Education – Page 6 – Ryan's Book Blog

The First Conspiracy

July 9, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

This is the story of the first organized clandestine attempt against George Washington. It centers in the mid 1770’s New York as Washington is just establishing himself and his army. Many want him to fail but only a few have the money and resources to do much about it.

My Thoughts

This book was a very interesting read. I really didn’t know that much about the revolutionary army. I knew they weren’t largely professional and were out manned and out gunned. We have been geographically blessed in that there is a whole ocean between us and Europe. I can only imagine what the English thought of us at that time.

The book had the feel of being well researched and well thought out. The author did a great job about letting the reader know where and when we have evidence and what is speculation. It seems the author used multiple sources and spent a great deal of time researching what went on and paid attention to who was talking and why they would have written what they wrote. All of these are markers of a quality work.

The book is written firmly from the perspective of the patriots. There were some instances where a behavior was pointed out as “shocking” or something similar where it seemed totally reasonable if you look from the perspective of the other side. If someone is loyal to England, of course they would work against, what they would consider, the radical upstarts who are taking over and running amok. Of course, the English appointed governor would try just about anything he could to undermine the new organization which just kicked him out. These things aren’t shocking.

Recommendation

Definately worth the read.

The Library Book

June 18, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Susan Orlean’s “The Library Book” released in Oct of 2018 details the goings on of the Los Angeles Central Library and centers a great deal on the fire of 1986. She also expands on what a library was, is and may become in the not to distant future.

My Thoughts

The Library Book was a somewhat dry informative read with a lot of possibility. Perfect for the topic! There is a more than a hint of the flavor of Southern California in the pages and a lot of reminders of when I used to work for a software company who catered to libraries and librarians.

Recommendation

A good read if you have interest in the subject matter.

Blink

June 2, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Blink is a book on the power of the unconscious mind and its impact on your everyday life. Published in 2005, Malcolm Gladwell teaches us that we can teach and even learn from that great machine in our heads.

My Thoughts

My thoughts is my normal convention but it seems a bit ironic here. As a psychology grad, I’ve learned a bit about priming and how we can be influenced by things we do not consciously perceive. That’s a bit of a terrifying thought when I stop to think about it.

We tend to think we are in control of most of our experiences. We aren’t. That’s hard on the pride. Still, there is a great deal we can influence and we are free to make choices. Our creator gave us that right. It stands to reason we should be as clear minded about what lay before us so we can make reasonable choices based on the information we are given.

All that said, it is a confounding principle to know that sometimes there is too much information. Too many choices are paralyzing and won’t let us move forward. It’s tempting to just flip a coin and call it a day… But that wouldn’t be very responsible would it?

Recommendation

It’s a bit of pop psychology that I think everyone would enjoy as long as they can keep things in perspective.

F Feelings

May 29, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The writing duo of Sarah and Micheal Bennett teamed up to give F*ck Feelings in 2015 before writing F*ck Love in 2017.

This book details the world of therapy. How to get it, when to get it, and if you should even think about getting it.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book as well and it has helped me keep in perspective all the messed up crap going on in my life and everyone else’s life.

Recommendation

I highly recommended read for all the maladjusted broken humans we tend to be.

F Love

May 28, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2017, “Fck Love: One Shrink’s Sensible Advice for Finding a Lasting Relationship” is an exploration of romantic relationships, written by psychiatrist Dr. Michael I. Bennett and his daughter, comedy writer Sarah Bennett. The book challenges the fairy-tale narratives and unrealistic expectations fostered by popular culture, advocating instead for a more pragmatic approach to love. With sharp wit and candid insights, the Bennetts argue that finding a partner isn’t about soulmates, grand romantic gestures, or waiting for love to conquer all. Instead, they emphasize the importance of looking for realistic, compatible qualities in a partner, such as emotional maturity, responsibility, and genuine respect—qualities that lay the groundwork for a healthy, lasting relationship. “Fck Love” is less an indictment of love itself and more a call to arms for rational thinking and self-respect when navigating the often tumultuous waters of romance. This book details how to thoughtfully find a partner for life and not fall into the all too common traps of bad marriages.

My Thoughts

Mark Mason did such a good job on his book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck that I had to read something else of his. So I checked this book out. Of course, this is not the work of Mark Mason…

It was a great book though and rather timely. My daughter started dating this dude and I was filled with the normal angst of father (who’s only daughter is dating for the first time). I enjoyed the back and forth banter of the Bennett’s and their method of getting a point across. This book was full of good advice. (Nearly, all of which I didn’t take in my first marriage, but hope I’ve learned my lesson.)

Recommendation

A great book for those who are dating or considering dating. A must have book for those who are considering marriage. However, I would suggest you buy the actual book. The lists and multiple choice sections where hard in the audio format.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

May 20, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Written in 2016, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” is a self-help book by author Mark Manson that encourages readers to embrace the inevitable struggles and challenges of life, and to focus on what truly matters to them. The book promotes the idea that we should be selective in what we care about, and that by letting go of the things that don’t truly matter, we can find more meaning and fulfillment in our lives. Manson also emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for our own lives and choices, and accepting that pain and adversity are an inevitable part of the human experience. The book uses humor, personal anecdotes, and profanity to convey its message, and has become a popular and controversial bestseller.

My Thoughts

I really liked this book. I enjoyed his humor and the overall message. I told people at; work, church, and my poor family about it again and again.

Recommendation

A great read

Dare to Lead

May 17, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in Oct of 2018, Dare to Lead is Brene Brown’s latest book. This one is centered toward leaders, whether they be in the boardroom or on the battlefield.

My Thoughts

This book really spoke to me. I still have a hard time listening to Mrs. Brown with her remarks of “listening to the data” and so on… Having been through a bit of education, I know that people lie with data (plural) all the time. Still, she makes a lot of salient points and has a really good message.

What I took from the reading was that I don’t have to be a prick at work. I can listen, be vulnerable, be open, and sometimes even be completely wrong as a leader. In simpler terms, I can be human. What matters most is that I don’t get too blinded by others or their titles. I should pay attention to everyone and their needs. I should be responsible with my charges and act with honesty and integrity. All the stuff we all knew but seem to keep forgetting.

Recommendation

A good read. It may even be a good reference when I lose perspective in the future.

Crazy is My Superpower

May 14, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

This is the autobiography of AJ Mendez Brooks who gained fame as a professional wrestler. She grew up poor and fighting both her own mental illness and that of her family.

My Thoughts

It was an interesting read. I heard of the book on one of the podcasts I listen to and she handled herself very well. All that said, I hadn’t ever heard of her before and know practically nothing about professional wrestling these days. I watched when I was a kid with my dad back in the 80s so I had some experience. However, that was a long long time ago.

Recommendation

It was a good read for inspiration. I would recommend it.

Educated

April 30, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Educated is a memoir by Tara Westover, published in 2018. The book tells the story of Westover’s childhood and young adulthood, growing up in a survivalist family in the mountains of Idaho. Westover was not allowed to attend school, and her parents did not believe in doctors or hospitals. She was educated at home by her father, who was a self-taught scholar.

When Westover was 17, she decided to leave home and attend college. She had no formal education, but she was determined to learn. She went on to earn a degree from Brigham Young University and a PhD from Cambridge University.

My Thoughts

As a practicing “Mormon” or, more appropriately, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, This was not a fun book to read. My ex-wife was from Idaho and I didn’t meet anyone who would fit the description of the Westover family. However, I have run into quite a bit of fundamentalists and it is always interesting to hear their theories on the world and their place in it.

The book is an important read. We all need to “leave home” and do a little bit of examination of our foundations. My daughter is leaving soon for college and I sincerely hope she takes the time to learn about other people and other ways of living. I believe she is a good person and while I doubt I will agree with all of her decisions, she is going to do fine.

Recommendation

This book wasn’t comfortable but I’m glad I read it.

Braving the Wilderness

April 9, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Braving the Wilderness is the 2nd to latest book by Brené Brown which came out in Sep of 2017. It touches on the feelings of belonging and the stories we tell ourselves.

My Thoughts

I was glad of the reminder to keep my mouth shut when I have nothing good to say and of how rare a good friend is in our world. I also enjoyed her comments on the polarization of politics and how people react to “hot button” issues.

Although there is clear value in much of what the author is trying to get across, I found myself put off by the internalizing of seemingly every concept through the life of the author. I don’t feel it is needed or even wanted to empathize and find parity in your own life with every plight. Reading it felt sort of like talking to someone who is always one upping your story. You think they hear you but they are clearly put more value on their experiences rather than your own. It was hard to push through it.

Recommendation

Ms. Brown puts forth some very good concepts and I appreciate her work. If you enjoy her style of storytelling, you will likely enjoy this book.