"I believe life is made of stories. The simple act of reading to a child gives us the ability to uphold the single greatest responsibility we have, which is to pass on our knowledge to the next generation so that together, we can build a better future. It doesn't take much, but it’s so very important to the lives of our kids." |
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With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa E.B. Sledge "As you know JFK fought in the Pacific war as commander of a PT boat so I think he would have been fascinated by Sledge’s memoir (initially published in the early 1980s). I’ll let film maker Ken Burns, who did a series about the Second World War, speak for me about this book. “In all the literature of the Second World War there is not a more honest, realistic or moving memoir than Eugene Sledge’s”" The Things They Carried Tim O’Brien "A hybrid work of fiction and nonfiction, part memoir, and part fiction about the Vietnam War. These short stories demonstrate the impact of war on individuals. I think JFK would have been fascinated because he had repeatedly overruled advisors who recommended sending combat units to Vietnam, although he did increase the number of US advisors. Six weeks before his assassination he announced that he would be withdrawing 1000 US advisors from South Vietnam by the end of the year with a view towards removing them all by 1965. This, of course, did not happen." The Liberation Trilogy-An Army at Dawn: The War in N Africa 1942-1943 Rick Atkinson "All three books manage to combine dramatic and moving descriptions of combat with an insightful analysis of strategy and tactics. JFK’s older brother Joseph was killed in action in Europe while flying a dangerous mission, and I’m sure this personal connection would have led JFK to Atkinson’s trilogy." The Liberation Trilogy - The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy 1943-1944 Rick Atkinson "All three books manage to combine dramatic and moving descriptions of combat with an insightful analysis of strategy and tactics. JFK’s older brother Joseph was killed in action in Europe while flying a dangerous mission, and I’m sure this personal connection would have led JFK to Atkinson’s trilogy." The Guns at Last Light: The War in Europe 1944-1945 Rick Atkinson "All three books manage to combine dramatic and moving descriptions of combat with an insightful analysis of strategy and tactics. JFK’s older brother Joseph was killed in action in Europe while flying a dangerous mission, and I’m sure this personal connection would have led JFK to Atkinson’s trilogy." The March of Folly Barbara W. Tuchman In it, Tuchman examines Tuchman examines 4 major conflicts: The Trojan Horse, The Protestant Secession, The American Revolution, and The American War in Vietnam. Interestingly all had success or lack thereof because one side either grossly underestimated the opponent, became complacent or let their guard down. Eisenhower in War and Peace Jean Edward Smith An intriguing look at one of this nation's timeless leaders in very different world circumstances - not a dry or boring biography by any stretch. Leaders Richard Nixon A fantastic look at some of the most notable leaders of the 20th century - their differing styles, challenges and personalities, and interestingly, the author, President Nixon, knew each one of the leaders he writes about personally. The Years of Lyndon B. Johnson: The Passage of Power Robert A. Caro It is a clear and real depiction of what happens at this country's highest levels in times of emergency and bewilderment.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt Edmund Morris "An incredible story of growth from an incredible man." Lord Jim Joseph Conrad "The study of ethics and leadership…one of the Conrad’s best books, which is saying much." 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Stephen Covey "I reread this once every couple of years" Anna Karenina Leo Tolstoy "Currently reading. Fantastic example of fiction and the inner monologue we all think…Tolstoy articulates." 4 Hour Work Week Timothy Ferriss "I hate to admit it but there are some powerful maxims in here. Ferris is not a man to model in many ways but his perspective on delegation and choices is important."
The Big Short Michael Lewis "It was one of the best explanations of the financial crisis, providing an important perspective on how it happened and how to prevent it from happening again." Einstein: The Life of a Genius Walter Isaacson "Einstein had a fascinating scientific and creative brain. This biography explores the complex life and personality behind one of the 20th century’s greatest thinkers." Steve Jobs Walter Isaacson "This was a candid and thorough tale of American innovation. Steve Jobs contributed to a sea change in technology that has impacted every aspect of our lives." To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee "One of my favorite books growing up, it examines racism in a small town in the 1930s through the eyes of a child, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and courage of conviction." Walking with the Wind: A Memoir of a Movement John Lewis "Congressman John Lewis wrote this memoir of his days in the Civil Rights movement, from speaking at the March on Washington to leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and meeting horrific violence while marching in Selma, Alabama. I have visited Selma with John, and I am proud to serve with him."
The Tragedy of Great Power Politics John J. Mearsheimer "Mearsheimer’s masterpiece about great power relations over time. Motivations, goals, strategies, and resources all factor in his theory about these relations. Realism trumps idealism in his view because in the end, a nation’s survival is what really matters." The German General Staff Walter Goerlitz "This book may be out of print but it covers the development of the German military staff system – and its generals — from its roots in Junker society in 1657 until Hitler destroyed it in 1945. A real gem for those who want to understand our own staff system." Defeat into Victory Field-Marshal Viscount William Slim "The best autobiography by any senior leader of WW II. He is refreshingly self-critical and frank." The Most Noble Adventure - The Marshall Plan and the Time When America Helped Save Europe Greg Behrman "The logical end of any war is the reestablishment of peace and Behrman masterfully tells the story of how the Marshall Plan was crafted and implemented to bring peace to Europe at a time when the Cold War was just beginning." Insurgencies and Terrorism Bard O’Neill "O’Neill hits the target with his almost scientific analysis of insurgency, its various types, and supporting strategies. Had US leaders studied this before 2001 we would have fared far better in our subsequent campaigns." |
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