My wife is an absolute bookworm… always reading books on her Kindle or in paperback form. She is in the media relations business and has an affinity for the printed word (as in, “In Print”), but has transitioned nicely to the ease and convenience of device reading. She also reads mostly fiction to relax.
For me, I have fully embraced the iPad way of reading and more recently, the audio-book format for its ease and the fact that I can multi-task (yard work, work out, etc.) while “reading”. Other than reading all of the “Jack Reacher” series (Lee Child) books the minute they come out (what better way to channel my inner 6’4”, 250lb, ex-military policeman drifter who shows up, solves crime, and kicks butt) I am pretty much exclusively a non-fiction guy, mostly history. There is just too much to learn and the truth really is stranger than fiction.
On the iPad I am currently reading “Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China” by Ezra F. Vogel. He participated in the Cultural Revolution as a confidant of Mao Zedong, then was cast out, only to return and help transform China into the economic power that it is today. Seeing him navigate the dangerous waters of PRC propagandists and not only survive but selflessly lead the country is impressive. In the US I suspect he would have been a Fortune 500 CEO. In the current environment where some domestic extremists are touting Marxist thought, this book also reminds the reader how dangerous that philosophy is in practice.
I also just finished the Charles Lindbergh biography called “Lindbergh”, by A. Scott Berg. The details of his record-breaking flight are remarkable as were his contributions to just about every aspect of modern global aviation. He was also the first true global celebrity and had many flaws (who doesn’t), but it is a good read.
Finally, I recently read “The Assault on American Excellence” by Anthony Kronman. The author is the former Dean of the Yale Law School and a self-described liberal hippy form the 60’s. It is a cautionary read about how political correctness has infiltrated colleges and, in some cases, has eliminated the true free exchange of ideas. I have two almost college-aged boys, so I wanted to see what they were in for. Can anyone say, “Gap Year?”
Edward A. Hart, President
ehart@sendero.com
