3 Shades of Blue: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, and the Lost Empire of Cool – James Kaplan

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

May 26, 2026, marked the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the legendary jazz musician Miles Dewey Davis, III (1926-1991). I can still remember when the news broke of his death on September 28, 1991, in Santa Monica, California. It was a shock and I remember my uncle, a jazz enthusiast burying his head in his hands. I was young at the time, but had been exposed to Davis by my father, uncles, and aunts, and knew many of his songs which I hummed in my head. It did not seem real that one of the people who helped transform a genre of music was no longer with us, but the disheartening reality began to set in. Miles Davis was gone and with him went a piece of jazz music history. However, his memory lives on through his music, the internet, and social media. Miles was amazing, but he had helped and he also helped others who had distinguished careers of their own. Among them were John Coltrane (1926-1967) and Bill Evans (1929-1980). These three titans are the subject of this book by James Kaplan which captivated me from the start and refuses to let go long after I have finished it.

I saw this recommendation in my weekly list of reads and decided to look at the summary. And it only took a few sentences for me to realize that this was a book I must read. Kaplan sat down for an interview with Davis and that provides the back story for the book. Davis did write an autobiography with author Quincy Troupe which is an enjoyable read on its own. This book takes a different approach to a typical biography and while the book is initiated through Davis, we also follow the lives of Coltrane and Evans who both play with Miles and go on to play with groups of their own. But before they left Miles, they created music which will always stand the test of time. And while their musical accomplishments take center stage, their personal lives are stories of their own which reveal the dark side of jazz and the unpredictable journeys we take in life.

Prior to reading the book, I was familiar with Davis’s life from his autobiography, and from the autobiography his former wife Cicely Tyson (1924-2021) titled ‘Just as I Am‘ and the 2019 Netflix documentary ‘Miles Davis: The Birth of Cool‘. I was also familiar with John Coltrane’s story, told in the book ‘Coltrane: Chasin the Trane‘ by J.C. Thomas and the focus of the 2016 Netflix documentary ‘Chasing Trane‘. Evans was the musician I lacked knowledge of and I had a feeling that this book would change that and my hunch was correct. So, I picked up my Kindle and began reading Kaplan’s work which has changed the way I view the late artists.

I enjoyed reading about the three musicians, each with a phenomenal gift which they dutifully applied to their craft. However, there are other musicians in the story, and their names should also be remembered. Due to the instability of the industry and personal differences and issues, these musicians seem to jump around in the story, playing with one group in week one and another by week three. In hindsight, they played whenever and wherever they could to earn money and sharpen their skills. They did not work a normal nine to five. But what they did do, was take jazz to another level and the history changing events are beautifully told by Kaplan as hit songs come together in the studio sometimes without much planning such as the classic tune ‘So What‘. They played together, ate together, and learned to reinvent music together, and as a result, they left us with music that can never be duplicated. There are many bright moments in the book but there is also the dark side, and Kaplan pulls no punches regarding the demons each man faced. And these parts of the book are not for the faint of heart.

Readers may find it overwhelming that the musicians discussed in the book were creating some of the best music of their time while also battling the demons which came with substance abuse. Davis’s and Coltrane’s battles with drug abuse are known, but I was not aware of Evans’s struggle with addiction. Reading about their struggles was heartbreaking and I could only shake my head at how commonplace using opioids and other drugs became. And hovering over the book like a dark cloud was the enigmatic and tragic Charlie “Bird” Parker (1920-1955). Parker’s story is insane and his passing at the age of thirty-four is one of the most shocking moments in the book. But as they say in Hollywood, the show must go on and it did, but Parker would not be the only artists to die early. In fact, the amount of people who died at young ages in the book is surreal. To be fair, not all were from substance abuse, but the sad reality is that most of them did not live long. Some did have long lives, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the late Sonny Rollins (1930-2026) who lived to the age of ninety-five. In short, there is a lot of heartache in the story which may have fueled their loyalty to their craft of making music.

Anyone who has a close friend or family member battling substance abuse knows how difficult that road is. In the book the same applies and each man would have more than one marriage and multiple children. In the case of Davis, his demons are also manifested in dark physical terms which I find disturbing even as a fan of his music. While it is true that the drugs played a significant role in his behavior, some of his actions remain haunting as well as his living conditions when he was at rock bottom. The description of his apartment during this time left me speechless. Coltrane’s transgressions are also hard to digest, and I could feel a pit in my stomach as the year 1967 approaches because it would be his last. Kaplan revisits Coltrane’s last moments but the book but readers will find a more extensive discussion of his physical decline in Thomas’s book. Evans’s demise is also a tragedy which plays out slowly and it left me reeling. I felt a sense of immense loss as the lives of these legendary musicians ended. Added to Evans’ story is the death of ex-girlfriend Ellaine Schultz, whose co-dependency with him is a classic tale of addiction with a conclusion that is sobering and chilling. And for the Black musicians the issue of race is one which they could not escape, and there is no way Kaplan could tell their stories without that component.

The deaths of Davis, Coltrane and Evans give the book a somber undertone, but overall story is absolute gold and is one of the best views into the jazz world at that time. As I read, I could hear all the tunes come roaring back to life with John Coltrane’s ‘A Love Supreme‘ being one of them. And Davis’s work ‘A Kind of Blue‘ featuring both Coltrane and Evans is a jazz masterpiece. They lived fast, played hard, loved harder and had their faults as we all do. But during their lives, they help create the birth of cool and music which will remain with us for time immemorial. I hated that the book had to end and could have continued reading about the artists for hours. This book is amazing and jazz enthusiasts will love it. But anyone looking for their next great read will find it here.

“I know what I’ve done for music, but don’t call me “a legend”. A legend is an old man with a cane known for what he used to do. I’m still doing it.” – Miles Davis (1926-1991)

“I think that music, being an expression of the human heart, or of the human being itself, does express just what is happening – the whole of human experience at the particular time that it is being expressed“. – John Coltrane (1926-1967)

“When you play music you discover a part of yourself that you never knew existed“. – Bill Evans (1929-1980)

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C76RZWPZ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Press, March 5, 2024

We are Gods: A Survival Guide for the Age of Abundance – Peter H. Diamandis & Steven Kotler

On By Genyc79In General ReadingLeave a comment

In October 1984, Orion pictures released a film by a young director named James Cameron called ‘The Terminator‘. A young actor and former bodybuilder named Arnold Schwarzenegger starred as the T-800, a futuristic android killing machine programmed to find and eliminate an unsuspecting Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton). The film stands as one of the best of its genre and its low-budget aspect has helped project it to cult status. The film is still a fun ride well after forty years and a personal favorite. In 1984, the concept of a self-learning machine was radical but fast forward to the year 2026, and that is now our reality. Every day we tap the screens on our smartphones as we go through our daily routines of checking emails, messages, the news, and other notifications. These handful devices have entrenched themselves into our lives permanently. But with great technology comes significant risk. This book came as a recommendation from a friend who shrewdly finds ways for me to expand my reading materials. The cover is telling and the authors have created this “survival guide” for times no one has lived through before.

Before jumping into the topics of machines and artificial learning, the authors provide a discussion about information and how the brain processes what we see and hear. This fundamental understanding of the brain’s capacity for information raises the caution flag going forward. And as explained in the book the overabundance of information has its drawbacks, and we are introduced to the idea of ruthless discernment. Some of us may already use the technique as we assert control over our digital use. The introduction of computers into the story is gradual but written in a way that is easy to follow but the reader is not overwhelmed with extensive minute details. Just enough information is provided to set the stage for the advancement of computers which would transform the way we oversee information.

The advancements by scientists and engineers are mind-bending and are testaments to the brilliance of the human mind. However, there are dark moments in the book as well. The concept of epigenetic programming is intoxicating, but it is offset by the unexpected results from the Universe 25 Project by John B. Calhoun. I was speechless as I read this section of the book, and the alarm bells went off in my head. What Calhoun observed is absolutely frightening and should be a sobering warning to all of us about what is possible when we do have everything we need. However, with preparation and guardrails in place, humans do not have to experience the same fate. And there are criticisms of Calhoun’s work. In his defense, he did not say humans were doomed but the behavior by the mice was impossible to ignore. There is also the discussion of the disturbing contradiction between the advancement of technology and the worsening quality of life. The dual realities are things to consider and a signal that there are still pressing issues which technology has not solved and work remains to be done. The authors give us the blueprint we need as the book progresses.

I eagerly awaited the section on artificial intelligence, and I was not disappointed. Their discussion is thorough and I share both their concerns and optimism. The term cognitive offloading should be a wakeup call to all of us. There is enormous potential with artificial intelligence, but also great costs. The power behind the technology is immense, and I see it used daily, but the true impact remains to be seen. The groundbreaking technologies described by the authors which are both in use and in development are amazing. Will they help propel mankind forward exponentially or become the beginning of our extinction? I believe strict monitoring will help us stay on course but there is still much to learn about platforms which will change our lives in unforeseen ways. And as we move forward, sometimes we do need to take a step back and unplug. After all, we still are human. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FCGBCKBL
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster, April 14, 2026

The Evangelicals: The Struggle to Shape America – Frances Fitzgerald

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

Religion and politics are two hotbed topics known to change the nature of a conversation in an instant. The subjects can be polarizing and incite fierce debate. Many of us have heard the term “Evangelical”, but what does it mean, exactly? I saw this book by Frances Fitzgerald on sale, and it caught my attention because I had previously read another book authored by her regarding the Vietnam War (1954-1975) titled ‘Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam‘ in which she examines America’s role in South Vietnam as the conflict heated up. Here, her focus is on America itself and a topic which remains relevant.

I began reading the book with a limited understanding of what an Evangelical is. However, I soon learned that the concept of the Evangelical is far more nuanced than I was aware of. In fact, what we learn in the book is that there are three major religious factions which form the nexus of theological political power in the United States, each with their own views and goals. The Evangelicals take center stage as one would expect from the cover, but the author also focuses on the Christian Right and fundamentalists. All three are at times united on a subject, but as readers will earn, they are different and have varying goals in their visions to transform the United States into a Christian nation. The complex story contained within is a thorough dissection of the relationships between religious groups and what they mean to American society and its political landscape.

While the focus of the book is the Evangelicals, I found a wealth of information in the story not only about important religious leaders, but about American history in general. As a primer, the author provides an insightful recap of the country’s inception, which includes the issues of religion and slavery. The evils of human bondage are pressing issues and present unavoidable challenges to religious leaders proclaiming to follow the word of God. Today their names are footnotes to history but in their time, their voices helped change a nation. Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) and Charles Finney (1792-1875) have significant roles in the book, and their stories are spellbinding and I was glued to the book as I read Fitzgerald’s account of their lives and actions in the name of faith. However, they are a fraction of figures who later appear in the story as religious groups attain power, wealth, and political influence.

The book is a “who’s who” of religious icons in American history. All the big names are presented here with the author tracing their humble origins to the stardom they later embraced. We have seen the televangelists rise across the nation, largely due to the legacies of Oral Roberts (1918-2009), Billy Graham (1918-2018), Pat Roberston (1930-2023), Jerry Fallwell (1933-2007) and the controversial Jim Bakker (b. 1940) and wife Tammy Fae Bakker (1942-2007). Their stories are also presented in the book, and some are even more surreal than I recall. However, their roles in shaping faith across America cannot be overlooked. And although the gospel is the aspect from which their lives and careers are connected, each has their own trials and tribulations. There are some incidents which take a dark turn leaving even the most faithful to question the people who deliver the lord’s words. The Bakkers are a case in point and older readers who recall the fallout from their transgressions will find memories flooding back as Fitzgerald explains their scandals and those of others. And as the modern evangelist era heats up the story gains intensity as their reach over Americans and the Republican Party (“GOP/Grand Old Party”) comes into sharp focus.

I do not believe anyone who follows American politics will be surprised by the relationship between the religious factions and the Republicans. As we have seen in recent years, the various religious groups tend to lean towards the GOP in the belief that the part will enact legislation in tune with their religious beliefs. The full story is far from simple and reveals divides within the camps which were interesting. Further, what we learn from the author raises the long-standing concept of separation between Church and State. Regardless of opinion, politicians are aware of the importance of religion and that votes are needed to get elected. Thus develops a curious relationship between Republican candidates and religious groups which plays out in ways that may surprise readers. Even today we see the influence of religion in politics and the continued discussions regarding the relevance of faith and the dangers of extremism.

Time will tell how the nation moves forward, and in November 2026, the first test will arrive with midterm elections. The Evangelicals will undoubtedly support their candidates, as will the Christian right and fundamentalists. Politicians up for re-election or first-time election will need to understand each of these groups and scores of others as they seek votes to obtain a seat in government. Religious leaders will carefully screen candidates they believe share their vision, but we do not know what will come to fruition. But what we do know is that the Evangelicals and other religious factions will always be present and the fault lines between religion, race and politics will always exist. The challenge for America is finding common ground in ways which move the country forward for all of us. This book is another gem from Frances Fitzgerald which is beautifully written and well-researched. From the beginning I was intrigued and remained so throughout the book. It is an incredible account of faith in the United States and the history we need to know. And I strongly recommend this book for readers interested in the role of religion in America.

ASIN‏ : ‎ B01HMXV362
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster, April 4, 2017

The Earth is All That Lasts: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and the Last Stand of the Great Sioux Nation – Mark Lee Gardner

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate the two-hundred fiftieth anniversary of its creation following the long and violent revolution against British rule. The milestone will be the focus of extravagant celebrations and reminders of America’s long journey and how much work remains to be done. And while we celebrate with fireworks and cookouts, let us not forget the people who also called North America home and are a part of the continent’s history. The Bureau of Indian Affairs currently lists five hundred seventy-four Native American tribes, but the full number remains unknown. What we do know is that the continent was once home to millions of indigenous people who customs and groups are remnants of what they once were. In this book which caught me by surprise, Author Mark Lee Gardner revisits the Great Sioux Nation, one of the most significant tribes in all North America.

I have previously read books focused on both Crazy Horse (c. 1840 -1877) and Sitting Bull (c. 1831 -1890) and was able to approach Gardner’s work with a basic understanding of the tribe. It is not a prerequisite for readers to have familiarity with either figure as the author thoroughly explores their lives and the Oglala Lakota leader Red Cloud (1822-1909) who plays a significant role in the narrative. And while their biographical stories are interesting, the author’s discussion of their customs and traditions are crucial to understand events in the future as the United States asserts its dominance over North America. On the side of American military might are men whose names are cemented in history such as U.S. Calvary Officer George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876) and Gen. William T. Sherman (1820-1891). And when the two forces collide, it is a mix of trust, deception, and brutality not for the faint of heart.

There are several critical events which form the backbone of the book. The Treaties of Fort Laramie in (1851) and (1868) were intended to resolve pertinent issues between the U.S. Government and Native American tribes but became sources of anger, and proof to the natives that the Americans could not be trusted. The story is intricate and I strongly recommend taking notes or creating highlights as it progresses. In addition to the names mentioned, others appear in the story as the relationship between Native Americans and the U.S. Government becomes increasingly complicated. And as one would expect, there is collateral damage. I learned for the first time the stories of Sioux captive Fanny Kelly (1845-1904) and Catherine Weldon (Caroline Schlatter) (1844-1921) who forms a close friendship living with Sitting Bull and the Sioux. Each account is interesting but for distinct reasons. On a side note, I strongly recommend S.C. Gwynne’s ‘Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History’, which is phenomenal and focuses heavily on white settlers held captive by native tribes. Despite the experiences of Kelly and Weldon, the war between America and the Indians continued to heat up. But Americans soon learned that defeating the Indians would not be easy and for the native, the Black Hills and other areas of the continent were far more valuable than the self-destructing gifts white soldiers offered. And when the Indians realize that the Americans would never let them live in peace, the story changes as two different sagas play out. And by the time each story plays out, Indians and Americans lay dead and life for the natives was never the same again.

The battles fought are revisited and these are the more difficult parts of the book. Frankly, there is no other way to explain what happens but to say that violence reigned supreme. However, this is the history not taught in schools. The cycle of negotiations, treaties, broken promises, and warfare repeats itself with tragic consequences. As a reader, I could see the writing on the wall that the native tribes could not hold out forever and would eventually succumb to American weapons. But the broken promises and view of the Indians as “savages” are also tragic. And these are two factors which contributed to the decimation and extinction of Native American tribes. Eventually, some of the Sioux leaders realize that the reservation cannot be escaped. But others would hold out and the hardliners teach American troops a tough lesson on more than one occasion. The carnage following Custer’s last stand is also revisited, and readers interested in the full story will enjoy James Donovan’s ‘A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn – the Last Great Battle of the American West‘, which provides a wealth of information on Custer’s life, the battle itself and the aftermath as the routing of U.S. troops stunned Washington. Although the battle at Little Bighorn was a setback for American troops, it did stop the tide from continue to turn against the Indians as America continued to expand west, and the finale we know is coming soon approaches. The Sioux resign themselves to the fate awaiting them, and the life on a reservation soon begins. And to this day, Native American descendants continue to live on reservations which have become epicenters of poverty and addiction. But they have not forgotten and neither should we.

I wish I could say that there is a happy conclusion to this story but nothing of the sort happened. No one rides off into the sunset. America continued its westward expansion, and Native Americans were forced to give up the lands they had called home. Some converted to Christianity and adopted Europeans ways while others remained loyal to the heritage of their tribe. And yet others were paraded around as attractions to be gawked at during stops in towns across America. Even today, the Indian is a mascot and imitated but the people of the Sioux, Comanche, Cherokee, and scores of other tribes were real people whose lives were changed in the name of American independence. We cannot rewrite the past, but we can ensure it is not forgotten. Gardner tells the story with the right balance of facts, suspense, and drama. It is well-researched and beautifully written. The subject matter is not “light reading”, but if you decided to purchase this book then I must assume you are aware that the story is not a “feel good” account. This is the reality of America’s creation and the people who died for it. Highly recommended.

“It shouldn’t be forgotten that the immigrant people, Euro-Americans, who displaced the Plains Indians always held themselves up as “civilized,” as vastly superior to the Lakotas and other native tribes. And yet there was nothing civilized in the way the U.S. government, its Indian agents, and its citizens lied to and stole from the Lakotas. There was nothing civilized in the way the U.S. Army attacked Indian villages, killing and maiming women and children. There was nothing civilized in the deaths of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull.” – James Donovan

ASIN: ‎B09CQ2QL8R
Publisher:‎ Mariner Books, June 21, 2022

This Thug’s Life: An Unapologetically Black Story – Mopreme Shakur

On By Genyc79In AutobiographyLeave a comment

At 4:03 p.m. (PST), on September 13, 1996, medical personnel at the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada announced the death of rap star and actor Tupac Shakur (1971-1996). His mother Afeni (1947-2016) was forced to confront the death of her first-born son at the youthful age of twenty-five. Standing by her side was stepson Maurice “Mopreme” Shakur, the son of Mutulu Shakur (1950-2023) and Sharon Harding. In the wake of Shakur’s death, attention was focused heavily on Afeni, but Mopreme has a story of his own which I had the pleasure of reading. I recently reviewed Jeff Pearlman’s ‘Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur‘ and Staci Robinson’s ‘Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography‘. Both books are well-written and explore Tupac’s thoroughly. However, Mopreme was in a unique position to tell what he knew both as a sibling and rapper. This is his story in which he revisits his own past, and the short and tragic life of his famous younger brother.

I first became aware of this book shortly after its publication due to a contact submission on this site and made a mental note to purchase the title when I had the time to read it. That moment arrived a few weeks back and I am more than satisfied with my decision. This book is good in so many ways, and I enjoyed learning Mopreme’s story which goes far beyond the rap music industry. In fact, the Shakur name is firmly entrenched in American history in both negative and positive lights, depending on who you ask. To clear up any confusion, Mopreme entered Afeni and Tupac’s lives several years following famous rapper’s birth. Mopreme recounts his family’s roots in Queens, New York, and the early childhood years spent with his Aunt Joanna in Fayetteville, North Carolina, before making his return to the city that never sleeps. And this is where the story begins to take unexpected twists and turns.

Mopreme’s mother is a source of stability in the book, sorely needed in contrast to the lifestyle of Mutulu, who goes “underground” to avoid authorities, particularly the eyes of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mopreme discusses their relationship which is filled with love but also complicated due to his father’s fugitive status. However, there are bright moments in the book, but Mutulu would eventually face the court system and lose his freedom for four decades. While behind bars, the multiple families Mutulu created would struggle with his incarceration and the pressure of carrying the Shakur name. As for Mopreme, his time with Tupac is still in the future, and his life takes a different path that I was not aware of previously, but what he explains provides the background information on residency in California, and reunion with Afeni, Tupac and sister Sekyiwa (“Set”) after a several years apart. And once the siblings are reunited, the story intensifies as the music industry becomes their focus.

While reading the book, I reminded myself not to lose focus on Mopreme’s story. Of course, Tupac’s role in the story is significant, but it is imperative to remember that Mopreme was also a rapper. His anecdotes from his time in the business as the Shakur brothers are “coming up” is gold. It is an incredible journey and Mopreme was there to witness it all. But the story takes a dark turn when Tupac is shot several times during a robbery at Quad Studios in Midtown Manhattan on November 30, 1994. And it set the stage for the last two years of Tupac’s short life. Mopreme was not present during the shooting but discusses what he knew and how the family responded to it. Further, he touches on Tupac’s conviction in December 1994 on sexual abuse charges. The following year, Tupac walked out of the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York to the waiting arms of Death Row Records CEO Marion “Suge” Knight. Tupac was out of jail pending his appeal, but as Mopreme explains, things went from good to disturbing, and he began to see changes in his brother due to his association with the record label. Although Mopreme was never signed to Death Row, he did interact with its roster, and he provides insight into what he witnessed and how it changed his perception of where their lives were headed. And it forced him to reevaluate his own life which included marriage and fatherhood. But readers will see that a dark cloud is forming on the horizon.

The events of September 7, 1996, have been told countless times, and the night ended with Tupac Shakur critically wounded and Suge Knight with non-life-threatening injuries. Mopreme does not go into extensive detail about the shooting, but he does provide a glimpse into Tupac’s hospital room and his physical condition. His account is first-hand and should clear up any debate as to whether Tupac was aware of his surroundings at any time, he was admitted to the hospital. Initially, doctors had given Tupac a fair chance of survival, but in the days leading up to September 13, the trauma from the gunshot wounds took its toll on his body and his death on Friday, September 13, sent shockwaves across the globe. The impact on his family was monumental, and Mopreme details how it affected him personally. Anyone who has watched interviews with him in recent years knows that it still affects him to this day. Currently, Duane “Keefe D” Davis awaits trial in Las Vegas for Tupac’s murder. Time will tell in a jury will return a verdict of guilty but until then, the case against him continues to proceed. If David is found guilty, it will bring a sense of closure to the Shakur family and help Mopreme find peace with his brother’s death. I strongly recommend this book for Tupac fans or anyone looking for an enjoyable book about a family whose name and lives are part of American history.

ASIN‏ ‎ B0FBHY2KD3
Publisher : Dafina, February 24, 2026

The Unwanted: A Memoir of Childhood – Kien Nguyen

On By Genyc79In Autobiography, Vietnam WarLeave a comment

Of all the books I have read about the Vietnam War (1954-1975), none had revisited the conflict strictly from the South Vietnamese non-military point of view. So, when I saw this book by Kien Nguyen, I made the purchase to learn about the conflict from a survivor of the war whose life was permanently altered by it. And what I found is an unforgettable story about a war, which divided both Vietnam and the United States. The story begins in the spring of 1975 as American forces are slowly withdrawing from South Vietnam. Young Kien and his family are still in their family home, but everyone knows the People’s Army of North Vietnam, also known as the North Vietnamese Army (“NVA”) is steadily approaching. The fallout from the American withdrawal is swift and chaotic, with Kien, brother Jimmy, their mother Khuon and her love interest Lam, and the family’s servant Loan attempting to join thousands of others desperately trying to escape the NVA. And from the outset, there is confusion mixed with the explosion of tensions simmering below the surface which bring everything to a grinding halt. And it soon becomes clear that there are secrets harbored in this family.

Nguyen pulls no punches and delivers a shocking revelation which would come back to haunt Lam later in the story. Lam, as readers will learn, emerges as the book’s antagonist, and never fails to provide a source of disgust throughout the story. But there is a comeuppance for him towards the conclusion of the book which proves to be one of the most uplifting moments in the story. However, before we reach that part in Nguyen’s account, we must first follow his journey as life under communist rule becomes a haunting reality, and his mother finds herself a target due to her past success and social status. Lam’s actions early in the book leave her on the ropes as she is forced to defend herself, her family, and her unborn child in the face of relentless humiliation. But when Lam makes his return, the story takes a dark turn which I did not expect and removed any doubt that Lam could redeem himself. Yet, in the face of adversity, there are guardian angels in the book in the form of Kien’s grandparents and the servant Loan who takes on the role of big sister and provides the love and attention the brothers needed. Sadly, her story becomes a tragedy on its own in ways I did not anticipate. There are instances in the story wherein Kien’s mother is abrasive and curt, but I also had to remind myself of the reality she faced in the wake of a war which tore her country apart. Further, Kien’s life is complicated by the fact that his father is American and returned to the United States when he was an infant. His brother Jimmy is also the child of an American father, and this proves to be the ammunition needed by party members and other citizens who despise Khuon and her family. The vitriol is mind-bending, yet she stands her ground through it all.

As the story progresses, the difficulties of life under communist rule become vividly apparent. Kien’s mother does all that she can to find a way out of their situation which is dire at times. The addition of a sister further complicates matters. I also noted the interactions between Kien’s household and that of his aunt who lives across the street. The tension is unsettling and the occasional eruptions of physical and verbal altercations are surreal. I personally could never imagine my mother and aunt having interactions described by the author. It was clear that the war had ruined everyone’s life and nothing was the same. A small window of opportunity opens through a neighbor Ms. Dang, who has found a questionable path to America. It is risky but Khuon agrees that Kien should make the trip. This part of the book is where the story goes completely left and I was speechless at the series of events which occur as they embarked on their perilous journey. The fallout from the problematic escape plan is off the rails and it is a miracle that Kien survived to tell this story. His ordeal, however, was far from over and his next stop is a place where no one wants to be. But this is also the place where the love between mother and son sets everything in its place and for the first time in the story, I was able to smile.

Despite the setbacks, Kien never loses sight on a way out for the family. And out of left field comes a path to a new life in America. This section of the book moves fast, and I could feel Kien scrambling as he and his family set their plan in motion to leave Vietnam. And while he is working on his future life, a troubling truth about the war emerges. Kien remarks on his towards the conclusion when he looks back on his life as the child of a Vietnamese mother and American father whom Kien also discusses in the book. Kien and his family eventually make their flight out of Saigon, but it is a wild journey up until the very end. And he left behind endless memories, both positive and negative, of the place he called home. I did not know what to expect before I read this book, but having finished it, I can say that it is a story that needed to be told. His story is a complicated aspect of the Vietnam War rarely discussed, but its effects were fare more reaching than the bombs dropped and bullets spent. If you are curious about the aftermath of the fall of Saigon and life for the Vietnamese left behind, this book is for you. It is a mix of love, betrayal, violence and harsh truths, but also a story which will reach you. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B001IZC3TC
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Back Bay Books, Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 22, 2008

The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power, and Deception on the Eve of World War I – Douglas Brunt

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Those of us who own and operate motor vehicles go to the gas station and fill our takes with gasoline which powers millions of cars, motorcycles, and sports utility vehicles around the world. However, we may also see a dedicated pump for diesel fuel. Growing up I did not know much about it except to never put it in the car’s fuel tank unless specifically required. So, when I saw this book about Rudolf Diesel (1858-1913), the engineer behind the world-famous engine, my curiosity peaked. The automotive technology which carries his name is fascinating and it revolutionized engine design and use. But I wanted to know more about the man behind the engine, and his mysterious death in September 1913. Author Douglas Brunt explores Diesel’s life and death in this well-written and well-researched book which left me with more questions than answers.

Although Diesel spoke German, the story begins in Paris where his Bavarian immigrant family resides. From the outset, his father Theodore is an odd character, and his behavior throughout the story is surreal at times. The family’s life is stable until the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, which forces them to emigrate to London. However, for Rudolph, life soon takes a different turn when his parents send him back to his father’s native Augsburg to learn Germany and focus on his studies. And this crucial decision set the stage for the innovative mind that changed world history. Once Diesel decides on his future as an engineer, the story picks up the pace. But the author also includes a discussion on the emergence of oil and the role of John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) and industry giant Standard Oil. Although Diesel and Rockefeller had no direct connections, their roles in the development of engines and fuel technology cannot be underestimated. Standard Oil plays a significant role in the story as readers will learn.

We follow Diesel’s journey as he meets senior engineers who play important roles in his later success. One of the most important is Carl von Linde (1834-1942), whose refrigeration cycle provided the blueprint to the machines which keep our ice and groceries consistently cool. Diesel’s time working with and for Linde proves to be invaluable. While the young engineer is proving his worth on the factory floor, love enters his life when Martha Flasche (1860-1944) catches his attention. Their marriage provides a source of strength for Diesel when professional obligations take their toll. Interestingly, Martha plays a part in the development of the engine but not in the way readers may expect. When the first diesel engine has a successful test run, the game changes as Rudolf’s value to his field increases exponentially. However, this breakthrough may have also been the reason for his unsettling demise.

As I read the story, I found myself fascinated with diesel technology. The author provides a very thorough analysis of the science behind Diesel’s marvel and the benefits that come with its use. However, initially the new engine had its skeptics as explained in the book. But once word spread of an innovative technology which allowed less maintenance, better gas mileage, no smokestacks on ships and cleaner combustion, the flood gates opened and Diesel’s path to fame is paved. The surge is quick and the money rolls in, but Diesel’s true goal was much larger than money, and had the world not become engulfed in war, he may have seen his dream come true. But the book is still fascinating, and as Diesel moves through social circles, he finds himself the center of attention, spending time with innovative giants, one of whom was the world-famous Thomas Edison (1847-1934). It is a surreal ride to the stop, but dark clouds begin to form on the horizon, and England moves to form stronger bonds with Diesel and his engine which is vital to naval operations.

As World War I nears the story takes on a darker tone as the grim reality of impending conflict becomes real. In September 1913, Diesel prepared for a trip on the SS Dresden across the English Channel from Belgium to London. The Dresden arrived at its destination, but Diesel did not. This part of the story is the most chilling and unhinged. Officially, he perished at sea due to suicide, but there are credible reasons to question that position. Brunt examines the case thoroughly and provides another angle to the incident which is also plausible. Diesel’s actions prior to the trip are unusual and raise the question, did he know what was coming? We can only surmise and the passage of time further ensures that Rudolf Diesel’s death is set to remain a mystery. Regardless of that fact, Brunt’s book is engaging from start to finish, and I found it to be a solid account of Diesel’s life and his importance to engine technology. Highly recommended.

ASIN : ‎ B0BV123PC8
Publisher : ‎ Atria Books, September 19, 2023

Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art – Gene Wilder

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When I saw this book for sale, I did a double take and decided to take a closer look as a fan of the late film star Gene Wilder (1933-2016). I previously watched interviews with Wilder wherein he discussed his life and the entertainment industry, but I was curious to read his words in this autobiography which is an interesting look at his life. I had no expectations before reading the book and reminded myself that life behind the camera is far different from when they are rolling. And that holds true in this book which I enjoyed reading. The book ends many years before Wilder’s death on August 29, 2016, at the age of eighty-three due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease but his life was from ordinary as readers will learn.

Wilder’s story begins in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the 1930s. And from the beginning, we learn a few things about his family life, including the health issues of family members which reappear later in the story. At school things are surreal as his Jewish background is noticed. His experience gets off to a rocky start in a way that left me both speechless and shaking my head. At home, his relationship with his mother is both strong and complicated and later in the book, as Wilder talks to his therapist Margie, we see how his early life had long-lasting effects. As he matures, life takes him in different directions, and I found the section about his time in the United States Army remarkably interesting. It is an aspect of his life overlooked but it was a crucial step in the direction which led to the silver screen. And when he is no longer in the possession of Uncle Sam, a move to New York City opens Pandora’s Box.

While the Gene Wilder we know is being constructed, behind the scenes, he was going through his own growing pains which included multiple marriages. In fact, I am amazed at the number of marriages but also understood why he walked down the aisle several times. And like a gentleman, he does not have a bad word for any of them. However, that does not mean the relationships were without their share of complications and drama. His stepdaughter Katie proves to be a challenge in her younger years before transforming into a mature woman focused on her life. Their ordeal is only one of the struggles Wilder faced as his fame increased. But anyone who is familiar with his life is aware of the dark clouds hovering over the story. And as each approached, I could feel the vibe shift as the issue of mortality is placed front and center.

After his divorce from second wife Jo, Wilder finds himself a bachelor again and meets the woman who would change his life in ways no one expected. In 1975 a new comedic series called Saturday Night Live made its debut, and one of the brains behind the success was a young woman named Gilda Susan Radner (1946-1989). And when she crosses paths with the comedic actor Wilder, the stage is set for their relationship and marriage. However, neither was instantaneous and what Wilder explains is interesting. And the incident which triggers their marriage gives credence to the saying that things happen for a reason. The elephant in the room soon makes its presence felt as Radner becomes sick with the cancer which took her life. Wilder discusses her illness, their battle to fight it and his own struggles in caring for her as the disease took its toll. It is a somber moment in the book and Wilder pull no punches regarding the impact of her death. But healing, a fresh start and his own battle with mortality are waiting in the wings. His fourth wife Karen Boyer would become a source of happiness and strength until his death in 2016. As the book concludes, it is the end of a journey we have taken with Wilder, a young boy from Milwaukee he went on to become a Hollywood great alongside frequent collaborators Mel Brooks and the late Richard Pryor (1940-2005), the latter of which Wilder makes clear was a not a close personal friend. Readers anticipating a lengthy discussion about Pryor will not find it here, but the author recalls aspects of their working relationship which are still interesting. Nonetheless, this autobiography is good and an invaluable source of information about Wilder as all it comes from the man himself.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003G83U50
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, April 1, 2010

Pandemic 1918: Eyewitness Accounts from the Greatest Medical Holocaust in Modern History – Catharine Arnold

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On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed at Compiègne, France, ending the hostilities of World War I (1914-1918). The war formally ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919. Millions of people had perished in the war but there was another killer in 1918 which spread across the globe undetected until its horrifying effects became hauntingly clear. It is known as the Spanish Flu, a virus of the H1N1 influenza strain. During the final year of the war, this silent killer wreaked havoc across the globe as health officials and politicians struggled to contain the deadliest health epidemic in modern history. Author Catharine Arnold takes us back to 1918 when the Spanish Flu changed world history.

The book begins in September 2007, the body of Sir Tatton Benvenuto Mark Sykes (1879-1919) was exhumed at a cemetery in Sledmere, Yorkshire, England. The lead lined coffin holding his remains had helped preserve body tissue scientists believed to hold critical clues about the Spanish Flu. And to understand why they are in the trenches in the fight against influenza, we must step back to the year that changed the world which is the focus of this book which left me speechless. Prior to reading Arnold’s book, I knew that the story would be challenging, primarily due to the subject matter. The cover removes any doubt as to what readers can expect within and once the story begins, it does not let up as she takes us through one of the darkest periods in world history.

Today we have the benefit of advanced medicine and the internet, tools which aid in the rapid recovery from influenza. And although the virus does claim lives each year, the number of deaths is significantly lower than it was in 1918. And as the book progresses, it becomes clear why the virus claimed millions of lives. Further, the virus did not discriminate and touched every sector of society. Author John Steinbeck (1902-1968) and silent film era star Myrtle Gonzalez (1891-1918) are two examples of the notable figures impacted by the virus’s spread. As doctors struggle to understand and contain the virus, it shows no signs of abatement, and the experiences of those who survived are part of what makes this book fascinating. Their stories are vivid, and they pull no punches about their ordeals which leave a chill in the air as the grim reality of influenza settles in. For all of them, it was a trip to hell and back as they stared at death in the mirror. The horror or the plague is compounded by the spread of the virus both unknowingly and unwittingly and I could feel the sense of helplessness which consumed doctors, nurses, city officials, and military personnel as the virus continued to claim victims. The parallels between the Spanish Flu and the Covid-19 epidemic are eerie, but today we are in a far better position than the world’s inhabitants in 1918. However, readers will note the discussion regarding face masks which were controversial and integral as both pandemics ran their courses.

The book is a roller coaster ride through 1918, and I can only imagine how it affected those who survived. We have some of their words here, but there were scores of people who fell victim to the Spanish Flu, survived, and moved forward with permanent scars and dark memories. But just when you think the story of the Spanish Flu is finished, the author takes us to Hong Kong in 1997 where a three-year-old child named Lam Hoi-ka falls victim to influenza, sparking fears that the deadly virus was returning. The concerns of health officials were valid as readers will see in the story. In hindsight we know that a new plague did not happen, but Hoi-ka’s death did play a crucial role in scientists understanding the influenza virus and its spread to humans from animal species. And this is an important tool which will help physicians confront future pandemics. And as we continue to plan for future events, we can use the Spanish Flu as an example of where we should never return. The book is beautifully written, and while grim in content, it does contain valuable historical information. Despite the subject matter, I found it easy to read and I could not put it down once I started. If you are curious about the Spanish Flu and the 1918 Pandemic, this book is must read.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B079LB96CJ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, August 28, 2018