Non-Fiction – Page 8 – Ryan's Book Blog

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment

May 31, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2010, “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love” is a self-help book written by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller. Drawing on extensive research in psychology and neuroscience, the book explores the concept of adult attachment and how it influences our romantic relationships. The authors present three attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—and explain how each style affects our behaviors, emotions, and expectations in relationships. They provide insights into the dynamics of attachment and offer practical advice on how to navigate challenges, improve communication, and build healthier, more fulfilling connections with our partners. By understanding our own attachment style and that of our partners, “Attached” seeks to provide valuable tools and strategies for creating and maintaining lasting love and security in relationships.

My Thoughts

I try to read another relationship book every so often to constantly improve my marriage and family relationships. Most tend to be pretty much the same but this one had a different spin. Of course, your upbringing and prior experiences would color your relationships but Levine and Heller were much more specific in their thoughts. I’m convinced that relationships aren’t quite as generalizable as they were made out to be here but I liked their take on how to cope with the various circumstances.

Recommendation

I talked about this one with my wife… High praise for these type of books.

Major Decisions

May 27, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2021, “Major Decisions” by Henry Eyring explores the complexities and challenges of college and making significant life choices. The book offers a balanced perspective on the decision-making process delving into various factors that influence major decisions, including personal values, societal pressures, and practical considerations. Eyring provides strategies and tools to navigate to help make decisions while emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, gathering information, and seeking guidance.

My Thoughts

There are a good many things in this book that I wish I had known before I started the college process or what I call the “unscripted” time after High School. (Of course, I don’t know that I would have listened if someone told me. In fact, they likely did…) I liked how Eyring broke down how to find out what you want to do and where to go from there. What would have been very handy was the idea that you should go to the school who caters to your needs.

Recommendation

Great book and worth the read.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive

May 26, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2023, “Ruth Bader Ginsburg Couldn’t Drive” is children’s book presenting an account of the life and experiences of Ruth Bader Ginsburg though unusual facts and anecdotes. The book explores Ginsburg’s journey from her early years and education, her marriage, her legal career, and many of her personal hobbies.

My Thoughts

This was a fun read. Almost all the stories were not in her biography so most of it was novel content to me. I particularly liked that she stopped driving after hitting Sandra Day O’Connor’s car. That cracked me up.

Recommendation

A very quick and fun read.

Pele

May 25, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2021, “Pele” is an autobiographical look at the remarkable life of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, famously known as Pele. With a balanced narrative, Pele shares his humble origins in impoverished Brazil, his rapid ascent to international stardom, and his accomplishments both on and off the soccer field.

My Thoughts

It’s always humbling and thought provoking to read an autobiography from someone who was born poor outside of the United States. We are so very blessed in this country and it’s a shame so many people aren’t aware of how many advantages we have. Pele or Edson wasn’t really born poor by the standards of those around him but it is a world of difference to the average family in the US.

There were so many things I didn’t know about him outside of the soccer field. I found the persona he crafted to be likable despite the occasional Latino machismo-like feel. He comes across as basically a good person who is doing his best in a world of corruption. However, the book was slow and I feel like I had to push myself to finish it.

Recommendation

If you are a fan, I’d bet you’d love it. For the rest of us, you could skip this one without too much guilt.

Limitless

May 22, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2020, “Limitless” by Jim Kwik is a self-help book that explores methods and techniques to enhance cognitive abilities and unlock one’s full potential. With a focus on optimizing memory, learning, and overall brain performance, Kwik offers strategies and exercises to improve mental clarity, focus, and retention. Through anecdotes and insights, the book provides tools to overcome limitations, boost creativity, and cultivate a growth mindset.

My Thoughts

I remember when this book came out as the author hit the podcast circuit and did shows on a few that I was listening to at the time. I was interested but not enough to get the book. About a month ago, a Marine LtCol told me this would be an excellent book for a new course at the University where I work. He even went ahead and bought me a copy of the book. Thank you!

I have been reading it off and on since I received my copy. I’ve done some in print and some in audio but this isn’t a book you just read through and it’s done. This is a book that requires effort and exercises which slowed down my consumption considerably. I’ve enjoyed the process of getting through it but there wasn’t a ton of hidden gems that I was hoping to find. (Perhaps I have just read too many books that are similar. In fact, “Atomic Habits” was referenced directly in this book.) I will keep at the exercises and see where it takes me.

Recommendation

A great read but will take some time if you put the effort in.

Back to Work

May 20, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2011, “Back to Work” is a book that examines the economic challenges faced by the United States and suggests potential solutions for improving the nation’s economy. Drawing on his experience as the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton analyzes the factors that contributed to the economic downturn and proposes measures for recovery. With a focus on job creation, education, innovation, and infrastructure development, Clinton argues for the government’s role in promoting economic growth and ensuring a prosperous future for Americans. Clinton presents a vision for revitalizing the American economy and restoring its global competitiveness.

My Thoughts

I find most of the points made in this book to be valid. I believe people are more alike than different and that we can come together on many issues. However, we have devolved so much that we can’t seem to have a simple conversation and get anything done.

I attended a local school board recently and was appalled by what I saw. Our board members took 35 minutes of squabbling just to agree on the agenda. Most of it was posturing and egotistical members trying to claim credit for who “passed in the motion”. (As if that mattered in the slightest.) However, this seems to be what passes as politics these days. I enjoyed that this book wasn’t along that vein.

I’m not a fan of former president Bill Clinton in a few ways but I do like that he balanced the budget during his presidency and promotes the dignity of work. I also like his work with another former president H. W. Bush in promoting dialog between the parties. I felt there were a number of assumptions made but at least he had practical ideas which would likely appeal to a broad swath of our society.

Recommendation

Dry but not a bad read.

Raising Your Spirited Child

April 6, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published way back in 1991, “Raising Your Spirited Child” by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is a guidebook for parents who have children with intense and challenging personalities. Kurcinka identifies these children as “spirited” and explains that they possess qualities such as high energy, sensitivity, persistence, and emotional intensity that, when properly channeled, can lead to great creativity, resilience, and success. However, she also acknowledges that these same qualities can cause conflicts with parents, teachers, and peers if not managed properly. Kurcinka provides practical strategies for understanding and nurturing spirited children, including tips for managing behavior, communicating effectively, and promoting healthy development. She emphasizes the importance of accepting and appreciating a child’s individuality and working with their unique strengths and weaknesses to help them thrive.

My Thoughts

I was very surprised to learn the book was from 1991 as even I was thinking, “This kid just needs a good beating…” a few times in the book. That was somewhat tongue in cheek though as I agree with most of her ideas.

There is a fine line between being sensitive to a child’s needs and being enabling or overindulgent. As a parent, I feel like I tread on that line on a daily basis.

Recommendation

Definitely worth the read and attention. Even if you don’t agree, the book will make you think a little bit about why you think the things you do.

Eat & Run

April 5, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in June of 2012, “Eat & Run” by Scott Jurek is a memoir that documents his rise to become one of the most well known ultramarathon runners of all time and his transition to a plant-based diet. Jurek recounts his childhood in a Minnesota logging town, his early days as a struggling runner, and his eventual success in some of the world’s toughest races, including the Western States 100 and the Badwater Ultramarathon. Throughout the book, Jurek provides practical advice on training, nutrition, and the mental toughness needed to succeed in long-distance running.

My Thoughts

I remember 2012 and that, like many, I had adopted the barefoot running craze that swept the country with the book “Born to Run.” It was interesting to read something from that time period but from the angle of an Ultra Marathoner. The author was a fan of some cushion in his soul…

I’ve heard the name Scott Jurek in a few places. More recently in the book, “In Pursuit of Endurance” which I read a few weeks back. He definitely made a name for himself but I didn’t know much about the vegetarian thing. I can’t say I care a great deal about that but I was interested to hear about some of his ideas on how to cook.

Recommendation

I won’t be reading it again but I was glad I finished it.

The Long Run

April 3, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in March of 2009 “The Long Run” is a memoir by Matt Long, a New York City firefighter and Ironman triathlete who survived a horrific bus accident that left him with life-threatening injuries. The book details Long’s harrowing road to recovery, which included dozens of surgeries and years of physical therapy. Along the way, Long reflects on his love of sports, his career as a firefighter, and the importance of perseverance and mental toughness. Through his story, Long also sheds light on the selflessness and bravery of first responders, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Overall, “The Long Run” is an inspiring and uplifting tale of one man’s remarkable journey to overcome incredible odds and reclaim his life.

My Thoughts

The book started and sounded like any number of Firefighter/Police/Military conversations I’ve heard where one person is trying to posture themselves above everyone else. I wasn’t impressed. However, as the book went on, the author didn’t quite seem to be such a blowhard. Then he slowly takes you on the ride he went through bit by bit. It isn’t quite chronological but he did a good job stringing things together. Also, I loved the name of his bar. That seemed to be perfect!

Recommendation

Worth the time.

Running with the Kenyans

March 28, 2023 by Ryan

Background

Published in April of 2013, Running with the Kenyans is the autobiographical story of how an Englishman decided to find out why the Kenyans dominate in distance running.

My Thoughts

It was a pretty easy read and in line with most of my experiences overseas. I can appreciate that this guy cared enough to improve his running but moving his family to Kenya seemed a little extreme. He talks about several of the points where he doesn’t feel safe, how he is stopped by the police, how there isn’t anyone who can come to his aid for miles around, and how he had to hire a “security” person to wander around his family’s place while they sleep. I don’t see that as worth improving your time but that’s just me.

Recommendation

An interesting book but I don’t think it was worth the time.