Author Archives: Lopaka

The Book of War

27 Wednesday Dec 2023

Posted by in Horror, Military and War, Reading

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The Book of War: 25 Centuries of Great War Writings by John Keegan
1999 / 667 pgs. (200,000 words) History, Military & Warfare

As the title implies, this is a collection of writings that describe warfare. The premises were to show how warfare changed over the generations. It is a collection of writings, not just from the leaders or soldiers that fought in many conflicts. It is also from historians, witnesses, and even an obituary. It starts from excerpts of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides and ends with an account from the Gulf War. It includes poems and narrations.

Various accounts throughout history, as Mr. Keegan noted in the beginning, were how the enemy was treated when captured. In early times, entire nations were destroyed, and their citizens were made into slaves or pressed into service. Militaries of early civilizations had soldiers that served for their entire life. As time progressed, warfare changed on account of the improvement of technology over time to make warfare even more deadly and societal challenges.

What also made many of these accounts fascinating was the personalization of many narrations that historians would miss in their writings. One gets a more intimate feeling when reading accounts that the humanity is not edited out. 

A couple of narrations that I found very fascinating were “A Farewell to Arms” by George Peele which was a Commemoration of the Retirement of Queen Elizabeths champion as he laid down his arms. A narration by Inga Clendinnen about the Aztecs use of a gladiatorial stone that would be the “final” battle of an enemy warrior before they collapsed on the stone from blood loss. Davy Crockett’s account of fighting with the Choctaw and Chickasaw during the war of 1812. James Bodell “A Soldiers view of Empire” about wives and girlfriends accompanying soldiers to the ship before departure and then left to fend for themselves while the men were away. Something that people in today’s military do not think about with families of yester years. Rudyard Kipling poem “Tommy” about the treatment of soldiers after the war. Stephen Graham’s “How News of War,” an account of how men were notified for conscription during the first world war.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about warfare and military.    

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

The Longest Day

15 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by in History, Military and War, Reading

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The Longest Day by Cornelious Ryan
1959 / 277 pgs. (88,000) Miliary & War, History

6th June 1944, the invasion of Europe by the Allies at Normandy, France, also marks the end of the German occupation of Europe. On 6th May 1945, the war in Europe would be over. This book is a narration of the events of that historical day. The Longest Day is not as detailed as Six Armies in Normandy, butit is still an excellent narration that does not disappoint. The movie The Longest Day is based on this book; as one reads it, much was captured in the movie as narrated. Mr. Ryan breaks down the event into three parts.

Part One – The Wait    

The wait starts two days before the invasion. The story focuses on Rommel trying to secure the beachhead as he knew that if he could stop the attack there, it would spell out a disaster for the Allies and set them back. Eisenhower made many decisions about when the invasion would start based on weather reports that were never good for the conditions the allies would prefer—also, the long wait for the troops as they waited for the order. What is interesting is the details mentioned that many other books leave out. For example, Rommel was going to meet Hitler on 6th June to convince the Feurer to release the Panzers in Pas-de-Calais, for Rommel knew they were the best chance for the Germans to stop the invasion force. Another detail was Operation Gambit, the British minisubs X30 and X32 sitting off the coast to help guide the landing craft to the beach.

Part Two – The Night

The beginning of the invasion. The landing of the Paratroopers from the British and American forces, many of them were scattered all over Normandy during the night drops. Many British landed in the swamps and were never found. The landing at St-Mere-Eglis with the Germans shooting at the 82nd as troopers descended into the town and illuminated by the fire the French were trying to extinguish. Even the Paratrooper that landed on the church and had to listen to the bells clang all night until the Germans finally lowered us. Gliders landing and crashing with troops on board. The taking of Pegasus Bridge by the British.

Part Three – The Day

This is the moment that most people know: the invasion of the beach. Ryan describes the E-Boat attack that sunk the Norwegian Destroyer Svenner—the sinking of the USS Corry by a sea mine. The LST and Higgens boats challenged landing on the beach. At Utah Beach, the troops disembarked at the wrong spot, and Gen Roosevelt said infamously, “We’ll start the war from right here!” How the British and Canadians faced less resistance. The fight at Omaha Beach was the bloodiest part of the invasion.

Like many writings about historical events, this book has parts other books do not mention, like Operation Gambit. It is less detailed than Six Armies in Normandy or At Dawn We Slept. It is still a great read, and if anyone asks for a delightful book about D-Day, I recommend The Longest Day.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

The Republic

15 Friday Sep 2023

Posted by in Classic, Philosophy, Political Science, Reading

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The Republic by Plato
380 B.C. / 206 pgs. (51,500 words) Classic, Political Science, & Philosophy

This book has been on my bucket list for a while. As a Political Scientist, it’s a “should” read. Also, on many must-read-before-you-die lists, this book is must-read. Interestingly, it was never mentioned or required reading in graduate school.

The Republic is broken into ten books, called chapters today. It is written in Socratic dialogue between Socrates and various people. A debate of point and counterpoint arguing what is the perfect government system. The discussions within the republic range from what is Justice to when people should marry. What poetry should be allowed to be written, and for what purpose. What type of music should be allowed. Even what education people should have.

Some highlights that I found fascinating:

An argument is that men and women should have equal education and be treated equally.

There is a fascinating debate on how warfare should be conducted and even the proper treatment of the enemy.

The relationship between the sexes.

Also, one interesting discussion was about what makes a good leader. Those who are reluctant to rule – rule quietly – are the best leaders. Those who desire and are eager to rule are the worst.

The Republic is an interesting book to read, and I often slowed down and carefully read a section to ensure I understood what was being discussed. I often watched a video on YouTube about the “book” I just finished to ensure I understood the meaning of the dialogue. The only section that got me lost was Book 8, which is the section that means the most for many readers, “The Cave.” I had to read that twice before the “light bulb” finally turned on.

The Republic is a good read. I did enjoy it and the challenge that comes with reading it. Although, I can say I’m not a fan of Socratic narration.   

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

I’m The Man

04 Tuesday Jul 2023

Posted by in Biography, Reading

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I’m The Man: The Story of the Guy from Anthrax by Scott Ian
2014 / 303 pgs. (98,000 words) Autobiography.

In 1988, I was introduced to the band Anthrax. I was searching for my musical tastes, and I discovered the album, State of Euphoria by Anthrax. The opening Cello to Be All, End All got me hooked on Anthrax. After that, like many fans, needed to find everything they made. Discovering Stephen King after I heard Misery Loves Company and like many, Antisocial just drove me out of my mind.

The first metal band I saw was Anthrax during the Persistence of Time tour, so, when I saw Scott Ian’s book, I’m the Man, diving into the world of a rock start and band that I still follow was a glittery delight. This book wasn’t a disappointment. First, Scott started with the formation of Anthrax and all the trials and members that he went through until they finally got to the band that is still around today. The challenges of removing his best friend from the band to getting the final player needed to take the group to the next level, Dany Spitz.

Scott shares the time when Metallica came out to New York to record their first album, Kill ‘em All, to meeting the band and helping them out when they arrived. Also, the day he walked up to Cliff and found out that Dave Mustaine was fired from Metallica.

He continues through the tours of opening for Metallica in Europe and the day that he finds out that Cliff died. The challenges of recording albums and constant touring. Meeting and befriending the members of Pantera. Learning of Dimebags death and how he dealt with it. The really interesting aspect that Scott tells is about how he cheated on his first wife which led to a divorce. His relationship with his current wife who was the adoptive daughter of Meat Loaf. His telling of how he tried to keep up drinking with Lemmy Killmister. This is just the beginning for this book.

Scott goes over the highs and lows, and there are many lows, for a Rock n’ Roll star. It’s a very fascinating read that I would recommend to anyone that enjoyed metal in the 80’s and 90’s.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

The Path To Power

19 Monday Jun 2023

Posted by in Biography, Politics, Reading

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Path To Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson Vol 1 by Robert Caro
1982 / 882 pgs. (263,718 words) Biography & Politics

This book the first in a series of four books (planned five) about President Lyndon Johnson and his rise from a small town in Texas to the White House. When starting this book, one can grasp the amount of research that went into the draft. The details about LBJ and his early life are amazing. It’s so vast, I can only highlight some points, or this post will be to long to read.

The story starts will LBJ’s family background. The Johnson’s and Bunton’s. It’s Bunton’s strain of the family that builds LBJ to what he becomes most famous for, the fearless politician that overpowered people with his will and height to get his way. It goes through LBJ’s childhood and how he was the center of everything. He demanded that. He wanted all the attention. He also wanted the best for him, and he didn’t care how he got it.

LBJ was very demanding and only cared about something if he could have full control over it. If he lost any authority, he wouldn’t care about it anymore. It was almost as if he was demanding people to follow him and only him. He was very abusing to those that where loyal to him.

Thes story follows LBJ through his time at Southwest Texas State Teachers College where he was notorious liar and exaggerated about everything. His nickname was “Bull” because everyone knew he was full of “Bull”s**t. This is also the start of LBJ’s political carrier when he created a group known as the White Stars to win control of the Student body from the Black Stars who he couldn’t join. The dark side of politics, the lying and rigging of the election started at STSTC for LBJ and it carried with him all the way to the White House.

After graduation from STSTC, he then goes to US Congress to serve as a secretary for Congressman. LBJ learns the inner workings of congress as the Congressman that he works for doesn’t really want to be in Congress.  This allows LBJ to build up his network for the eventual running for Congress himself which he embarks on in 1937 and wins.

The final chapters are about his failed bid for the US Senate in 1941. His years in the Congress until Roosevelt’s death. This is where Volume One ends.

I left out a vast amount of many details, like marriage to Lady Bird and the influence of Sam Rayburn on LBJ. This book is very dense and extremely well researched. While reading it, I never grew bored. It really is a page turner that I enjoyed as much as I enjoyed John Adam’s and Truman. The dept of this reminds me of another extremely well researched and narrated book At Dawn We Slept.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a good biography about a politician.        

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

Extreme Ownership

17 Monday Apr 2023

Posted by in Leadership, Reading

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Extreme Ownership: How the Navy Seals Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
2015 / 320 pgs. (95,680 words) Leadership and Team Management

Extreme Ownership is a leadership book-based on lessons given by the management consulting firm Echelon Front which was founded by the authors Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. The layout of the book is designed similar to all management/leadership books. First, the title of the lesson. Then, an event, in this case, a combat event, that displays the importance of that lesson. Finally, a business perspective that shows how a leader decides to follow the lesson after the authors emphasized the importance of it and the corrected direction the company is going in.

The lessons are all based on the author’s experience in the military. For those that have military experience and attended the many leadership courses the service requires or offers, much of these lessons are not new for you. For those that never served, these lessons could be completely new and inspirational.

The stories that relate to the lesson are very interesting as most of them come from the authors time in Iraq as members of task force Bruser. For some of these lessons, the fundamentals are the same as other courses that may have been taught in other courses. For example, one lesson is called, Cover and Move, in other leadership courses, it would be called Teamwork.

I enjoyed a lesson called No Bad Teams – Only Bad Leaders, as I would always tell my junior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) and Airmen that there is no such thing as a bad NCO, all NCOs are great at teaching you what type of leader you want to be. Some NCOs will teach you the lessons that you will add to your toolbox. Others will teach you things that you will say you never want to do as a leader.

This book is interesting. The authors break down each lesson to its simplicity for the reader to understand. For those of us that served, knowing everything we learned is still being taught to leaders of fortune 500 companies, illustrates that the service does leave you with wonderful toolbox that still applies in the outside world. 


Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

Miracle at Philadelphia

19 Sunday Mar 2023

Posted by in History, Political Science, Reading

≈ 1 Comment

Miracle at Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen
1966 / 310 pgs. (86,500 words) Political Science/History

It doesn’t look like a page turner. It’s a story that not everyone will or desire to devour. Most people would care less about this story. They received all the education they needed on the birth of the nation in school. Understandable, many individuals, including my students don’t feel they need to learn more about the government then what they were taught in primary education.

Like every book, don’t judge it by its cover. This book is about the birth of the United States Constitution. It goes week by week and over many details that were taken from diaries and notes from those that were there. It also changes the narrative that we are told in school about the Great Compromise. We learn about the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey plan, the lectures on how the founders debated on these two plans and how the New Jersey plan was instrumental in the creation of the bicameral system we use today.

However, the Virginia plan already had a Bicameral system proposed.  Most of the convention was debating the many details of the Virginia proposal. Many details were argued, for example do we have a Federal Government, that operates on states or a National Government that operates for the individuals. Interestingly, Democracy, that we practice today, was feared by many at the convention because they thought of it as rule by a mob, not the people. Shays Rebellion was still fresh in the minds of the delegates during the debates.

The New Jersey plan was introduced 15 June 1787 as an alternative to everything that was being debated and a method to fix the Articles of Confederation.  However, this plan was destroyed by James Madison in a speech on the 19th of June and the New Jersey Plan was voted down. In our history books, it was the two plans that created the Great Compromise, however, Richard Sherman proposed the Compromise on the 11th of June. Its details like this that our history books erroneously tell and then it’s twisted into the narrative.

This books goes into many more details about the coming together of the convention, how it is conducted, and also after the vote and finally the ratification process. I really enjoyed many of the details Bowen spelled out that exposed many of the thoughts and even range of debates on why the US government is build the way it is and also what many feared and predicted would happen with our government in the future.  One of my favorite quotes comes from Dr. Rush who wanted to establish a post graduate school and said

“Why…should young men study Greek particles and the conformation of the ruins at Palmyra when they should be acquiring ‘those branches of knowledge which increase the convenience of life, lessen human misery, improve our country, promote population, exalt the human understanding, and establish domestic and political happiness’” –  Catherine Drinker Bowen

Would I recommend this book? Yes, if you are interested in this subject. I enjoyed it; however, this is in my field of education. I can’t say everyone would enjoy this narrative.      
 
Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

John Adams

30 Friday Dec 2022

Posted by in Biography, History, Reading

≈ 2 Comments

John Adams by David McCullough
2001 / 781 pgs. (188,00 words) Biography and History

Stunned is how I felt as I devoured every word of this masterpiece. Like Truman, this biography is very detailed and not a bore to read. Each paint stroke builds the picture that forms one of the great founding fathers of the United States; it also begs one to question why we do not know more about John Adams.

Honestly, when I started this book right after I finished Cycle of the Werewolf, I found myself reluctant as my knowledge of the Revolutionary/Colonial period of US history is weak compared to the W.W.II era. When I started, there was a feeling of dread and hesitance. David McCollough won the Pulitzer with John Adams and Truman. However, I was still unsure if I would enjoy reading John Adams with the same level of enjoyment as I did with Truman. All the feelings I experienced were put to pasture in the book’s first few pages.

This biography starts with the birth of Adams and a little background of his family in Quincy, Massachusetts. It builds from how his father raised him to Adams attending and graduating from Harvard. His eventual marriage to Abigail and the love that flows from them in letters they wrote to each other while he was away. McCullough even builds the events around Adams, like the Boston Massacre, how Adams successfully defended the British soldiers, and Adams’s essential involvement in the Declaration of Independence.

McCullough builds a wonderful picture as, naturally, the story progresses throughout the American Revolution and how the untold story of Adams going to France to help Franklin with the French. However, of his own volition, Adams goes to the Netherlands to negotiate trade and secure a loan from the Dutch. Congress eventually appoints him as minister to the Netherlands.

John Quincey’s picture is painted simultaneously, showing how travel with his father builds his reputation and experience. What is fascinating, and is eloquently shown by McCullough, is the events of times and how they changed the United States and people’s perspectives. For example, when Napoleon invaded Russia and seized the city, John Quincy was minister to St. Petersburg. Another example, John Quincey, was a Senator when President Jefferson sent to the Senate for their approval of the treaty that was eventually known as the Louisiana Purchase. Finally, who was Secretary of State when Spain negotiated the sale of Florida for $5,000,000? The Adams of the Adams-Onis Treaty, John Quincey.

The novel continues into John Adams’s times as the 1st Vice President of the United States, to his hatred of Alexander Hamilton, and John Adams the 2nd President of the United States. Also, the famous relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, eventually to the moment infamous in American History, their death on July 4th, 1826, the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.                            

There is much more that I am not writing about, as this review would be very long. The rating should say how much I enjoyed this novel. I would absolutely recommend this if you were fascinated with the Presidents of the United States. This novel brings a very different light and appreciation for John Adams. 

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

Cycle of the Werewolf

27 Sunday Nov 2022

Posted by in Horror, Reading

≈ 2 Comments

Cycle of the Werewolf by Stephen King
1985/ 128 pgs. (32,000 words) Horror

Cycle of the Werewolf is a graphic novel.  It is divided into 12 chapters, that correspond with the months of the year.  The story is simple, every full moon, a werewolf comes out and kills someone in a small town in Maine, Tarker Mills.

Over each month, people start to get afraid until a child in a wheel chair figures out who the werewolf is.  Then on the final night in December, it all comes to an end. 

For most of the chapters, they are very short. Victim is walking around or doing an action when a man size wolf standing on its legs attack and kills the victim. Seriously. The story builds a little bit in July with Marty, the child in the wheelchair, the only one to survive the werewolf attack.  From August to November, there are a few more short chapters with more victims, except in September and October. Naturally, it is Halloween when the secret is reviled.

There is not much to this graphic novel. It is not amazing by any means and is a very fast read.  There is not any meat for this. Again, this is a graphic novel. One could read it in just over an hour. I would recommend finding it in a library and sitting down and reading it quick.  It is not worth the price to purchase it, unless you are building up the King collection. 

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka