. The book offers strategies for engaging positively with change, highlighting the roles of expectations, identity, and proactive actions in overcoming challenges. Stulberg aims to alter our perspective on change, encouraging growth and adaptability in the face of uncertainty.

My Thoughts

“Life is pain Highness. Anyone who says otherwise is selling something.” That quote from “The Princess Bride” could well have been, “Life is Change” according to this book. I agree with the thought that life continues to change and move us along and we need to continually adapt to what it brings us. This requires us to have a level of self actualization that I doubt many people take the time to acquire.

Recommendation

Not a bad book.