Don't Fall for It--Sucker!

The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time by Maria Konnikova
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fascinating expose on con artists (men & women) down through the past century mainly. Well written with so many fascinating details on how these con artists achieved their cons--taking people & their money for a ride. Not by violence, or by the barrel of a gun, but by a slick, wily exploiting of human nature. As Konnikova so well points out, it's not just the con artist who has confidence in their game--it's those who are so masterfully swindled who are often brimming with confidence that they are know what's what and are above being cheated. Figures straight into self-deception and human hubris, pride, and blindness due to over-confidence, shame, and gullibility (implicit trust in the supposed overall "goodness" of other humans). Konnikova does an excellent job of outlining, step-by-step, how a con takes place--and how people willingly end up believing a lie and often giving away thousands/millions of dollars, as well as property and other possessions sometimes.

Masterfully told, very engaging, never a dull moment--with lots of research & studies to back up the insights into human nature and its weaknesses. Over & over again. Down through the ages. Watch for it--there's a sucker born every minute, someone said. It's true, unfortunately. Don't get sucked in. Borrowed from the library--read on my Kindle. Plan to read another Konnikova book soon.


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The Soloist in Life

The Soloist by Mark Salzman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mark Salzman is a good writer--this is my 3rd book by him, going way, way back to his first book recounting his days living in China in Iron & Silk (which was excellent). This novel was good, but not great, or, could have been better. Focused on a prodigy cello player who has sort of lost his way. He's teaching a young, up & coming Korean-American the cello and has also been called up for jury duty in a murder trial that includes a second phase to determine whether the accused was insane or not when he committed the crime. Some interesting characters and interactions, but the thread gets lost somewhere along the way. But, I did love it when the penny dropped and I realized why he titled the book The Soloist--ha, that was great and made the read all the more worth it! Go figure--or read the book to see when you get it. And what's that cat doing on the cover? Read aloud by my lovely wife from the paperback original. I do plan to read more Salzman--he's written a few other books more recently; another installment of his memoirs, I believe.


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13 Action-Packed Days at Camp David

Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David by Lawrence Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great historical book by Lawrence Wright. Loved it--I'm giving it 4-1/2 stars in my Reading Log. This helped to fill in some of my missing knowledge on Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East, specifically about the years of outright warring between Egypt & Israel. Conflicts that go back to the days of Moses. Also gave me some good insights into President Jimmy Carter & the crucial role he played in calling the Camp David Summit & in getting Sadat & Begin to sit down together long enough to step back, getting more perspective on their loggerhead situation. This reads like a suspense novel; Wright does such an excellent job in the back & forth parleys & ups/downs of the 13 days of the summit. So many times it seemed like it was over--people were preparing to leave the next morning. Carter never gave up and did have to exert friendly pressure on both of the parties, who were not wanting to give in an inch. Borrowed from the library--read on my Kindle.


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The Sicilian -- The Godfather, Part II (not the movie)

The Sicilian by Mario Puzo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My 2nd Puzo novel--this one being the 2nd volume in his Godfather Series. This book takes place completely in Sicily, and though it does include some of Michael Corleone's banishment to Sicily for his revenge on the attack on his father in NYC, that is not the focus of the book. This is about a "Robin Hood" character and his growing gang of dangerous gangsters--who live even outside the laws & protection of the Friends of the Family (or the Cosa Nostra or Mafia). Ultimately, it leads to their downfall. The eagle & the lion. I ended up having to borrow this one from the library twice--read it on my Kindle.


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Amusing Dispatches from a Global Citizen

Laughing Without an Accent: Adventures of an Iranian American, at Home and Abroad by Firoozeh Dumas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another real good bunch of stories by the Iranian-American writer, Firoozeh Dumas. She's a sterling example of a true global citizen with a fresh, innovative, creative, and, at times, uproariously funny sense of humor. Having lived in Iran for 3 years and having visited it again 3x in the last 10 years, I find her writing very poignant, refreshing, and sometimes a trip down memory lane. I love Iranians and Iranian culture and food and history. The Bible has significant sections with connections to the great Iranian kings/people. Jews have been living in Iran since the days of King Cyrus, who began ruling over them following his defeat of the Babylonians who had carried thousands of them (with all the treasures from King Solomon's Temple) into exile. Biblical characters of epic proportions: Daniel & his 3 friends, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther & her uncle Mordecai, Cyrus & Darius & Xerxes & Artaxerxes, to name a few.

I loved Firoozeh's last chapter called "444 Days" chronicling her time spent with one of the 1979 Iranian hostages, Kathryn Koob. They spent some time together in Iowa, where Koob is a teacher, and hosted Firoozeh for a night in her home. Koob is another great example of a truly global citizen--one with a wonderful biblical worldview and a love for other people/cultures. Including, Firoozeh points out to her surprise, a love for Iranians and even for her former captors. Why? Because she really not only believes in Jesus & His words, but acts on them: "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Ah, how refreshing! Firoozeh quotes her as saying that she believes that wars are mostly fought against people who don't know each other--because it's very hard to kill people you know and have come to respect & love. "Glimpses of shared humanity make it so hard to kill others." A world of wisdom in digest form. Thank you, Firoozeh.


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Get & Stay out of the Box!

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by The Arbinger Institute
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My second time through this excellent book that focuses on a problem we all have--and that can have great negative impact in the area of leadership. I just taught a leadership course on book, using a PowerPoint I had developed back in 2012/13. Beware of the self-betrayal that leads to self-justifying images (+ blaming, excuses, resistance, & accusations against others) that leads one into the box, where you are ruled by self-deception. The box is a dark place which distorts one's vision & understanding of reality. Gotta get out of the box! And then be self-aware enough to stay out of the box! So much good stuff in here that parallels reality and the biblical viewpoint of our sin nature. It's not about you--get the focus off yourself!--and lift up your eyes, after opening & getting out of the box--to see, respect, properly treat, and help/support others.


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Take Ownership & Keep Focused!

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very practical, down-to-earth advice from veteran SEALs who put these leadership principles through their paces in the roughest of places (the Battle for Ramadi in Iraq). Jocko & another SEAL who was one of his platoon leaders do an excellent job of illustrating the leadership principles in the context of some scary urban battle situations--and then adapting them appropriately to post-SEAL career consulting situations in the business world. Bottom line: take ownership of everything you do as a leader; make no excuses, learn from your mistakes, empower your team/leaders, and keep things simple, clear, & focused. I liked the format of each chapter: SEAL scenario, principle, business adaptation. Not a dull minute in the whole book--very well done & engaging. Need to watch a long format interview with Jocko on Joe Rogan's podcast (YT). Borrowed this from the library; read it on my iPad.


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The dogs are doing what??

The Dogs are Eating Them Now: Our War in Afghanistan by Graeme       Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a well-written & informative snapshot (2006-2009 was main focus, but some coverage also of the "Surge & Pull-out" phases, up through 2014 ) of the situation in Afghanistan, mainly from the Canadian perspective on the south of the country, in & around Kandahar. Smith was often embedded with Canadian troops on various missions, but also did independent reporting out of a small office near the center of Kandahar--until there was a break-in and heightened security concerns. Smith does a great job, I think, of tackling the issues of the on-going insurgency in Afghanistan, as well as the in-your-face corruption in the local police, governmental authorities, and military. One important area of negligence & corruption Smith exposes is the treatment of prisoners by Afghan authorities, complicated by the look-the-other-way complicity of the Canadian forces often making the initial arrests. Fascinating investigation into several of the prison breaks by Taliban prisoners in Kandahar.

Smith does a good job of articulating the complexities of the Afghan situation--and the various motives & strategies of the numerous main players. The author provides background & contextual
understanding for why it's not a simple matter of winning big battles and taking control of territory, which often then cannot be held properly, due to local police/military abuse, corruption & neglect, feeding discontent among the local populace towards the government and swelling the Taliban's recruits.

Got this for a birthday present; read on my Kindle.


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No, nothing is too hard for God

Too Hard For God? by Charles R. Marsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was an amazing window into the work of CR Marsh & his wife who worked among the Kabyle Berber people of Algeria. Oh my, to read of the miles of hiking that Marsh did almost every week in order to be up in isolated mountain regions was so challenging, so inspiring. He would often be on the move up in the mountains for 10+ hours/day + hours of driving from his city home into & out of the mountains. Harsh, difficult context--but amazing to see how God was at work through him--and his wife, among the women--and wonderful to see how open people were at times to hear the Word of God shared with them in their villages/mosques. I was very encouraged by their long-term work and committed focus. Also interesting to see how often their work went hand-in-hand with meeting human needs (usually of a simple medical nature). As Marsh makes so evident, no there is nothing too hard for God, nothing.


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A Long, Hard Journey

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very enjoyable read. Frazier has quite the way with words. In fact, there's a bunch I need to look up--usually something describing a particular thing in use back in the 1860s. Quite the journey by the wounded deserting soldier, Inman, who walks from somewhere up in northern Virginia down to a place in the Blue Ridge mountains southwest of Asheville. Chapters are interspersed with goings on back in Black Cove near Cold Mountain, where the beautiful & genteel Ada, his budding love, is learning a few lessons on survival herself, with the help of the inimitable Ruby. Can't wait to watch the film again.


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Discipling 101--good, solid stuff

Disciples Are Made Not Born: Helping Others Grow to Maturity in Christ by Walter A. Henrichsen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An older book--first published in 1974--but some good, solid basics on what discipleship means.


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Green on Blue in Afghanistan

Green on Blue by Elliot Ackerman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not bad, not great. I liked the setting & context--in modern-day Afghanistan--as well as the perspective the author chose to write the novel from, that of of a young Afghan who gets recruited into a special Afghan army unit. The author--who served in the US military on several tours in Afghanistan (those tours usually being 6 months or so)--tries hard & has learned some about Afghan, specifically Pashtun, culture, but there were things that just weren't completely accurate and were a little hard to swallow. The story & action seemed to drag at times. Read on my Kindle.


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A splendid Persian Pilgrimage

Searching for Hassan: A Journey to the Heart of Iran by Terence Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fascinating & very well-written book about a family who used to live in Tehran, Iran--back in the days of the Shah. Terence & his brothers attended the Community School and their father directed plays at the Iran-American Society. They never forgot about their house helper, Hassan, and his family, and on a whim in 1998 or so, decide to go to Iran to try to locate him. Ward does an excellent job of weaving in historical & cultural background into the story of their adventure, as it unfolds. From Shiraz, they head north, taking in Persepolis, Pasargade (King Cyrus' tomb), Yazd, Esfahan, and Qom--as well as the small town where they remember Hassan telling them he was originally from. Great story all-around. Read on my Kindle.

The spirit of the book is well captured by author Gelareh Asayesh in the Washington Post: “The trip back to Iran proves to be a new beginning in the saga of the Wards and Ghasemis. Something very unusual happened in that Persian garden many years ago: the family of an American Christian oil company executive and the family of an Iranian Muslim cook became one. And if they were able to bridge the great divide, perhaps there is hope for us all.”


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An Exodus, yes...but with "caveats"

The Exodus by Richard Elliott Friedman
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I thought this looked interesting and also hoped that a Jewish biblical scholar's insights would be insightful. Well...not really. At least not by a very liberal, Harvard Univ-trained "biblical" scholar. Sorry, I took issue with a lot of things in this book. Lots of liberal, German-inspired interpretation going on. There were some interesting archaeological notes, highlighting older & newer finds that *have* confirmed biblical characters and sites. Read on my iPad.


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Life in the Big City & the civil rules

Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

My second Amor Towles book, after A Gentleman in Moscow. This one was an audiobook that had an excellent narrator. Borrowed from the library. Ah, the writing! The style! What prose! What an all-around pleasure! Towles knows how to weave a great story, with fully fleshed-out characters, and to draw the reader in & keep them engaged. This book is, for the most part, set in New York City in 1938 towards the end of the Great Depression. Its setting, though, is among the more generally well-to-do who have doorman in their apartment complexes. It has a very F. Scott Fitzgerald feel to it.

I had no idea that the title comes from a list of 110 rules of life that George Washington kept as a young man (they are included fully in the Appendix). Towles works some of them into the story in an interesting, if not surprising, manner. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to the rhythms of Towles' prose as they rolled off the narrator's tongue. Really, a thing of beauty; not all that common. His style seemed fit perfectly for portraying the age, the clothes, the ins & outs of big city life, the twists & turns of lives that are not perfect, but messy.


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Big Brother is Watching...You (now)!!

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I believe this is the 2nd time I've read this book, but the first time was some 30+ years ago; maybe in 1984 or 1985. What an amazing work Orwell conjured up way back before 1984. I think it's strongly anti-communist/ facist critique, one that hits the mark emphatically. Facism = "Fascism
a. A system of government marked by centralization of authority under a dictator, a capitalist economy subject to stringent governmental controls, violent suppression of the opposition, and typically a policy of belligerent nationalism and racism."

But, there's maybe an even more sinister method that Big Brother plays out--and that's relevant to today and the surveillance that goes on through the siphoning-off of our daily digital data via the internet. Governments and businesses have been show to be complicit in this. Snowden is the whistleblower who exposed the most massive & powerful surveillance system (PRISM) the world has ever known that is **currently** working--and that by the land of the free & the brave, the good ole USA. All your & my data is known--and has been stored in computer warehouses, just in case it ever needs to be mined. Big Brother isn't far away, friends...and He is Watching. Will the info stored only be used when there is truly significant & criminal activities being committed?...

Really enjoyed the audiobook version--great narrator, very expressive--from the library; read it on my iPhone.


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Quite the journey--from Beirut to Jerusalem, in turbulent times

From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've had it in mind to read this book for a long time...thanks, pandemic, for giving me more reading time! Actually, ever since I made a short visit to Beirut with a colleague in 2013, I've been wanting to read up on the background of the Civil War that raged there for so many years--and on the political & religious background of the country. I knew there were many divisions--between traditional Christians & various Muslim groups (both Sunnis & Shiites)--but didn't know the details. And I knew the Syrian army had their fingers in the pie for a long time; same with the Israelis, and even the US at one time. As Friedman so eloquently puts it: "Funny country, Lebanon. The minute one army packed up and rushed out, another one swaggered in and took its place. There always seemed to be someone knocking on the door to get in—and someone inside dying to get out." Reminds me a bit of another country I'm more familiar with--and have lived in for a number of years: Afghanistan.

Here's another parallel with Afghanistan mentioned by Friedman, when looking at how the world came to regard the Palestinian people, due to to actions of the PLO: "...the PLO, in order to grab the attention of the world when it emerged in the late 1960s, engaged in some spectacular acts of terrorism and airplane hijacking. This gave the Israelis an opportunity to brand the entire Palestinian national movement and cause as a criminal “terrorist” phenomenon. Eventually, the two words “Palestinian” and “terrorist” became fused together in the minds of people the world over. Although 99 percent of the Palestinian people have never been involved in terrorist activity, this label—“terrorist”—became a heavy cross they all had to bear wherever they traveled." Eerily similar to how people think of the Afghan peoples, due to the actions of the Taliban (& their al Qaeda friends).

Friedman is a very good writer and I thought did a great job giving solid background to the mess of a situation for so many years, in both Beirut--where he was stationed as a reporter by the New York Times for some of the worst years of the Civil War--and in Israel--where he lived & reported for several years. I also wanted to learn more about the background & issues in the Jewish/Palestinian issue that has simmered for years and flares up again & again. I thought Friedman did a great job interviewing a fairly wide spectrum of people in both "Beirut & Jerusalem," helping the reader to get a fairly objective grasp on the various issues and "sides." It was very interesting to read about the 4 types of Israelis--from fanatically religious to culturally secular--and the changes that have occurred in Israel over the years since the 1948 establishing of the state of Israel up till the early 1990s.

I'm glad I read the book--I feel better informed about some of the underlying issues that continue to cause tensions in this part of the world. I thought Friedman's analysis at the end of how to best move things forward was insightful--and I think some of it has basically been implemented in the years since, with some self-rule autonomy given to the Palestinians in Gaza & the West Bank.

I borrowed this from the library and read it on my Kindle (after listening to the "audiobook"--which was a highly, highly condensed Reader's Digest version that left me wanting).


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