Author Archives: Lopaka

Rage

13 Saturday Aug 2022

Posted by in Psychological, Reading, Thriller

≈ 1 Comment

Rage by Stephen King
1977 / 211 pgs. (54,176 words) Psychological Thriller

This was the first book King published under Richard Bachman. An interesting fact about this specific novel is it is out of print by request of Mr. King himself. Why did he do this? The following narration should clearly define the answer to why.

Charlie is a senior in high school who is called into the principal’s office to discover his fate after attacking a chemistry teacher with a pipe wrench. Once the verdict is read, transfer to Greenmantle Academy, Charlie mouths off to the principal and is immediately expelled from school. After arriving at his locker, he takes the gun and extra rounds he brought, sets the rest of the contents on fire, and closes the door. While smoke billows out of the slots in the locker door, he walks into a classroom, shoots the teacher in the head, and takes the class hostage. He kills another teacher who bursts into the classroom, wondering why they do not evacuate while the fire alarm is going off.

After the fire is out, the principal, a psychologist, and the local sheriff talk to Charlie over the intercom system, asking him to release his fellow students. He refuses and plays mind games with the adults while talking about “Getting it on.”  Much of the novel is about Charlie and his fellow students talking about challenges that many youths take on during their most impressionable years, High School. From the physically challenged to the jock who is a cowered inside and uses his aggression against others to hide it. Even sexual, or lack of, experienced is shared in the classroom while police and others wait outside the school for Charlie’s next action.

Naturally, I do not want to give away the ending. As one can deduce from the narration, why Mr. King asked his publisher to stop printing the book. After several school shootings, one of which reportedly Rage was in the locker of one of the shooters, Stephen King stated he no longer wanted the book in circulation for obvious reasons. 

This book is just more than just teens talking in a classroom. It is also about how many teens feel growing up in High School. It is a deep dive into youth’s challenges in school as they grow up, build an identity for themselves, and determine where they will go next on this fascinating journey called life.

I enjoyed this book. However, given the subject, for many, this could be a very challenging or not disturbing book to read, especially with the school shooting at the beginning and the hostage situation in the classroom. It is not an easy book to find. Since I am reading all of King’s novels, it would not be a complete list without Rage.      
 
Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

The Island of Dr. Moreau

07 Sunday Aug 2022

Posted by in Fiction, Reading, Sci Fi

≈ 1 Comment

The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells
1896 / 153 pgs. (43,183 words) Sci-Fi, Fiction

A classic by H. G. Wells. Pendrick, a biologist, is found after a shipwreck by Dr. Montgomery. Dr. Montgomery helps Pendrick gain strength as he is transported to an island. After arriving at the island, Dr. Montgomery takes his cargo with the animals and heads out to the island. Pendrick is kicked off the boat by the captain and drifts onto the island. This is where he is introduced to the Island of Dr. Moreau and his nightmare creations.

Dr. Moreau is a vivisectionist that was banned from practice in England. He came to the island to continue his experiment. The creations from his experiments inhabit the island, and Pendrick encounters them as he is confronted with several living beings. They are a blend of different animals that have human instincts, including speech and thought.

The book is a narration of Pendrick and his brief time on the island and escape. It is a fascinating insight that almost feels like a youth trying something that he wants to do but does not want to ask if he should.

This is a fast read; it only took me a few hours to read. It would not be the first H. G. Wells novel that I would recommend. That is The Time Machine.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

All The President’s Men

07 Sunday Aug 2022

Posted by in History, Politics, Reading

≈ 1 Comment

All The Presidents Men by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward
1974 / 368 pgs. (92,000 words) Political/History

When I started this book, I thought it was a play-by-play of what happened at Watergate and how the President of the United States fell from grace. I was delightedly wrong in my interpretation of the subject of the book. While the Watergate break-in in 1972 serves as the background of the book and is the focus of the circle of events, the book is the experience of Bernstein and Woodward as they navigate in their investigation of the break-in.

The book naturally starts with the break-in and wiring of the Democratic National Headquarters at the Watergate Hotel. When Bernstein is called to write about the break-in, he is upset because he hoped he was finally moving away from reporting these common cases. Little did he know what he was about to uncover.

Woodward is teamed up with Bernstein at the start, and both do not want to work together. As the story grows, so does their friendship. The book builds from the discovery of a phone number for H Hunt at the White House in a phone book for several of the thieves. Also, one individual, McCord, was prior CIA and FBI. These simple facts start to grow the case from a simple break-in to how high the conspiracy goes.

The book also builds on all the trials, errors, and tribulations that Bernstein and Woodward experience as this continues the investigation into Watergate, including the few times they felt their lives were in danger. The most famous individual in the case of Watergate, Deep Throat, is introduced in the book, although it doesn’t reveal who he was.

The novel does not end with Nixon resigning. It ends at the state of the Union, 1974 when Nixon stated he would not resign. The follow-on book, The Final Days, goes into the events that lead up to Nixon’s resignation. That will be read later.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

Profiles In Courage

14 Thursday Jul 2022

Posted by in History, Politics, Reading

≈ 1 Comment

Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy
1955 / 226 pgs. (73,255 words) Political/History

A remarkably interesting expose on the word Courage. Senator John F. Kennedy, later President of the United States, while recuperating from back surgery, underwent a project to build a case of what Courage is in the political world. He researched Senators that when the time came for a critical decision knowing what their party and constituents desired as opposed to their eventual actions.

In each case, when the Senator committed the action, the cost was great. Several were ostracized from their respective political party. One Senator was nearly lynched in Virginia. One has gone down in history as a pro-slavery Senator because he gave one of the most famous speeches supporting the Great Compromise of 1850 that admitted California and prevent the disillusion of the Union for 10 more years. Safely, part of this compromise was greater power for slave owners and the continuation of the horrific practice. However, he was an ardent abolitionist until that speech, even freeing slaves.

The core of these profiles is Senators that decided on the greater of the United States as opposed to what their states desired. Most of the profiles are senators that served right before the civil war. The cases are around the Nebraska-Kansas Act and the Great Compromise of 1850.

Kennedy did note that some of these cases are controversial today. Many of those profiled are still viewed today in a negative light. He does not argue we should look at each person differently today, knowing more of the background for their decisions. We should admire the Courage of their actions to put the betterment of the nation first, knowing that it could cost them everything, including their lives.

A few of the profiles of special note are:

  1. Sam Houston, was the hero of the Texas Revolution and its first president. Also, the first Senator for the State of Texas, voted against the Kansas-Nebraska act knowing he would be recalled to Texas. Became the 7th Governor of Texas and fought against succession and after Texas voted to leave the US, he resigned.
  2. Edmond G. Ross of Kansas, even with enormous amounts of pressure from the legislative branch in Kansas, the Republican Party, and even fellow Senators, voted against removing President Andrew Johnson from office, he was the key vote in the end.
  3.  Daniel Webster of Massachusetts and the 7 March Speech forever destroyed his political career and reputation while he was trying to keep the nation together and prevent a civil war.

Many of those profiled were Senators that are lost to history such as Ross of Kansas, yet their stories are very fascinating. When reading what Ross endured before he delivered his vote is enormously powerful and should be taught in schools about what Courage and Sacrifice in the political arena truly is.

I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys reading about history and politics. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

American Government 2e

30 Thursday Jun 2022

Posted by in Political Science, Reading, Textbook

≈ 1 Comment

American Government 2e by Krutz, Glen
2020 / 654 pgs. Political Science/Textbook

American Government2e is a textbook for PSC-1030. Another Community College class that I will be teaching in the fall. Like previously, I needed to completely read this book to assure my course is built and ready for my class. I’m not trying to kill my brain reading two textbooks.

This textbook breaks down the government in a simple order. However, what is very different than the previous textbook is the detailed information that I felt was missing. Also, this is designed as an introduction to American Government. Naturally, it is divided into sections that start with how the government was formed, born from the failures of the Articles of Confederation to the evolution and adoption of the Constitution, same as the previous textbook I read for my course in American Government.

Between the two books, I would recommend this one. It’s better detailed and easier to digest. Plus, the bonus, this book is free to download on the Openstax site.

If one wants a desire to understand the US government in simplistic terms, this is a wonderful book. However, it is a textbook, so I would imagine that not many finish reading this, including my future students.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

American Government: Roots and Reform 2014 Election

06 Monday Jun 2022

Posted by in Political Science, Reading, Textbook

≈ 1 Comment

American Government: Roots and Reform by O’Connor, Sabato, and Yanus
2016 / 550 pgs. Political Science/Textbook

American Government is a textbook for PSC-1030. A Community College class that I will be teaching in the fall. Naturally, I needed to completely read this book to assure my course is built and ready for my classes. If an individual would like a good understanding of the political system of the United States, this is a good book. It can be very dry at times, naturally, that is the nature of textbooks.

This textbook breaks down the government in a simple order and is not very detailed. It is designed as an introduction to American Government. Naturally, it is divided into sections that start with how the government was formed, born from the failures of the Articles of Confederation to the evolution and adoption of the Constitution.

Other sections break down into more details to understand the progression of our Federal system. Also, explaining the three branches of government and the challenges they have all faced over the years. Details of other impacts on our system like political parties, news media, and domestic policy and also explained in the book.

If one wants a desire to understand the US government in simplistic terms, this isn’t a bad book to read. However, it is a textbook, so I would imagine that not many finish reading this, including my future students.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

Starship Troopers

21 Saturday May 2022

Posted by in Philosophy, Reading, Sci Fi

≈ 1 Comment

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
1959 / 208 pgs. (84,769 words) Sci-Fi/Philosophy

A curious narrative that could easily be finished in a couple of hours. A novel that at first appears as a future war narrative is also a philosophical discussion on the wrongs in American Society. The story starts with a simple bounce-and-drop mission. However, like all warfare, no combat goes as planned. At the end of the first chapter, Dizzy is dead, and they move back to the rendezvous point to evac as planned.

Returning to high school, the commentary builds from Johnnie and how he enlists in Federal Service. Interestingly, in the book, all personnel that works in the recruiting building are discouraging Jonnie from joining, even the Sergeant at the desk with no legs and only one arm. Obviously, this is vastly different from enlisting in the service today. Johnnie ships off to Basic at Camp Arthur Currie (Named after Gen Sir Arthur Currie, Canadian Army).

The majority of the narrative is set at Camp Currie. Johnnie explains everything about basic training. One chapter is an explanation of how the mechanical suit works. After one incident, a deserter is returned to camp, and punishment is executed, Johnnie remembers a discussion in his History and Moral Philosophy class in High School. Heinlein uses this point to explain what he believes is wrong with 1950’s American society and how it could be changed. This is the section that explains why a citizen gains more rights than a civilian, for example, the right to vote. The famous quote in Chapter II, “A Citizen accepts the personal responsibility for the safety of the body politic, defending it with his life, a civilian does not” is expanded upon and clarified as to why the Federal Service was created and changed society for the better.

After basic, Johnny then reports to Camp Spooky Smith for climbing training and goes on leave in Seattle.  It is there that he and a few other troopers experience what some people truly think of those that serve in uniform. After training, our second battle occurs. This is the point where the novel picks up from the beginning of the book. He reports to the Roger Young (named after Corporal Roger Young, USMC, Medal of Honor) and joins Rasczak’s Roughnecks. Johnnie goes to Career and then reports to Officer Candidate School. During school, he is assigned to a unit as a Third Lieutenant and takes part in the battle of Plant P. After which, we reach the end of the book and his next drop as he leads his Platoon.

Starship Troopers is considered a classic Sci-Fi/Philosophy novel from one of the big three in Sci-Fi. It is a quick read; anyone could finish it in a day. Taking my hour allocation, it only took me 7.5 hours to finish the book. If one is looking for a book about a large space war, this is it as much is discussed on how the world is running in the future. As mentioned, there are a few spots of battle that do not disappoint. This novel is written as a narrative from Johnny Rico’s view, meaning much is what he thinks and recollects. Would I recommend it? It is not horrible, easy-paced, and does not get boring. Not a page-turner though, does not leave you at the seat of your pants.

Lopaka  

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

The Invisible Man

13 Friday May 2022

Posted by in Classic, Sci Fi

≈ 1 Comment

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
1897 / 192 pgs. (57,408 words) Classic/Sci-Fi

Another H.G. Wells classic. A quick read, also a straightforward story. Many details within the narration ensure the reader stays glued.

Griffin is a gifted physicist who has a passion for the study of refraction. He feels he can make anything invisible. Griffin experiments on objects around his room at first, believing it is possible to make a human invisible. He first tests on a cat. He tries it on himself when this experiment is successful, turning invisible. The horror of his results appears not after the experiment is complete. The results are not instantaneous, it is when he answers a knock on his door, and the inquiring individual on the other side runs away in fear.

The invisible man works without an aid because of Griffin’s conniving professor, who steals results and publishes them under his name. Griffin, also paranoid of people being able to replicate his work, does not leave any trace of his experiment. The other challenge that produces itself after he burns down his apartment is the world outside. The paranoia of people dealing with an invisible man creates vast challenges for Griffin to do simple things like eat and stay warm.

The story starts with the Invisible Man, wrapped from head to toe, renting a room with his boxes of tubes with various liquids trying to reverse the invisibility. The property owners look on suspiciously as the man does not interact with people and eats alone while working in his room.

This was a simple read. The novel could be finished in just one day if one sits down and enjoys it. There is not too much of a twist; however, the start does bring just enough curiosity to see how the narration would go. It would not be the first H.G. Wells novel I would recommend; it is still a good read.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich

07 Saturday May 2022

Posted by in History, Military and War, Politics, Reading

≈ 2 Comments

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
1960 / 1264 pgs. (316,000 words) Political/History/Military and War

What an epic! Sixty-nine days were taken to finish this monster. What a beast it is! This was a unique read; when I ran across that finish line and turned the page into the notes section, I was not disappointed and did not feel like I had wasted my time reading this book. Like At Dawn We Slept, some of my favorite history books are written by historians who had access to papers and witnesses after the day’s events. Most, if not all, were never there to witness the events they wrote on.

Mr. Shirer witnessed many of the events during the Third Reich’s rise—watched many of the famous Nazi rallies and important events and then reported for CBS radio from Berlin. His relaying of the feeling of the people on 1 September 1939 when Germany invaded Poland is a complete contrast to what standard scholarly works state. After the War, he had access to the secret government papers and diaries of prominent Nazi leaders the United States collected and brought to the U.S. after the War. He researched this book before the documents returned to Germany in the late 1950s.

Unlike many history narratives dense with information per paragraph, this book is an easy read. It is easy to follow and does not get the reader lost in multiple mounds of facts. The flow is simple; although sometimes not in a linear direction, it is still easy to enjoy. While reading this, I never felt like I was falling asleep with information overload. I never looked at the time, wondering if my allocated hour was up. The timer would often ring, and I would keep reading, at least finishing the section that I was devouring.

Mr. Shirer starts with the birth and history of Adolf Hitler until his introduction to the German Workers Party in 1919. Then he continues with the historical rise of Hitler to Chancellor of Germany in 1933 and even the gritty details of how he gained absolute power over Germany after the Reichstag fire on 27 February 1933.

Then, Shirer paints a picture of Germany starting by rebuilding her economy. Led to Anschluss, then the occupation of the Rhineland, to the invasion of Poland in 1939, while leaving out no details of other events in those times. The beginning of W.W. II. is only the 52% mark in the book. The many pieces of events from 1933 to 1939 are so delicious that it is difficult to put the book down.

Naturally, 1939-1941 was an excellent time for the German military as it conquered and occupied much of Europe. Shirer illustrates how Hitler demanded the Army conduct operations as he envisioned and was victorious until the fall of France. Because of his victories, he believed he was the greatest leader in Germany’s history and that his armies could not lose. This belief would eventually lead to his downfall with Operation Barbarossa, 22 June 1941, the invasion of the Soviet Union. This date is synonymous with Napoleon crossing the Niemen in 1812 on his way to Moscow; Germany crossed the same river at the start of their invasion of the Soviet Union. However, unknown at the time, this was the beginning of the downfall of the Third Reich.

The disaster that is the invasion of Russia decimates the German army. The inclusion of the United States in the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan strengthened the power of the Allies. Shirer then details many events and several assassination attempts on the Fuhrer, including the infamous 20 July 1944 plot, known as Valkyrie. After Hitler’s survival, circumstances led to the last German assault, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Soviets surrounding Berlin. Details of the final days in the Fuhrer bunker. Finally, concluding with the suicide of Hitler on 30 April and Germany’s unconditional surrender on 7 May 1945. This narrative has everything in between and is a delicious delight to devour.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. It is an effortless read, not dense. Although, as previously mentioned, it does mess with chronology, it is not making crazy loops like other history books I have read. I would forewarn you that this is a monster; this will take some time unless you are a speed reader! Also, I would read this only if you are interested in this subject. For those with no interest in history or W.W.II, you would shred this book and then burn it to assure it was gone from your library. Or use it as a doorstop.      

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

NOTE: I noticed after I finished the book and was relaxing while thinking about what I was going to write that today is 7 May, the 77th Anniversary of V-E day. Yes, I did find it ironic that I finished a book about the rise and fall of the Third Reich on the 77th anniversary of its fall into history.    

The Black Widows

20 Sunday Feb 2022

Posted by in Military and War, Reading, Thriller

≈ 1 Comment

2021 / 364 pgs Military Thriller

1st Lt Ian Archer, USAF, an F-15C fighter pilot, is cocky and flamboyant; however, he does have a heart that doesn’t appear too often. Grounded is a dreaded word for any flyer. A simple meaning, his flying days are over. From his USAF Academy days to flying the vaunted F-15C, all that he worked for is gone in a flash. What is going to happen next? Is his career finished? Not only is Archer grounded, but he is also ordered to report to a missile base in Montana to sit in silos waiting for World War III.

After arriving, he discovers that he is not there for the Missile assignment. He joins a highly classified squadron, the 13th Fighter-Intercepter Squadron, the Bulls, that fly the F-23 Black Widow. The leadership is unconventional, and Ian has to deal with unusual rules and the mission profile of an aircraft that officially was retired after the ATF program. As his training goes south in this military thriller, he starts to question himself and his abilities.

In the beginning, it’s hard to get into as Ian is a cocky-arrogant flighter pilot that can’t do wrong. However, the narrative starts to chip away at Ian’s armor over time. The narrative gets exciting once the reader pasts the ego of Archer.

I enjoyed the challenges that Archer had to take on both as an officer and individual. For the last 145 pages, I couldn’t put it down because I was so curious to know what was going to happen. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fighter pilot-oriented story. This book is a Tom Clancy meets Ian Fleming. The technical military thriller style of Clancy and the center-focused character of Fleming.   I truly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading what is next for Archer and “The Bulls.” 

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a good book!

Lopaka