Review: Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence

Facts and Fears: Hard Truths from a Life in Intelligence by James R. Clapper
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

I knew who James Clapper was, but I didn't know much about his background. It was interesting to read about his career in intelligence and how it has changed and evolved over time. I think he also does a good job explaining why intelligence is so important and fights back against those who openly disparage our intelligence community. Anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in intelligence should read this book, as well as anyone who questions the value of our intelligence community. I came away from the book with a higher level of respect and understanding not only for Clapper but also for the intelligence community at large.

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Review: Blue Lily, Lily Blue

Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This installment did a wonderful job of moving the story forward and further developing these wonderful characters. Stiefvater's writing continues to be unique, poetic, and spellbinding. Of course, she also left me screaming at the end with another cliffhanger. On to book four!

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Review: Mindset - Updated Edition

Mindset - Updated Edition by Carol S. Dweck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The updated version of the book is slightly different from the original, but not significantly different. I still found the idea of growth mindset to be intriguing and I have seen a difference in my students as I have worked to incorporate this mindset into my classroom. If you are new to mindset, this is certainly the book to start with.

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Review: A Higher Loyalty

A Higher Loyalty by James Comey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Full disclosure, I read this book mostly to hear the reasons why Comey decided to announce that he was launching an investigation into Clinton's emails again right before the election. While it's not the only reason she lost the election (even though she won the popular vote) I do feel that it played a part.

I think this book served two purposes. The first was to make Comey more human. He spends the majority of the book writing about leaders that he has served with or under that have influenced his leadership style and the lessons he learned from them. The people he discusses are a diverse group and I think many of the things he talks about are hallmarks of good leadership. He also talks about leaders who did not demonstrate good leadership and contrasts them with those he believes are good leaders.

The second purpose behind this book I think was to explain the bizarre world that is the Trump White House and explain why he made the decisions he made. While I now have a greater understanding of why Comey acted the way he did, I still don't think he has fully taken responsibility for the actions he took and their consequences. So, in the end, I was left a little disappointed in this book.

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Review: A Higher Loyalty

A Higher Loyalty by James Comey
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Full disclosure, I read this book mostly to hear the reasons why Comey decided to announce that he was launching an investigation into Clinton's emails again right before the election. While it's not the only reason she lost the election (even though she won the popular vote) I do feel that it played a part.

I think this book served two purposes. The first was to make Comey more human. He spends the majority of the book writing about leaders that he has served with or under that have influenced his leadership style and the lessons he learned from them. The people he discusses are a diverse group and I think many of the things he talks about are hallmarks of good leadership. He also talks about leaders who did not demonstrate good leadership and contrasts them with those he believes are good leaders.

The second purpose behind this book I think was to explain the bizarre world that is the Trump White House and explain why he made the decisions he made. While I now have a greater understanding of why Comey acted the way he did, I still don't think he has fully taken responsibility for the actions he took and their consequences. So, in the end, I was left a little disappointed in this book.

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Review: Lincoln's Last Trial: The Murder Case That Propelled Him to the Presidency

Lincoln's Last Trial: The Murder Case That Propelled Him to the Presidency by Dan Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I rather enjoyed this little gem. It tells the story of the last trial Lincoln participated in before being elected president. It reads more like a novel than a straight up historical piece and this approach makes for a very engaging narrative. It covers the trial and also gives little insights into the man Lincoln was before becoming president, allowing the reader to see glimmers of the personality and hallmarks that would become the legend of President Lincoln. The case itself was fascinating and I was as riveted by the details and happenings as the town where it took place was. If you are interested in Lincoln or trial and crime stories then this one should be right up your alley.

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Review: Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy

Suicide of the West: How the Rebirth of Tribalism, Populism, Nationalism, and Identity Politics is Destroying American Democracy by Jonah Goldberg
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an interesting book and a "serious" book, which Goldberg lays out as the goal from the beginning. At times I found it hard to digest all the information in the book and I found some of the connections and arguments that Goldberg was making a little out there. Some of the chapters were incredibly insightful, especially his chapters on Trump. Goldberg makes no qualms about not liking Trump and his disdain comes through quite clearly. I think that if you agree with Goldberg then you will find many things in this book to support your already decided opinions. I'm not sure this book will do much to persuade others who do not share his point of view.

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Review: Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose

Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose by Joe Biden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an incredibly touching story about a courageous man's might against a terrible disease and the father and family who loved him. Joe Biden gives an honest retelling of watching his son fight brain cancer all while serving as Vice President of the United States. It was moving, it was heartbreaking and raw, but at the same time inspirational and relatable. Read it with a box of tissues nearby.

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