On Book Reviews – Harari, Baldacci, Singer/Cole, and Latiff

OK, these are not “book reviews” as you traditionally think of them – but more my recommendations on the books I’ve read recently – with some spartan comments on each book at the end. Not too long ago, I was in a period of reading science fiction in addition to my usual fare of Polybius, Xenophon, Paul van Riper, Robert Scales, Lawrence Freedman and so on. You can see my previous reviews here: https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/blog/2020/8/30/on-book-reviews-scalzi-etheridge-bauers-banks-baldacci-kristian-singer-amp-cole-and-wright

Not science fiction – but I read a David Baldacci novel during this time and decided to read more of his commercial fiction. And boy did I. I purchased (not from Amazon) some of his books from my local bookseller and also used the Toronto Public Library’s eBook service for a few older titles. 

Over the last couple of years, I have focused my reading on researching future war as part of my MA in war studies from King’s College London. The research also led me to several talks by Yuval Noah Harari (a medieval historian, of all things) about the convergence of bio-engineering with AI. I found out he is a vegan, gay, and an Israeli. Why, you ask, is this important? It is not -but it does tell me that he must have experienced all sorts of discrimination. I used to own newsstands in the Bay Area (now better known as Silicon Valley, where I went to high school and college) and one of my stores was located on Castro Street, San Francisco – the heart of the gay community. I cannot - and will not - forget the impact HIV/AIDS had on the community. Back then many houses flew black flags indicating a death in their household. Later, I had two business partners who were gay. I too am vegan. And although I am critical of Israel, especially with its shift to the extreme right (hello America under Trump), I have a lot of Jewish friends, some who are Zionists, one who even spent time with a gun in a kibbutz! Anyway – all of this to say - what’s not to like about Yuval? I bought Homo Deus. And no, god did not will me to do so…

I also am reading Singer/Cole’s hot-off-the-press, Burn-In, and should say my comments below are my early impression of it. Haven’t finished it yet, but…

Another book that is a must-read is retired Air Force general Robert Latiff’s, Future War. 

OK, now to the reviews…

David Baldacci

A Minute to Midnight (Atlee Pine)

Split Second (Maxwell and King)

Hour Game (Maxwell and King)

The Innocent (Will Robie)

The Hit (Will Robie)

The Target (Will Robie)

I read these over the last month or so. It is clear why Baldacci is one of the most successful commercial writers of our time. His writing style is sparse, his chapters short, with a fast moving plot. I don’t always love the big picture plots, but they all are enjoyable reads. I think reading his novels is making me a better writer – strange to write, but true. His writing style is similar to Hollywood scripts, make your points succinctly and get on with the plot (although most scripts suck, because everybody thinks they are writers - but you get the point). Not sure how many more I will read, but I probably will because there is another thing I really like about him – he has worked since he has been a kid without hand-outs from anyone. At least that’s what I have found out about him. A good-old working stiff who has earned everything unlike a number of other writers – Game of Thrones’ Benioff anyone, Goldman Sachs?  I also like James Patterson because he too worked his way up. I know they don’t need what little money I can spend, but…

Yuval Noah Harari

Homo Deus

I finally got to around to his best-seller, and it demands the reader’s attention. Overall, a very thoughtful and provocative book, especially about the potential evolution or creation of a new human species. The only thing that kind of annoyed me was when he discussed a particular lab experiment about two monkeys involving bananas and grapes. I am fairly certain the translation from Hebrew to English was the reason for my annoyance because he writes that if the reader wanted to see the ‘funny’ video it was available online - grrrrr. I am particularly sensitive when it comes to animal experimentation, even during the pandemic – stop torturing animals. Anyway, the book was great. I hope he is a good person as well – I think he is…

P.W. Singer and August Cole

Burn-In

The opening was jarring and I blame Baldacci for that – hahaha. I had to re-read the first few pages to set my slow-moving brain into the future where this novel takes place. I will do a more detailed review down the road, but since the book just got released I thought I should give it a shout-out because so far, so good. I enjoyed their previous effort and Burn-In seems to be better, well different at least, and that’s good. The characters seem more fleshed out. Buy it and judge for yourself.

Also, check out my quick review of their first novel Ghost Fleet.

Robert Latiff

Future War

Arguably my favorite book on the future of war. It is a short, quick read. A must for anyone interested in the future of war and science fiction. It has valuable discussions on leadership and ethics. It is a gem of a book, written with a steady hand and superb knowledge because Latiff is a retired Air Force general with an excellent background on the subject matter. Buy this book – you will not regret it.

So buy books, if you are fortunate enough to have money to spare, and support writers everywhere, but don’t buy from Amazon if you don’t have to. 

On Book Reviews - Scalzi, Etheridge, Bauers, Banks, Baldacci, Kristian, Singer & Cole, and Wright

I decided a couple of months ago to expand my horizon – no I cannot possibly understand Trump supporters no matter how much I expand my horizon – but instead I wanted to read some fiction especially science fiction. I took a course on science fiction when I attended the University of Santa Clara (before it changed its name to Santa Clara University). There I read some classics like A Canticle for Leibowitz and The Man in the High Castle. Therefore, I called a friend of mine, a Ranger from the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment who also served in the Special Forces National Guard, and is an Operation Just Cause vet (you can read about Ranger combat operations in Panama here https://www.mirbahmanyar.com/panama ) for his military science fiction book recommendations. I think he has read just about everything out there. I managed to get four from his long list – they are the first four books below. He also told me about Myke Cole and so I did not buy any of his books – my publisher did send me a copy of his Phalanx versus Legion book and I did reach out to him a long time ago before I knew about his shitty conduct toward women. Fortunately he never responded  probably because he was knee deep in shit. I may do a review on it later but probably not.

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

A book of two halves – pre-military and military service. I liked the concept very much but felt the opening half was a bit too long. The military experiences and wars were entertaining and I wish there had been a bit more on the campaigns. Enjoyable and some stuff was rather cool.

Brother John by Rutledge Etheridge

Another book of two halves. Events leading up to his selection to the dueling school and its course. The first half was excellent, great writing style, interesting lead and characters. The second half was not nearly as good and I would have preferred spending time with John on his adventures until his entry into the school. Overall the first half made more than up for the second part of the book.

Unbreakable by W.C. Bauers

Personal prejudice on my part – I am not a fan of religious people, especially the ones who tell me you can be a scientist and a religious nut. Anyway, the book is told from a female perspective. I thought she was rather annoying and I disliked a number of devices used throughout. The military action sequences though were pretty cool and therefore the book was not a waste of time.

Against a Dark Background by Iain M. Banks

The writing was superb – well above my pay grade – Brother John was equally well written. The lead character is female and a bit too much of a smart ass. The world is fantastic but I did not manage to finish the book. Every time something great was going on the book comes to a screeching halt with a couple of pages of incessant talking that I felt did not drive the story forward – this slowed down an otherwise great story but it happened too often and the lead became a lot less sympathetic throughout. But I want to stress it started with a great opening, and painted an interesting world – just not my cup of tea ultimately. 

Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci

Wow – arguably one of the great commercial fiction writers of our time. The writing style was sparse and moved the story along at speed. The lead is a female FBI agent and the plot moved – ultimately the actual concept was mediocre but told so well that it can be forgiven. A master of the genre. I bought the second book in the series.

God of Vengeance by Giles Kristian

I love his Raven saga so much that back in the day I tried to get the rights for TV but could not persuade my partner to bite. Too bad. The writing as always is good and the story is also interesting although some of it feels familiar by now. Nonetheless another good writing effort and well worth the time. 

Ghost Fleet by P.W. Singer and August Cole

I have been reading a lot of non-fiction on future war over the last few years (also see my review of Warbot 1.0by Brian Michelson) and finally got around to this one. Overall very enjoyable. My only issue is that I did not care too much for the lead naval officer and his family affairs. But a very good book and some really great characters and events. I will certainly buy and read Burn-in. 

The End of October by Lawrence Wright

At long last the great pandemic book by the author of the awesome book The Looming Tower. Not as good but good nonetheless. I actually did like the lead very much (the back story maybe not as much) but told with a steady guiding hand. The scenario is very credible (as I am writing this we near 190,000 Covid-19 deaths – thanks for nothing Trump) but much worse – the book is bleak. Not sure this will make a great film or TV series but you never know. It is a very good telling of an apocalyptic event… 

 All I can think about are the people who have no choice but to work and are getting infected and many are dying. Sad times really. I blame Trump and the Republicans for the many unnecessary deaths – but I guess in his mind there is no profit  to be made from saving lives. Better spend the money on his family and supporters.

Overall, all the books listed are great reads. I wish I could write as well as they do. 

Up next some non-fiction including the great Yuval Harari, Dexter Hoyos and Rick Atkinson. Giants in their respective fields.

Rifle Company Book Review

A Rifle Company in the Desert: Company C, 3-41st Infantry (+) Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm

This book is written by a former Ranger and friend Mike Kershaw (instrumental in Run to the Sound of the Guns book). It chronicles his experiences in the build-up and combat during the First Gulf War. The book should appeal to readers who understand military-styled writing - as in C CO (-) - which basically means an understrength company, missing some part of a regular company structure. It is especially interesting because Kershaw’s use of his comrades’ accounts and his honest reflection on the men and higher-ups.

It took me back to the years I served in the peace-time Ranger Battalion where I had first met Mike. Reading it made me miss the smell of the red Georgian clay, then the clear Washington air, the bug juice, gun oil and powder… but not so much the constant push-ups for having been a smart-ass.

There is little of substance out there from the combat commander’s POV and those of his subordinates. Mike draws heavily on his personnel’s accounts. His company actually saw real combat action.