Ryan's Book Blog – Page 51 – I read therefore I am.

Everything is F*cked

July 10, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Mark Manson remixes; Jung, Nietzsche, and others to bring some idea as to why the world seems as messed up as it is. Released in May of 2019, the book has met with great success.

My Thoughts

This book had me thinking again about what is important and why do I do the things I like to do. I feel like I am a centered person. I feel like I’m fair and do things for the “right” reason. Particularly inspiring was the comment in the book about how children, adolescents and adults see morality. Children do it because they are told to and fear being caught. Adolescents see things as more of a transaction. Adults do things because it is the right thing to do. These aren’t new thoughts but they are worth repeating. It is scary how often I find myself falling into the adolescent or even childlike patterns of behavior.

Recommendation

A worth while read. If you haven’t read much philosophy, some of the ideas expounded upon could be new and even challenging for a religious person.

The First Conspiracy

July 9, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

This is the story of the first organized clandestine attempt against George Washington. It centers in the mid 1770’s New York as Washington is just establishing himself and his army. Many want him to fail but only a few have the money and resources to do much about it.

My Thoughts

This book was a very interesting read. I really didn’t know that much about the revolutionary army. I knew they weren’t largely professional and were out manned and out gunned. We have been geographically blessed in that there is a whole ocean between us and Europe. I can only imagine what the English thought of us at that time.

The book had the feel of being well researched and well thought out. The author did a great job about letting the reader know where and when we have evidence and what is speculation. It seems the author used multiple sources and spent a great deal of time researching what went on and paid attention to who was talking and why they would have written what they wrote. All of these are markers of a quality work.

The book is written firmly from the perspective of the patriots. There were some instances where a behavior was pointed out as “shocking” or something similar where it seemed totally reasonable if you look from the perspective of the other side. If someone is loyal to England, of course they would work against, what they would consider, the radical upstarts who are taking over and running amok. Of course, the English appointed governor would try just about anything he could to undermine the new organization which just kicked him out. These things aren’t shocking.

Recommendation

Definately worth the read.

The House of Hades

July 7, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The House of Hades is the next book following the Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan. The seven heroes are racing to the gates of death. Percy and Annabeth have entered Tartarus and are coming from the other direction while the others are fighting through the ancient lands so they can hold both sides…

My Thoughts

Another solid read from Rick Riordan. Reading these books make me want to know more about the mythology of Greece and Rome. I am continually surprised at the staggering amount of names and stories I should likely know but I just don’t…

Recommendation

This is a part of a series and does not stand on its own. I do recommend the series but start with The Lightning Thief of Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.

Mary Poppins

July 6, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

This is the original Mary Poppins from P.L. Travers. Ms. Travers (Golf). This particular book started a series of other books in which Mary Poppins is the protagonist.

My Thoughts

The first thing I noticed is that there were 4 Banks children. The youngest were John and Barbara who were twins. Mary herself is called out as “vain” and admires herself in every reflective surface she can find. In short, there were a lot of things I didn’t anticipate.

Recommendation

I’m glad I read it and I will be reading the following books.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

July 5, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

This book is a version of a true love story in the worst place. 2 people met and stayed alive throughout their time at the Auschwitz concentration camp. This story wasn’t told until recently and was originally made into a screenplay. The book, was released in 2018.

My Thoughts

The concentration camps of the 2nd world war were something that is barely even imaginable today. Even with so many descriptions of the horrors there, I keep coming back to wondering how people can be that horrible to other people. Yet, just a look around at any social media will show hints of how people are willing to treat others. We seem to forget the lessons of the past so easily. Study after study seem to confirm we are all capable of these deeds with much less incentive than what we might think. The key seems to be the ability to categorize others as something other than ourselves. If they are “other”, they are different and worthy of different treatment. Yet, it never seems to cross our mind that we may be “other” to them and worthy of the same.

Recommendation

I’m not sure whether to recommend this or not. I’m glad of the reminder in a way but it wasn’t pleasant. I won’t be seeing the movie.

The Mark of Athena

July 4, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Mark of Athena is the 3rd book in the Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan. Published in 2012, it details the coming together of demigods from Camp Halfblood and the Roman Legion. The gods are torn between their Greek and Roman forms and the Earth Goddess Gaea is rising.

My Thoughts

I really like the character of Leo as he is interacting with everyone. The scene with Arachne was super creepy all and all. Nope, I’m not a fan of spiders. The characters are getting older and there is some smooching going on. That is a slight difference then the other books so far. Of course, they were all a bit young for it so it only seems natural. The book was fun to listen to and I’m looking forward to the next book.

Recommendation

A worthy read

The Son of Neptune

July 3, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Son of Neptune is the 2nd book in The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan. It was published in 2011 and follows The Lost Hero. This story follows Percy as he is dropped off in the Roman camp. He’s memory is gone with the exception of his love interest Annabeth. Yet, there is another threat he will have to face.

My Thoughts

Mr. Riordan does a good job to make his characters likeable. Percy has a lot of power and is a natural leader. Somehow, he bumbles his way to be the best in camp. He later becomes the hero of the demigods. However, somehow Mr. Riordan takes you through the journey without every thinking, “Hey, this Percy guy is too powerful and arrogant.” That’s fairly impressive.

Recommendation

It’s a great series. Worth the read.

The Slippery Slope

July 1, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Book 10 in The Series of Unfortunate Events is The Slippery Slope. The orphans are trying to get their littlest sister back from the clutches of the evil Count Olaf. This time, they are in the snowy mountains and have help from someone they thought was dead.

My Thoughts

I had to jump a few books as this is the only one available after The Ersatz Elevator. There has been a lot that seemed to happen in the meantime. We learned more about BFV and Count Olaf has successfully kidnapped Sunny. It feels like we are building toward some closure though I’m sure it is a while off.

Recommendation

Still enjoyable

The Ersatz Elevator

June 21, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Ersatz Elevator is the 6th book in Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events. In this book, the orphans or given to an overly agreeable guardian whose very “in” wife as a big secret.

My Thoughts

The sixth book has roughly the same elements as the others. The orphans are mistreated by adults who are clueless and Count Olaf isn’t too far away. However, it is still fun to read. The style of the books are light-hearted and clever. It also doesn’t hurt that Tim Curry is reading them.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it.

Abhorsen

June 20, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Abhorsen is the 3rd and final book in the Old Kingdom Series by Garth Nix. It is the conclusion of the story put forth in Lirael and is need to put closure to that book. Lirael discovers she will be the next Abhorsen, the guardian who puts the dead back where they belong.

My Thoughts

This continued on the series and left plenty of room to make more additions to the world of the old kingdom. I enjoyed the surprises of the dog and Moggot and thought it wrapped up nicely.

Recommendation

A must read if you read the book before it.