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.
Reading
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
Review: Fallen (Alex Verus #10)
I always loved the Dungeons and Dragons alignment tables. The world has always felt too big to just slip everything into a good versus evil fight. It lacks nuance. But the addition of neutral adds a third option and instant complexity. Neutrality incites questions. If the character doesn't choose evil, why wouldn't the character choose … Continue reading Review: Fallen (Alex Verus #10)
2019 Fall TBR Pile
The summer fly by, and my to be read pile has shifted. I’ve got through all of my Summer 2019 To Be Read Pile and have only one book left from the TBR Pile Update in June. So, it’stime for another look at my to be read pile. This fall tilts heavily toward history with … Continue reading 2019 Fall TBR Pile
Review: How to Be an Antiracist
Once while riding in a van headed to the airport after a few days of martial arts training, I told a story to the friends I traveled with. I don't remember the story at all, but I distinctly remember one part of it. At some point, I said "…the black man…" and my friend replied, … Continue reading Review: How to Be an Antiracist
Review: The Hound of Justice
Novels offer us options. One could view novels as paths not taken, and dystopian, political, and near-future fiction can be viewed as the path not yet taken. In recent years, the United States has become a divided nation in ways not thought possible just a few decades ago. Hate crimes are on the rise, as … Continue reading Review: The Hound of Justice
2019 TBR Pile June Update
I started off my last reading update with the sentence, “2019 has been a busy year for me – mostly work-wise, and I’ve been taking care of myself.” While this is still true, I’ve already knocked four books off the to be read pile. From that last post, three books have reviews – The Moscow … Continue reading 2019 TBR Pile June Update
Review The Delirium Brief
In modern organizations – be they corporate or governmental – the people at the top of the org charts, the ones who earn the most and enjoy time in the spotlight, rarely know what most people's day-to-day jobs are. Often, they don't care. As long as the work gets done and the organization is making … Continue reading Review The Delirium Brief
Partial Review: Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered
True crime isn't my thing. However, my wife loves documentaries, TV shows, and podcasts that all fall into the genre. When a Goodreads giveaway popped for a book titled, Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered, written by the creators/hosts of a very popular true crime podcast, I thought I'd enter for Sue. I've entered lots … Continue reading Partial Review: Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered
Review: The Moscow Rules
The Moscow Rules is an excellent addition to the history of Cold War espionage. Recommended.