Ryan's Book Blog – Page 41 – I read therefore I am.

The Book of Eels

November 9, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2019 and then published in English in May 2020, Swedish author Patrik Svensson leads the readers through the life and history of Eels. He also gives a history of mankind’s relationship with them.

My Thoughts

When I saw this book, I thought, “why not”. I wasn’t excited by it but I’m interested in just about everything so… Why not?

I’m so glad I read it. Eels are truly interesting creatures and I had no idea about them. I didn’t know about their lifecycles or how long they live. I really didn’t know that we didn’t know that much about them. Such a weird tale and a surprising cameo by Sigmond Freude…

Recommedation

Loved it! It is a little bit like stereo instructions at places but I liked it none the less.

The Religion of Small Societies

November 7, 2020 by Ryan

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.

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.

24: Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

November 6, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, “24” is the biography of Willie Mays. The pretty amazing story of one of the most famous and accomplished baseball players of all time.

24 Life Stories and Lessons from the Say Hey Kid

My Thoughts

Beyond his raw talent and love of the game, I loved that he was just a good person doing his best. Really, that was what stood out to me. Everyone said he was a good guy and was great to be around. Who can ask for more than that?

Recommendation

If you like baseball and/or a good underdog story. Look no further!

What Makes a Marriage Last

November 5, 2020 by Ryan

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.

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).

My Vanishing Country

October 26, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in May of 2020, My Vanishing Country is a quazi-autobiography of Bakari Sellers who was one of the youngest state representative from South Carolina. He reflects on his childhood and his rise into politics. He also talks about the state of the world today.

My Thoughts

I read this book because it was a recent release and thought it might be interesting. It wasn’t… I thought there was a lot of hate in the book and I didn’t enjoy it. I don’t agree with several of the statements made but everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Recommendation

A waste of time.

The Leadership Challenge

October 25, 2020 by Ryan

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.

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

October 23, 2020 by Ryan

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.

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.

Attack Surface

October 16, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in October of 2020, “Attack Surface” is a science fiction novel by author and activist Cory Doctorow, which explores the relationship between technology and social justice. The book follows the story of Masha Maximow, a former government cybersecurity expert who becomes disillusioned with her work and begins to use her skills to help oppressed communities around the world. As she becomes increasingly involved in these activities, Masha is forced to confront the ethical and political implications of her work, and to navigate the complex landscape of global power and technology.

My Thoughts

This is one of those stories which will make you look over your shoulder and 2nd guess everything you do with your cell phone. It forces you to think about everything your gadgets know about you and who might be listening in.

However, it also has this girl power vibe to the whole thing. I didn’t care for the tone and the underlying theme of the story. Too much forced drama…

Recommendation

I didn’t like it.

News of the World

October 12, 2020 by Ryan

Background

News of the world was published in October of 2016 and will apparently be made into a movie coming out this December. (Tom Hanks of all people.) It is the story of old man who goes from town to town reading the news to people who largely can’t read. He tends to look after himself but ends up getting stuck with a young girl who was rescued from the Indians. (They had kidnapped her as a young child.) He finds himself trying to get her back home and she just wants to get back to the tribe who took her.

My Thoughts

It was a compelling story and I made it through it pretty quickly. It was a reminder of a time in our country when lawlessness was pretty much rampant and protection was your own responsibility.

Recommendation

It was worth the read.

The Art of Her Deal

October 10, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Mary Jordan gives us a story of our First Lady from her growing up in Slovenia to living in the White House.

My Thoughts

I have to admit I didn’t really think of Melania Trump. I knew President Trump was married but didn’t think much about who he had married or what she was about. Also, I don’t know that I still know anything. It seems she is more than happy to make up things about herself so I don’t know how much of this is real and how much was also a story. It reminds me of a Daniel Tosh joke. “Plastic surgery gives you the rare chance to make your insides match your outsides. You know, Fake!”

If you can take this at face value, both she and everyone in her circle seems morally bereft. I’m saddened that these are who my children have to see as their top government officials.

Recommendation

If you like a good train wreck, you might like this book.