I grew up in a conservative household in a conservative village in farm country Illinois. My father and mother were both state employees for most of their lives, and for as long as I could remember, both railed against the Democrats that ruled Illinois government. To say that my environment prepared me to be a … Continue reading Review: Dying of Whiteness
Highly Recommended
Behind on My Review Schedule
I’m behind on my review schedule. This past Tuesday, I was supposed to post my review for the paperback edition of Dying of Whiteness by Jonathan Metzl from Basic Books. I bought the hardcover earlier this year, and it sat on my to be read pile. When I saw the chance to review the paperback … Continue reading Behind on My Review Schedule
Review: To Sleep in a Sea of Stars (Partial ARC)
Christopher Paolini’s To Sleep in a Sea of Stars starts off with an intriguing take on the first contact story. As I only had a partial review copy, I'm looking forward to seeing if Paolini keeps up the action in this fun new Space Opera. Highly Recommended.
Review: Peace Talks (Dresden Files #16)
Jim Butcher's Peace Talks delivers exactly what I want from a Dresden Files novel. Highly recommended.
Review: Hiding in Plain Sight
Sarah Kendzior's Hiding in Plain Sight is beautifully written, thoroughly researched, and absolutely terrifying. Highly recommended.
Review: John Adams Under Fire
National myths set a foundation for a country's character. One of my favorites is how John Adams defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. His actions show that everyone, even people that we despise. In the United States, the law is the supreme arbiter, and we all are equal under the law. But myths also … Continue reading Review: John Adams Under Fire
Review: Unmaking the Presidency
Already much more fraught than anyone expected, 2020 is here. Potential war on the horizon, impeachment battles, and a fall election loom over the United States. The third year of the Trump presidency is coming to a close, and the fourth - hopefully, final - year of this administration promises to be as controversial and … Continue reading Review: Unmaking the Presidency
Review: Retreat from Moscow
Once, I watched a friend build frames for a renovation on his house. He built a solid frame that would hold up under building codes, but he didn't know why those codes existed. How did the code relate to the actual loading and structural requirements? What was really happening with the loads in the frames? … Continue reading Review: Retreat from Moscow
Review: Checkpoint Charlie
In Iain MacGregor’s Checkpoint Charlie the history of this contentious crossing comes alive. MacGregor explores the conflict through the people that inhabited the city, that crossed the border, that lived on the front line of the Cold War.
Review: Sailing True North
When studying leadership, looking to leaders of the past provide ample examples of the characteristics of good leaders. Studying the character of leaders that you admire is a great way to prepare yourself to be a leader. In Sailing True North, Admiral James Stavridis (retired) sketches quick biographies of ten admirals that he admires. Stretching … Continue reading Review: Sailing True North