Ryan's Book Blog – Page 6 – I read therefore I am.

Maybe Everything is Okay

March 12, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published in September 2024, “Maybe Everything Is Okay: A Parent’s Guide to Less Stress and Worry” by Allison Carmen introduces the “Maybe mindset,” a perspective designed to help parents manage the uncertainties of raising children. Building upon her previous work, “The Gift of Maybe,” Carmen offers strategies to reduce stress and embrace the unknown as a space filled with possibilities. This guide encourages parents to adopt a flexible approach, aiming to foster resilience and hope in both themselves and their children.

My Thoughts

The idea of framing everything with the word “maybe” is a decently sound method to minimize fear of the unknown. It aims to allow the mind to accept even a “bad” circumstance can end well. However, this is a hard sell to someone who is stuck in the victim or control mindset. It also didn’t speak much to creating other possibilities. However, I agree it is beneficial to keep an open mind to positive outcomes rather than stay mired in disappointment. If “maybe” get’s you there then I’m happy for you. Still, don’t forget that most emotions have their uses. Anger and disappointment have been very useful to me in terms of motivation to action and I’ve done some of my best work while emotionally upset.

When it comes to parenting, sometimes the best thing a kid needs to hear is, “no”. Ask any kid what it really means when their mom replies to a request with “maybe”. Maybe is not a word I would have gone with for this concept though it is descriptive. Perhaps, not necessarily, you never know, in shāʾ Allāh, or a host of others may have been a better fit. Maybe…

Recommendation

Not a bad read and some good reminders.

Dark One Forgotten

March 10, 2025 by Ryan

Background

“Dark One: Forgotten” is a six-part audio drama set in the universe of Brandon Sanderson’s “Dark One” series. Developed in collaboration with author Dan Wells, this production is presented in the style of a true-crime podcast. The narrative follows journalist Christina Walsh as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of renowned violinist Leona McPherson, who vanished after a concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Strangely, all memories of Leona seem to have been erased from the minds of those who knew her, including her own mother. As Christina delves deeper, she uncovers a series of similar cases, leading her on a cross-country journey filled with supernatural elements.

My Thoughts

This was difficult to listen to for me. I had a hard time relating to the characters and I never knew where the narrative was going. There were some glaring plot holes and it was difficult to read about protagonists that repeatedly make the same foolish moves. Having listened through it, I’m still no nearer understanding. Perhaps I’m just not a fan of the “true crime” style.

Recommendation

I’d skip this one.

The 5 Resets

March 8, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published on January 16, 2024, “The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience” by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar presents five actionable mindset shifts designed to help readers manage stress and prevent burnout. Dr. Nerurkar reframes stress as a natural biological response that, when properly managed, can enhance well-being. The book introduces the following five resets:

Get Clear on What Matters Most
Find Quiet in a Noisy World
Sync Your Brain and Your Body
Come Up for Air
Bring Your Best Self Forward

Each reset is accompanied by three science-backed techniques, offering readers practical tools to recalibrate their relationship with stress and enhance resilience.

My Thoughts

This book was a good compilation of ideas and techniques to reframe, reset, rethink, and just make life a little easier. There were multiple times during my reading where I stopped and thought, “I should do that.” Fortunately, there were some that I have done and even some I’m still doing.

I find it is worth the time and effort to read one of these books every now and again. The motivation fades over time and it is easy to fall back into the same patterns.

Recommendation

Slow start but a good read.

Dark One

March 5, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published on May 18, 2021, “Dark One” is a fantasy graphic novel that follows Paul Tanasin, an 18-year-old haunted by visions of a world called Mirandus. Initially dismissing these visions as hallucinations, Paul discovers they are prophecies foretelling his destiny as the “Dark One,” a figure destined to shatter Mirandus. As he grapples with his role, Paul confronts themes of predestination and the duality of being both a savior and a destroyer.

My Thoughts

I’m not generally a fan of graphic novels. I loved the X-Men and still couldn’t get into the comics about them.

This one wasn’t bad but I’m used to a lot more narrative. I thought the art was good, but still I’d rather use my imagination to detail the story.

The door is wide open for Sanderson to continue the story.

Recommendation

I’d wait till he is done before reading it. It went pretty quick.

Wind and Truth

March 2, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published on December 6, 2024, “Wind and Truth” is the fifth installment in Brandon Sanderson’s epic fantasy series, The Stormlight Archive. This novel concludes the first major arc of the series, bringing together complex plotlines and character developments. The story follows the Knights Radiant and the nations of Roshar as they prepare for a decisive confrontation with the malevolent god Odium, with the fate of their world hanging in the balance. Central characters, including Kaladin, Shallan, Dalinar, and Szeth, face personal challenges and pivotal battles that test their oaths and resolve.

My Thoughts

First off, I’m glad I read the physical book on this one for the illustrations. However, it is large enough to be used as a weapon. Just holding it was chore through the hours of reading.

Anyway, the story was good and I was really hoping for more closure only to find there will be another 5 books. This is why I like to read things from the past so I don’t have to wait for the rest of the series. Oh well! I could also do without the justification for Rlaine and Renarin for hooking up. Honestly, if the goal is to normalize homosexuality (and in this case interspecies homosexuality) then don’t spend so much time on it. It felt overdone and came off as pandering.

Recommendation

It was a good read though I was disappointed in parts.

The Rithmatist

February 28, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2013, The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson is a young adult fantasy novel set in an alternate United States called the United Isles. In this world, a unique branch of magic called Rithmatics allows trained individuals to bring chalk drawings to life for both defense and combat. Joel, the “chalk-maker’s son”, is fascinated by Rithmatics but was never chosen to receive its powers. Instead, he studies the art obsessively, hoping to understand its secrets. When students at Armedius Academy begin disappearing under mysterious circumstances, Joel teams up with a struggling Rithmatist student, Melody, and Professor Fitch to investigate. As they uncover dark secrets about the nature of Rithmatics and the dangerous creatures called Chalklings, Joel finds himself at the center of a conflict that could change his world forever.

My Thoughts

This was a fun read and a new take on Sanderson’s “investiture” in the drawing of 2-dimensional images that come alive to protect or fight. Also, a fun take on what would happen if this power was given to the British government a few hundred years back. There were a lot of quasi-world references like stir fried spaghetti, St. Michelangelo, and so on.

The door was left wide for more books to be written, but there don’t seem to be any coming. Unlike the other standalone Sanderson novels, this one didn’t have anything to cross over into the greater Cosmere, or perhaps I just missed it.

Recommendation

Still a fun read.

Cher The Memoir Part One

February 26, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published on November 19, 2024, “Cher: The Memoir, Part One” chronicles the early life of the iconic entertainer Cher, from her birth in 1946 up to the late 1970s. Born Cherilyn Sarkisian, she faced a tumultuous childhood marked by poverty and instability, including periods when her mother, Georgia, had to leave her in care due to financial hardships. The memoir delves into her rise to fame alongside Sonny Bono, detailing their partnership both on and off the stage, the creation of the hit “I Got You Babe,” and the complexities of their personal and professional relationship. Cher candidly discusses Sonny’s controlling behavior and infidelities, shedding light on the challenges she faced in asserting her independence.

My Thoughts

Whenever you are feeling bad about yourself or your childhood, grab a biography of someone famous and hold on for the ride. Cher is no exception to this rule. She had a messed up childhood, growing up, and adulthood. I just hope she gets a break in Part 2.

However, I didn’t know much about Cher from her early career. My memories of her were after the events covered, it isn’t a surprise that most of this was a surprise. I knew of Sonny and Cher but had never seen anything from them. I didn’t know about their troubles, her relationships after Sonny and really anything about her until the 80s.

I’m glad to hear she didn’t use drugs and seemed to want to do the right thing. I hope that persists as well in the next volume.

Recommendation

Not a bad read and I learned a lot.

The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning

February 24, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2018, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson introduces the Swedish concept of “döstädning,” which involves decluttering one’s possessions to simplify life and alleviate the burden on loved ones after one’s passing. Drawing from personal experiences, Magnusson provides practical advice on determining which items to keep and which to discard, aiming to make the process uplifting rather than overwhelming. The book encourages readers to embrace minimalism, fostering thoughtful consideration of their belongings and the memories associated with them.

My Thoughts

I’ve enjoyed the ideas of minimalism and more particularly as we come to the later years. I have a great deal of stuff as I imagine most of us do. I had a birthday relatively recently and was asked what I wanted for it. That’s a hard question really. I am blessed with both inexpensive needs and enough funds to cover those moderate needs. Thus, I really don’t lack for anything and have no idea what I might want for my birthday. (Particularly since it would be purchased with my own funds.)

The flip side of that coin is I am happy with my stuff. Yes, it is always good to go through your things and I am a fan of the less is more mentality. Yet, I am someone who will keep those left over screws and bolts knowing there will be a time they will come in handy. This book does a great job of explaining how to get started and how to have the proper frame of mind to move forward.

I loved the idea of downsizing by giving things away to people you care about. I had my grandfathers hammer after he died, which meant a great deal to me. However, it would have meant much more to me if he had given it to me himself with a few stories about how it was used. I really have to look at why I’m keeping things and for what purpose. (The chances aren’t great, but it could happen.)

Recommendation

A good read and relatively quick

Dream the Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon

February 22, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published in October 2024, “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon” by Mirin Fader chronicles the journey of Hakeem Olajuwon from his early days in Lagos, Nigeria, to his influential career in the NBA. The biography delves into his time with the University of Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama,” his pivotal role in leading the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships, and the development of his signature move, the “Dream Shake.” It also explores how Olajuwon’s deep commitment to Islam shaped his approach to basketball and life, inspiring many within the Muslim community. The book further highlights his ongoing contributions as an international ambassador for the sport, including his work with NBA Africa and mentorship of current NBA stars.

My Thoughts

Growing up in Utah, we watched the Jazz play the Rockets and I very much knew who Hakeem (or at the time Akeem) Olajuwon was. Or at least from our limited perspective. My father would complaint about how “dirty” the other team was playing and would get upset with the calls. That was my understanding of right and wrong as a young person who had grown up hearing the moral of the story from He-Man GI-Joe and others. When I moved away, I was shocked to hear that our own Karl Malone was known as one of the most dirty players out there. The truth seems to be that it was a very physical game and everyone did it. Along with Olajuwon.

As with most things in life, there is much more to the story. Olajuwon was much more than the dirty player I saw on TV. His isn’t a perfect story, but it follows the archetypical hero’s journey in showing how he found himself, his faith, and his purpose.

Recommendation

If you are a fan, I’m sure you will love it. If not, it was still a good read.

Supercommunicators

February 17, 2025 by Ryan

Background

Published in 2024, “Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection” by Charles Duhigg examines the elements that make conversations effective and how individuals can enhance their communication skills in both professional and personal contexts. Duhigg identifies three types of conversations—practical, emotional, and social—and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and aligning with each to foster meaningful connections. Through a blend of research and storytelling, he provides insights into understanding the underlying layers of dialogue, enabling readers to become more effective communicators.

My Thoughts

I heard about this book on a podcast and it seemed interesting. It started out very strong and was doing a great job outlining why and how being a “super communicator” is both beneficial and possible. This is the reason I wanted to read the book, yet toward the end was unfortunate. Duhigg delved into the world of DEI, which seemed like overreach. Still, it was a good read.

Recommendation

Not bad.