Books Worth Reading

Introduction and Overview:

I have a passion for reading and enjoy a very diverse range of writing styles and topics.  Occasionally I encounter a book that appears to have escaped mainstream public notice yet contains themes, ideas or information that I think are worthy of recognition.  This section is a continuously growing list of such books.  It is my hope that visitors will actually acquire and read these remarkable and underappreciated works and be enriched by them as I have.  I will focus on books that have something in them for everyone, even if the title or focal point may at first look like it is hyper-specific to a particular topic.  I will not limit my suggestions to any one genre, be it fact or fiction, as I feel all forms of literature have something to offer.  I completely oppose any attempt to equate a book's worth to what genre it comes from, whether or not it is academic in nature, in agreement with religious tenants, etc. and am utterly unconcerned by the concept of political correctness. 

An Anthropologist on Mars by Oliver Sacks

This well written book contains seven fascinating tales about how people use their brains.  Although based on clinical studies and written by a neurologist, these stories are very readable and engaging.  They provide great insight on the power of the human mind, and uplift the reader by showing how people can cope with and overcome hurdles.  Some of the stories include:

	how a professional painter and artist becomes color blind and how he manages to continue painting in spite of this
	a brief biography of a highly skilled painter and pilot who has Turret's Syndrome
	how an autistic woman manages to get her doctorate degree and become a leader in her field
	the effects of newly recovered eyesight on a middle-aged man who had been blind for nearly all of his life

This is most definitely not a dry and clinical work filled with medical terminology and intended for medical professionals.  It truly is a good read, and can be enjoyed by people with no scientific or medical training whatsoever.
 

American Soldier by Gen. Tommy Franks

This is the memoirs of four star General Tommy Franks, starting from his pre-enlistment youth and following his career through Vietnam, Germany and all the way through his stint as the head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) when he planned and commanded the liberation of Iraq.  Rather than read the book I actually listened to the unabridged audio CD as it was read by the General himself.  This book covers a 40 year history of the United States military as seen through the eyes of this exceptional commander.  It explains how Franks developed his innovative modern combat style of using speed, training and maneuverability in place of massive numbers to fight and win wars.  The recent war in Iraq redefined our military tactics and under Frank's command our forces liberated more hostile territory in a short time than has ever been accomplished in the history of warfare.  

In addition to tactics, anecdotes and examples of command, this book also weaves in the importance of morality, courage and duty.  It is told in a very readable and engaging style, and the General's clear and firm narration of the audio book gives listeners insights into his personality.  One of my favorite aspects of this book was how he explained the impact of domestic and foreign politics on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I was also pleased by the General's concern for the safety of our civil rights and how he wanted to ensure that our military is never used as a domestic police force in the event that we are attacked with weapons of mass destruction. 

Panzer Commander by Col. Hans Von Luck

An incredibly good book about World War II, human nature, courage, bravery, decency, honor and adversity.  This book is the memoirs of a German tank (panzer) commander who had an especially close relationship with Field Marshal Rommel.  He served in France, Russia and North Africa.  He detested the Nazi's rise to power, and reveals how the rank and file military men of Germany likewise were appalled by the Nazi party, the SS and the Gestapo.  He was also in the unique position of having a strong classical education with emphasis on Russian literature and language, that helped him form a deep love of the Russian people, language and culture.  Imagine what it would be like to be ordered to invade Russia when you felt a strong empathy for the people you were attacking!

A recurring theme in this tremendous book is the decency of human nature, even in times of war and suffering.  Few people think of the WWII Germans as anything other than part of the evil imperial Nazi war machine.  Von Luck reveals a much more human side of this story.  He tries to marry a 1/8th Jewish woman in spite of the political climate of the time.  He reveals his profound sense of  loss when Jews are rounded up for concentration camps and placed in what he is led to believe is merely "protective custody".  Countless anecdotes detail how Germans shared their preciously scarce rations with starving Russian peasants.  Random acts of kindness to the conquered French and Russians, surprising acts of decency to their British enemies in Africa and acts of chivalry and honor abound in this work

Anyone with an interest in history, politics or human nature really should read this book.  You will see how easy it is for monsters like Hitler and Stalin  to seize power when people are apathetic and off guard.  This is a lesson that very much applies today, as the Saddams and Talibans of the world still use these tactics.  You will also see that even when people are forced to do the unbearable, the human spirit cannot be defeated as long as people hold to their values and ethics.

Crypto: How the Code Rebels Beat the Government, Saving Privacy in the Digital Age by Steven Levy

A very good book on the history and evolution of computer encryption.  This book is not a boring, dry and highly technical treatise.  It is a fascinating story that shows how one person or a very small group of people can change the world in a remarkably short period of time.  Encryption techniques have won/lost wars, are the foundation of our modern economy and are the only thing between our personal lives and public knowledge.  This book tells how several very interesting, unconventional underdogs manage to overcome Federal Government oppression and bring encryption technology, privacy and the ability to have electronic banking and commerce to the civilian world.  If you are interested in any of the following, this book is a great read:

	Computer Science and Encryption
	Civil Rights and Privacy
	Government and how effectively it can stifle innovations and people's rights
	Perseverance and how it can overcome anything from business difficulties to the United States National Security Agency
	Geniuses, misfits and the pursuit of dreams

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein

Science Fiction at its finest is both entertaining and teaches us something about ourselves and human nature.  Robert Heinlein never disappoints in either of these respects and I wholeheartedly recommend you buy and read his collected works.  This book in particular might interest you as it covers a fairly wide range of topics.  At a point in the not so distant future, our planet comes under attack by an insect-like alien race.  The main protagonist in this book is a spoiled rich kid who joins the military to defy his parent's and stay with his high school sweetheart, who wants to become a pilot.  As the war picks up, he learns about duty, dealing with mistakes, finds love and loss, and grows up.  What makes this book so interesting, though, is the back drop of the society it encompasses.  It takes place in a world where the rights of citizenship (the right to vote, reproduce, etc) are granted only to those who voluntarily enlist in a tour of government service, which for most, means the military.  It touches upon how propaganda can influence us all, how a person's choices, mistakes and actions define their existence and how small yet extraordinary acts can have tremendous impact on the people they interact with.  This book is much deeper than the simple action movie released a few years ago with the same name.