Author: Genyc79

Blogger, IT Admin, Nyctophile, Explorer and Brooklynite in the city that never sleeps.

Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong – Katie Gee Salisbury

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

Each day, tourists visiting the City of Los Angeles make their way up to the world-famous Hollywood sign which overshadows the busy metropolis below which became home to the motion picture industry and the destination for people with dreams of becoming stars. However, some stars are home grown as they say and grow into adults with the film industry right in their backyards. In January 1905, a family of Chinese ancestry welcomed a daughter named Wong Liu Tsong who later became known to the world as film star Anna May Wong (1905-1961). In the fifty-six years that she lived, she went from a student helping in her parents’ laundry business to an international star who rubbed elbows with names cemented in Hollywood’s history. But there is more to her story than film roles, press photos, and statements to the media. Behind the scenes her life was far more complicated, and those complexities are unraveled in this biography by Katie Gee Salisbury, which thoroughly explores the late film star’s life.

I first learned of Anna May Wong while reading Jeff Chang’s ‘Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America‘. Years before Bruce left his mark on the film world, Wong was blazing her own trail. But I asked myself why had I not heard of her before? After finishing Chang’s book, I sought out material about Anna May Wong and found this book which was everything I had been searching for. The stage is set in Los Angeles where her parents Wong Sam Sing (1860-1949) and Lee Gon Toy (1886-1930) have made home for themselves and their growing family. We travel back in time when discrimination against Asians was socially acceptable and codified in legislation. I must warn readers that some of the subject matter may be difficult to accept. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 hangs over the story like a dark cloud, and even when Anna becomes famous, she still cannot escape the scrutiny by United States Immigration officers as she travels to and from the country of her birth. But early on she was a simple teenage girl in a typical family with strong work ethic and connections to the old country, but Hollywood was the place which both captivated her and held her attention.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Anna is not the typical Chinese girl. And through a series of events, she finds her way into the film industry which at that time, had never shown Asian stars in leading roles. To say that Hollywood is a dark place would be an understatement. I am sure that many of us have heard stories about the underside of Tinsel town. Anna May Wong entered this world, and her life was never the same for better and worse. There are dehumanizing and humiliating experiences in the story, and even people who are allegedly “progressive” contribute to the cycle of bigotry which kept her from reaching the stardom she could have obtained. And there is also the practice of “yellowface” which would be seen today as a concept from another planet, but it was standard practice during her era. To reinforce the absurdity of it, Salisbury includes the story of the fictional Charlie Chan, played by Swedish actor Warner Orland (1897-1938). This role which brought him fame and wealth also resulted him becoming both typecast and a victim of substance abuse. It should be noted that Orland was one of several actors to play Chan. Despite the insulting practice, Asian stars did find work, but for Anna, the life changing success she craved came from another continent called Europe.

I was not surprised that she found success across the Atlantic Ocean, due to the obstacles non-white performers faced in America. She had learned the brutal reality of show business and had been changed by her visits to New York City’s Harlem neighborhood and other places which stood in stark contrast to Los Angeles. Along the way she forms friendship will starts from all over, and her friendship with the late Paul Robeson (1898-1976) is a heartwarming part of the story. As she climbs the stardom ladder, she also contents with attention from male suitors. However, there is a major issue with her love interests manifested in the disturbing concept of miscegenation which made it impossible for a life with a husband who was not Chinese. That would change in 1963 when Supreme Court ruled in the case of Loving v. Virginia 388 U.S. 1 (1967) that it was unconstitutional to prevent people of different races to marry. However, by that time Anna May Wong was gone.

Her success in Europe helps elevate her career and I was surprised at the amount of time it took then to travel from one continent to another. But I reminded myself that this was before jet-aircraft for passenger travel. Ships were the main method of travel, combined with rail and surface transit. But that does not stop her from becoming a world-traveler who splits time between multiple continents and even finds time to visit her father in China after he left Los Angeles yearning for life in his ancestral homeland. However, the looming threat from Japan would affect the family later as explained in the book. The trip to China is a mixed bag but it has her in good spirits and there is talk of her starring in a film by Irving Thalberg (1899-1936) called ‘The Good Earth‘ based on the book by author Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973). The film was a hit, but it is also a classic example of how yellowface prevented Asian stars from securing roles they should have landed. The full story as told by the author is hard to believe but this was the reality Wong and Asians faced. What is even more of a gut punch is the tools used by actors dressed in yellow face to prepare for their roles. Frankly, it is a case of adding insult to injury. And this would later be one of the main reasons Bruce Lee was determined to change the perception of Asian stars. Anna Way Wong was far from finished but she soon had another battle to fight with her own body.

Following the success and controversy of ‘The Good Earth’, Wong’s life quiets down a bit. She later finds more success in film and television but is racing against the clock. And this part of the book is heartbreaking. I did not know how severe her personal demons were until I read this biography. A disturbing reality emerges in which we can see how the industry chews up stars and spits them out. Wong was only one of many people both in front of and behind the camera whose lives ended in a downward spiral. By the time I finished the book, I came to understand the struggles and pressures she faced in an industry unwilling to fully embrace her talent. Her life story is an account of what could have been. Thankfully, decades after her death she has begun to receive the attention she rightfully deserves. And although she is long gone, her memory lives in articles, films, and books like this which preserve the life and legacy of a forgotten star in the murky world of motion pictures. The story is beautifully written, and while reading I felt as if I were transplanted back in time to roaring 1920s and 1930s before Germany sparked a second world war. For readers interested in the life of Anna May Wong, this is must read. You will see why she was not your China doll.

ASIN‏: ‎B0C7TVJKSZ
Publisher: ‎Dutton, March 12, 2024

Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America – Jeff Chang

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

During the short span of thirty-two years, martial arts expert and film star Bruce Lee (1940-1973) single-handedly changed the view we have of Asian action stars. His movements on camera left audiences speechless and his peers in awe of his speed and reflexes. His sudden death on July 20, 1973, sent shockwaves across the planet, and the void left by his departure has never been filled. I saw this biography by author Jeff Chang and knew instantly that I must read it. And having finished the book, I say with conviction that this is the Bruce I did not know. But I also have a deeper understanding of his trials, tribulations, and the complicated relationship America has had with immigrants from Asia. 

We are introduced to Lee Hoi-Chuen (1901-1965) and Grace Ho (1907-1996), who have emigrated to the United States, making a home in San Francisco where their son Bruce is born on November 27, 1940. Bruce arrives as World War II is raging, and America has its Asian residents under surveillance as fears of Japanese sympathy have become a heightened concern. Chang explores the history of immigration laws aimed at Asian immigrants which range from highly restrictive to the complete exclusion of Chinese. The history is dark and includes facts that I was not aware of personally. However, I was aware the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act which is by far the most shocking and disturbing piece of legislation. Today it seems unthinkable that such a law was passed but it happened and was official policy, extended through the Geary Act of 1924 before being repealed by Congress in 1943. This section of the book may be upsetting for readers, particularly those of Asian ancestry. Lee Hoi-Chuen and his family move back to Asia, settling in Hong Kong where Bruce’s childhood is on display. As I read, I could see his personality take shape complete with the tint of arrogance we see on scene, mischievous pranks, and the signs of a young man with enormous potential yet to be tapped into. There was one person who did see something in Bruce, and when he meets Yip Man (1893-1972), the Bruce we know begins to take shape.

The book shifts gears when Bruce is sent back to America, to comply with immigration law. And this is a part of his story which has been misunderstood for several decades. I have personally had conversations with friends who did not know Bruce Lee was born in the United States. Today we would call him an “anchor baby”, but American was his home by birth. He returns to the United States without his parents, and his life takes more twists and turns as he enters adolescence and confronts the realities of racial discrimination. We see the intimate side of Bruce as he moves from California to Washington State, makes friends, enrolls in college, falls in love and dives deeper into martial arts which becomes the center of his world. But the world-famous movie star is still years away.

When Bruce decides to begin teaching martial arts, the story becomes more interesting as his students are from all demographics. In fact, his first student and close friend may surprise readers. I smiled as I read the story and frowned when I read about Bruce’s moments when he feels down. Chang’s writing pulled me into Bruce’s life, and I could feel the emotions as the story moved forward. He also includes Bruce’s own words through journal entries, letters and comments to friends which help us form a complete picture of who he was and what drove him to success. There are two key moments in the book which take Bruce’s life in a different direction. The first major event in his life occurs when he meets Linda Emery who becomes one of the most important people in his life. The two married in 1964, but their relationship was complicated by several factors which Chang discusses. The second major event occurs in 1966, when the television show ‘The Green Hornet‘ premiers with Bruce starring as Kato. The show was short-lived, but it did get Bruce’s foot into the door of Hollywood. But the industry still struggled with Asian stars. Change dissects the problem of Hollywood and the section about the Charlie Chan films left me shaking my head. Frankly, it is a bad as “blackface”. Bruce is keen to this and understands that the film industry has a dysfunctional view of Asians.

Bruce’s purpose in life continues to take shape, but the book is haunted by his own premonitions that he would not live a long life. I was not aware that Lee had predicted his own early death. This sent chills down my spine and adds a sense of urgency to everything he does in the story. While teaching, he forms more friendships with Hollywood stars such as James Coburn (1928-2002), Steve McQueen (1930-1980) and Roman Polanski, which are important to his navigation of the entertainment industry. And the bond he had with basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar is heartwarming. However, the stage is set for Bruce’s success when he decides to visit Hong Kong and meet with Raymond Chow (1927-2018), the president of Golden Harvest pictures. The two men envision a series of films to bring kung fu to audiences worldwide but have stiff competition in the Shaw Brothers Studio, a massive film empire created by brothers Run Run Shaw (1907-2014), Runme Shaw (1901-1985), and Runje Shaw (1896-1975). The cat and mouse game between the Shaws and Chow, over Bruce’s star potential plays out in the story and the success of the film ‘The Big Boss‘ (1971) only deepens the rivalry. For Bruce, it was a godsend because another aspect of his life hidden from the public is his financial struggles. In fact, there are several occasions in the book when the family is at rock bottom. But as Golden Harvest turned out films their fortunes improved and Bruce began to shape the film that cemented his legacy in film history.

As I continued reading, I was amazed at the difficulties Bruce faced in making ‘Enter the Dragon‘ which endures to this day as his masterpiece. The movie is all Bruce, yet producers still struggled with allowing stars creative control. Sadly, that issue exists today. But Bruce knew what he wanted to show on screen and explicitly stated so. Snippets of interviews he gave and heated discussions with studio executives confirm his commitment to changing the way audiences viewed Asian stars. In hindsight we know that Bruce prevailed, but we also see that physically he is in rough shape, and a back injury at home which is often overlooked may have marked the first stage towards his premature demise.

Following the success of the Big Boss, Bruce finally finds the stardom he had been searching for. But there is a dark cloud hovering over the story, and the stress and physical exhaustion become eerily apparent. On May 10, 1973, the alarm bells go off as Bruce has a severe medical incident on set requiring hospitalization. I felt a chill as I read of the confusion doctors had about his condition and the story gets much darker. Eventually July 20, 1973, arrives and it is Bruce’s last day alive. Chang approaches the end of his life with the right balance and sticks to what is known. Debates about how Bruce Lee died continue with conspiracy theories rampant. A detailed discussion of his death and the events of that day have been presented by the History Channel in a special which you can view on YouTube. After his death, I could feel the gravity of it while reading. The Bruce I came to know in the book was far more complex and misunderstood that I could have ever anticipated. And I understand the water mirror echo.

In the spring of 2023, the Tribeca Film Festival screened Enter the Dragon as part of a fiftieth anniversary celebration. The theater was jammed packed and we had a blast. After the film ended, the presenters that night surprised us with an in-person discussion with Angela Mao Ying who played Bruce’s sister in the film. It was a surreal moment and hearing her explain how Bruce selected her for the film and the friendship they formed stirred emotions both in the audience and on stage as Ying herself wiped away tears when discussing his legacy. Five decades after his death, he was as popular as ever and will remain an icon in pop culture. There have been imitators and rip-offs but there will never be another Bruce Lee. If you are a fan of Bruce Lee and curious about his life, this is the book you must read. I cannot recommend it enough. 

“I have already made up my mind that in the United States I think something about the Oriental, I mean the true Oriental should be shown”. – Bruce Lee, The Pierre Burton Show – 9/12/1971

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DR8B82SZ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books, September 23, 2025

Waco: David Koresh, the Branch Davidians, and a Legacy of Rage – Jeff Guinn

On By Genyc79In Investigative ReportLeave a comment

While browsing through recommendations, I noticed this book by author Jeff Guinn. The cover alone speaks volumes, but I remember the events which transpired in Waco, Texas in the winter and spring of 1993. The media descended on the scene as federal law enforcement personnel and Texas State officials conducted a raid on the small group of buildings owned by the religious group known as the Branch Davidians. When the siege ended, a scene of devastation emerged which revealed the full scale of the tragedy. Amond the deceased was the group’s leader David Koresh (1959-1993) who had risen from obscurity to become the mythological figure his devoted followers believed would lead them to salvation. As I looked at the cover, I realized that although I knew of the siege at Waco, I did not know how the Branch Davidians came into existence or how Koresh ended up at their doorstep. Guinn answers those questions and provides a wealth of information in this book which is a step-by-step analysis of the history of the Branch Davidians and the fate awaiting them in the early months of 1993.

The first question I asked myself was who were the Branch Davidians? We have extensive information regarding the siege, but the group’s history is equally important. Guinn takes a deep dive into their interesting back-story and the vision of Victor Houteff (1889-1955) and his Davidian Seventh-Day Adventist Group. While Houteff is not directly related to Koresh’s Branch Davidians, his story is fascinating, but it is only the beginning of a long and convoluted journey to the ascension of David Koresh. The author pieces together the history seamlessly and the narrative is easy to follow as the Davidians go through their changes while different leaders emerge and depart. One of the most bizarre stories is that of Ben Roden (1902-1978), wife Lois Roden (1916-1986) and their son George (1938-1998) whose actions are off the rails. And when a new convert named Vernon Wayne Howell arrives, the story takes a sharp turn and sets the Davidians down a path of no return.

Howell’s entry into the story is uneventful. In fact, he comes across as another drifter who is searching for purpose in life and finds the Davidians to be what he is looking for. However, he soon becomes close to Lois Roden in ways I did not expect and begins to amass power and control within the Davidians. He also changes his name to David Koresh. George Roden is aware of Koresh’s power moves and two become engulfed in a dangerous feud which leads to law enforcement stepping in. The story is wild and a sign of the dangers that lie ahead. In order to understand Koresh’s vision, Guinn revisits the story of a self-proclaimed messiah named Dr. Cyrus Teed (1839-1908). I had not heard of Cyrus Teed but his story is intriguing, and the similarities between Teed and Koresh’s beliefs and actions cannot be overlooked. Further, Lois Roden herself also found value in Teed’s words as she maintained control over the Davidians. But when George Roden makes his departure from the group and Lois begins her physical decline, Koresh makes moves to solidify his power and stage is set for his version of the Branch Davidians to become reality.

After Koresh becomes the uncontested leader of the Davidians, the group begins to branch out and the followers who enter the fold come from all over. I was surprised to learn of the number of foreign nationals who had joined the Davidians. This is unusual but it also explains why Koresh later becomes paranoid of immigration officials raiding their compound at Mt. Carmel. In hindsight, we know that the Davidians had much larger problems than immigration violations. In fact, the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (“ATF”) soon had the Davidians on their radar after learning that the group had been stockpiling weapons. And the role of convert and defector Marc Breault is crucial in revealing the group’s inner workings. However, Koresh’s own actions are just as telling and disturbing. And his obsession with females of various ages is unsettling. It soon becomes clear to the ATF and the State of Texas that the issue of the Branch Davidians must be resolved. However, completing that task did not have any easy answers and by the time it was resolved, both ATF agents and Branch Davidians were dead, and Mt. Carmel was reduced to smoldering ruins.

Guinn takes us through the series of events leading up the raid, including the confusion among law enforcement, compounded by the change in presidential administrations. A new commander-in-chief William J. Clinton had taken office and needed Senate confirmation of his selected Attorney General Janet Reno (1938-2016). In time both would settle into office and Waco became their nightmare. There is one thing I noticed which slipped past me before, and that is the absence of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). Initially, the FBI was not involved in the planning of the raid and had no direct role in it. The bureau does enter the story later as the standoff intensifies and negotiations with Koresh become strained. Planning and execution of the warrant to enter the compound is not without complication, and the miscommunication would have severe implications. And the underestimation of Koresh’s knowledge of the ATF’s pending raid proved to have deadly consequences for ATF agents. As the day of raid approaches, I could feel the suspense increase and soon the moment arrives when shots are fired and all hell breaks loose. There is a lot to unpack, and Guinn summarizes the events perfectly. On a side note, Netflix has a docuseries about Waco which is very good, and readers will find even more information there which would have been impossible to cram into one book. Regardless of the disturbing details, it becomes clear that the raid in Waco is nothing short of horrific. Thankfully, lives were saved and some children do make it out of Mt. Carmel, but for those who remained behind, there was no happy conclusion. I will not go into detail here as Guinn provides the grim realities of the standoff, but it suffices to say that the aftermath is not for the faint of heart. The fallout is mind-bending and I still get chills when I think of the Branch Davidians.

The dispute as to whether the United States Government or the Branch Davidians were at fault will continue, I am sure. Guinn does not place complete blame on either side but presents the facts and leaves it to readers to form their own opinions. What I found was a tragedy which occurred through mistakes on both sides, leaving what Guinn accurately describes also as a legacy of rage. I would only add that it is also a legacy of destruction from which those involved have not fully healed. History always repeats itself, and somewhere on earth there is another David Koresh building a legion of followers. My hope is that the mistakes at Waco are not repeated. This is a particularly good look at Koresh, the Branch Davidians and the raid that changed America. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B3Y9T3SJ
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster, January 24, 2023

Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day’s Black Heroes, at Home and at War – Linda Hervieux

On By Genyc79In American History, World War IILeave a comment

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched a combined military assault across five beaches in Normandy, France during World War II (1939-1945). The assault was costly but the success of troops in storming German defenses, showed the military brass in Berlin that the war would be lost. The mission titled ‘Operation Overlord’ set the stage for the collapse of the Third Reich. And when German General Alfred Jodl (1890-1946) signed an unconditional surrender at Reims, France on May 7, 1945, millions of people around the world felt relieved. However, for America’s Black soldiers, the battle was far from over, and they would soon return to a nation in which they had another war to fight for civil rights. Their service in the war was overlooked for a considerable number of years but in the past two decades there has been a resurgence of stories regarding the contributions of Black Americans in World War II. Author Linda Hervieux re-examines the historic D-Day invasion and the forgotten roles of its Black heroes.

Discretion is advised to readers sensitive to descriptions of racial discrimination. There are parts of the book both shocking and mind boggling, but Hervieux pulls no punches in showing the experiences of Black men who found themselves in the military. As a sample of the substantial number of men who served, the author focuses on a select few whose stories serve as a representation of common patterns throughout the book. But before we reach D-Day, Hervieux discusses the dark climate in America prior to the war in which Jim Crow was raging unrestrained. And this is a crucial section of the narrative because it helps to explain why the military became a destination for young men with limited options. But make no mistake, many of the men knew that the military was not free of prejudice and they would have to fight in more ways than one and the biggest challenges they faced were not only physical but the mindset of superior officers and politicians who firmly believed that Black troops could never perform correctly on the battlefield. Hervieux dives deep in this prevailing assumption that was not only dehumanizing but also completely wrong as she shows later in the book.

After building up the suspense and pulling at the reader’s emotions, the author changes gears and takes us to Europe where Black troops found a whole new world unlike anything they had experienced in the United States. However, there were people in high positions in government in Europe who held some of the same absurd ideas as their American counterparts, but the reality was that the war required soldiers and in order to defeat Nazi Germany that mean a full-scale onslaught with troops from all over. At Normandy, we are re-introduced to the carnage which ensued as troops stormed the beaches. The scene is hellish, and I felt chills while reading of the devastation awaiting troops as they battled sea sickness and confronted the reality that they may not survive the landings on the beaches. But for the soldiers who did survive, the German retreat was a breath of fresh air, and if you were Black, then your life was about to change in ways you did not expect. As we step back from the battlefield, Hervieux discusses the interactions between the people of Europe and the black faces from America. And what she reveals is uplifting, heartwarming and heartbreaking, but not for the reasons one may expect.

Admittedly, I was not fully aware of the issues behind the scenes in European towns as American officers sought to enforce Jim Crow in another country. Today it seems mind-bending, but the world was a vastly different place in the 1940s. However, the people of Europe who are unfamiliar with Jim Crow have a unique experience with the Black troops and it will change the way you view World War II.  The scenes in the book range from heartwarming to surreal, as Black troops learn about the world outside of America and enemies within. To be clear, not every American commander was prejudiced against Black troops. In fact, there are several in the book who realized that the military’s segregation policies hurt far more than it helped, but their voices were drowned out by a system which needed time to change itself. And that change does come as the Black troops prove themselves on the battlefield. Their enriching stories told beautifully by the author helped break the facade of Black inferiority. And the civilians they met helped them understand how dysfunctional America had become with its own citizens. They returned home with a new sense of pride, but their ordeals were far from over.

As I read the book, I could not ignore the elephant in the room. Black troops who served saw a separate way of life in Europe free from Jim Crow and blessed with the dignity of being treated as a human being should. And it forced the question of how could America fight racism in Europe while allowing it at home? For Black troops it was an open wound which could not heal until their own government began to change their lives back home in the United States. The author addresses this hotbed topic, including the complicated legacy of the G.I. Bill which could have been a far more effective tool than it was. In Washington, politicians became keenly aware that change was needed, and the wheels are set into motion by President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) in 1948. However, several decades would pass become the White House stepped in and began awarding long overdue medals to World War II’s Black heroes. Some men were still live to see their day while others had passed on. But their names are a part of history and as the author winds down the story, we share their special days with them as America pays homage to its veterans.

This book is amazing, and it will stir emotions, but history is rarely pleasant. It forces us to confront dark truths which have been carefully hidden. America has come a long way since World War II, and there is still a long way to go but what is crucial is that the past is never forgotten so that it is not repeated. Highly recommended.

“In June 2009, six decades after he landed on the shores of Normandy, Bill Dabney returned to France at the invitation of the French government. On the sixty-fifth anniversary of the landings, under a bright blue sky, Bill and other aging veterans received accolades from the world’s most important leaders at the American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. President Obama shook his hand.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00PQRH7KS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper, October 27, 2015

The Pentagon’s Brain: An Uncensored History of DARPA, America’s Top-Secret Military Research Agency – Annie Jacobsen

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

I recently returned to one of my favorite authors, Annie Jacobsen, the author of best-selling books ‘Operation Paperclip: The Secret Intelligence Program that Brought Nazi Scientists to America‘ and ‘Area 51: An Uncensored History of America’s Top Secret Military Base‘. The time around she focuses on the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (“DARPA”), the brainchild of the Pentagon and its role in national defense. Prior to reading the book, I was aware of DARPA but was curious to learn what Jacobsen had discovered. And what she reports is informative and interesting without any trace of conspiracy theories or secret government plots. Of course, there are materials which are classified by the United States Military for distinct reasons, but the top-secret classification does not always mean nefarious. Jacobsen takes us deep inside DARPA to reveal a part of America’s defense network which has become invaluable.

The book opens by revisiting the Marshall Islands in March 1954 where the United States Government is conducting a secret nuclear detonation code named “Castle Bravo”. This test, which remains a dark moment in nuclear history is the key to understanding how America was preparing its defenses in the wake of both World War II (1939-1945) and the Korean War (1950-1953). I learned details about the test for the first time in this book and what I read left me speechless and sent a chill down my spine. But military leaders were undeterred, and the quest for advanced weaponry continued to escalate. DARPA is still several years away, and before we reach that point, a curious figure named John Von Neumann (1903-1957) enters the story. I admit that I felt a sense of shame as someone who works in information technology because I should have known about Von Neumann, the visionary whose ideas in the 1950s were premonitions of modern-day computer systems. His story and influence in the government are captivating, and one of the crucial parts of the narrative. However, the Department of Defense (“DOD”) was just heating up and in 1957, the Advanced Research Projects Agency (“ARPA”) (renamed DARPA in 1972) was born to the chagrin of military brass, and this where the book shift gears as the agency focuses on projects and ideas straight out of Hollywood.

Though DARPA is connected to the DOD, it is not a “military” agency but was driven by the goals of bolstering national defense and enhancing the performance of military personnel deployed in combat. And as one would expect, it attracted individuals who walked the fine line between genius and insanity. Jacobsen explores their backgrounds and how they ended up at DARPA. Admittedly, some of the ideas proposed by DARPA come off as far outside of the box, but others came to fruition through its efforts. The sections regarding placement of sensors on the Ho Chih Minh Trail and use of toxin Agent Orange during the Vietnam War (1954-1975) are both mind-numbing and shocking, but the creation of ARPANET supported by the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), would change the world as we know it, when a concept called the internet gained traction. Without the protocols, Domain Naming Service (DNS) and other networking components, this blog would not exist.

The book is full of information, and I was pulled in from the beginning. In the wake of World War II, we can see the shift in focus from defeat of the Axis powers to concerns over Soviet expansion and threats unknown at the time. But one section which I found interesting was the discussing regarding Allen M. Dulles, Jr. (1930-2020) and the devastating injuries he suffered in the Korean War. At first it may seem unrelated to the story but as Jacobsen expands on ARPA’s research projects, it becomes clear how Dulles’s plight was a source of intrigue and incentive to further understand the human mind. Further, it sheds light on the traumatic brain injury and how doctors are still confronted with the daunting task of rebuilding a damaged mind.

As the years pass, new wars rise and DARPA is repeatedly tasked with confronting deadly issues such as IEDs and biological weapons. And the agency has success in some areas but failures in others. But what is clear is that DARPA is far more advanced of the public domain and responsible for technological advances we take advantage of daily. However, oversight is always needed and there are parts of DARPA which remain a mystery to the public. Technology can be a blessing and a curse, but we now live in a world where it is required. DARPA will remain in the race to develop innovative technology and secure the republic, but in doing so, the issues of morality and legality will always be front and center. The rise of artificial intelligence has changed the news cycle, and Chat GPT has found a solid footing on society. Dark visions of the fictional Skynet and other computer projects which have gone rogue fill imaginations and highlight the influence of motion pictures. But a question remains, is DARPA close to turning those visions into reality? As of today, man remains in control but is imperative to understand the motives behind the technological advancements propelling the planet forward and their impacts on our lives. Interestingly, DARPA has its own website; a benefit of the very networking concept it created decades prior. Annie Jacobsen nails it once again in a book which thoroughly explains a crucial yet overlooked part of our national defense network. 

“Carl Sagan once stated, “It is suicidal to create a society dependent on science and technology in which hardly anybody knows anything about the science and technology.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00RTY0GEA
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company, September 15, 2015

American Pain: How a Young Felon and His Ring of Doctors Unleashed America’s Deadliest Drug Epidemic – John Temple

On By Genyc79In American History, Opioid CrisisLeave a comment

It is no secret that America has been embroiled in an epidemic regarding opioid addiction. But in 2024, the country saw a decrease in overdose deaths which provides hope that the crisis will be further contained. Despite the positive trend, the battle continues against the synthetic opioid fentanyl which has become the drug of choice due to its strong addiction inducing properties. In 1874, C. R. Wright, a physician at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, first synthesized heroin. However, he could not have known what would exist in 2025. In the state of Florida, “pill mills” popped up across the state as addicts obtained their fix of the euphoria producing narcotics. These small circular pills inside of a prescription bottle were initially misunderstood but caught the attention of Derik Nolan and twin brothers Chris and Jeff George who created the blueprint for the mills through their business venture American Pain. This is an investigative report into its rise and fall by author John Temple.

Although the George brothers and Nolan did not create the opioid crisis, what they did with American Pain was instrumental in the exponential growth of pill mills. But what is shocking is that none of them had any medical training and were not licensed physicians. In fact, they knew nothing about running a medical clinic or the drugs that customers would kill to obtain. However, they did have a passion for making money and that thirst would drive them to create an empire that was nothing short of horrifying. Temple introduces us to the main players, and their back stories come with dark aspects. Nolan survives family trauma which left me speechless. Upon meeting the George brothers, his fortunes change and he becomes centrally involved in Chris’s new venture into the pain management arena. And when their brainchild named American Pain opens for business, everything changes in ways no one could have predicted. Temple takes us on a wild ride complete with addiction, money, sex, and the attention of both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”).

The clinic was set up but the guys realized they needed doctors and began recruiting physicians who had no qualms about prescribing pain medication. And the way in which they find the doctors left me shaking my head. It is as no frills as one would expect. But once the doctors arrive and the parking lot begins to fill up, the book takes a much darker turn. Between the excessive amounts of pills, the behavior of addicts in and outside of the clinic, and the effect on residents of other states, American Pain transformed into a menace to society. However, readers will be shocked to learn how the law initially viewed their operation. And that stance extended to other states as well. Frankly, as Temple shows, America was slow to react to a crisis brewing right under its nose.

The success the boys enjoyed provided extensive wealth, notoriety, and a steady stream of addicts in need of their fix. But soon people begin to take notice and ask questions. The media and law enforcement soon surmise that all is not right with this clinic and its line of daily visitors. And when the FBI enters the picture, we see the writing on the wall. But their downfall happens in slow motion in a step-by-step process which reveals the arrogance and recklessness which should have been raising alarm bells for anyone connected to American Pain. And when other clinics begin to pop up copying their platform, their response and the events that follow should have also served as a warning that they were approaching the edge of a cliff. Unbeknownst to them, the FBI and DEA had already set into motion the operation that would pull everything apart at the seams. And when the fallout occurs, everyone wants off the sinking ship. However, once section that gave me chills is the role of Dr. Cynthia Cadet and the dark effects of the prescriptions she wrote. What Temple shows is chilling and after finishing the book I continued to think about it.

Once the clinic falls apart and the American Pain team is face to face with the reality that they are not going home, the wheels of justice spin in overdrive as defendants turn state’s evidence and admit their role in the spread of addiction and death. They also face the families of the people whose lives were lost to the black hole of addiction. The tragedy of Stacy Mason as told by the author is only one example of the heartbreak families endured as the crisis hit home. His mother Alice helps clench the outcome towards the end of the story as the government proves its case. Tina Reed emerges as a voice of reason through her crusade to create a statewide database to monitor drug usage and distribution should not be overlooked. These women from small towns in America are a fraction of the list of mothers whose children succumbed to opioid dependence.

American Pain is eventually shut down but the crisis is far from over. Derik Nolan is the most talkative of them all and is frank in the book about his actions. But that in no way excuses what he did. He, the George brothers, and staff at the clinic operated a business which thrived on fraud. Today, doctors are under tighter controls when prescribing opioids and lessons of the past have been learned. But the fight is not over and the temptation to earn significant revenue by exploiting the desperation of others never disappears. This book by John Temple is eye-opening, shocking, and upsetting, but it is also a case study of what happens when regulation is non-existent and greed is left unchecked.

“Of course we did it. The f–ed-up thing is that we were allowed to do it. That they let us do it. Why were two guys like me and Chris allowed to set up a business like this? When we said we wanted to set up a pain clinic, they shoulda been like, ‘Umm . . . No.’ Or, ‘Let’s see your criminal record.’ When we said we wanted to order $100,000 worth of pain medication, they shoulda said no.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01448QLIS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lyons Press, ‎ September 29, 2015

Tupac Shakur: The Authorized Biography – Staci Robinson

On By Genyc79In BiographiesLeave a comment

In October 1994, the late rap star and actor Tupac Amaru Shakur (1971-1996) appeared for an interview with journalist Ed Gordon of Black Entertainment Television (“BET”). During their conversation, Gordon asked Shakur where he saw himself in ten years. The response was “I just want to be alive”. Two years later he was gone at the age of twenty-five. Twenty-nine years have passed since his death, yet we continue to speak of him, ask about him, and shake our heads at his premature death. A young Black male lost to gun violence is a recurring nightmare which has replayed itself in trouble neighborhoods across America. However, in his short life, Shakur also touched millions of people through his music and his roles in feature films. But there is always more to the story than the flashy jewelry and perfect smiles before the cameras. Author Staci Robinson examines Shakur’s life in a biography which is both thorough and haunting.

Shakur’s story begins long before his birth, and his story cannot be told without discussing his mother Afeni Shakur (1947-2016). As a member of the Black Panther Party, Afeni became well-known by law enforcement and found herself fighting for her freedom during a criminal trial in New York State Supreme Court. Her arrest, incarceration and quest for freedom set the stage for the way she would raise her future son who arrives in June 1971. There are feature films, documentaries, and books about Shakur’s death, but I still found interesting tidbits of information in Robinson’s account. Further, the narrative provides a very intimate look into their lives. And while I read, I could feel the frustration and despair which engulfed him with each relocation and humiliating experience due to their mother’s lack of a steady income. And the absence of a father only added to the anger and grief.

Despite their dire situations, there are bright moments in the book. From an early age, Shakur was talented and had an uncanny ability to connect with people. In 1984, he embarks on his journey to fame with a performance at the Apollo Theater. This part of his life is often overlooked but as Robinson explains how he landed the role of Travis an adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s (1930-1965) ‘A Raisin in the Sun‘, I was able to see that the roots for his future success in the entertainment industry were being planted. And though several years would pass before his breakthrough as part of the rap group Digital Underground, a star was born. But I also noticed something else in the book which I had not previously focused on. As we follow Shakur through his pre-teen and teen years, we are also able to see his capacity for absorbing knowledge and deep appreciation for the arts. His mind was a sponge that soaked up anything and everything. His time at the Baltimore School of Performing Arts where he meets lifelong friend Jada Pinkett Smith is one the brightest moments in the story. But the softer side of Shakur stands in stark contrast to the rap star later murdered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The family’s move to Marin City, California opened new doors for Shakur and paved the way for his life in the music industry. But it was not without its hiccups and the long journey he makes to finding his footing is interesting and highlights the role luck plays in our lives. Of course, Shakur was incredibly talented, but meeting the right people at the right time always pays dividends. And when he meets Leila Steinberg, Atron Gregory and the late Shock G (1963-2021), the story shifts gears as the Tupac we came to know begins to take shape. The story is a roller coaster ride in which Tupac befriends other artists, dates celebrities, breaks into Hollywood and finds himself on the wrong side of the law. And throughout the story, I felt chills each time he told someone he would not live past twenty-five. This dark premonition hangs over the story, and when he is shot and wounded at Quad Studio in Manhattan on November 30, 1994, his premonition is no longer brushed aside.

The Shakur family did not have money, but they did have an endless supply of love for each other, and that is on full display in the book. And despite Afeni’s addiction to crack cocaine which is a dark section in the book, Tupac always loves his mother, and family is there for each other until his last moments. In December 1994, Shakur was convicted in New York State Supreme Court of sexual abuse in a case with many unanswered questions. Shakur always maintained his innocence and was acquitted of far more serious charges, but the experience and his incarceration weighed heavily on him and played crucial roles in the artist who found a new home at Death Row Records. Family is there to lean on throughout it all, but we can also see that he is on a collision course with a dark fate. Eventually he is released on appeal, and the author clarifies exactly how he was bailed out. Marion “Suge” Knight, the CEO of Death Row Records at the time, did play an instrumental role in helping Shakur obtain his freedom, but the full story is a bit more complex and sometimes misunderstood.

Once free and in California, Tupac does not waste time and hits the studio with a vengeance and creates one of the most successful rap albums in history, ‘All Eyez on Me’. Following a trip to New York City in late August 1996, Knight asks Shakur to go to Las Vegas for the Mike Tyson & Bruce Seldon boxing match. The trip should have been routine, but it would be the last time anyone would see Shakur alive. Robinson goes through the series of events culminating with the gunfire from a white Cadillac which pulled alongside Knight and Shakur as they waited at a traffic light on the Las Vegas strip on September 7. The aftermath and scene at the hospital is discussed and the story concludes with his death on September 13. Readers interested in the shooting and pending trial of Duane “Keefe D” Davis, will need to look elsewhere. Robinson does not discuss conspiracy theories or the murder investigations. Nor does she discuss the East and West Coast rivalry in the rap music industry in detail. And she made the right call as that would have resulted in the story veering far off course. I also felt this way after thinking about the other aspects of his life which are not discussed at full length here. There are things I wish had been discussed but I also realized that had she done so, the text would have been extensive and required a multi-volume biography. The author included just enough information to keep the story moving at the right pace. And the most important moments are captured in the narrative. When I reflected on the book after I was finished reading it, I realized that some parts of his life could be a book of their own. Robinson’s book is balanced, with the right mix of Shakur’s gifts, his flaws, the highs, and lows of his life, and all that came with his ascension to stardom. This is a good look at the life of the immortal and infinitely controversial Tupac Shakur. 

 “I‘m not saying I’ll change the world, but I guarantee I’ll spark the brain that will change the world. So keep your head up. Do what you gotta do. And then inside of you, I’ll be reborn.” – Tupac Shakur 

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BTLC8NTX
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crown, October 24, 2023

Chief Joseph & The Flight of the Nez Pearce: The Untold Story of an American Tragedy – Kent Nerburn

On By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

Recently, I have found myself curious about Native American history and discovered this book by author Kent Nerburn regarding Chief Joseph (1840-1904) and the Nez Pearce Tribe, whose experience is an overlooked part of American history. Regrettably, I was not aware of their story and the chain of events which resulted in their re-settlement in North America. However, this book tells the tale in full detail, and Nerburn has given us a book that separates fact from fiction while revealing the intimate views and feelings of both native tribes and officials of the United States Government.

I must warn readers that this book is not an easy read. The author presents the story well and the narrative flows smoothly, but the content within is bound to stir emotions. One will be required to accept the fact that meetings between Native Americans and representatives of the United States were not always pleasant, and violence was a common occurrence. But to understand how we reach that point in the story, the author explains the arrival of White Christians who believe it is their life’s mission to convert the natives to more “civilized” ways of living. And while some natives do adapt to the European customs, others were content in the ways of their ancestors and their reaction to the ways of whites which they saw as unfair, provoked a violent rebuke which sets the stage for future events. Additionally, the difference in opinion on how land is occupied becomes the crux of the story as the Nez Pearce yearn for their home while being moved from one outpost to another.

The full story of how the Nez Pearce became nomads within their own continent is complex, but the author thoroughly explains the series of events which changed a continent. Multiple factors are at play, but consist of failed treaties, division within the Nez Pearce, the discovery of gold in California, and bloodthirsty troops in the United States Military who wanted nothing more than to exterminate the native tribes. Famed General William T. Sherman (1820-1891) makes an appearance in the story, and his words are nothing short of haunting. In 1863, both parties meet for a treaty which fails to produce positive results, and the Nez Pearce leaders decided that they will not abandon their homeland. This is the turning point in the story when their lives are altered forever, and we bear witness to their flight across North America. 

The flight of the Nez Pearce at first is a journey to avoid confrontations with white settlers and soldiers. Assisted by Chief Looking Glass (1832-1877), the tribe sets it sight north in the hopes that American troops will leave them alone. However, Joseph soon realizes that running is futile, and a rift soon develops between the two. Sadly, two factions form within one group, and each decision has long-reaching consequences in the story. And while they debate the best course of action, American soldiers quickly advance and soon all hell breaks loose as the two sides engage in deadly combat. Joseph would personally feel the agony of war, and the horrors of the conflict are never far behind. The descriptions of acts committed by both sides will remove any doubt as to how violent North America was. Frankly, it was a very dark time in this nation’s history, and this section of the book will be difficult to accept but this is the reality of the hell brought on by war.

Eventually Joseph realizes that war is only going to lead to extinction and makes the difficult decision to agree with American terms. But this is far from the end of the story, and their lives become even more bizarre as the United States Government shuffles them around as if they were pieces on a chessboard. It is both bewildering and bizarre, and the reaction from residents as the Nez Pearce travels from town to the next takes on a carnival like atmosphere which is surreal. But it also reveals that the United States Government did not have a long-term plan for them. The sub-human conditions endured by the tribe are just awful and heartbreaking. And although Joseph and the Nez Pearce do accomplish their goal from the beginning, the personal sacrifices made by all of them are shocking. Joseph personally suffers enormous loss which left me speechless. By the end of the story, the Nez Pearce are a battered and broken people. But they still exist today which is more than can be said for other tribes which are extinct.

History is not always pleasant or uplifting, but it must be understood and acknowledged. And there is no American history without Native Americans. North America was once an uncharted and violent continent home to many but owned by none. The creation of the United States changed things in ways no one saw coming. And though we are long way from the events in this book, we can continue to learn the stories of Native Americans and why their history is as important as any other, and how it shaped the nation called the United States of America. This is the story of the Nez Pearce and their ordeal which should never be forgotten. 

“The real story, the true story, is every bit as poignant and every bit as dramatic. But it is obscured by the myth because the myth is so powerful and so perfectly suited to our American need to find nobility rather than tragedy in our past. It is also a myth of our own devise, and therein lies a story.”

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000FCKH2O
Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne, October 13, 2009

All the Young Men: A Memoir of Love, AIDS & Chosen Family in the American South – Ruth Coker Burks with Kevin Carr O’Leary

On By Genyc79In American History, Autobiography, JournalLeave a comment

I was browsing recommendations when I saw this book which received a near five-star rating on Amazon. Knowing that obtaining a rating that high was not easy, I decided to take a further look, and in the process, I discovered a gem of a book which I could not stop reading. The location for the story is in Arkansas, in the heart of the American South, or the “Bible Belt”. Ruth Coker Burks starts off the story with a visit to the past where a young man named Jimmy is declining to the effects of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (“AIDS”) and is treated like a leper by the nursing staff. Coker refuses to sit idling while Jimmy enters the final stage of life and performs actions unheard of at the time. And this begins a long journey into the AIDS epidemic and the struggle to treat and bury the young gay men diagnosed with the killer disease during the height of the crisis.

Readers old enough to remember the emergence of the human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV”) and AIDS, will recall the fear and paranoia which gripped the United States. What was originally seen as a “gay cancer” in San Francisco, became a nationwide threat when doctors learned that the disease did not discriminate based on sexual orientation or ethnic background. AIDS was equally destructive to every section of society it reached. I must warn readers that this book will trigger a range of emotions, including anger, joy, shock, and grief. And if you lost someone close to the virus, it will be like a step back into time to a dark period when answers were short in supply. Coker goes through each, and learns that in the Deep South, religion trumps all else.

In addition to her occupation as a nurse, Coker is also a single mother to daughter Allison who becomes not only a dependable assistant, but also a source of wise words when her mother is feeling conflicted. But the friends they make provided them with a second family who treat them with the love and kindness close relatives fail to deliver. However, her family drama takes a back seat to the lives of the gay men who have been disowned by their families, ostracized by society, and even refused the dignity of a formal sendoff when they die. Coker refused to accept this and morphs into a guardian angel whose devotion and relentless pursuit of assistance for the men is nothing short of incredible. But that does not mean the journey was easy. In fact, there are moments in the book which are beyond infuriating and will leave readers shaking their heads. And of course, there are secrets in Arkansas, some of which reminded me of James Baldwin’s novel ‘Giovanni’s Room‘. However, the bright moments arrive in the men we meet whose larger-than-life personalities are momentary reprieve from the looming grim reaper. And as I read, I found myself becoming acquainted with them as well as they told their stories and accepted their fates which they knew would end in death.

Life for gay men diagnosed with AIDS was incredibly difficult but there are other people in the book who provided help to Coker when needed. They are in the shadows, but the influence is undeniable, and Coker was not afraid to lean on them when needed. Their actions are not the focus of the book, but they helped in ways which were crucial at a time when being seen publicly with an AIDS patient was taboo. The story of Ryan White (1971-1990), included in the narrative, is just one example of long reach of HIV and how a virus reshaped an entire decade and changed world history. And sadly, in Coker’s account, we see health professionals refusing to even set foot in a room with a patient afflicted by the virus. Today it seems unthinkable that a doctor would refuse to treat an AIDS patient, but in the time period when but in the time when current information was scant, this was the reality. I felt Coker’s rage as I read of her encounters with hospital staff who wanted no part of any AIDS patients. But those encounters only fueled her resolve to help even more, and she pulls off successful projects and even earns an invitation to the inaugural ball of fellow Arkansas native and friend, President William J. Clinton.

To say that Coker suffered personal setbacks due to her goal would be an understatement. There is immense personal sacrifice, and another person may have broken under the strain. However, she continues to move forward determined to ensure as many people as possible are protected from HIV and cared for after a positive diagnosis. And in the process, she left a legacy of compassion and humanity which is on display here in one of the best books I have ever read about the AIDS epidemic. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B085MMH732
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grove Press, February 22, 2023

Blood and Treasure: Daniel Boone and the Fight for America’s First Frontier – Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

On By Genyc79In American History, BiographiesLeave a comment

In two weeks, the United States will celebrate Thanksgiving Day, with family dinners, the National Football League on television, and memories to last a lifetime. History books used in schools long held the notion that the meetings between Native Americans and European settlers were harmonious and full of warmth. The image its projects is heartwarming and removes the dark truth behind a clash of cultures which saw horrific violence, death, destruction, and the extinction of Indigenous people. Settlers courageous enough to venture in unsettled areas faced life or death decisions daily, and in some cases, they paid the ultimate price for their curiosity. Among these settlers in search of new territory was Daniel Boone (1734-1820), a frontiersman who is credited with westward expansion resulting in the settlement of what is known today as the State of Kentucky. This book is a discussion of his life and the turbulent continent of North America by authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin. And to call it eye-opening would be an understatement. This book is must-read.

Boone’s name is known in American history. However, the full story is far more complex than the snippets provided in textbooks. The story told here is not a “feel good” account but a raw and unfiltered look at hardships of life during the 1700s and the deadly battles which raged as white settlers pushed further west. I must warn readers that this book is vivid, containing graphic descriptions of battlefield injuries and post-mortem desecration by both Native Americans and the new explorers. Scalping is a well-known custom of Native tribes but the extent to which remains were altered surpasses the depravity of the head wounds one would receive on the losing end of a conflict. Boone would come to have his own experiences battling Native tribes but before we reach the part of the book where blood is spilled, we are provided with a recap of the Boone family and Daniel’s upbringing.

A sizeable portion of the story takes place before the creation of the United States of American on July 4, 1776. Of course, the war is discussed, but it is a back story to Boone’s account. The North America examined by the authors was a land of open territory home to Native Americans. However, the Indigenous people who lived here had a vastly different view of land, and this difference in cultures would set the stage for the bloody battles to follow. I had previously read books which focused on the American frontier and the expansion of the United States, and while those stories were eye-opening, this book is just as gripping, and there were sections of the story which gave me chills. 

As I read, I noticed that the version of Boone we have come to know is different from the real Daniel Boone. We see in the story that the real Danie Boone did not see himself as a folk hero but as a frontiersman with a deep understanding of the complexities of Native American tribes and the dangers of being captured by the Indians. Proof of this comes from Boone’s own ordeal following his capture by a Native Americans. The surreal story is revisited, and it provides us with an inside look at the experiences of people taken as property. Boone lived to tell his tale, but others did not. Grisly fates awaited those chosen for death, and those scenes rival the battlefield atrocities we learn of as the story progresses. And both the tensions and acts of vengeance increase tenfold through the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 and Battle of Blue Licks in 1782. Boone was not at the first battle, but the latter would have tragic consequences for Boone and his family. The role of Boone’s brother Squire (1744-1815) was a curveball I did not see coming and left me speechless. The same applies with brother Edward “Neddie” Boone (1740-1780). And at home was Boone’s wife Rebecca (1739-1813) who increases their family size repeatedly throughout the story. This is significant because the amount of time Boone and other explorers were away from home was extensive, and without the aid of telephones and other means of quick communication, information traveled slowly, sometimes taking months to arrive. Frankly, Rebecca was left at home and more than once believed Boone had died. Today it seems unthinkable but in the 1700s, this was the reality of life as an explorer.

Eventually, the American colonists declare war on their British rulers, and the movement for independence kicks into high gear. Although the story here does not focus on the war extensively, it is a factor in the story. Further, the settlement of Boonesborough comes into focus, and the showdown Boone has with Native American tribes lead by the Shawnee in September 1778. It is a pivotal moment in the story, and it help to cement his legacy in American history. Additionally, there are other figures in the story who were also in charge of campaigns against the native tribes, and their roles in the reshaping of North American should not be overlooked such as Richard Henderson, the man behind the ill-fated Transylvania Purchase in March 1775 and Brigadier General George Rogers Clark (1752-1818) of the Virginia Militia. 

Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, the story winds down and Boone life enters the final stages in the 1820s. Surprisingly, for a man who experienced a staggering amount of physical and emotional pain, he lived longer than most of the people around him but never forgot the pain which came from the tremendous losses his family suffered as North America was engulfed by conflict. The United States Government eventually succeeded in claiming lands once inhabited by Native Americans, and in the process, many became victims of extinction. These dark chapters in American history should not be forgotten and when we give thanks for the lives we have, we should remember those who died in violent conflicts across the continent. Highly recommended. 

ASIN: B08BYC44VP
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press, April 20, 2021