I was disappointed in this book as a whole. I like that the author wrote in a way that read more like a novel, but there seemed to be a good amount ofI was disappointed in this book as a whole. I like that the author wrote in a way that read more like a novel, but there seemed to be a good amount of unnecessary information that required a good editor. I felt like the book picked up toward the end and became more interesting, but that couldn't lift it above 3 stars.
I also found it weird how MLK Jr. was described in the book, or rather, how often his mistresses and sexual promiscuity seemed to be mentioned. In addition, Sides goes out of his way to discus Ray's sexual behaviors and desires to get into the porn industry. I don't know if the author was trying to "spice up" the book, but it didn't seem necessary....more
I have a lot of thoughts on this book, but I'll try to keep it short. I would start out saying that I think her critique is valid on how as a culture I have a lot of thoughts on this book, but I'll try to keep it short. I would start out saying that I think her critique is valid on how as a culture American evangelicals prize "manly men" a la John Wayne and accept all the sexism, racism, etc. that comes along with that. I think that the church collectively needs to think through what they believe and where those ideas are coming from. Are we actually believing what the Bible says or our own cultural amalgamation of what men want it to say? I also think that when there is a lack of checks and balances in an organization and women aren't involved in leadership that becomes a breeding ground for potential abuse. Now to some critiques of the book. I think that the author had a goal and then reported everything, even speculation and unsubstantiated claims, as a way to prove her point. Example: her speculation regarding potential back room deals with endorsing Trump that are completely unproven (as she stated). Why bring up something that has no proof? There is enough actual fuel for the fire and I would have preferred her to stick to that. Overall, the tone of the book feels combative and doesn't seem like something that would help people (especially men) on the fence to help engage with this topic. I also find that since she isn't in the church she really offers no "where do we go from here" because it seems she has no vested interest. I do hope along with the author that this book will help people to question their beliefs. As Christians in America we need to see if what we are preaching and supporting represents Jesus and the true gospel or if it represents the gospel of the conquering American....more
I wanted to give this book all the star numbers for different reasons. My confusion led me to giving it three. I really enjoy Sedaris and his way withI wanted to give this book all the star numbers for different reasons. My confusion led me to giving it three. I really enjoy Sedaris and his way with words. I have heard individual sketches, but have not read one of his books. I actually listened to this one on audiobook because I enjoy hearing him tell his stories.
I found the progression of stories to feel disjointed. Usually when there are small bits in a book they follow one another well. I didn’t think that was the case in this book. I did have some good chuckles, but some of the stories made me really sad. His stories about his childhood, and especially his drug use as he got older made the book feel heavy to me. ...more
This is a really great book on the importance of both liturgy AND the spiritual gifts. This book is by no means exhaustive on the subject, but it is aThis is a really great book on the importance of both liturgy AND the spiritual gifts. This book is by no means exhaustive on the subject, but it is a good start to thinking about how the church can be filled with the spirit while not throwing out the creeds and sacraments. I do wish the book was a little more robust, but it is easily accessible and a quick read. ...more
I decided to read this book because it seemed intriguing and it was recommended to me. I think that Voss has a lot of good insights into human nature I decided to read this book because it seemed intriguing and it was recommended to me. I think that Voss has a lot of good insights into human nature and how to effectively relate and talk with one another.
My first struggle with his book is that it is decidedly self-congratulatory, and I wonder how much of this is due to the other author. Telling the reader you are someone who knows how to negotiate and make people do what you want, and then shoving how amazing you are in their face is not a way to make them want to listen to you. This actually contradicts the tactics he puts forth in the book.
I also struggle with some of his tactics because, while helpful when dealing with terrorists and kidnappers, using these with business acquaintances and friends seems manipulative and selfish. I definitely believe one should be able to negotiate, prepare to argue their case, and get a fair deal. However, the book often made it feel like a magic combination to get what you want and hoodwink people.
I am on the line about recommending this book. I do believe there are valuable tips and insights into communication and human behavior, but his tone and style were very off-putting....more
A super interesting and thorough overview of how the oligarchs rose to power during the demise of the Soviet Union. How these men were able to manipulA super interesting and thorough overview of how the oligarchs rose to power during the demise of the Soviet Union. How these men were able to manipulate the failing system and be so forward thinking was absolutely incredible and mind boggling.
While the information was fascinating, it was hard to keep track of all the individuals. The first part of the book gives the reader the background story of each of the oligarchs and then brings them together as their rise to power intertwines their stories. By the point they are all brought together it was hard to remember who went with what origin story. I felt like I needed an overview cheat sheet, especially since I read this book over two months....more
James Clear does an excellent job of breaking down what a habit is and how to build good habits in our lives and discourage the bad. I especially apprJames Clear does an excellent job of breaking down what a habit is and how to build good habits in our lives and discourage the bad. I especially appreciated how he dismantles the idea of quick and easy gains and overnight success. Clear shows that the power isn't in amazing genes or a stroke of luck, but in the consistency of showing up.
"But the point is not to do one thing. The point is to master the habit of showing up. The truth is, a habit must be established before it can be improved. If you can’t learn the basic skill of showing up, then you have little hope of mastering the finer details. Instead of trying to engineer a perfect habit from the start, do the easy thing on a more consistent basis. You have to standardize before you can optimize."
While I found the book a little long, I think Clear offers practical tips and tools for slowly building the good and breaking the bad. His emphasis on the power of gradual improvement was encouraging. He tells the reader that time magnifies the margin between success and failure. It will multiply whatever you feed it. Good habits make time your ally. Bad habits make time your enemy.
While there are things we cannot change about who we are or the environment we are in, we do have the ability to examine our habits, compare that to who we want to be, and then make positive changes in the right direction.
I would recommend Atomic Habits to any reader who enjoys books like Essentialism and Deep Work.
Unfortunately, much of what I want to say about this book is bad. The overall premise of this book is that God made us unique individuals whose show aUnfortunately, much of what I want to say about this book is bad. The overall premise of this book is that God made us unique individuals whose show aspects of his character. Each type has a tendency toward certain sins that they will need to work on. The way we should use this book is to better understand ourself and others to learn how to get to know ourselves better. Ultimately, when we know ourselves better we then understand God and become who we were made to be.
I find this thinking deeply faulty as a Christian (which, this book would advertise itself as firmly in the Christian camp). You doesn’t need to learn about yourself to understand God; you need to learn about God to understand yourself. You are starting from the wrong viewpoint.
I also deeply object to how the author portrays God. He is represented as our Creator, but as someone who thinks that we all are too hard on ourselves and that we need to forgive and love ourselves. He sees us as lovable, why can’t we? While there are slivers of truth in here, this does not accurately reflect the Gospel.
His alarmingly lax view of God can be seen in his joking remark, “Angry parents, teachers and coaches find it all but impossible to discipline puckish Sevens. They can talk their way out of almost anything. If Adam and Eve had been Sevens we’d all still be living in the Garden of Eden.” As if God could have the wool pulled over his eyes, or see our sin as something we could wiggle out of with a bit of persuasion and personal magnetism.
His view of people is equally skewed when he comments, “We owe it to the God who created us, to ourselves, to the people we love and to all with whom we share this troubled planet to become ‘saints.’ How else can we run and complete the errand on which God sent us here?” This completely circumvents the doctrine of sin, grace, man’s depravity, and God’s omnipotence (to name a few). This is not the Gospel.
He also offers skewed (read: unbiblical) advice for how “overly emotional” types should deal with their emotions. The fact that this man was once a pastor makes me very concerned.
He did mention that we can’t be complacent and each type must fight against our sin tendencies. I will give him a small nod for this. I will also give him props for sharing that this book is to used as a tool for compassion toward others. This is commendable.
I also don’t find the meat of his explanations on the enneagram to be revolutionary or different than what a quick search on the Internet could provide. He does not offer new or interesting thoughts to the dialog. He fills his books with anecdotal tidbits from his personal life and the lives of those around him. This book felt like a long personal ramble with surface enneagram talk and some jokes and “inspirational” quotes thrown in.
I would bypass “The Road Back To You” in your reading journey. This book is not worth your time....more
An interesting story about preserving, protecting, and reclaiming art and architecture during WWII. Just another black mark on my long list of reasonsAn interesting story about preserving, protecting, and reclaiming art and architecture during WWII. Just another black mark on my long list of reasons to hate Nazis. This book gave me a better understanding of the ravages of war on the heritage and culture of a nation. I especially appreciate the way one of the Monument Men summarizes his thoughts on the importance of art, “These monuments are not merely pretty things, not merely valued signs of man’s creative power. They are expressions of faith, and they stand for man’s struggle to relate himself to his past and to his God.”
The writing in this book could be improved a bit, but overall I would recommend it to both history buffs and art lovers....more
This book was on a very interesting topic, but lacked a depth of knowledge that would have made it more interesting. The flags could have easily groupThis book was on a very interesting topic, but lacked a depth of knowledge that would have made it more interesting. The flags could have easily grouped into “like designs” and then dissected as a whole as opposed to taking groups alphabetically. The books organization led to a significant amount of informational redundancy that make it a lackluster read....more
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