Book Reading List - 2024

• Boone: A Biography - Author: Robert Morgan
• David Crockett: The Lion of the West - Author: Michael Wallis
• The Good Rain: Across Time and Terrain in the Pacific Northwest - Author: Timothy Egan
• The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living - Author: Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
• Every Time I Find the Meaning of Life, They Change It - Author: Daniel Klein
• Assembling California - Author: John McPhee
• A Fever in the Heartland:The Ku Klux Klan’s Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them - Author: Timothy Egan
• An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us -Author: Ed Yong
• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind - Author: Yuval Noah Harari
• The Compleated Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - Author: Mark Skousen
• The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - Author: Benjamin Franklin
• Wandering Stars: A Novel - Author: Tommy Orange
• Meditations: A New Translation - Author: Marcus Aurelius Translator: Gregory Hays
• Botanical Curses and Poisons – The Shadow-Lives of Plants - Author: Fez Inkwright
• The Bedside Baccalaureate – A Daily Primer to Refresh Your Knowledge - Author: David Rubel
• Crazy Horse and Custer: The Parallel Lives of Two American Warriors - Author: Stephen E. Ambrose
• The Little Ice Age: How Climate Made History 1300 - 1850 - Author: Brian Fagan
• Thank You for Your Servitude - Author: Mark Leibovich
• Birding While Indian: A Mixed Blood Memoir - Author: Thomas C. Gannon
• The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World - Author: Charles C. Mann
• Facing East from Indian Country: A Native History of Early America - Author: Daniel K. Richter
• A Sand County Almanac - And Sketches Here and There - Author: Aldo Leopold
• 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus - Author: Charles C. Mann

Book Review - The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living

Title -The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
Author: Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman
My Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍
My Review: I used to think a stoic was someone who could endure pain and suffering without complaining. I recently discovered however that stoicism is actually an ancient philosophy founded in Athens Greece by Zeno of Citium. According to Wikipedia, "The Stoics believed that the practice of virtue is enough to achieve eudaimonia: a well-lived life. The Stoics identified the path to achieving it with a life spent practicing the four virtues in everyday life—wisdom, courage, temperance or moderation, and justice—as well as living in accordance with nature."  I had heard of stoicism through the book "Meditations: A New Translation". So, when I saw this book, I was intrigued. The book has daily quotes, anecdotes and teachings from ancient stoics such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus and others that can be read and pondered each day of the year. I especially like that it gives an explanation of each quote and how it relates to modern day life. I love this book and totally recommend it to anyone who seeks to find clarity and meaning in every day life. 

Description (ChatGPT): The Daily Stoic is like a pocket-sized philosopher for your day-to-day life, delivering 366 doses of wisdom that make you feel simultaneously enlightened and mildly guilty for not living up to your full potential. Each meditation is a mix of ancient Stoic wisdom and modern-day application, so you can finally stop stressing about your email inbox and start stressing about becoming a better version of yourself. It’s the philosophical equivalent of adding spinach to your smoothie—good for you, if you can get past the fact that you’re still sipping on something vaguely green.

Book Review - Boone: A Biography

Title - Boone: A Biography
Author: Robert Morgan
My Rating: 👍👍👍👍👍
My Review: Daniel Boone was a legend in his own time. I have many fond memories of the old Daniel Boone TV series. I realize the show was not completely accurate. So, it was satisfying to read a historically accurate account of what Daniel Boone was really like. I loved this book and would highly recommend it.     

Description (ChatGPT): "Boone: A Biography" is a compelling and richly detailed account of one of America's most iconic frontiersmen, Daniel Boone. Morgan brings to life the adventurous spirit and rugged determination of Boone, navigating his remarkable journey through the wilderness of the 18th century. The biography is meticulously researched, combining historical fact with evocative storytelling that immerses the reader in the trials and triumphs of Boone’s life. Morgan's narrative skillfully captures both Boone's legendary status as a pioneer and the complexities of his character, including his interactions with Native Americans and settlers. Overall, it is a fascinating exploration of American frontier life, making it a must-read for history buffs and those interested in the stories that shaped the nation.