a true statesman, gentleman, and servant of others

A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety by Jimmy Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think that Jimmy Carter is probably one of the most erroneously underrated presidents. From his humble beginnings in rural Georgia, he became an American Renaissance man, pursuing and excelling in many, diverse areas. A Full Life is a candid, seemingly honest and fair, reminiscence of a life lived to its fullest. In nearly every chapter is an "oh wow" moment describing a new endeavor, adventure, or accomplishment. And in keeping with the honor and values of Jimmy Carter, he also shares his failures, disappointments, and wrong turnings. This is a must read for anyone interested in the life of a true statesman, gentleman, and servant of others. We desperately need more Jimmy Carters, in our nation and in our world.

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fascinating and compelling, albeit depressing and infuriating

How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy, and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America by Heather Cox Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"How the South Won the Civil War" presents a fascinating and compelling, albeit depressing and infuriating look at the background, actual events , and the aftermath of The Civil War. But then, as a follow up (really the meat of the book), the author traces the spread of the same oligarchy, white supremacy, and class struggle, starting from the defeated confederacy, out westward. She shows quite clearly how the same model for class and race discrimination was used to continue the domination over non-white men, women, and immigrants by the wealthy and powerful who funded and exploited the westward conquest and domination of the western part of the continent. The myth of the American Paradox, as practiced by the founders, and then the southern slaveholders, was reworked to accommodate the westward expansion, and to ensure the domination and enrichment of the wealthy white few who held all the power and resources. Then as their worldview and power structure was threatened in the aftermath of the great depression, the myth was re-spun once again to provide the mythical and false narrative needed to rekindle the white supremacist oligarchy in the mid 20th century, and that we are still suffering from today, and that will destroy the U.S. if we can't reverse its course. This is a depressing history, but it offers rational discussion of where we are, how we got here, and perhaps how to recover and proceed.

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amazing reflection on many important issues

Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis by Jimmy Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Published in 2005, this book is an amazing reflection on many of the important issues faced by the United States in recent years. Given President Carter's deep religious background, his faith and values inform his discussion of the topics. Even read from a post-evangelical, and even post-religion viewpoint, the wisdom conveyed in this book deserves serious respect and consideration. I highly recommend it, especially for those who have, in the past, been involved in or had interaction with the evangelical movement. Carter has so much intellectual, moral and spiritual depth, and in light of the past few decades, it is remarkable that he was once our president and leader.

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The Umbrella Academy - complex and engaging story

The Umbrella Academy, Vol. 1: The Apocalypse Suite by Gerard Way
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

After watching season one of Netflix "The Umbrella Academy", i wanted to read the graphic novel upon which it was based. The graphic novel is an interesting and creative story, with some depth of character, and a dynamic plot line. The series definitely measures up and stays fairly true to the novel, but exceeds it in depth and richness. I will definitely be moving on to season two of the series, but may not read any more of the graphic novel volumes. That being said, the novel deserves respect and credit for setting up this complex and engaging story. Will report back after season two.

 

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Excellent book!

The View from Flyover Country: Dispatches from the Forgotten America by Sarah Kendzior
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The View from Flyover Country" is a collection of op-eds published by the talented and well informed Sarah Kendzior between 2012 and 2014. She covers a range of topics, describing, explaining, and analyzing many critical issues we face as a nation. Sadly, the issues are as relevant now as they were then, if not more so. The author's keen insight, rich experience, and deep knowledge of the topics shine through in precise and clear essays that cut to the heart of the issue, and then offer meaningful, thoughtful, and knowledgable challenges to solutions. The book is FULL of excellent quotable passages that so accurately encapsulate the issues and solutions. Despite the essays not targeting current events, they are valuable and powerful insight to help us sort through the mess we are in, and shine some hope that together we can work through to solutions. Excellent book!

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a moving and candid memoir by Jared Yates Sexton

The Man They Wanted Me to Be: Toxic Masculinity and a Crisis of Our Own Making by Jared Yates Sexton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

"The Man They Wanted Me to Be" explores in a clear, concise manner the subject of its subtitle: "Toxic Masculinity and a Crisis of Our Own Making". This discussion is set in the context of a moving and candid memoir by Jared Yates Sexton of his early life, growing up in a southern Indiana small town environment. The members of his family, his schoolmates, friends and acquaintances are all caught up in the social construct of toxic gender roles which had been passed down from generation to generation, and are still being propagated today. In true JYS style, the writing is excellent, and immediately engaging and real. This book should be a "must-read", certainly for all men, but also for their family and friends to both gain insight into this structure that is so common in families, as well as offer hope and true and lasting healing for our culture and nation. Please, please read this book.



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Hiding in Plain Sight - EXCELLENT!

Hiding in Plain Sight: The Invention of Donald Trump and the Erosion of America by Sarah Kendzior
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

EXCELLENT!!!

Just finished reading Hiding in Plain Sight by @sarahkendzior - EXCELLENT(!!) writing, research, references, summary narrative (albeit very distressing) of the situation - Everyone needs to read this book / get involved in turning this around! and thanks @JYSexton for referral!

Also enjoyed the Missouri insight and angle - spent my HS and college years (@Mizzou) in Missouri, but departed upon graduation in '84 for work - good (???) to get updated on the situation there.

ps. JUST ordered a copy of View from Flyover Country from my local indie bookstore
@RegulatorBooks - can't wait to read it.

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a nice bonus chapter to this classic film

The Making of The African Queen Or How I went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall and Huston and almost lost my mind by Katharine Hepburn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"The Making of The African Queen" is a really nice and personal recollection by Katherine Hepburn of her experience of making the film. Having just read the novel on which the film is based, i really appreciated some of the behind the scenes insights and tales. Also, it was nice to see some of the personal impressions of Huston and Bogart, and Lauren Bacall. This book is a nice bonus chapter to this classic film, for which Bogart won his Oscar.

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great to read the story that inspired the film

The African Queen by C.S. Forester
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A pretty cool story about the two least likely to meet and become friends doing just that, and more. Some parts were too detailed, but realistic. After seeing the film many times, it was great to read the story that inspired it. And it was great picturing Bogart and Hepburn on every page.

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rich and pleasant to read

Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is another title that appears several of my "top books" lists. Ms. Cather's writing is rich and pleasant to read, as it was in My Antonia and O Pioneers! The descriptions of nineteenth century New Mexico and the southwest US and the many cultures and personalities are full and three dimensional, and also rich. But the overall context centered around the Catholic archbishop missionary and his travels and cohorts was less interesting to me. I suspect that the story sheds light on the reality of life in the church in that era and context, but i found it secondary to the rich descriptive writing used in the story.

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short stories AND a continuation of the story of Serena!

In the Valley: Stories and a Novella Based on Serena by Ron Rash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In The Valley is a collection of short stories, which are excellent in true Ron Rash style, but also contains a continuation of the story of Serena Pemberton from Rash's classic novel Serena. The short stories are moving and three dimensionally real. And the continuation of the Serena narrative not only adds to the overall story, but also leaves plenty of room for future installments. This is a wonderful collection! Must read AFTER reading Serena. 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17675652-serena

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the adventure continues . . .

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

An exciting read the 2nd time through! An exciting conclusion with the men in black saving the day!

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Another must-read from Jared Yates Sexton!

The People Are Going to Rise Like the Waters Upon Your Shore: A Story of American Rage by Jared Yates Sexton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, another excellent book from Jared Yates Sexton! This book is largely an account from the trenches by political analyst and reporter Jared Yates Sexton covering the campaign leading up to the 2016 Electoral College win by Trump. Mr. Sexton was close to all the major candidates campaigns and attended most of their events as he crisscrossed the country covering the campaigns. In addition to covering the candidates themselves, he went into the trenches with the supporters of the candidates to find out their reasons and motivations in their choice of who to support. Also, intermixed with this account is telling research that gives behind the scenes and sometimes overlooked factors that played into the campaign. This is an excellent summary of politics in the US in 2015-16 that led up to a President Trump. Also included in this trade paperback version is an Afterword by the author, reflecting after a year of the Trump administration, with insightful, thoughtful, and intelligent treatment. Overall, this is an EXCELLENT book, despite the dreadful facts contained in it. Another Must-read.

Note that this edition has 340 pages in total. Goodreads incorrectly lists it as 352 page.

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American Rule is a MUST-READ

American Rule: How a Nation Conquered the World But Failed Its People by Jared Yates Sexton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

American Rule is a MUST-READ. It is clear, concise, well researched and documented as it traces the trajectory of American rule from the very beginnings of our nation through today. By using authentic and verified historical facts and documentation, and tying them together with the narrative of our political process from the very beginning, the author gives the reader an excellently written and very accessible summary of where we've been, how we got to where we are, and offers some wholesome and humane suggestions on how we can proceed forward; in this election year, amid this pandemic, etc. Find a copy of this book and read it ASAP!

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interesting taste of L'Amour's stories

Law of the Desert Born by Louis L'Amour
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting taste of one of L'Amour's stories of the old west. I may have to pick up some of his actual novels. Nice art work in this graphic version.

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pretty exciting plot - 2nd time through

The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

the saga continues on my 2nd time through, including several pretty exciting plot events that i had forgotten about! on to book 6

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an "acceptable sacrifice" of our children?

What a concise distillation of where we are and how we got here, especially interesting with respect to the school situation we are facing for Fall semester amid COVID-19!

Apparently, it has been decided by the powers that be that there is an acceptable number/percentage of children that will be affected or killed by COVID-19 that "we" should be willing to accept in order to reopen the schools before this virus is under control. And guess what, children (under 18) don't get to choose this risk. The powers that be are choosing for them. Parents and educators PLEASE resist this "acceptable sacrifice" as the price of getting things "moving" again. We as a nation are morally and ethically bankrupt.

https://threadreaderapp.com/embed/1283405254290214914.html

a Bert kind of guy 💙💚💛💜

The Importance of Being Ernie (and Bert): A Best Friends' Guide to Life by Julie Kraut
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this cute little book that my 3-1/2 year-old grandson gave me for Father's Day! Boy does he have his granddaddy figured out! 💙💚💛💜 When we are all playing Sesame Street characters, i am usually assigned the role of Bert, for the better part of a year! 💙💚💛💜

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Two interesting stories

Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Two interesting stories, set in the same space but 150 years apart in time. We are able to see how much things have changed, and the same time seeing how many things have not changed a bit. Many of the characters are straight out of history, tied together with some glue of Ms. Kingsolver's clever and brilliant imagination. Many issues are touched upon, between contrasting philosophies and generations. Through the interaction of people, events and circumstances, we see bridges built and homes deconstructed to reveal truth in a clearer light. Nice story(ies) :)

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Frustrated

The Difference Engine by William Gibson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Finally made it through this one! Frustrated, I read a little about the book after finishing it. i think it is a cool and interesting thing they are doing with the story, but i could not get into it. The few characters that started to become interesting to me vanished as the narration moved on to something else. In great Gibson style, i was thrown into the deep end of context defined terminology to sort out, but that part i love. The 21st century parallels were very interesting, but I just wasn't able to latch on to this story.

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