Yesterday's Spy by Tom Bradby (2022)

An "impulse borrow" from the library the last time I was there, this book reads like a James Bond film script set in 1953.  The author really should have availed himself of professor Amanat's fantastic history book; he made some blunders about the leaders and factions in the 1953 chaos in which the story takes place. But the thriller aspects of the story were fun and it was wildly entertaining, despite how depressing the situation was. 3/5 Stars.

Silos, Politics, & Turf Wars by Patrick Lencioni (2006)

It's another interesting story; however the "model" (prescriptive methods of overcoming the problems), is not (at all) appropriate to my own situation; so I was disappointed. 3/5 Stars.

This is my God by Herman Wouk 2nd ed. (1992)

Here is another book I found on the shelf of one of my children whose former-bedroom is now my home office. I did not get most of this information in my own education or research, so this overview was very helpful to me personally.  I do not recommend the book for folks whose mom is not Jewish. 3.5 Stars.

The rise of the Wobos

I sometimes read transcripts of, or listen to Yascha Mounk's interviews.  His latest interview is with New York TImes columnist David Brooks.  Mr. Brooks is hawking his latest book. Among the interesting topics discussed by Dr. Mounk and Mr. Brooks is the rise of the "Woke Bourgeois," (WoBos).  Some find our current geopolitical situation analogous to the conditions that led to the 12 million Ukrainians murdered by Stalin (see Live Not by Lies and the Netflix Film "Mr. Jones."

Heaven's Bowl by Larry Niven and Gregory Benford

I read this book in 2013 and did not like it; I don't think I read the rest of the trilogy. I pulled the hardback off the shelf and re-read it.  I still don't like the book but I do intend to read the rest of the trilogy this time. 3/5 Stars.

14 by Peter Clines (2012)

This odd horror / mystery story is well-crafted and fun.  Clines' use of the H.P. Lovecraft's magic system is consistent and extremely well done. I was completely engrossed and trying to solve the mystery. Recommended. 5/5 Stars.

Lords of Uncreation by Adrian Tchaikovsky (2023)

A decent ending that ties up all the loose ends of the trilogy. The unspace magic system and inhabitants is a little bit too contrived in the final reveal at the boss level, though.  Fun story, 4/5 Stars.

Going Dark by Linda Nagata (2015)

I enjoyed the ending of this trilogy, despite all of the ambiguity and continued mystery of "The Red." It is a good story.  I hope Ms. Nagata picks up the story line and writes more stories or books in this world (after she recovers from the fires in Maui, of course).

Learning from Hamas Apologists

Dan Gardner's post about how we are all susceptible to losing our own capability to reason is fantastic.  How can these very smart people defend their support of such atrocities?  Gardner explains the thought process and phenomenon well.  One unique element of the Hamas Apologist example that Gardner is missing from this analysis is the Quranic concept that deception is essential to the righteous struggle for all good people to overcome the abomination of the world outside of strict Sharia law.  The intelligent, articulate Hamas Apologists have a slightly richer set of beliefs and motivations than the people from the past secular examples Gardner cites.  I highly recommend Gardner's post.  It explains a lot.

The Killing Star by by Charles Pellegrino & George Zebrowski (1995)

Amazing story, great subplots and themes. Odd, distracting theology and mysticism. 5/5 Stars.  Fantastic!

Vivid Tomorrows by David Brin (2021)

I finally bought and read this book.  David does cover the Zeitgeist of the public and world leaders -- how cinema and TV are correlated  with policies and priorities. But most of the book is David's repeated rants about how important civilization, civics, and society are.  We do not spend enough time celebrating the progress in all measures of better lives and outcomes.  The Enlightenment and Humanism that led to better forms of governance, social justice, and society are only rarely put on TV and cinema.  The fantasy and most sci-fi on our screens is about feudal societies, patriarchies, monarchies, and evil institutions.  David thinks we should celebrate how well we all work together.  The essays are worthwhile, of course.  David's ideas are always worth reading. 4/5 Stars.

The Final Detail by Harlan Coben (2023)

Great mystery; tightly-woven.  Big hearted characters.  Fun, gritty action. 5/5 Stars.

The Trials by Linda Nagata (2015)

The ongoing story has some more interesting twists, as more clues emerge about the mysterious awe-and-wonder AI ("The Red").  Melodramatic, fun. 5/5 Stars.