Psychology

Post Corona

Background

Published in November of 2020, Post Corona is the predictions of celebrated advertising theorist and Professor at the New York University Stern School of Business. He details how the COVID-19 virus has impacted our lives and what it means going forward into the future.

Post Corona From Crisis to Opportunity
Post Corona From Crisis to Opportunity

My Thoughts

This was one of the few books that made enough of an impact on me that I mentioned it to my wife! A high bar indeed.

I had no idea that Amazon had already jumped ahead into healthcare. I knew it was only a matter of time but I didn’t know that had happened. I didn’t know so many business had fallen and what was happening to those who were still around… There was much I thought I had a handle on but so much swept by without my notice.

I’m in Mr. Galloway’s camp. I am free market kind of guy and I really think there shouldn’t be anyone who is “too big to fail”. After all, where was my bail out when my business tanked in 2007? I adapted! I had to fire my employees and pick myself up again. It hurt and it sucked but I’m better off in the long term. Anyway, he gave me a lot more to think about.

Recommendation

Great book.

The Year 1000

Background

Published in April of 2020, “The Year 1000” is a non-fiction book written by historian Robert Lacey and archaeologist Danny Danziger that explores what life was like in England at the dawn of the second millennium. The book takes a fascinating look at the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the people living in England in the year 1000, based on a wide range of sources including archaeological evidence, historical records, and contemporary writings. The authors examine everything from diet and fashion to religion and politics, painting a vivid picture of a world that was simultaneously vastly different and surprisingly familiar to our own.

The Year 1000
The Year 1000

My Thoughts

This book almost seems to be written as a counter to “The Year 1000: What Life Was Like at the Turn of the First Millennium, An Englishman’s World” as it deals with the entire world and not just the Western European perspective.

Great book! I really enjoyed learning about how the connections were being made all over the world. It was really enlightening to be shown how people connected and traded at a time I tend to think of as a dark spot in history.

Recommendation

Great book and worth the read.

Relationship Goals

Background

Published in April of 2020, “Relationship Goals” is advice on marriage, dating, and all the things that go with it from Michael Todd (and a little from his wife.)

Relationship Goals
Relationship Goals

My Thoughts

I really liked this book. Michael is unashamedly Christian and actually quotes the Bible! For real! The actual Bible… It wasn’t the King James version but it was close enough for me. I get fairly impatient with people who reference the Bible when they obviously have no idea what it says or what they are talking about.

Anyway, I found his advice both spot on and needed for today. This was the best put argument for the law of chastity that I have seen in a long time.

Recommendation

Love it! Great book.

Your Blue Flame

Background

“Your Blue Flame” was published in April of 2020 by Jennifer Fulwiler who has a radio talk show on SiriusXM and is a standup comedian. In this book, she challenges readers to follow their passions and do the things they were meant to do in this life.

Your Blue Flame
Your Blue Flame

My Thoughts

First, I had never heard of Jennifer Fulwiler and had no idea what the book was about. (It was listed under Biography which it sort of is.) As I started into it, I thought, “Oh great! Another you-can-do-it book”. It was just that but, this time, I actually thought of a couple of things I’ve been meaning to do.

This book had my mind turning and I really enjoyed it. I didn’t think I would but I was wrong.

Of course, there are problems with just following your passion and Jennifer did a good job of giving some ideas about it. However, some things just have to be done. For example, someone has to clean the toilet. I’m sure that isn’t their “blue flame” or what they were meant to do. However, I have 3 boys, that toilet needs attention…

Recommendation

A good read. Particularly if you need some motivation.

The Religion of Small Societies

Background

Published in Sep of 2006, “The Religion of Small Societies” is an attempt to understand the spirituality and mysticism of cultures who predate or are outside of the mainstream religions.

The Religion of Small Societies
The Religion of Small Societies

My Thoughts

This book had some interesting insights into cultures I didn’t know about or really thought about. We, as humans, are very good about building patterns and beliefs. It was interesting to hear about what others really do believe and why they do the things they do.

Recommendation

Unless you are interested in anthropology, I’d skip this one.

What Makes a Marriage Last

Background

This compilation of marriage advice was published in May of 2020 just as we were settling into our pandemic lockdowns. Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue interview the famous who somehow managed to avoid divorce throughout their storied careers.

What Makes a Marriage Last
What Makes a Marriage Last

My Thoughts

It took me a few days to get through it. Not because it was hard to read or wasn’t interesting but rather, it caused me to stop and think about things in my own marriage and circumstances for a bit. My poor wife had to endure me giving her bits of advice I had picked up from the book.

This book wasn’t really a deep dive into marital psychology. It was sort of like your great aunt giving you advice on your wedding day. You realize it is likely good to know but until you’ve had some experience, it doesn’t really seem to apply. I’ve spent over 20 years being married so I was listening a bit better this time around.

Recommendation

I liked the book and it was worth the time to read. However, I’d imagine those of you who can name more YouTubers than celebrities likely won’t have any idea who most of the people are (including the authors).

The Leadership Challenge

Background

Published in 2017, this book helps the aspiring leader along in their journey. Can leadership be taught or are you born with it? For this book, the answer is it is something you can learn.

The Leadership Challenge
The Leadership Challenge

My Thoughts

This was a good book that put some science into what I thought of as common sense. It was a good reminder on several fronts and a wake up call on several others. I believe I am a better leader due to reading this book.

Recommendation

It was a good book on the subject of leadership.

Countdown to 1945

Background

Published October of 2020, Chris Wallace writes about the development and the use of the atom bomb. He takes us through the process of the arms race and tells the story from multiple people and their points of view.

Countdown to 1945
Countdown to 1945

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the book. Chris Wallace didn’t spend a lot of time giving his opinion, rather he told the story from what others had written about their personal thoughts and insights. I also thought the addition of the survivors from Hiroshima gave good depth to the story.

Recommendation

I think this story is an important one to get our collective minds around. It was worth the read.

China’s Great Wall of Debt

Background

Published in 2018, this book talks about how China has backed themselves into a corner and how the author really didn’t see a good way forward for them.

China's Great Wall of Debt
China’s Great Wall of Debt

My Thoughts

If true, this was a very disturbing book. The notion that China was on the edge as much as it seemed could have huge ramifications in the near future. This is particularly true with the COVID-19 pandemic going on now.

Recommendation

I’m on the fence with this one

Ketotarian

Published in 2018, Ketotarian is the name of someone who wants to live the majority of time in a perpetual state of Ketosis. This book expounds on why this might be a good way to go if you are looking for an alternative of the standard American diet.

Ketotarian
Ketotarian

My Thoughts

This book didn’t have any revelations other than some self-righteous justifications from someone who progressed from vegan to keto. I read the book as I have been trying to follow a keto-friendly diet for the past month or so. I haven’t really drunk the Kool-Aid but I have lost some weight.

Recommendation

It wasn’t bad if you are interested in the subject matter.