My Tech-Wise Life

Background

Published in November of 2020, “My Tech-Wise Life: Growing Up and Making Choices in a World of Devices,” is co-authored by Amy Crouch and her father, Andy Crouch. The book explores Amy’s experiences growing up in a household that prioritized intentional and controlled use of technology. Amy, a Cornell University student, reflects on how this tech-wise upbringing helped her avoid common digital pitfalls and cultivate meaningful real-world interactions. Supported by research from the Barna Group, the book examines the pervasive influence of technology on young people’s lives and offers practical advice for balancing digital engagement with offline experiences. Andy Crouch provides additional insights, creating a dialogue attempting to bridge generational perspectives on managing technology effectively.

My Tech-Wise Life
My Tech-Wise Life

My Thoughts

My wife was reading, “The Tech-Wise Family”, which was written by Andy Crouch and really enjoyed it. I tried to reserve it and put it on hold. However, this one was available so I grabbed it and got started.

I enjoyed and agree with most of the things presented in the subject, yet I found the back and forth with the father distracting and unnecessary. Amy seemed to be genuine and was engaged with the topic. I believe she is likely to be able to connect with the younger audience. Her dad on the other hand came off as a little preachy. I understand that I am not the target demographic for this book, but even I didn’t like the guy. I will still read his book when it comes available though.

Recommendation

It was ok. I likely would have felt a bit better about it if I had read Andy’s book first.

Yellowface

Background

Published in May of 2023, “Yellowface,” by R.F. Kuang, is a novel delving into issues of cultural appropriation, identity, and the cutthroat world of publishing. The story follows June Hayward, a struggling writer who seizes an unexpected opportunity after the sudden death of her more successful friend, Athena Liu. June decides to publish Athena’s unpublished manuscript under her own name, assuming a new identity and navigating the complexities of literary fame. As she gains success, June faces mounting pressure and guilt, exposing the darker side of the literary industry and the consequences of erasing and exploiting another’s voice.

Yellowface
Yellowface

My Thoughts

I honestly don’t remember where I heard about his book or who recommended it to me. I had it on hold for months and was surprised when it finally popped up in my inbox. That said, I really didn’t like at first. Juniper was self entitled narcissistic piece of garbage who couldn’t get over the fact that her friend was successful. I didn’t know what the book was about and it took me a minute to figure out that I wasn’t supposed to like the protagonist. And she didn’t get any better…

I was pulled in. I loved the commentary on social media and the internet as a whole. How shallow and fickle people can be and how ridiculous cancel culture can be. The book made me think about how unsafe the internet really is and how petty people can be. This book is sad commentary on a society so focused on themselves that they’ve lost an reason to exist. On people who have to find connection with others who are just as vapid and small as themselves. Tearing down each other to make themselves feel better. For most of us, that was middle school or junior high. Unfortunately, some never really evolved past it.

Fortunately, the book eventually ended. It was too much pettiness to keep watching and was getting more and more painful. It was well written and was a compelling story, yet if people are really like that, I feel terrible for them. I’m glad that I know many people who have grown up and are simply good humans.

Recommendation

It became better as it went on. However, I won’t be reading it again.

Mitosis

Background

Published on November 2013, “Mitosis,” by Brandon Sanderson, is a novella set in the Reckoners universe, bridging the gap between “Steelheart” and “Firefight.” The story follows David Charleston and the Reckoners as they continue their fight against the superpowered Epics in the dystopian city of Newcago. When a new Epic named Mitosis arrives, possessing the ability to create deadly clones of himself, David and his team must confront this new threat. The novella explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the ongoing struggle against tyranny in a world where extraordinary powers often lead to extraordinary corruption.

Mitosis
Mitosis

My Thoughts

A fun and very quick read of the first Epic to come looking for “Steelslayer.” It was a bit of nostalgia to read of an earlier time when “Prof” hadn’t turned and David needed to start acting on his own. I found this book fit very well between the first two books of the Reckoners series.

Recommendation

Not needed for the larger story but still fun.

Starsight

Background

Published in November of 2019, “Starsight,” by Brandon Sanderson, is the sequel to “Skyward,” continuing the story of Spensa Nightshade as she strives to uncover the secrets of her world and her own mysterious heritage. In this installment, Spensa infiltrates the alien Superiority, a coalition of alien races that oppresses humanity. Posing as an alien pilot, she navigates through a complex web of political intrigue, battles, and alliances, all while grappling with her own identity and the immense power within her.

Starsight
Starsight

My Thoughts

This story seemed to fly by as it easy to read and a fun story. Much like Dr. Seuss’s, “Stars Upon Thars” the lesson we learn is we are all people despite our differences. This concept hits the protagonist hard as she never thought the people oppressing her could be people as well. At the end, this very concept saves the day with the delver. It was a little heavy handed at times and delved into the who “They, Them” pronoun stuff, but still a good time.

Recommendation

I liked it.

The Boys in the Boat

Background

Published in June of 2013, “The Boys in the Boat,” by Daniel James Brown, recounts the inspiring true story of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar rowing team and their quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the narrative follows the lives of the young men from diverse backgrounds who overcame immense personal and collective hardships. Through their determination, teamwork, and the guidance of their visionary coach, they triumphed against the odds, culminating in an electrifying race that captured the world’s attention and remains a testament to the power of perseverance and unity.

The Boys in the Boat
The Boys in the Boat

My Thoughts

I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. Now that I have, I don’t know I need to see it. This story was not quite what I was expecting. I enjoy a good sock-Hilter-in-the-jaw type books as much as anyone. However, I just wasn’t expecting it. Nor was the focus on Joe throughout most of the book. I regret there wasn’t much character development for the rest of the boys.

Recommendation

A good book and an inspiring story.

The Name of the Wind

Background

Published in 2007, “The Name of the Wind” is a fantasy novel by Patrick Rothfuss, first published in March 2007. It is the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle series, which narrates the story of Kvothe, an adventurer and musician recounting his life’s story to a chronicler over three days. In this first installment, Kvothe shares his early childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, and his daring acceptance into a legendary school of magic. The novel is known for its deep character development, detailed world-building, and the intricate interplay of truth and myth as Kvothe describes his transformation from a precocious youth into a figure of mythic renown.

The Name of the Wind
The Name of the Wind

My Thoughts

It took me a while to get into the book, but it was worth it. Rothfuss created an interesting world where technology is edging out magic. Where normal people are trying to live with their superstitions and understandable anxieties when the unexplainable occurs. Moreover, he created a character that a reader can both root for and identify with. There is much more story to go and I’m excited for the next book in the series.

Recommendation

Hold on through the first part. It gets better once the innkeeper’s life story begins.

Body Confidence

Background

Published in 2011, “Body Confidence” by Mark Macdonald offers a comprehensive guide to achieving optimal health and fitness through a balanced approach to nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle habits. The book introduces the “Venice Nutrition Program,” which emphasizes stabilizing blood sugar levels to maintain energy, burn fat, and build lean muscle. Macdonald provides practical advice, meal plans, and workout routines, aiming to empower readers to take control of their bodies and develop lasting confidence. The focus is on creating sustainable habits rather than quick fixes, promoting a holistic and personalized path to wellness.

Body Confidence
Body Confidence

My Thoughts

I’ve been looking for a good motivational book for a while and this one was not what I wanted. However, his idea does have some appeal in that the usual-body-technobabble made some sense. I liked his whole life approach and emphasis on not shaming. I liked that he supports an incremental build and understands it takes time to change. I didn’t like the idea of eating several times a day, but it’s the foundation of everything he is trying to preach. It is what it is.

For my personal journey, I’ve found as I’ve read these books that my opinions are fairly well solidified when it comes to health and nutrition. (I’m just looking for the motivation to do it.) By that measurement this book would only receive partial credit.

Recommendation

If you are looking to join another diet, this one may be right for you. If not, skip it.

Calamity: Heroes will Rise

Background

Published in Feb 2016, “Calamity: Heroes Will Rise,” is the conclusion to Brandon Sanderson’s Reckoners trilogy. The story follows David Charleston and the Reckoners as they continue their fight against the oppressive Epics, superhumans with extraordinary powers and corrupt intentions. In a desperate bid to bring down the ultimate Epic, Calamity, David grapples with new revelations about the source of the Epics’ powers and the possibility of redemption for those consumed by them.

Calamity: Heroes will Rise
Calamity: Heroes will Rise

My Thoughts

This book was a fitting conclusion to the series and was just as good as the rest. Sanderson does a great job of keeping the reader on edge and still manages to give a surprise ending. There are still a number of unanswered questions regarding the Epics and the door is wide open to continue on with the series. However, we are now several years later on and it doesn’t look like there will be much more work on it.

Recommendation

Great book

Skyward

Background

Published in November of 2018, “Skyward” by Brandon Sanderson, follows the journey of Spensa, a young girl living on the planet Detritus, who dreams of becoming a pilot like her father. Her world is under constant attack by mysterious aliens known as the Krell, causing the people to live under military rule just to survive. Despite societal prejudices against her family due to her father and her own personal challenges, Spensa strives to prove her worth and uncover the truth about her father’s past.

Skyward
Skyward

My Thoughts

Another book by Sanderson that took a minuted to get going, but I really enjoyed it. I was home sick while I was reading this book and loved that I could just devour it. It kept my full attention for hours and I’m looking forward to the sequel.

That said, “Spin” is a little overpowered and somewhat reminiscent of “Bella” Swan from Twilight. We don’t get much of a description of her other that she was small with brown hair (and eats rats). However, just like “Bella”, she has some unexplained secret powers that save the day in the end. Regardless, her character was much less brooding and more fun than Twilight. She went through the standard hero’s journey and actually grew through the story. Her spunk and resilience were tempered with her eventual acceptance of her humanity and finding comradery.

Recommendation

Great book.

Firefight

Background

Published in Jan of 2015, “Firefight” “Firefight” is a science fiction novel by Brandon Sanderson and is the second book in the Reckoners series. We follow the protagonist David Charleston as he continues his battle against the Epics, superpowered individuals who have subjugated Earth. In this installment, David travels to the city of Babilar (formerly Manhattan) to confront a powerful Epic named Regalia. As he delves deeper into the mysterious workings of the Epics’ powers, David grapples with his feelings for Megan, an Epic whose abilities and intentions remain unclear. “Firefight” blends action, mystery, and romance, expanding the Reckoners’ universe and exploring themes of power, redemption, and identity.

Firefight
Firefight

My Thoughts

Extremely readable and a great sequel. It had all the trimmings; more character development, a continuing story, the same tone and pacing, inside jokes from the first novel, and (of course), exposition. Much like producer Joss Whedon, Sanderson isn’t afraid to break a few eggs in his characters as well. Scattered through the book are some pretty expected graphic deaths of people the reader has learned to know and love. Honestly, I had a hard time putting this one down.

Recommendation

Great book. I’m excited to get to the next one in the series.