Ryan's Book Blog – Page 42 – I read therefore I am.

The Lord of Chaos

February 2, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in Oct of 1994, and over 1000 pages long, The Lord of Chaos is the sixth book in the Wheel of Time series. The book sees Rand captured and abused by Aes Sedai from the tower. He is freed by his friends but he will never trust quite the same. Perrin comes back into the story and his fame grows. Egwene becomes the new Amyrlin over the broken rebel faction of Aes Sedai and she makes Nynaeve and Elayne Aes Sedai as well.

My Thoughts

I like how Egwene grows in this book. Her time with the wise ones seems to have been well spent as it has prepped her to deal with the Aes Sedai who want to use her. You have to feel for Rand as he has to go through some real abuse at the hands of the Reds.

Recommendation

A good read.

The Writer’s Library

January 31, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in Sept of 2020, the Writer’s Library is a collection of interviews with writers and their favorite books.

My Thoughts

Apparently, I don’t have a lot of sophistication because this was really hard to get through. In fact, I didn’t get much from the book. These people came across as pretentious and snooty. I understand I read a lot of trash but I’m going to have to add this one to that number.

One day I will learn that I don’t have to finish the book. I kept coming back to it over weeks and it just seemed to keep going.

Recommendation

Skip this one. I wish I had…

The Fires of Heaven

January 30, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in Oct of 1993, The Fires of Heaven is the fifth book in Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. This book sees Rand firmly placed as the “Car’a’carn” or chief of chiefs over all Aiel but the Shaido. He has to catch them before they lay siege to the rest of the world. The White Tower is broken and a new Amyrlin Seat begins to rule. The forsaken (Rahvin and Moghedien more specifically) are still loose and must be dealt with.

My Thoughts

This one took me longer to get through than I would have expected. It kept me interested but hasn’t been my favorite thus far. The illustrations are pretty bad on the cover which bothered me more than it should have done while I was reading it.

Recommendation

A must read to get through the series.

The Last Stand of Fox Company

January 27, 2021 by Ryan

Background

The version I read was published in 2009 and is story of the beginning of the Korean War and how the 10,000 Marines of 1st Division fought their way through 100,000 Chinese soldiers. More specifically, how Captain William Barber and the 234 Marines of Fox Company held the Toktong Pass against all odds.

My Thoughts

This is the modern day equivalent of the Battle of Thermopylae. The Marines held the pass against incredible odds and some made it out to tell the story. This book is foundational to the ethos of the United States Marines. They celebrate the pure grit it took to hold when anyone else would have run.

Recommendation

A good read if you want to understand the Marine Corps. The books is graphic so it should not be read by children.

The Shadow Rising

January 13, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Book 4 in the Wheel of Time series, The Shadow Rising was first published in September of 1992. Robert Jordan shows how prolific and author he is by turning out this 1000+ page book in less than a year from the last.

The Shadow Rising begins setting the stage for the coming battle prophesied with the proclamation of the Dragon Reborn.

My Thoughts

This book took me more time to get through then it likely should have. However, I really enjoyed the experience. I was compelled to keep reading as I was drawn into the story.

It did take a few to get going though. There was a lot that occurred but really this book was just positioning everyone for the next book. (This is why I believe I stopped reading the series when it came out back in 1993.)

Recommendation

A slow but satisfying read.

How to Lead

January 6, 2021 by Ryan

Background

Published in September 2020, “How to Lead” is written by David Rubenstein, a successful business leader and philanthropist. The book offers practical advice and insights on leadership, drawing on Rubenstein’s own experiences as well as interviews with some of the world’s most influential leaders in fields such as business, politics, and entertainment. The book covers a wide range of topics, including communication, decision-making, managing teams, and developing a personal leadership style. It also explores the qualities that make for effective leadership, such as vision, empathy, and resilience.

My Thoughts

The discussions were very interesting and I learned a lot. That said, there wasn’t much of a common thread in the interviews. The thoughts on success were as varied as the people that were interviewed. At least some had the courage to admit the role of luck in their success…

Recommendation

This was an interesting book but not a good one if you want to learn how to lead.

The Practice

December 31, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in November of 2020, “The Practice” is a manual to get creative people building and doing the work. It outlines the difference between an amateur and a professional when it comes to their work.

My Thoughts

This book had my mind racing about what I could be doing and want to be more intentional with my time and talents. I really do believe that anyone can be good at something if they put the time in. However, to be really great… The book would have you believe it is all about the hours and I believe that is partially true. I agree with Tony Robbins that if you, “have a big enough why you will figure out the how.” That “why” gives you the passion to keep putting in the practice. Of course, a little talent wouldn’t hurt either…

Recommendation

Great book and worth the time.

Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets

December 30, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in October of 2020, “Better Decisions, Fewer Regrets” is a self-help book written by Andy Stanley, a renowned author and pastor. The book offers practical advice and guidance on decision-making, drawing on insights from psychology, neuroscience, and the author’s own experiences. Stanley argues that many people struggle with decision-making because they lack a clear framework for making choices and often base their decisions on emotion rather than reason. He offers a simple but powerful approach to decision-making that involves clarifying one’s core values, gathering relevant information, and considering the potential consequences of different options. The book also provides tips on overcoming common obstacles to good decision-making, such as indecision, fear, and a reluctance to admit mistakes.

My Thoughts

I liked the style of writing as he was self deprecating and approachable. There was a lot of wisdom packed in there and a lot of experience as he works with people as a pastor. One of the things that stuck out to me was the advise on waiting a year before any kind of dating after a divorce. I wonder where I would be now if I had followed that advice…

Recommendation

Great book to help you evaluate where you are, where you want to be, and how to get there.

You are Never Alone

December 29, 2020 by Ryan

Background

Published in September of 2020, You Are Never Alone: Trust in the Miracle of God’s Presence and Power was started before the COVID-19 lock down but was heavily influenced by it. The central message is that God specifically cares for you and your needs.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed this book as the author made specific mention that God is watching and cares for you where you are now. I have found this is the case in my life and it was comforting (confirmations bias) to hear it echoed through his words and through the scripture he quoted.

Recommendation

This is a good book if you are Christian and want a pick me up.

Post Corona

December 28, 2020 by Ryan

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.

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.