Book Recommendations
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan
Cain
This excellent, well-written and researched book should be
read by parents, teachers, business owners and hiring authorities. I read it
for a book club I belong too. At first I thought "Oh no, another victim
group. I should feel guilty for oppressing introverts with my extrovert
privilege." But its not really like that, though it discusses how America in
particular pays homage to the "extrovert ideal." It delves into the
research on introverts and goes into what they bring to the table in any
institution. As with most things, we need both types. And the lines are not
strictly drawn. But we need to take advantage of introverted characteristics.
Interestingly, I was considered an introvert in grade school, became a little
more flamboyant, though not part of the "in group" in high school and
since the Marines qualify as an extrovert. I'm an ENTJ, I had a successful
ten-year career as a state senator, I enjoy public speaking and seek
opportunities, and I was a successful association executive which meant
constant interaction with a great many people. But I could also provide a list
that would make you identify me as an introvert. I was chess champ of my
community college and played first board for the chess team, I read at least a
book a week, mostly non-fiction, I write, and have published 12 books including
two of poetry, I spend a lot of time on the computer, and I'm very cautious
about money. I like to think I'm also a thoughtful person. And I'm married to
an ISTJ on the Myers-Briggs. This book explores all these things and helps you
understand the different aspects of your temperament. For parents or teachers
of introverted children it's a must-read.
They Say We Are Infidels: On the Run from ISIS with Persecuted
Christians in the Middle East by Mindy
Belz
Mindy Belz is a fine writer and editor who has traveled
extensively in Iraq and the Middle East , and has reported fearlessly on the persecution
and genocide of Christians that has been taking place. She has the kind of
courage you would hope for in front-line combat troops and a passion for the persecuted.
In this book she reports events that our government and the mainstream media
have ignored through their desire to placate Muslims or not appear
"Islamophobic." It is a must read for anyone who cares about the
challenges facing believing Christians in that area, or anyone hoping to see
peace come to it.
What Now, Lieutenant?: Leadership Forged from Events in Vietnam
This is a fine memoir is by an excellent Marine who rose
from Lieutenant to four-star General in the Corps. "What Now, Lieutenant"
refers to the leadership lessons he highlights from his career. I never had the
privilege to serve under General Neal, and I regret that, as my Marine service
was at the same time as part of his. This book will be of interest especially
to Marines, but also by any military types interested in leadership or by
history buffs, as it has some interesting inside stories of the events he
participated in, at the company level in hot action in Vietnam and at
the theater leadership level in Dessert Story.
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