Sunday, May 7, 2017

Book Recommendations

Book Recommendations

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
This excellent, well-written and researched book should be read by parents, teachers, business owners and hiring authorities. I read it for a book club I belong too. At first I thought "Oh no, another victim group. I should feel guilty for oppressing introverts with my extrovert privilege." But its not really like that, though it discusses how America in particular pays homage to the "extrovert ideal." It delves into the research on introverts and goes into what they bring to the table in any institution. As with most things, we need both types. And the lines are not strictly drawn. But we need to take advantage of introverted characteristics. Interestingly, I was considered an introvert in grade school, became a little more flamboyant, though not part of the "in group" in high school and since the Marines qualify as an extrovert. I'm an ENTJ, I had a successful ten-year career as a state senator, I enjoy public speaking and seek opportunities, and I was a successful association executive which meant constant interaction with a great many people. But I could also provide a list that would make you identify me as an introvert. I was chess champ of my community college and played first board for the chess team, I read at least a book a week, mostly non-fiction, I write, and have published 12 books including two of poetry, I spend a lot of time on the computer, and I'm very cautious about money. I like to think I'm also a thoughtful person. And I'm married to an ISTJ on the Myers-Briggs. This book explores all these things and helps you understand the different aspects of your temperament. For parents or teachers of introverted children it's a must-read.

They Say We Are Infidels: On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted Christians in the Middle East by Mindy Belz
Mindy Belz is a fine writer and editor who has traveled extensively in Iraq and the Middle East, and has reported fearlessly on the persecution and genocide of Christians that has been taking place. She has the kind of courage you would hope for in front-line combat troops and a passion for the persecuted. In this book she reports events that our government and the mainstream media have ignored through their desire to placate Muslims or not appear "Islamophobic." It is a must read for anyone who cares about the challenges facing believing Christians in that area, or anyone hoping to see peace come to it.

What Now, Lieutenant?: Leadership Forged from Events in Vietnam, Desert Storm and Beyond by Richard Neal 

This is a fine memoir is by an excellent Marine who rose from Lieutenant to four-star General in the Corps. "What Now, Lieutenant" refers to the leadership lessons he highlights from his career. I never had the privilege to serve under General Neal, and I regret that, as my Marine service was at the same time as part of his. This book will be of interest especially to Marines, but also by any military types interested in leadership or by history buffs, as it has some interesting inside stories of the events he participated in, at the company level in hot action in Vietnam and at the theater leadership level in Dessert Story.

No comments:

Post a Comment