My wife read this book last summer, and she couldn't stop telling me about how good it is and that I should read it. After letting it sit a year, so iMy wife read this book last summer, and she couldn't stop telling me about how good it is and that I should read it. After letting it sit a year, so it seemed more removed from all the stories she related to me from it, I decided it was time.
From the moment I started reading, Schilling makes the reader feel he is tagging along on every one of his experiences. This book is great on so many levels. Of course it is an 'Elvis' book, but not just any book about Elvis. From meeting by chance at a pick-up football game at a Memphis park just as Elvis is starting his music career, to Presley's final days, Schilling is a full participant. Schilling not only writes about Elvis, but vividly captures the early days in Memphis, filming movies in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and the days of concert performances on tour and in Las Vegas. Schilling incorporates his own life experiences beyond being a member of the Memphis Mafia. This includes his personal relationships and experiences working as a film editor, actor, and later working with the Beach Boys and Billy Joel. Unlike some other books, Jerry seems to write from a perspective without a personal agenda. Priscilla, and Lisa Marie both read and approved of Schilling's book. If you're an Elvis fan, or like a heartfelt story of a remarkable friendship this book is for you. This is one of those few books that now that I've finished it, I'm sad that journey is over....more
My wife read this, and recommended I read it. A quick read. I knew he had served as Physician to the President under President Trump, was a Rear AdmirMy wife read this, and recommended I read it. A quick read. I knew he had served as Physician to the President under President Trump, was a Rear Admiral at the time, and now represents the Texas 13th Congressional District.
There was so much I didn't know. After graduating from medical school he joined the Navy and completed the Undersea Medical Officer Program, making him a diver and a doctor. He also is a trained parachutist, and completed his residency in emergency medicine. In 2005 he was deployed to Iraq and worked as an emergency medical physician with a surgical shock trauma platoon. In 2006 he became a physician in the White House Medical Unit. He served as the Physician to the President for Presidents George W. Bush, Barrack Obama, and Donald Trump.
Much of the book is going through his training and military experiences before being selected for the WHMU. I found his experiences working in the White House interesting. I didn't realize how extensive that unit is. I also found his experiences working for the Obama presidency notable. At the time he had many friends in the administration and was friendly with Obama. After serving in the Trump presidency he was shunned by many of these people. Jackson goes on to write about his nomination to head the Veteran's Administration, and how political insiders derailed his nomination process. This in turn led to a seemingly politicized Defense Department Inspector General investigation, which partially inspired his decision to run for Congress.
Whether you're a Republican, Democrat or apolitical you should read Jackson's book to get a sense of his work ethic and determination to succeed. You also get to read about his political opinions, including having to run his political campaign during covid. The only reason I couldn't quite give it five stars is he tended to be a little repetitive in his writing, particularly in the beginning. ...more
I probably wouldn't have read this book, but it was a gift and looked interesting. I've never hiked the Appalachian Trail, but I have hiked parts of tI probably wouldn't have read this book, but it was a gift and looked interesting. I've never hiked the Appalachian Trail, but I have hiked parts of the Pacific Crest Trail here in California in my younger days. Part of the book is a chronicle of Bryson and his hiking partner Katz' adventures and mishaps. The other part is a little history of portions of the trail, and towns along the way. Sprinkle in a few pages here and there on climate and other sciences--and that sums up the book. There is also some humor. Some reviewers seem annoyed that it isn't just one of the above. I found the mishmash enjoyable reading. Parts certainly reminded me of why I stored my backpack and gear away. Yes, you can see beautiful parts of the country without slogging through mud, bugs, and freeze-dried food. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the various biomes along the AT. My experiences here in the West have been in much drier environs for the most part. I certainly was reminded of missing parts of 'civilized' life--ice cold milk, warm showers, and soft beds among them. A good introduction to the AT--and backpacking in general. Now I'm debating if I watch the movie version. Somehow the casting doesn't quite fit with my take on the characters....more
A very conversational look at Secretary Rice's time in the George W. Bush Administration. Starts with her meeting the former President, campaigning foA very conversational look at Secretary Rice's time in the George W. Bush Administration. Starts with her meeting the former President, campaigning for him which then leads to her service as his National Security Advisor. Of course much happened during her tenure in this position, including 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq. Besides her professional efforts and views the reader gets glimpses of Rice's personal and family life. The second part of the memoir is about her years as Secretary of State. Despite being confirmed with the most 'no' votes of a Secretary of State since 1825, she managed to champion democratic governments and negotiate efforts to try and maintain peace throughout the world. She still holds the record for most miles logged as Secretary of State. I'm amazed how anyone can still have a personal life and serve the country in this role. It seems like a 24/7, 365 day a year job. She served in some of this countries most turbulent times concluding with the financial meltdown at the end of the G.W. Bush Administration. In between she negotiated peace between Hamas and Israel, tried to contain Kim Jong Un, dealt with Putin and his invasion of Georgia and trying to intimidate Ukraine, tried to negotiate with Iran on nuclear transparency, dealt with the Iraq War, negotiated with India and Pakistan not to go to war, and much more. She attained much, but still disheartening that fifteen years later most of these issues continue, and some have worsened. A great read if you're interested in this slice of history, or want to know Condoleezza Rice better. A few maps are included, and I was surprised that there weren't any photos. Most importantly--Thank you Secretary Rice for your service....more
I remember reading Smith's 'Report from Engine Company 82' back in Junior High School. It became an inspiration for many to pursue a firefighting careI remember reading Smith's 'Report from Engine Company 82' back in Junior High School. It became an inspiration for many to pursue a firefighting career. My wife and I bought this book not long after it came out, but I kept delaying reading it. I didn't want to relive what I'd seen on television and read about. This is a must read though, and even amid the tragedies there are miracles and so many stories of dedication. The first part of the book are stories of first responders and their families that survived the attack, or had family members that were first responders that perished. The second part is Smith's memoirs of his actions and memories each day afterward through November. His actions included volunteering as part of the 'bucket brigade' moving debris and recovering bodies at the scene, and visiting numerous firehouses that lost firefighters in the attack. He also attended many funeral services and memorials. As a former firefighter Smith had worked with many of the NYFD leadership, and had very deep ties within the Department. What I didn't remember was the controversy that occurred when the New York City mayor's office forced firefighters to lessen their presence at the site, and turned over the debris removal totally to construction companies. This was when hundreds of firefighters had not been recovered by November. Several photos are included as well as a schematic of the building layout in the ground zero area. Sadly Smith passed away at 81 in January of 2022 from complications of Covid. A very emotional book....more
My wife and I saw 'Rocketman' back in 2019. I knew a little of Elton John's life, but was more familiar with his music. Certainly a flamboyant entertaMy wife and I saw 'Rocketman' back in 2019. I knew a little of Elton John's life, but was more familiar with his music. Certainly a flamboyant entertainer and artist, the movie gave a glimpse of what led to make him the person he became, but the book does such a better job. A quick read.
My wife bought the book, and I decided to read it after reading Brian Wilson's book. What a difference in styles! Despite a hard childhood, and disappointing family experiences Elton John makes every bit of this book fun. I don't know how many times I laughed. Sometimes I shook my head reading the incredibly silly names of pubs, villages, or bands. Yes, some of his stories are a bit over the top for stodgy straight folk , including me. But overall the heart, humor and stories shine through. A must read for Elton John fans....more
I finished reading Mike Love's book 'Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy' last month. Decided to read Brian's book to have another viewpoint. WherI finished reading Mike Love's book 'Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy' last month. Decided to read Brian's book to have another viewpoint. Where Mike's book is very positive and upbeat for the most part, a one word description of Brian's book would be melancholy.
If you've seen the movie 'Love & Mercy', the biopic of Brian's life you'll know the reasons why this book comes off this way. Brian Wilson has had serious alcohol, drug and mental issues for a large portion of his adult life. Love and Brian Wilson also have completely different personality types. Brian is a musical genius, but more introverted. Mike Love, the front man for the band is a lyricist, showman and more extroverted. I found the beginning of the book a bit draggy, but by the end really enjoyed Wilson's insights into his musical composition, and his sense of humor. It seems obvious that some things continue to elude him mentally, and that he misses his brother Carl immensely. He certainly doesn't always understand Mike Love, and seems dismissive of his creative efforts in co-writing many of the group's early hits. If you're a Beach Boys fan both books are a must read.
Interesting side note--While I was finishing reading this book, my wife was finishing Jerry Schilling's book 'Me and a Guy Named Elvis'. Schilling was part of Presley's Memphis Mafia, and is currently a talent manager for artists including the Beach Boys. ...more
I bought this book for my wife after we watched the Movie 'Love and Mercy' about Brian Wilson and his struggles with drugs and mental health. I knew aI bought this book for my wife after we watched the Movie 'Love and Mercy' about Brian Wilson and his struggles with drugs and mental health. I knew at the time she wanted Wilson's book 'I Am Brian Wilson', but yet I gave this one to her first. I think at the time it seemed to have a more positive outlook and although it is Mike Love's story, it covered the history of the Beach Boys as well. 'Loved' the book--is that a pun? You decide! The beginning is a little tedious as many bios are with early family life--which can get a little confusing with families as big as the Wilsons and Loves. After that the reader is immersed in Love's journey through his personal life and the Beach Boys. Insights into the development of Beach Boy songs, touring strategies, tragedies with drugs and relationships and a sense of what else was going on in the rest of the music world. I really have a better understanding of the legal proceedings involving Brian, Mike and various recording companies. If you like the Beach Boys--Mike's book is a must read to get a clear picture of the group and it's changes through time. The book includes photos, and an index. Now I'm on to Brian's book 'I Am Brian Wilson'....more
My wife and I saw the movie 'Elvis' starring Austin Butler last year, and that re-ignited my wife's Elvis 'fan-atacism'. She read a few Elvis books, tMy wife and I saw the movie 'Elvis' starring Austin Butler last year, and that re-ignited my wife's Elvis 'fan-atacism'. She read a few Elvis books, this being one of them. Since she enjoyed the book so much, and knows I'm interested in Elvis as well--she recommended that I read it.
A quick read, and extremely conversational. Really makes the reader feel like they are part of the journey. The memoir starts with their meeting in Germany, all the way through their divorce and Elvis's death. Covers all of the major event's of their life, and is told by what I believe is his one true love. Yes, there are tons of Elvis books out there, but this one is told from the heart by probably the one who knew him best. Well worth the read by any Elvis fan. Really sad that while I was finishing the book Lisa Marie Presley passed away. ...more
A quick read. I've read several accounts of military males serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, but reading of these experiences from a female pov is an eA quick read. I've read several accounts of military males serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, but reading of these experiences from a female pov is an enlightening change. Williams served as an Arab language linguist in a military signals intelligence unit. Theoretically her role was to translate Arabic language communications, but she also frequently served as an interpreter due to the lack of skilled translators in Iraq. Before enlisting, Williams had a Palestinian boyfriend and had some background in the Arabic language before military training. This gave here the insight of being more familiar with Muslim cultural differences. Her unit was attached to a wide variety of other units, and was stationed in a wide variety of areas.
I couldn't quite commit to giving her book four stars, because her writing seemed immature to me at times. I suppose somewhat unavoidable when serving in stressful conditions with fellow soldiers in all ranges of maturity levels. It is a memoir--so it is much like reading diary entries.
She did retire as a Sergeant after five years of service, and is currently working for the Veteran's Administration as an Assistant Director. She also married a fellow veteran that was severely wounded in a IED attack on his convoy. If you want to see the female side of the war in Iraq, you might want to pick this one up.
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