Self Help

Born to Run 2

Background

Published in 2022, “Born to Run 2” is the sequel to “Born to Run” (2009). Both were written by Christopher McDougall and explores the author’s journey to of the events after the first book. In this book, McDougall delves into practical exercises and still continues his belief the science, biomechanics, and natural form of running for the human body. He also gives some histories of people who made an appearance in his first book.

Born to Run 2
Born to Run 2

My Thoughts

I was one of those people who bought minimalist shoes and went running after reading his first book. I ran almost daily back in those days and it is the only thing I miss about my time working in Washington D.C.

This book almost had me buying a new pair of shoes and start running again. (I still have my old pair because they almost never wear out but according to this book, I bought them too small). I currently am laid up due to some plantar fasciitis in my foot. However, McDougall gives specific exercises to deal with it. I still may…

Recommendation

This is a bit of a niche read and meant as more of a reference but it was worth my attention.

The Four Loves

Background

Published in 1960, “The Four Loves” is a non-fiction book written by C.S. Lewis on the nature of love. In this insightful work, Lewis explores love from a philosophical and Christian perspective. Expounding on four distinct categories of love:

  1. Storge: This refers to familial or natural affection, the love between family members, or the love that arises naturally, such as the love between parents and children.
  2. Philia: This represents friendship and the love between friends. It encompasses loyalty, camaraderie, and mutual respect.
  3. Eros: Eros refers to romantic or passionate love. It is associated with desire, attraction, and physical intimacy.
  4. Agape: Agape is unconditional love, often seen as divine or selfless love. It is characterized by compassion, generosity, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

Lewis delves into the complexities and nuances of each type of love. He examines their strengths, potential pitfalls, and how they relate to one another. Drawing from literature, theology, and personal experiences, Lewis offers profound reflections on the meaning and significance of love in our lives. “The Four Loves” is a timeless exploration of human relationships and emotions that continues to resonate with readers, offering wisdom and understanding on the nature of love.

The Four Loves
The Four Loves

My Thoughts

I can’t heap enough praise on this book. C.S. Lewis does not tell a story here, rather he is explaining, as plain as he can, the nature of love. I went through it a number of times and still think I’m just scratching the surface.

Recommendation

Read this book!

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment

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.

Attached
Attached

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

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.

Major Decisions
Major Decisions

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.

Limitless

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.

Limitless
Limitless

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.

Raising Your Spirited Child

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.

Raising Your Spirited Child
Raising Your Spirited Child

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.

Running with the Kenyans

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.

Running with the Kenyans
Running with the Kenyans

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.

The New Rules of Running

Background

Published in April of 2014, The New Rules of Running is a book about the latest and greatest thoughts on running. This book contains strategies and how to guides to help anyone become a successful runner.

The New Rules of Running
The New Rules of Running

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book as it had a little bit of something for everyone. In particular, I liked how it talked about stretching and made some comments about the newer recommendation against it. This book pointed out that the study that recommendation was based on was on younger people and that those people usually don’t have the same injuries as us older folks. That is the type of thing I want to hear in these books. Something that goes just a little deeper.

Recommendation

I like it. It is a good book to pick up if you are interested in running.

Independence Day

Background

Published in November of 2022, Independence Day: What I Learned about Retirement is a book about the decision to retire in America.

Independence Day
Independence Day

My Thoughts

This was an interesting read. It is from the vantage point of a 2nd wave Baby-Boomer thinking about when to retire and even what it means to retire. His job is a journalist so he has a chance to speak with a number of well known people and many not so well known people. The book never really tied a pretty bow on the conclusion and left it up to the individual. However, it brought up a number of interesting ideas about what it means to be retired and when might be the right time. I’ve thought a lot about it and I really don’t know what I will want when I am “of age” to retire. I just hope my body holds on so I can enjoy some of it.

Recommendation

Not a bad read.

Master The Marathon

Background

Published in September of 2021, Master The Marathon is a book on how to get ready for running a Marathon. The Subtitle is The Ultimate Training Guide for Women and it was written by Runner’s World editor and current contributor Ali Nolan.

Master The Marathon
Master The Marathon

My Thoughts

Honestly, I didn’t see that it was supposed to be for women till I was already in the book. However, I figured it still had a number of valuable insights and it did. (I also learned how to Kegel but it likely isn’t the same when I do it…) I have been thinking about running a marathon again. I’m not sure why really, the last one was enough and was 10 years ago. (Maybe it was because it was 10 years ago…)

Anyway, it was a pretty easy read and the author was enjoyable. I tried to incorporate a few of her ideas into my training today and I’m not certain of the result. Still, I think she had some great ideas.

Recommendation

It was a good book to help with marathon training. It is a pity it was for women.