"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." |
0 Comments
The Reagan Diaries Ronald Reagan "I had the privilege of knowing President Reagan. I believe he is one of the most effective presidents in American history. We can learn a lot from his leadership and values." The System: The Glory and Scandal of Big-Time College Football Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian "The System is one of the best books on college sports in recent memory. I’m proud to have my commitment to Oklahoma State and that university profiled in such an objective and informative manner. The reporters took the time and did some great research." The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power Daniel Yergin "This is one of the greatest books on global energy ever. I’ve known Dan for years. It’s well researched, and told in an engaging manner." The First Billion is the Hardest: Reflections on a Life of Comebacks and America’s Energy Future
T. Boone Pickens "This book took some time to write. I’m proud of how we structured it. It reflects a lifetime of lessons I’ve learned and practiced. To me, leadership and communication are key. This book helps explain why. Any of The Travis McGee Mysteries John D. MacDonald "Travis McGee is my favorite continuing character of all time. He’s a boat bum, philosopher, veteran, and “salvage expert” who specializes in helping people who have been conned or ripped off in every way imaginable. McDonald proves better than anyone that pulp fiction can also be really great literature. They’re twenty-some titles in this series. Each references a color. Start with The Deep Blue Good by. Read them in order." A Prayer for Owen Meany John Irving "Twenty years ago, I found a dogeared copy that someone had left behind at LAX. I picked it up and started to read it on a flight to Peru. It was the fastest sixteen hours I’ve ever spent on a plane. Great writing, great story, unforgettable character. A few months later, I put it back where I found it. I hope someone else picked it up and did the same." Flashman! George MacDonald Frasier "The Flashman Chronicles are a series of adventures that involve a soldier who serves in the British Army during the Victorian era. With the exception of the titular character, the books are historically accurate, but outrageously fun because Flashman - who narrates all the adventures - is a shameless coward who somehow winds up getting promoted through the ranks because he’s constantly getting and taking the credit for things he didn’t actually do. There’s no more entertaining or politically incorrect way to learn history than through the eyes of Harry Flashman." Me Talk Pretty One Day David Sedaris "The funniest essays by the funniest writer I know of." Cryptonomicon
Neal Stephenson "I normally avoid the whole techno-geek, sci-fi genre, especially when it comes in 900 pages, but this book absolutely blew me away. Nazis, code-breaking, computers, bit-coin, data-havens, U-Boats, war heroes, and some very dangerous dentists. It’s a big bite, but if you’re not afraid of a commitment, dig in. It’s a lot of fun."
Street Without Joy Bernard Fall "The late Dr. Bernard Fall’s best work on Indochina. I carried this book in my pack in Vietnam to read and re-read and occasionally scare the crap out of myself when we would transit the pass where the Viet Minh ambushed Group Mobile 100 in last days of the French war." This Kind of War T.R. Fehrenbach "The best single volume history of the Korean War. Col. Fehrenbach’s work is unflinching and impeccable. I carried this fat volume in my pack in Vietnam as well!" Gates Of Fire Steven Pressfield "Mr. Pressfield tells the story of the 300 Spartans who held off thousands upon thousands of Persians at the pass….and tells it so vividly that by the end you are ready to sign on as a Spartan yourself!" The Praetorians, The Centurions Jean Larteguy "Two interlocking volumes that tell the story of the French paras captured at DienBienPhu and their trial by fire at hands of the Viet Minh. Those who survive return to fight in Algeria, using the torture tactics used against them on the Algerian rebels. Ultimately they drift into the plot to assassinate President Charles de Gaulle. Very well written stories in these two books. If they intrigue you see if you can find a lesser known Larteguy book titled Yellow Fever." Barrack Room Ballads
Rupyard Kipling "No reading list for warriors would be complete without a volume of Kipling. I love this one for a short dedication at the front in which Kipling celebrates his years covering the British Indian Army. Kipling’s words illustrate and illuminate my own years covering America’s soldiers and Marines at war: “I have eaten your bread and salt; Drunk your water and wine. The deaths you’ve died I watched beside, and the lives you’ve lived were mine.”"
|