The Book Thread
 

In hopes of discovering some good new reads and with intentions of sharing some wonderful books I've recently finished, why not create a thread where we can discuss items a tad more intellectual than oil stains, part numbers and car memorabilia [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif[/img] ?

Below is a short list of some of the books I've finished recently and wholeheartedly recommend them for all members here, especially ones with vastly diverse interests like mine.

In no real order...

1) <span style="font-style: italic">The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris</span>. This book explains how implementing information system automation in entrepreneurial ventures can free time, increase profits, and outsource damn near every business function so you collect revenues electronically and have the time and freedom to be your own boss and travel the world, experiencing the finer things in life. His blog and online journal are FANTASTIC!

2) <span style="font-style: italic">No Angle by Jay Dobins</span>. Jay and his team od ATF/RICO undercover agents attempt to infiltrate the Hells Angles in a daring and heart racing 22 month operation. This book is riveting, nerve racking and Jay/crew typify the bad-ass, no nonsense, gangster who literally risk their lives on a daily basis. It is excellent in every way. The ending will have you sitting in shock for hours.

3) <span style="font-style: italic">The Paradox of Choice, why less is more by Barry Schwartz</span>. Barry identifies several reasons why the introduction of endless choice actually creates a dynamic where we lose interest in belongings, relationships, and purchases faster than ever before. He also calls this the point of diminishing returns where the introduction of a new item to our consideration set actually decreases our overall &quot;maximized utility.&quot; Short read about economics and marketing but well worth the time!

4) <span style="font-style: italic">Lone Survivor by Marcus Latrell</span>. Marcus is a Navy Seal who embarks on what becomes the single worst life loss in the history of the division. His decisions (politically based and challenged) alter the out come of the situation. The story takes an interesting turn when a suspecting group of people turn American created stereotypes inside out and offer compassion during trying war times. Search on Youtube for more of Marcus. He is a hero and a gentleman.

5) <span style="font-style: italic">Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl</span>. Viktor is a survivor of Auschwitz and the story is a recount of his time in the concentration camp. While his life was spared, he was subjected to some of the worst conditions in the history of internment. He found power through mentoring and helping others which is how he found his search for meaning in the camps. If you need some brushing up on the Holocaust, I suggest reading this book.

What have you read guys? I like non-fiction but am willing to read anything. Lets keep this going, maybe a sticky?

Talk soon,
Dan

Re: The Book Thread
 

Good stuff Dan.

I'm finishing up &quot;Ender's Game&quot; 70's Sci Fi:
Intense is the word for Ender's Game. Aliens have attacked Earth twice and almost destroyed the human species. To make sure humans win the next encounter, the world government has taken to breeding military geniuses -- and then training them in the arts of war... The early training, not surprisingly, takes the form of 'games'... Ender Wiggin is a genius among geniuses; he wins all the games... He is smart enough to know that time is running out. But is he smart enough to save the planet?

Also reading &quot;To Fly and Fight&quot; C.E. &quot;Bud&quot; Anderson (triple ace in WWII Mustang)

P.D. Eastman's &quot;Go Dog Go&quot; Copyright 1961 - Its got cars, its got dogs - what else can I say?!!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...gGographic.jpg

Re: The Book Thread
 

I'm in the middle of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, by William Shirer. For the fourth time.

Re: The Book Thread
 

Hey Sam, that sounds interesting, thanks! And Tony, Rise and Fall has been on my list forever. I need to get on that! Thanks.

Re: The Book Thread
 

A couple of my very favorites:

Part 1 of the &quot;Liberation Trilogy&quot;, An Army At Dawn, and Part 2 of the The Day of Battle...now just waiting on Part 3, &quot;The Normandy Invasion and the War in Western Europe&quot;!

Currently reading The War of the World...a pretty good break down of the cause/effects of conflicts in the twentieth century.

Another favorite read that I recommend to even non-sports people is Bobby Knight's My Story...

Re: The Book Thread
 

You guys are too much!.
I read about a book a week and more often than not are factual WW2 or other war stories including Nazi Holocost stuff..
The best are often from Pilots shot down who spend the rest of the war in prison camps or fighting w/ the resistance..
Currently I'm into an espionage book that's been a hard read through the early days of Egypt etc but getting good now!.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
~ Pete

Re: The Book Thread
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PeteLeathersac</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You guys are too much!.
I read about a book a week and more often than not are factual WW2 or other war stories including Nazi Holocost stuff..
<span style="font-weight: bold">The best are often from Pilots shot down who spend the rest of the war in prison camps or fighting w/ the resistance..</span>
Currently I'm into an espionage book that's been a hard read through the early days of Egypt etc but getting good now!.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]
~ Pete </div></div>
That reminds me...another good read, The First Heroes: The Extraordinary Stor... War II Victory. I'm partial to this book because of it's insight into the B-25, my favorite WW2 aircraft [my grandfather armed B-25s in the south Pacific].

Re: The Book Thread
 

Over the Summer I finished a book called &quot;Escape From Davao: The Forgotten Story of the Most Daring Prison Break of the Pacific War&quot; by John D. Lukacs. Great book!! Author reconstructs the WWII POW escape by 10 Americans from the Japanese-occupied Philippines. FDR expressly delayed release of the news until it coincided with a war-bond sales drive nearl a year after they had escaped which really sickening. These guys were trully the greatest generation. Pick up the book you will love it.

Todd

Re: The Book Thread
 

I'm an avid book reader but I recently recently read and posted a recommendation of Robert Genat's newly-released &quot;Woodward Avenue&quot; book. I thought SYC members with similar interests would also enjoy it but I don't think anybody even cared. Last summer, I read and recommended Smokey Yunick's 3-Volume biography/life story and mentioned it here to the same shocking zero-response. It's a shame because Smokey's WWII stories and South American jungle adventures are actually more interesting than his racing stories! I just chalked it up to the fact that folks here just aren't into book-reading and that I wouldn't waste my time mentioning books anymore here.

Re: The Book Thread
 

I love Military History especially WW2 History and love to research any first hand accounts of service men that go above and beyond the call of duty. The stories of the US soldiers that receive the Congregational Medal of Honor really get my blood boiling and I find it extremely exciting what causes men/boys to do such unselfish deeds...