Published in 2011, Zero Day by David Baldacci introduces military investigator John Puller, a former combat veteran now working for the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigative Division. Puller is sent to a remote area in West Virginia to investigate the brutal murder of a military family, including a high-ranking officer. As he partners with local law enforcement, Puller uncovers a disturbing trail of violence and corruption that hints at a much larger conspiracy. His investigation leads him to confront not only physical dangers but also deep institutional secrets, forcing him to rely on both his investigative skills and military training.
Zero Day
My Thoughts
This was a fun read with a big ending. However, there was a lot of emphasis about how the Army does business that seemed a little off to me. Of course, that might be due to my bias with the Marines. Still, I enjoyed the book.
Recommendation
A solid Baldacci novel. I’m excited to get to the next books featuring Puller.
Published in 1996, What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission by John Bytheway offers practical and spiritual insights for young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are preparing to serve as missionaries. The book draws from Bytheway’s own mission experience and reflections, addressing common misconceptions, emotional hurdles, and day-to-day realities of missionary service. Topics include dealing with homesickness, adjusting to rigorous schedules, understanding companionship dynamics, and maintaining personal spiritual growth. The goal is to help prospective missionaries enter the field with more accurate expectations and better preparation for the challenges and rewards of mission life.
What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission
My Thoughts
As my son is preparing for his mission, I came across What I Wish I’d Known Before My Mission in our kitchen. Naturally curious, I picked it up and gave it a read. It was a quick and held my attention, though it clearly reflects the time period in which it was originally written. Ironically, this book came out when I was serving my own mission, so I was not familiar with John Bytheway or his work till years afterward.
While researching the book, I found that it has been republished several times. My impression is that the updates were likely made to refresh the language, as the original version speaks in a style familiar to teenagers of the mid-1990s. (I have had some experience with this vernacular.) I worry that some of the references are old enough that they may not resonate with the current target demographic.
Despite the dated references, the core principles and advice remain strong. I especially appreciated the appendix, which provides simple historical background and helpful answers to common questions that missionaries might be asked. It is a thoughtful addition to an already solid resource.
Recommendation
I enjoyed it. The content was filled with concepts and language that resonated with me, particularly as it was written for my demographic 30 years ago. It also addressed a subject that has been on my mind recently. That said, I had not read it in the nearly three decades since its publication and likely would not have done so now if not for the fact that my son is preparing to leave soon.
Published in 2022, Long Shadows by David Baldacci follows seasoned investigator Amos Decker, known as the Memory Man, as he takes on a new case in Florida involving the brutal murders of a federal judge and her bodyguard. Tasked with uncovering the motive behind this high-profile crime, Decker is paired with a new partner, Special Agent Frederica White. As they dig into the judge’s past, they uncover conflicting clues and hidden connections that raise more questions than answers.
Long Shadows
My Thoughts
It had been a while since the last time I read anything from the Memory Man series and I didn’t know this one existed. Though there was some finality to the plot, Baldacci could easily add another book or two.
The book was easily taken in and digested. I was reading some heavier medical texts just before I switched to this and I still was happily reading for the next couple of hours. There really is nothing like a good novel to keep you engaged and this one didn’t disappoint.
Published in 2022, Do Pause: You Are Not a To-Do List by Robert Poynton explores the idea of intentionally stepping back from constant productivity to create space for reflection, awareness, and creativity. Drawing on his experience teaching improvisational techniques at Oxford and working with businesses, Poynton encourages readers to think of pauses not as breaks in action but as integral, active components of life and work. He presents different types of pauses, such as taking a breath, observing, or stopping altogether, as practical tools for navigating complex or fast-moving environments. Rather than offering time management strategies, the book redefines time itself as something we can engage with differently by shifting attention and perspective.
Do Pause You are not a To Do List
My Thoughts
This was a good reminder to slow down and enjoy life. I once caught one of my team outside smelling the flowers. He was a chaotic person and I had to send him to anger management at one point, but it brought me joy to see him taking a minute and enjoying something.
I think we all can do with a little more stillness in life. Particularly, at this point in time.
Published in 2022, Richard Bong: American’s #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II by Peter B. Mersky recounts the life and military career of Richard Ira Bong, the most successful American fighter pilot of World War II. The book traces Bong’s early life in Wisconsin, his training as a pilot in the Army Air Forces, and his rise to fame as he flew the P-38 Lightning in the Pacific Theater, ultimately achieving 40 confirmed aerial victories. The narrative details his combat missions, relationships with fellow pilots and commanders, and the public attention he received at home. It also covers his post-combat role as a test pilot and his untimely death in a plane crash shortly before the end of the war. Through official records, personal letters, and military analysis, the book provides a full portrait of Bong’s role in the war and his legacy in American aviation history.
Richard Bong: American’s #1 Ace Fighter Pilot of World War II
My Thoughts
This was an engaging book on a subject I knew nothing about. Fortunately, there are plenty of others who know the story. As I was reading it, I mentioned that Richard Bong State Recreation Area was named after the top fighter pilot in WWII. My deputy both knew where it was and his dad liked to hunt there.
Dick Bong’s life is inspiring and is something deserving of remembrance. In particular, as I read it so near to Memorial Day.
Recommendation
Great read and pretty engaging for a history book.
Published in 2022, Armed with Good Intentions by Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples) is a memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from incarceration to personal transformation and public influence. Drawing on his own life experiences, Wallo reflects on the mindset and choices that led to his imprisonment at a young age and the discipline and clarity he developed while serving a 20-year sentence. The book presents his story as a testament to using time wisely, embracing accountability, and finding purpose. Through anecdotes and direct commentary, he emphasizes the importance of internal change and the practical steps that helped him transition into a motivational speaker and entrepreneur after his release.
Armed with Good Intentions
My Thoughts
I started reading this book at the same time as reading “We Can Do Hard Things” by Glennon Doyle et al. What a world of difference! Here is someone with actual problems who gained some perspective, broke the cycle, and is out to break that cycle for others just like him. After reading his story, I’m convinced he deserves all the wealth and success he has earned.
Recommendation
An inspiring story though the concepts and language is not for youth.
Published in 2019, Lovely War by Julie Berry intertwines the stories of four young people during World War I, as narrated by the Greek gods Aphrodite, Ares, Apollo, and Hades. The novel follows Hazel, a British pianist, and James, a soldier, whose budding romance is tested by the brutality of the front lines. Alongside them are Aubrey, a Black American soldier and jazz musician, and Colette, a Belgian singer who has lost her family to German attacks.
Lovely War
My Thoughts
This was another book my wife was reading and she suggested to me. I didn’t have high hopes as I’m not too big on romance novels. However, this one was surprisingly good. There wasn’t any “steamy” scenes or over the top moments, which have come to be tropes of the genre.
The choice of having the Greek Gods tell the story was a fun take on the traditional narrative. It also gave a fun counterpoint to the “mortal” plot while finally culminating in a nicely wrapped ending.
Published in April 2024, The Opposite of Depression: What My Work with Suicidal Patients Has Taught Me about Life, Hope, and How to Flourish by David M. Carreon, MD, explores the journey from mental distress to well-being. Drawing from his clinical experience and Christian faith, Carreon discusses the limitations of solely alleviating depressive symptoms and emphasizes the importance of adopting habits that promote overall flourishing. The book is structured into three sections: Mind, Body, and Soul. Each offering practical steps and insights aimed at guiding individuals toward a more fulfilling life.
The Opposite of Depression
My Thoughts
I really enjoyed the book and the novelty of looking at what not to do to keep away from depression. I also enjoyed the Christian spin on the topic.
Recommendation
A good read. There weren’t any big epiphanies, but it was full of solid reminders.
Published in 1907, Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum is the third book in the Oz series and follows Dorothy Gale as she is swept overboard during a storm at sea and finds herself in the land of Ev. There, she meets a mechanical man named Tik-Tok and learns that the royal family of Ev has been imprisoned by the powerful Nome King. Dorothy reunites with her old friends from Oz, including the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, and joins forces with Princess Ozma, who has crossed the deadly desert with an army to help. Together, they confront the Nome King and navigate challenges of wit and courage in their attempt to free the captives and restore order to the kingdom of Ev.
Ozma of Oz
My Thoughts
Again an interesting trip down children’s literature over a hundred years ago. Talking chickens, spiteful gnomes, and good old fashioned laziness. I also enjoyed Tik-Tok himself who may or may not be proud of his namesake today.
Published in 2024, We Who Wrestle with God by Jordan B. Peterson explores the psychological, literary, and theological significance of the Book of Genesis, particularly its early chapters. Drawing on his background in psychology and mythology, Peterson examines the biblical stories of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, and the Tower of Babel as archetypal narratives that shape human understanding of morality, identity, responsibility, and meaning. He interprets these ancient texts through a Jungian and existential lens, arguing that the struggle with God reflects humanity’s internal struggle to confront chaos, find order, and live truthfully. The book also revisits themes Peterson has addressed in his previous works, including individual transformation and the importance of tradition in modern life.
We Who Wrestle with God
My Thoughts
I really enjoy Dr. Pererson’s writing. I believe he does an incredible job of linking ideas and examining things from the macro level, yet I find he can also be overly simplistic and generalize. This book uses the Old Testament as a source document, which is loaded with symbolism. Of course, any symbol can be interpreted in several ways. Dr. Peterson’s interpretation is a little too neat and tidy for me to fully accept at face value. However, any meaningful discussion would be impossible if we dived down every rabbit hole of nuance. It would just take far too long.
That said, I really enjoyed this book. So much so that I bought copies along with “12 Rules for Life” and “Beyond Order.” My son is working his way through the first book and it is making an impact.
Recommendation
Great book! These are very heavy concepts so spend some time thinking through some of the ideas.
