What I Liked?

To say that Glenn Beck does not elicit a strong reaction would be a misstatement.  He has become a topic of widespread discussion in both acclaim, mockery, applause, and dissent depending on who you are talking to.  His book Common Sense is his attempt to bridge the gap and try to offer common sense as he sees it.  In this regard his book and writing style are very entertaining and I think most people can quickly size up his positions and perspective.  No whether you agree with him or not, well obviously opinions vary.  I don’t choose to take a stance on the issues here just recognize that some people like what he has to say and some people don’t.  Either way, even if you do not agree with some of his positions, you can certainly understand why he feels the way he does.

What I Did Not Like?

Obviously, there are certain viewpoints in the book that I do not share.  This should not surprise anyone as whenever you write a book that covers politics, opinions will vary.  I don’t hold these against Mr. Beck and just recognize it as par for the course.  For those who are not interested in having some opinions challenged, this is not the book for you.  Beside this, I do have a bit of squabble with the wide paint brush he uses to claim how his views accurately reflect the exact views of the framers.  To say this as fact when it is largely opinion is a bit out of bounds in my opinion.  However, I will let you guys make the call on this.

Overall, it is an interesting read that one can read in a weekend with no difficulty.  Hopefully, it will spark some interest to look into some issues further and not be overly relied upon as a final source, but rather a great starting point.

If you would like to buy this movie, click on Common Sense Book.

Under The Banner of Heaven is another book written by Jon Krakauer.

This one takes a look an in-depth look into the fundamentalist Mormon church in America.  For the uninitiated, This group is a splinter group that broke off the current Morman church in Utah.  The fundamentalist Mormons have a number of strong views including practicing polygamy.

What I Liked?

Jon Krakauer is great writer that does an excellent job of blending a good story with a historical narrative that pulls in similar stories.  I really like this writing style and am a fan of all his books.  This one does not disappoint in this respect as it covers these topics in great detail.  Another aspect I liked is that he was not overly critical of any specific issue when covering this religious groups.  Often times, he would take a broader viewpoint looking at alternative views and information providing I believe a more credible look at all the information.  Finally, the subject matter is controversial and very interesting.  I think people have a general curiosity of what goes on in groups like this and this book provides a glimpse of what is occurring.  For this reason, I enjoy reading and learning about a lesser discussed aspect that occurs in America.

What I Did Not Like?

There wasn’t too much I did not like.  One concern with this type of book is that it would unfairly slander the more mainstream Mormons by default or really challenge religious beliefs.  However, I feel Krakauer did a good job avoiding both of these pitfalls by taking on more of a role as a reporter rather than making editorial opinions.  In fact, when editorial commentary was given, it was normally to provide other viewpoints on how to consider a certain aspect.  However, others have found this book to very controversial and there has been a dispute of certain facts within the book.  Considering the book looks upon some controversial issues of the Mormon religion, this should be expected and may well be a fair criticism.  Still, some leniency should be given here as this is a paperback book that can cover only so much material without becoming well not a paperback.

All and all, I enjoyed this book a lot and appreciated getting the history lesson.  This book may not have provided the whole story, but it certainly is enough to wet the readers appetite to learn more.  I believe most people will appreciate this reading although some Mormons may feel this book hits a little too close to home to truly enjoy.  Regardless, it is a well written book that is neither as harsh or critical as some critics claim.  I would give this book a B+ or A-.

If you would like to buy this movie, click on Under The Banner of Heaven Book.

The Road is book written in 2006 by Cormac McCarthy.

This one is has become very popular again thanks to a new movie based on the book coming out this fall.  Cormac McCarthy is a popular author who has written popular books like “No Country For Old Men”, and “All The Pretty Horses”.  The Road chronicles the story of a father and his son as they struggle to survive in a post Apocalypse Earth.

What I Liked?

This has a gripping novel that plays into the common theme of interest of what a post apocalyptic world would be like and how people would survive.  Naturally, this creates an offshoot in most readers minds about what they would do in such situations.  The story line seems to flow well and the book reads easy as you can finish it in one sitting if motivated.

What I Didn’t Like?

I personally was not overly impressed with this book.  This is a minority opinion as most people really enjoyed reading it, especially the central theme of father and son bonding and trying to cope with a terrible situation.  For me, I just felt the book was nothing special.  No fantastic writing, no major surprises, nothing that really makes a book great in my opinion.  It was still a good book, but I know that there are plenty of others that are just as good or better.

With this said,  you can bet the movie coming out this year will be a big hit and a lot of people will decide to read the book because of it.  If you are looking for a decent read over the summer of fall, The Road is a good choice.  I would give it a B+ but others would rate it higher.

If you would like to buy this movie, click on The Road Book.

In The Heart of The Sea

What I Liked?

The story was very informative and read much like Krakauer novel.  Obviously, if you have been following my book reviews, you know I like this style as it provides a great deal of history that I enjoy reading about.  Another thing I liked about this book is it shows the battle of the human spirit and the fight for survival as people are forced to put themselves to their limits.  I always like these books and this one delivers in this area.  Finally, I like the subject matter as it was a subject, whaling, that I previously had no knowledge of and found the topic interesting.

What I Didn’t Like?

Another books where there wasn’t much to dislike.  I think I would have enjoyed them comparing this story with other similar stories further.  However, that is about as far as I would go.  This book was a book award winner and it is easy to see why.

Overall Review

In The Heart of The Sea is a solid book that will make anyone who enjoys adventure and survival books want to not put it down.  I read this entire book in almost one sitting and enjoyed every minute of it.  A good read that I recommend.  Would also give it an A.  If you would like to buy this book or get more information on it, click on the following link: In The Heart Of The Sea.

Coming Back Alive

What I Liked?

Reading all the different stories gave me a greater appreciation for what the Coast Guard does.  It is easy if you were like me to discount their service because it is not combat oriented; however, after reading the stories you can’t help but have a greater respect for them.  Some of these stories had my adrenaline going and wide eyed curious to know what would happen next.  Truly amazing what some of these crews put themselves through to save some fishermen that essentially had went against good advice and put themselves in harm’s way in many instances in the book.

What I Didn’t Like?

Nothing.  It was a direct book with direct accounts of stories of the brave achievements and safety rescues.  It doesn’t try to be anything that it is not.  Just stories of what happened and how they turned out.

Overall Review

Obviously, I really enjoyed reading this book.  If you have ever seen the movie, “The Guardian” with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, this book is 10 times better.  They are not even in the same ballpark in terms of the level of complexity of these search and rescue missions.  This book also gives you an appreciation for how difficult and complex search and rescue on the high seas can be.  Either way, I think you will enjoy this book if you like adventure books.  To order this book or get more information on it, click on the following link: Coming Back Alive.

A Song of Fire and Ice

What I Liked?

The stories discussed in the book are very entertaining.  They read well and the characters are all very likeable.  One thing the book offers is various points of view.  Initially, I found this very distracting as it would shuttle between several different characters and back again.  However, after a while this actually works in the books favor as the stories start to merge together in a more synergistic way.  In addition, it works well at having you start to think about what might happen in the future.  This is one of the interesting things about these books as they really get you to start thinking about what will happen next.  A great plus for any books.

What I Didn’t Like?

I suppose I root too much for the good guys and these books don’t always let the good guys win.  In fact, you will find your opinion changing on certain characters.  In this way, it is actually more like what people would think is closer to real life.  Depending on your opinion, you might see this as a pro or con.

Overall Review

A Song Of Fire and Ice book series is a worthwhile read for anyone who likes adventure books.  Odds are if you like the Lord of the Rings, you will like this series as well.  I would give this book series an A as well.  If you would like to buy one or all the books, click on the following link: A Song Of Fire and Ice Series.

Into The Wild was a book written by Jon Krakauer that chronicles the journey and final years of the life of Christopher McCandless.

His journey was one of self exploration where he was essentially a modern day tramp that began traveling the country by various means and culminated with his big trip into the Alaskan wilderness where he met his untimely demise.  Depending on who you talk to this journey will be viewed as either a great adventure and triumph of the human spirit or simply a stupid and foolish action taken by a young person.

What I Liked?

I really enjoy the subject matter of this book.  I have always enjoyed concepts like wilderness survival and freedom of the human spirit so this book would naturally appeal to me.  In addition, I enjoy reading Krakauer’s books as he writes in neutral viewpoint that brings in similar stories that relate in various ways to the main story.  Here, he pulled examples of other wilderness survival stories which me being a history buff enjoy reading and think it adds to the overall story.  Another thing I liked about this story is that Krakauer does not limit himself to one perspective in writing this book.  He is perfectly ok taking different point of views for viewing the information which I also like as it helps seem to give a fairer review of the material.  Instead, of deciding the issue for you, he gives you all the information and leaves you to form you own opinion.

What I Did Not Like?

There wasn’t much I did not like about this book.  In fact, I am having trouble coming up with anything that is noteworthy.  Perhaps the book would have been better if they tried to explore the ideals likely conveyed by Christopher McCandless.  However, this would have been purely conjecture based on what evidence is available.

Overall Review

I really enjoyed this book and would liken it to other books like “On The Road” that will certainly strike a chord with certain people.  I give this book an A possibly an A+.  Not everyone will read this book the same way and get the same experience out of it.  However, no one can disagree with the good writing and an interesting story all the same.  If you would like to buy this book, click on the following link: Into The Wild.

Dies The Fire

What I Liked?

The book has a style that I think most people enjoy.  It blends parts of the old world technology with the present times that makes the story seem more authentic and more interesting to read.  Some of the characters are very endearing and I think most people will enjoy following their travels through the book even if they don’t necessarily agree with their views.

What I Did Not Like?

As with many fantasy books, this story was a bit contrived in parts which can sometimes deter those who are used to doing independent thinking.  However, the book does a pretty good job of helping people get over these issues by offering an interesting story.  Another challenge of the book is that a few of its characters seem to always be right.  This is a common problem in books where a certain character can seemingly make all the right moves but seems to be a far departure from anyone I have ever met in real life.  Even so these misgivings are very forgivable.

Overall Review

If I were to give this book a grade, I would give it a B+.  Some people would rank this higher, but I just believe there are other better books out there although this is definitely a good page turner and still worth a read for sure.  If you would like to buy the book, you can thru this link: Dies The Fire.