Mark Mears

Fascinating story

Revisado: 02-18-25

The General vs the President
MacArthur & Truman at the brink of nuclear war

By H.W. Brands

Brands did his usual excellent job presenting this complex and fascinating story.

He digs into the pertinent pasts of both men, creating an image of how they became the men who faced off against each other during the Korean War.

He also explains the how and why of the conflict. It was more than just two egos. It is a worthwhile read.

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Fascinating first-hand account

Revisado: 01-20-25

Famous Gunfighters of the Western Frontier

By W.B. (Bat) Masterson

As many know, Bat Masterson followed his career as law enforcement in the west by becoming a New York sports writer. In this brief account he described incidents involving Wyatt Earp and his brothers, his own brother, Doc Holliday and several others you will recognize. Reading personal accounts written in the early 20th century was interesting.

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People bring drama to paradise

Revisado: 01-20-25

Eden Undone

By Abbott Kahler

One segment of this book described a news report about the subject’s of the book. The article talked about how a few wealthy and eccentric people had left the chaotic world of the 1930’s to settle on a remote Pacific island in the Galapagos where they sat in paradise sipping tea and reading while the world fell apart.

The book is proof that people bring drama with them regardless of where they go, as they managed to stir up intrigue, sexcapades and murder.

With that, the narrative still drags somewhat. It probably could have been half as long.

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Interesting & Educational

Revisado: 12-06-24

Gangster Hunters

By John Oller

The book was interesting and educational. My favorite thing about a good book is when I learn something. Mr. Oller takes you back to the 1930’s and follows FBI agents chasing down all of the crime spree bandits. You will learn the stories of many agents, not only the most famous. While honoring them as heroes, Mr. Oller does not sugar coat mistakes made. Mistakes born of the fact the dedicated agents were nonetheless inexperienced for the most part. They learned the job the hard way, by doing.
You will also learn details about the bad guys… who are portrayed as just that, no glorifying here.
I would recommend.

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Educational

Revisado: 11-28-24

Ghosts of Panama

By Mark Harmon & Leon Carroll

I leaned a lot about the men and women who lived the hard times in Panama during Noriega’s escapades and the invasion. A lot of sacrifices were made, lives were ended or changed, and “cops” found themselves wrapped up in something far larger than they were accustomed to dealing with.
The book was interesting and educational.

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Not a celebrity fan, but this was good

Revisado: 11-24-24

You Never Know, a Memoir: Tom Selleck

By Ellis Henican & Tom Selleck

I normally avoid anything to do with celebrities like the plague. In my experience they normally live up to the stereotype of spoiled, out of touch vapid elites.
Realizing my only knowledge was his on screen persona, I was interested to get a better idea whether Tom Selleck was actually “down-to-earth.”
My impression after listening to his book, is that yes, he is someone you could sit with and enjoy a beer.
He was privileged inasmuch as he was born in the right time and place (many of his HS classmates also succeeded in the industry) and with good family support. Aside from that I did not get any nepo-baby vibes. He struggled in the beginning and worked hard. He voices his self doubts and how he overcame them.
He also has good advice and life lessons. I will forego quotes to avoid spoilers.
It was interesting learning more about some of our favorite shows / movies, and how Hollywood works from someone who seems honest and self-deprecating.
I enjoyed it, and I believe you would also.

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Enjoyable

Revisado: 11-18-24

I enjoyed the book. I cannot agree with the author’s assertion that TR was merely a pawn to corrupt forces.

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Impressive

Revisado: 11-12-24

America: The Last Best Hope Volume II

By William J Bennett

I was impressed by the depth of Mr. Bennett’s knowledge of history. Particularly interesting were his descriptions of not only events such as the world wars, but causation, how we got there. His insights into FDR and other players was educational.
You will also be happy to know what you will not see… partisan politics.

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Enjoyed

Revisado: 10-23-24

The Waiting

By Michael Connelly

I enjoy Mr. Connelly’s books with Bosch and Ballard. This one was particularly interesting. I really liked the way he utilized a particular famous cold case.
My only disappointment was the inclusion of current national politics into the storyline. We have to deal with it enough without it seeping into our favorite escape avenues.
Aside from that, excellent read I would recommend.

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Fascinating focus on FDR’s passion

Revisado: 10-20-24

Rightful Heritage
Franklin D. Roosevelt & the Land of America

By Douglas Brinkley

Mr. Brinkley’s book is an excellent focus on a very large part of FDR’s life and career. I found it very interesting.
Most probably know FDR’s older cousin Theodore Roosevelt played an integral part in establishing our national parks, conservation and protection of historic sites.
Here you become very well acquainted with the fact that FDR, in continuing that legacy, likely affected the NPS and Forest Service even more than TR. He did try to emulate TR in many ways, however there were other familial influences also. FDR was fascinated with nature, continuing his efforts while also dealing with the Great Depression and prosecuting WWII.
As usual, Mr. Brinkley did not disappoint.

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