Category Archives: Reading

Such Men as These

01 Tuesday Apr 2025

Posted by in History, Military and War, Reading

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Such Men as These by David Sears
2010 / 396 pgs. [336 Narrative] (118,272 words) Military Historical

James Michener’s assignment from the Saturday Evening Post to report on the Korean War ultimately yielded the notes that formed the basis for his famous book, The Bridges at Toko-Ri. Inspired by Michener’s work and potentially his notes, David Sears crafts a fascinating narrative focusing on the challenges and contributions of the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 77 during the Korean War (1950-1953). The book offers a compelling account of the Navy’s response, weaving in Michener’s own experiences and the war’s impact on him.

The conflict began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded South Korea. The United States military, facing a conflict it hadn’t anticipated, was largely unprepared. World War II had concluded only five years earlier, leading to a significant drawdown of active-duty forces and meaning much of the technology employed in Korea was leftover from the previous war. Consequently, from the Navy’s perspective, the demands of the conflict fell heavily upon reserve forces rather than the depleted active component.

Such Men as These recounts numerous experiences of naval personnel, particularly pilots assigned to Task Force 77. One particularly striking story involves Ensign Jesse Brown, the first African American Naval Aviator, and Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Thomas Hudner, who received the Medal of Honor for his valiant attempt to rescue the downed Ensign Brown.

While the book doesn’t delve deeply into the specific air combat tactics of the war, it excels at capturing the human element. It effectively covers the experiences of those serving with Task Force 77 throughout the conflict.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. Such Men as These is a great read and does not disappoint. However, readers should know what to expect: if you are seeking detailed analyses of battles and military tactics, this might not be the book for you. But if you are interested in the powerful, human stories of Naval Aviators and personnel serving under extraordinary circumstances during the Korean War, this book is an excellent choice.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

Lopaka

A Final Thought: On a personal note, I have worn the POW/MIA bracelet for Lt. Orville M. Cook, USNR, for over 30 years. He was an AD-3 Skyraider pilot shot down over North Korea on July 18, 1951, and is mentioned by name in the book. While I appreciated seeing his name included and learning about the context before and after his loss, I was naturally hoping for details on his specific final mission, which weren’t present. His story, and its partial inclusion, underscores the book’s focus on the broader human tapestry of Task Force 77, even if it means some individual threads aren’t fully explored.

Misery

04 Thursday Jul 2024

Posted by in Horror, Psychological, Reading, Thriller

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Misery by Stephen King
1987 / 454 pgs. (110,565 words) Psychological-Horror-Thriller

Misery, a classic by Mr. King. It grips you from the start and does not let go. Paul Sheldon, author of the Misery Chastain novels wakes up from a confused and drugged out haze. As he gathers his wits and surroundings, he feels agonizing pain from his hips and below. He meets his savior, Mrs. Annie Wilkes, not only a former nurse, but also his number-one fan. Also, he realizes that he is not in a hospital being cared for by trained professionals but held against his will at Annie’s house. However, with two shattered legs, he is not going to be leaving anytime soon.

Annie loves the Misery books and really does not care for Pauls other works. As he has heard and read from other fans, please, just write those wonderful Misery books –signed, your number-one fan. His latest manuscript was in the car that Annie pulled him from. She reads it and finds it horrible, his worst writing ever. She did mention that she was waiting for the latest Misery book, Misery’s Child, to be released in paperback. What she does not know yet is Paul killed Misery. He despises Misery Chastain, as he feels he can write a lot more than just romance novels that swoon all of his fans. Once Annie has Misery’s Child in hand and devours it, she is terribly upset, and blames Paul for murdering Misery.

With the help of a BBQ pit, Annie demands Paul to burn his latest manuscript, the horrible book called Fast Cars. Once that is complete, she brings him an old Royal typewriter and has him author a book just for her, the greatest novel he has ever written, Misery’s Return! That, dear readers, is the first fifty pages of this masterpiece, for it only gets worse for Paul, much worse as he drafts the only book that will keep him alive.

Annie Wilkes, I believe is one of Mr. Kings greatest antagonist. She is one of the most polarizing characters because you are not sure what she will do at any given moment. This effectively makes the narrative an on-the-edge of your seat experience. The conclusion is incredibly satisfying with frightening consequences.

This novel, I felt, was a narration of frustration from Mr. King as he feels like Paul in various interactions with fans that have played out over the years. Considering, Mr., King received backlash from fans after the release of Eyes of the Dragon. Many fans just demanded him to continue writing horror books. I would imagine it was the same feeling that Tom Clancy received when Red Storm Rising was published, which was not a Jack Ryan novel, and readers demanded another Ryan book. I could imagine many authors reading this novel and stating, “that is how I feel”. Geroge R. R. Martin faces this all the time with his fans demanding for the author to sit a write Winds of Winter and do nothing else until it is complete.

Would I recommend this book, oh yeah! It is a great read and did not disappoint.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!
Lopaka

Eyes of the Dragon

25 Tuesday Jun 2024

Posted by in Fanasy, Reading

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Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King
1984/ 378 pgs. (90,335 words) Fantasy

Eyes of the Dragon, a different book than what we are used to, from Mr. King. When I read this book over 30 years ago, I was deep into fantasy books like the Dragonlance Saga. This is one the first books that I saw the title, read the short intro on the back cover, took it home from the school library, read it and thought, this book sucks! It was my first foray into the world of Mr. King. Reading this book again with fresher eyes and a different expectation, I was not jaded when I first finished it.

In the book, we get reintroduced to Flagg. He is the Magician that “advises” the King of Delain, Roland. Not the same Roland from the Gunslinger. Flagg thirst for chaos and sets things in motion to see that it happens. He arranges for those that stand to block his pursuit of chaos for the Kingdom with death or imprisonment.

Flagg arranges for the death of the Queen, Sasha, while she gives birth to Thomas, the second in the line to the throne. Flagg felt that Sasha was starting to gain influence of King Roland that would interfere with Flaggs plans. Peter, the first born, was like his mother and Flagg could see that when Peter became King, he would dismiss Flagg as his advisor. Thomas, on the other hand, was like his father, King Roland, and easily swayed by the powerful influence of the Magician.

Flagg arranges for Peter to be charged and found guilty of the vicious murder of his father, King Roland, and imprisoned for life in the great tower called the Needle. His younger brother, Thomas, becomes King at the age of twelve. With King Roland and Queen Sasha dead, Prince Peter locked in the Needle, Flagg has complete control over King Thomas to create the Chaos that he desires for the Kingdom of Delain. This, dear reader, is all I will tell you about the story.

Mr. King wrote this in a narrative form as if he were a bard or great storyteller reciting the plot to you and even includes his own thoughts in the story.

Would I recommend this for reading, not really. Still not one of his great novels and for a Stephen King book, not what you would expect. It is not horrible, just not even in the top tell books that I would recommend from Mr. King.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee and a delightful book!

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