Making David into Goliath: How the World Turned Against Israel by Joshua Muravchik
Hardcover: 296 pages
Publisher: Encounter Books (July 8, 2014)
Making David into Goliath could not have been released at a better time as Israel is in the new for defending herself, once again, from Hamas.
Israel, one of the lone democracies in the Middle East and America's strongest ally, is also one of the most criticized and most despised nations in the international community because people such as Jimmy Carter, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and former UN chief Kofi Annan take the time to lambaste Israel every time that they act to defend herself against terror. During the recent campaign, Carter took the time to pen an op-ed saying that Hamas is a legitimate political government. Yeah, right...and pigs can fly, too.
At a time when Iran is seen as a major threat with the capability to make nuclear weapons, Europeans are telling pollsters that they feel that Israel is a bigger threat. At the same time, about a quarter of all votes in the United Nations are directed toward Israel while an increasing number of college campuses are adopting policies of BDS.
As hard as it is to believe with the current climate right now, it was only forty years ago that Israel was attracting admiration and widespread sympathy from people around the word. Progressives and intellectuals were praising Israel. They aren't doing that all that much these days and Muravchik goes into detail as to why.
Muravchik explores just how and why this transformation, as wrong as it is, has taken place. He goes into detail on who is behind it, too, in detail. A fellow at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, Muravchik is one of the nation's leading scholars when it comes to socialism and the Middle East.
He shows how the pressure of terrorism, oil, and demographics have led to Israel being treated as a pariah. In the 1970s, the Arab League threatened to raise oil prices to those countries that voted in favor of Israel at the United Nations! These were the same leadeers that bowed to Palestinian pressure to release those suspected by terrorism so as not to have another bombing or hijacking on their soil.
One of the chief culprits in the transformation was the rise of a intellectual paradigm that saw the replacement of workers against capitalists to the "people-of-color" struggling against the "white man." This was the new moral drama for progressive thinking. No matter what Israel did to defend her borders, she was attacked as being on the wrong side.
The UN, as things stand now, is one of the biggest anti-Israel groups out there. This is mainly due to the Non-Aligned Movement reshaping the the UN to be one that is anti-American, anti-Western, and most of all, anti-Israel. They created three special bodies that, no matter the name, were exclusive to denigrating Israel and serving as a pro-Palestinian body. Not a single such body has ever existed for any other people, cause, or country!
Human Rights Watch cannot be described as humanitarian when they are anti-Israel to an infinite degree.
Edward Said, the godfather of modern scholarship on the "Third World" was one of the most widely assigned authors on campuses in America and Europe. His anti-Israel bias has poisoned a countless number of generations in Western academics just through sheer intellectual charlatanism.
Bruno Kreisky, the self-hating Jewish socialist Chancellor of Austria, was the leading figure in the hate-Israel movement. This was a guy who filled his cabinet with former Nazis even though a number of his family had died in the Shoah. He was ashamed to be Jewish and used that to persuade socialists in Europe to embrace Yasser Arafat and disavow Israel. This was at a time when the PLO believed in terrorism and strongly opposed to Israel's right to exist.
Before the Six Day War of 1967, not a single person in the world cared for the human rights of those living in Gaza or the West Bank. After Israel gained land in a war that was started by her Arab neighbors nonetheless, all of a sudden people cared for their human rights. It was this war that redefined the Israeli-Arab conflict as one between Israel and the Palestinians. Before this point in time, there had never been a Palestinian nation. The PLO's Palestinian National Covenant did not call for a Palestinian state. Instead, it called for Jews to be ejected so that the Palestinian Arabs could be able to take their place in the "Arab nation."
Evangelical support, for now, remains strong when it comes to Israel. However, a number of U.S. churchs, mainly the Presbyterian Church, have been targeted by anti-Israel activists to cut ties with and boycott Israel. Notably, the anti-Israel group, Jewish Voice for Peace, has endorsed BDS.
The home-grown "adversary culture" in Israel does her no favors. This includes Haaretz, revisionist historians, and "post-Zionist intellectuals." In their behavior, they provide an never-ending supply of grist for the Israel haters.
The Middle East is more tumultuous now then ever before with Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq being a threat in one way or another. Groups such as ISIS and Al Qaeda are violent and a threat to mankind. Israel is and will continue to be on the front lines against the terror from radical Islam.
All in all, this is a book that shows how Western opinion, shaped by progressives, abandoned Israel and chose to embrace its enemies despite the fact that they were enemies of the West.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Book Review - The Most Dangerous Man in America: The Making of Douglas MacArthur
The Most Dangerous Man in America: The Making of Douglas MacArthur by Mark Perry
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Basic Books (April 1, 2014)
Douglas MacArthur was an interesting character. To put it differently would be an understatement. Those admiring MacArthur were outranked nevertheless by those that, to put it simply, were not fans. MacArthur could be described as headstrong, vain, he had a rebellious streak, and a massive ego.
Mark Perry examines the general and sees that his actions have been misunderstood and overshadowed by his faults--thus the general's significant contributions to become marginalized, unfortunately.
In this new biography, Perry sets the record straight. What we have is a new reconsideration of the American hero. It was MacArthur's combined-arms operation in the Pacific (a first of its kind during war) that enabled America's triumph during World War 2. During World War 2, MacArthur had to overcome both personal and professional challenges to lead his troops.
But this isn't just MacArthur's story. No. It's also the story of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the men that acted behind the scenes. It was MacArthur's subordinates who had to tame the general, make him useful, and help him achieve victory on the battlefield.
The title of this book comes from a phrase that FDR once uttered about the general even though he also described him as an intelligent and brilliant soldier. FDR was not alone in having polarizing feelings. MacArthur, depending on who one talks to, is a gifted general or the most reviled military figure in history.
As time passes on from MacArthur's death, his hazardous faults have eclipsed his incredible genius. With this new biography, perhaps the time has come to reconsider MacArthur's character, both controversial and equally brilliance.
Perry traces the general's path from the Great Depression to the end of World War 2. The author shows how the general's military genius was matched by a massive ego and sense of decorum. This was a guy that commanded a great deal of respect from the Republican Party and the American public. There's no mistaking how powerful a figure that he was and FDR was right to fear him.
After the Great War, MacArthur was sidelined with a ceremonial position in the Philippines but faced with the threat from Japan in the lead-up to WW2, FDR promoted MacArthur to Commander of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East.
His capricious personality led to more casualties than any other general during WW2. His success in the Pacific, Perry notes, can be attributed to combat commander Robert Eichelberger and aide Dwight Eisenhower. Without them helping to sideline his faults and draw on his strengths, he would not have been able to fight one of the most visionary campaigns of all time. It was the first combined-arms operation in the history of warfare. It was this bold innovation that paved the way for Japan to be defeated.
What Perry has done is revisit MacArthur's legacy, as unfairly skewed as it was, and rehabilitates his image by displaying how the general not only led the United States to victory in the Pacific but reshaped modern warfare while doing so.
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: Basic Books (April 1, 2014)
Douglas MacArthur was an interesting character. To put it differently would be an understatement. Those admiring MacArthur were outranked nevertheless by those that, to put it simply, were not fans. MacArthur could be described as headstrong, vain, he had a rebellious streak, and a massive ego.
Mark Perry examines the general and sees that his actions have been misunderstood and overshadowed by his faults--thus the general's significant contributions to become marginalized, unfortunately.
In this new biography, Perry sets the record straight. What we have is a new reconsideration of the American hero. It was MacArthur's combined-arms operation in the Pacific (a first of its kind during war) that enabled America's triumph during World War 2. During World War 2, MacArthur had to overcome both personal and professional challenges to lead his troops.
But this isn't just MacArthur's story. No. It's also the story of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the men that acted behind the scenes. It was MacArthur's subordinates who had to tame the general, make him useful, and help him achieve victory on the battlefield.
The title of this book comes from a phrase that FDR once uttered about the general even though he also described him as an intelligent and brilliant soldier. FDR was not alone in having polarizing feelings. MacArthur, depending on who one talks to, is a gifted general or the most reviled military figure in history.
As time passes on from MacArthur's death, his hazardous faults have eclipsed his incredible genius. With this new biography, perhaps the time has come to reconsider MacArthur's character, both controversial and equally brilliance.
Perry traces the general's path from the Great Depression to the end of World War 2. The author shows how the general's military genius was matched by a massive ego and sense of decorum. This was a guy that commanded a great deal of respect from the Republican Party and the American public. There's no mistaking how powerful a figure that he was and FDR was right to fear him.
After the Great War, MacArthur was sidelined with a ceremonial position in the Philippines but faced with the threat from Japan in the lead-up to WW2, FDR promoted MacArthur to Commander of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East.
His capricious personality led to more casualties than any other general during WW2. His success in the Pacific, Perry notes, can be attributed to combat commander Robert Eichelberger and aide Dwight Eisenhower. Without them helping to sideline his faults and draw on his strengths, he would not have been able to fight one of the most visionary campaigns of all time. It was the first combined-arms operation in the history of warfare. It was this bold innovation that paved the way for Japan to be defeated.
What Perry has done is revisit MacArthur's legacy, as unfairly skewed as it was, and rehabilitates his image by displaying how the general not only led the United States to victory in the Pacific but reshaped modern warfare while doing so.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Book Review: Rebbe
Rebbe: The Life and Teachings of Menachem M. Schneerson, the Most Influential Rabbi in Modern History by Rabbi Joseph Teluskin
Hardcover: 640 pages
Publisher: HarperWave (June 10, 2014)
Rabbi Teluskin has written a brilliant biography of one of the greatest influential Jewish leaders of probably the last few centuries. It's been 20 years since the death of the Rebbe and this biography is highly insightful and really tells how Chabad went from being a small war-torn group into the most dynamic and geographically diverse religious movement in Jewish history. The Rebbe's legacy is felt on college campus and at Chabad Houses throughout the globe.
Telushkin was afforded extraordinary access to the Rebbe's intimate circle and guarded documents. This biography, five years in the making, examines the Rebbe's personal side while exploring his achievements, philosophy, and pioneering initiatives. Telushkin also analyzes the Rebbe's stories and speeches.
While I don't consider myself to be a Chasidic Jew (I am Modern Orthdox), I found it fascinating to learn about the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. No matter what denomination of Judaism they were, many people sought out his guidance be it via a private meeting or by letter.
From his perch in Brooklyn, the Rebbe taught transcendant words that were able to resonate with many people, no matter what faith they were. Prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate, then-Newark mayor Cory Booker went to the Rebbe's Ohel to pray. The Rebbe's Ohel is the first major Jewish holy site in the United States without a doubt. Thousands of Jews visit his Ohel on his yahrtzeit of 3 Tammuz.
The Rebbe had some radical ideas--refusing to judge others based on their level of observance and a belief in the brotherhood of all mankind. It's because of ideas such as these that Chabad was able to grow into a worldwide movement. His emissaries across the globe continue to spread his teachings of love, unity, and righteousness. Despite his being the leading figure of Chabad, he was a very humble person at heart. He was accessible to just about anyone that wanted to meet him!
The most intriguing things that Telushkin addresses about the Rebbe, his ideology, and his actions include:
--The hope of a small sect of his followers who believed that he was the Moshiach. Had his wife not preceded him in death, she would have put a stop to this really quick. The Rebbe even rejected such claims!
--The innovation and advocacy of taking Judaism out into the world, be it through the wearing of Tefillin, offering Shabbas candles to women of all ages, public Chanukah lightings, etc.
--Israeli and American elected officials, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Moshe Sharrett, Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Rabin, Bejamin Netanyahu, and Ariel Sharon, to name a few.
--His willingness to oppose non-denominational prayer in public schools.
I highly recommend this book.
Hardcover: 640 pages
Publisher: HarperWave (June 10, 2014)
Rabbi Teluskin has written a brilliant biography of one of the greatest influential Jewish leaders of probably the last few centuries. It's been 20 years since the death of the Rebbe and this biography is highly insightful and really tells how Chabad went from being a small war-torn group into the most dynamic and geographically diverse religious movement in Jewish history. The Rebbe's legacy is felt on college campus and at Chabad Houses throughout the globe.
Telushkin was afforded extraordinary access to the Rebbe's intimate circle and guarded documents. This biography, five years in the making, examines the Rebbe's personal side while exploring his achievements, philosophy, and pioneering initiatives. Telushkin also analyzes the Rebbe's stories and speeches.
While I don't consider myself to be a Chasidic Jew (I am Modern Orthdox), I found it fascinating to learn about the seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson. No matter what denomination of Judaism they were, many people sought out his guidance be it via a private meeting or by letter.
From his perch in Brooklyn, the Rebbe taught transcendant words that were able to resonate with many people, no matter what faith they were. Prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate, then-Newark mayor Cory Booker went to the Rebbe's Ohel to pray. The Rebbe's Ohel is the first major Jewish holy site in the United States without a doubt. Thousands of Jews visit his Ohel on his yahrtzeit of 3 Tammuz.
The Rebbe had some radical ideas--refusing to judge others based on their level of observance and a belief in the brotherhood of all mankind. It's because of ideas such as these that Chabad was able to grow into a worldwide movement. His emissaries across the globe continue to spread his teachings of love, unity, and righteousness. Despite his being the leading figure of Chabad, he was a very humble person at heart. He was accessible to just about anyone that wanted to meet him!
The most intriguing things that Telushkin addresses about the Rebbe, his ideology, and his actions include:
--The hope of a small sect of his followers who believed that he was the Moshiach. Had his wife not preceded him in death, she would have put a stop to this really quick. The Rebbe even rejected such claims!
--The innovation and advocacy of taking Judaism out into the world, be it through the wearing of Tefillin, offering Shabbas candles to women of all ages, public Chanukah lightings, etc.
--Israeli and American elected officials, including Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Moshe Sharrett, Menachem Begin, Yitzhak Rabin, Bejamin Netanyahu, and Ariel Sharon, to name a few.
--His willingness to oppose non-denominational prayer in public schools.
I highly recommend this book.
Monday, August 04, 2014
Quote of the Day
“The bigger issue is not whether the Obama administration imposes a
cease-fire on Israel or not,” said Noam Neusner, who worked for the
administration of President George W. Bush as a liaison to the Jewish
community.
“The bigger issue is with the Democratic Party electorate, namely academic elites, African-Americans and younger voters. As those blocs of voters become more skeptical of Israel’s right to defend itself — and that seems to be happening — that is going to make American Jews who are Democratic Party voters less comfortable in their own party.”
“The bigger issue is with the Democratic Party electorate, namely academic elites, African-Americans and younger voters. As those blocs of voters become more skeptical of Israel’s right to defend itself — and that seems to be happening — that is going to make American Jews who are Democratic Party voters less comfortable in their own party.”
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Book Review: Politics, Faith, and the Making of American Judaism
Politics, Faith, and the Making of American Judaism by Peter Adams
Paperback: 230 pages
Publisher: University of Michigan Press (March 25, 2014)
Adams explores how politics and faith played a role in the evolution of Judaism in America. While there is a small amount over overlap with When Grant Expelled the Jews by Jonathan Sarna, this is very much Adams' book.
There's a lot in here on how Reform Judaism came to be, much thanks to Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise. The book briefly touches on how the Conservative Judaism movement came out of those that thought the Reform movement went too far but didn't feel completely comfortable with the Orthodox movement either. A middle ground, if you will.
I am one of those that finds it very uncomfortable with walking into a Reform shul and this goes back to the Bar Mitzvah circuit from when I grew up in a Conservative shul before slowly becoming Orthodox in college. It feels too much like a church with the organs and lack of tallit and kippot. This book explains just how that came to be.
I knew that Conservative Judaism had started in America but I didn't realize just how liberal Reform Judaism was at the time. After reading the book, I wonder how Rabbi Wise would feel about the current conflict seeing as how much of an anti-Zionist he was and how he was so opposed to Herzl at the time.
After the infamous order by Grant during the Civil War, many Jews felt that it was best to assimilate with their fellow Americans. For some, this meant working on Shabbas since it was illegal in many places to open shop on Sunday.
In the post-Civil War of America, American Jews paid attention to what was happening elsewhere with fellow Jews around the world. President Grant took notice of what was happening in Romania and Russia and did his best to help the situation.
Back in the day, the Board of Delegates served as the predecessor to the the modern-Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Wise was not a fan of this board and he made his feelings very much known to those involved.
American Jewry played a role in helping as many of the Russian Jews as possible given the pogroms that they were suffering from in Russia.
All of this, of course, happened in a world without social media. I can't help but think just how mobilized the Jewish community would have been in the 1800s--especially judging from my Facebook feed in the last few weeks.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those Jewish history buffs out there!
Paperback: 230 pages
Publisher: University of Michigan Press (March 25, 2014)
Adams explores how politics and faith played a role in the evolution of Judaism in America. While there is a small amount over overlap with When Grant Expelled the Jews by Jonathan Sarna, this is very much Adams' book.
There's a lot in here on how Reform Judaism came to be, much thanks to Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise. The book briefly touches on how the Conservative Judaism movement came out of those that thought the Reform movement went too far but didn't feel completely comfortable with the Orthodox movement either. A middle ground, if you will.
I am one of those that finds it very uncomfortable with walking into a Reform shul and this goes back to the Bar Mitzvah circuit from when I grew up in a Conservative shul before slowly becoming Orthodox in college. It feels too much like a church with the organs and lack of tallit and kippot. This book explains just how that came to be.
I knew that Conservative Judaism had started in America but I didn't realize just how liberal Reform Judaism was at the time. After reading the book, I wonder how Rabbi Wise would feel about the current conflict seeing as how much of an anti-Zionist he was and how he was so opposed to Herzl at the time.
After the infamous order by Grant during the Civil War, many Jews felt that it was best to assimilate with their fellow Americans. For some, this meant working on Shabbas since it was illegal in many places to open shop on Sunday.
In the post-Civil War of America, American Jews paid attention to what was happening elsewhere with fellow Jews around the world. President Grant took notice of what was happening in Romania and Russia and did his best to help the situation.
Back in the day, the Board of Delegates served as the predecessor to the the modern-Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. Wise was not a fan of this board and he made his feelings very much known to those involved.
American Jewry played a role in helping as many of the Russian Jews as possible given the pogroms that they were suffering from in Russia.
All of this, of course, happened in a world without social media. I can't help but think just how mobilized the Jewish community would have been in the 1800s--especially judging from my Facebook feed in the last few weeks.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those Jewish history buffs out there!
Thursday, July 17, 2014
Prayer for Members of the Israel Defense Forces
He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Forces, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our G-d from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, on the sea and wherever they may be.
May
Hashem cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before
them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighters
from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and
may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant our soldiers salvation and crown them with victory. And may it be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your G-d, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.
Amen.
May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant our soldiers salvation and crown them with victory. And may it be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your G-d, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.
Amen.
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Book Review: Shrink Thyself by Bill Scheft
Shrink Thyself: A Novel by Bill Scheft
Hardcover: 289 pages
Publisher: Rare Bird Books, A Vireo Book (June 24, 2014)
It is very rare when an author combines fiction with non-fiction. This is what Scheft accomplishes in Shrink Thyself as he tells the story of Boston Red Sox outfielder Tony Conigliaro. But really, this coming-of-middle-age story is about Charlie Traub, who will likely need therapy as he recovers from therapy.
Early on Charlie Traub decides that he's done having sessions with his psychologist, Travis Waldman, and decides that he wants to live the unexamined life. This goal is noble and all but Waldman decides he wants to stalk Bonnie Dressler, a constitutional lawyer that Traub nearly had an affair with during the Clinton years.
And Traub's mother? She died while having sex with Sy Siegel, who was friendly with her while living at the assisted living facility. Siegel and Charlie become good friends in the time thereafter and even work on writing a book about the circumstances surrounding Tony C's injury. This, in part, turns out to be a look at what many Vietnam veterans are going through in the years after coming back.
It was amazing how Scheft is able to incorporate such a huge amount of non-fiction into a fiction book. It's not historic fiction at all, not in the least. He talks with someone that knew Tony C and this project then becomes talking to vets about their PTSD.
Hardcover: 289 pages
Publisher: Rare Bird Books, A Vireo Book (June 24, 2014)
It is very rare when an author combines fiction with non-fiction. This is what Scheft accomplishes in Shrink Thyself as he tells the story of Boston Red Sox outfielder Tony Conigliaro. But really, this coming-of-middle-age story is about Charlie Traub, who will likely need therapy as he recovers from therapy.
Early on Charlie Traub decides that he's done having sessions with his psychologist, Travis Waldman, and decides that he wants to live the unexamined life. This goal is noble and all but Waldman decides he wants to stalk Bonnie Dressler, a constitutional lawyer that Traub nearly had an affair with during the Clinton years.
And Traub's mother? She died while having sex with Sy Siegel, who was friendly with her while living at the assisted living facility. Siegel and Charlie become good friends in the time thereafter and even work on writing a book about the circumstances surrounding Tony C's injury. This, in part, turns out to be a look at what many Vietnam veterans are going through in the years after coming back.
It was amazing how Scheft is able to incorporate such a huge amount of non-fiction into a fiction book. It's not historic fiction at all, not in the least. He talks with someone that knew Tony C and this project then becomes talking to vets about their PTSD.
Sunday, July 06, 2014
Poking a Dead Frog: Conversations with Today's Top Comedy Writers
Poking a Dead Frog: Conversations with Today's Top Comedy Writers by Mike Sacks
Paperback: 453 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books (June 24, 2014)
Platforms such as Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, and the Golden Age of Television have given rise to comedy writers like never before. One doesn't need to be working in New York or LA to make people laugh, they could just type something on the keys of their laptop or even their phones.
Still, it's a long way to the top and there are those that will find a way to make it one day. Maybe there will be one day in a future generation in that something they wrote will be remembered as what helped inspire somebody else to get into the comedy business. It could be a movie, radio show, television show, book, improv show, or even a stand-up comedy act on stage. For me, it was reading Bob Hope's memoir, Don't Shoot: It's Only Me, in the summer of 2003 following his passing and just a few short weeks later, I saw the Second City National Touring Company on campus at Bradley University featuring the likes of Frank Caeti and Matthew Craig, to name a few.
This isn't Sacks' first go-around with interviewing comedy writers. And Here's the Kicker: Conversations with 21 Top Humor Writers on their Craft was released in the summer of 2009. This book is just as great with that one and Sacks talks to even more comedy writers.
Sacks speaks with writers that have been around anywhere from 60 years ago to only recently in the last five-ten years. He looks at their influence and creative process, the hard times and breakthroughs. Most importantly, Sacks seeks to know how they were managed to succeed in one of the toughest fields in the industry.
Where it's the writer's room for The Onion or The Colbert Report, no page goes unturned. Want to know why a sketch didn't make it to air on Saturday Night Live even though it killed during the read-through? That question gets answered.
Terry Jones lets readers in on a secret. Monty Python almost never came to the United States because the BBC was going to tape over the masters. They found out and saved the tapes. The rest, of course, is history.
Sacks interviews comedy icons like Mel Brooks, Terry Jones, Adam McKay, Mike Schur, and Paul Feig, to name a few. Comedy writing in all mediums are covered: television, movies, radio, cartoons, books, and Twitter. There are essays scattered throughout from the likes of Amy Poehler, Patton Oswalt, Diablo Cody, Kay Cannon, Marc Maron, etc. as well as questions geared towards something ultra-specific in comedy like the writers' bible or hiring an agent, etc. Bill Hader offers a list of 200 movies that every comedy writer needs to see in their life.
To say that this book is a bible for aspiring comedy writers and comedy buffs is an understatement. It's an essential read for anybody that wants to break into the business. Just like his first book, this one is very much a must-own like Sacks' prior book if you want my opinion.
Paperback: 453 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books (June 24, 2014)
Platforms such as Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube, and the Golden Age of Television have given rise to comedy writers like never before. One doesn't need to be working in New York or LA to make people laugh, they could just type something on the keys of their laptop or even their phones.
Still, it's a long way to the top and there are those that will find a way to make it one day. Maybe there will be one day in a future generation in that something they wrote will be remembered as what helped inspire somebody else to get into the comedy business. It could be a movie, radio show, television show, book, improv show, or even a stand-up comedy act on stage. For me, it was reading Bob Hope's memoir, Don't Shoot: It's Only Me, in the summer of 2003 following his passing and just a few short weeks later, I saw the Second City National Touring Company on campus at Bradley University featuring the likes of Frank Caeti and Matthew Craig, to name a few.
This isn't Sacks' first go-around with interviewing comedy writers. And Here's the Kicker: Conversations with 21 Top Humor Writers on their Craft was released in the summer of 2009. This book is just as great with that one and Sacks talks to even more comedy writers.
Sacks speaks with writers that have been around anywhere from 60 years ago to only recently in the last five-ten years. He looks at their influence and creative process, the hard times and breakthroughs. Most importantly, Sacks seeks to know how they were managed to succeed in one of the toughest fields in the industry.
Where it's the writer's room for The Onion or The Colbert Report, no page goes unturned. Want to know why a sketch didn't make it to air on Saturday Night Live even though it killed during the read-through? That question gets answered.
Terry Jones lets readers in on a secret. Monty Python almost never came to the United States because the BBC was going to tape over the masters. They found out and saved the tapes. The rest, of course, is history.
Sacks interviews comedy icons like Mel Brooks, Terry Jones, Adam McKay, Mike Schur, and Paul Feig, to name a few. Comedy writing in all mediums are covered: television, movies, radio, cartoons, books, and Twitter. There are essays scattered throughout from the likes of Amy Poehler, Patton Oswalt, Diablo Cody, Kay Cannon, Marc Maron, etc. as well as questions geared towards something ultra-specific in comedy like the writers' bible or hiring an agent, etc. Bill Hader offers a list of 200 movies that every comedy writer needs to see in their life.
To say that this book is a bible for aspiring comedy writers and comedy buffs is an understatement. It's an essential read for anybody that wants to break into the business. Just like his first book, this one is very much a must-own like Sacks' prior book if you want my opinion.
Friday, July 04, 2014
John Adams on Independence Day
"The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to G-d Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in G-d We shall not."
-John Adams to his wife, Abigail, in a letter sent on July 3, 1776 about the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776.
-John Adams to his wife, Abigail, in a letter sent on July 3, 1776 about the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
G-d Bless the USA
G-d Bless the U.S.A
by Lee Greenwood
If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars
to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.
I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
G-d Bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
There's pride in every American heart
and it's time we stand and say:
I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
G-d Bless the U.S.A.
by Lee Greenwood
If tomorrow all the things were gone
I'd worked for all my life,
And I had to start again
with just my children and my wife,
I'd thank my lucky stars
to be living here today,
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away.
I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
G-d Bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee,
Across the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea.
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to L.A.,
There's pride in every American heart
and it's time we stand and say:
I'm proud to be an American
where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the men who died
who gave that right to me,
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today,
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
G-d Bless the U.S.A.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Recently Published Sports Books
The Wait Is Over: The New York Rangers and the 1994 Stanley Cup by John Kreiser (Foreword by Neil Smith)
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Sports Publishing; 20th Anniversary edition (May 6, 2014)
Kreiser revisits the 1994 Stanley Cup victory as the New York Rangers defeated the Vancouver Canucks in a seven-game series. Kreiser recounts the entire season as he interviews numerous folks involved. For Rangers fans wanting to relive the glory, this book is one to check out.
This Day in Philadelphia Sports by Brian Startare and Kevin Reavy (Foreword by Charlie Manuel)
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Sports Publishing (June 3, 2014)
What Startare and Reavy have done is take Philadelphia sports fans on a tour one day at a time. Want to know what happened on a certain day? They have it covered.
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Sports Publishing; 20th Anniversary edition (May 6, 2014)
Kreiser revisits the 1994 Stanley Cup victory as the New York Rangers defeated the Vancouver Canucks in a seven-game series. Kreiser recounts the entire season as he interviews numerous folks involved. For Rangers fans wanting to relive the glory, this book is one to check out.
This Day in Philadelphia Sports by Brian Startare and Kevin Reavy (Foreword by Charlie Manuel)
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Sports Publishing (June 3, 2014)
What Startare and Reavy have done is take Philadelphia sports fans on a tour one day at a time. Want to know what happened on a certain day? They have it covered.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Book Review - Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher
Nolan Ryan: The Making of a Pitcher by Rob Goldman (Foreword by Reid Ryan)
Hardcover: 366 pages
Publisher: Triumph Books (April 1, 2014)
Rob Goldman brings an interesting perspective to his biography of Nolan Ryan in that he was the bat boy for the California Angels during the 1970s.
When one thinks of The Ryan Express, they think of the 100 mph fastball, over 5,700 strikeouts during a career that spanned 27 years and a historic seven no-hitters.
Ryan wrote a memoir or two but what Goldman presents is, for the first time, a comprehensive biography of one of the greatest power pitchers of all time. Because it is the first book written about Ryan since the 1990s, it may just be the definitive biography as it goes all the way through the 2013 season when Ryan exited his post as CEO of the Texas Rangers. Perhaps in an afterword for the paperback edition, there will be mention of his signing on with the Houston Astros as an executive advisor in early 2014.
There's some mention of Ryan's life before he was first scouted by the New York Mets but most of all that, I imagine, would have been touched upon in one of his previously published books in the 1990s. This book, for the most part, follows Ryan's career as a player and executive.
Stories are told by some of baseball's all time greats including Dave Winfield and Pete Rose as they share their take on Ryan. Others include journeymen, teammates, coaches, trainers, and clubhouse workers. There are many never-before-heard stories about Ryan and personal recollections of games, including those no-hitters.
Goldman explores what made Ryan the pitcher that he became. This coincided with his trade to the Angels in the early 1970s. Maybe if Ryan wasn't out for so many days or weeks at a time due to his army commitments in the late 1960s, he would have done better with the Mets. But by being out for days and weeks at a time, it just was not possible to build a pitching rhythm.
Ryan's personality on the field could not be more unlike who he was off the field. Here's a guy that offered advice to Randy Johnson after a game against the Seattle Mariners in 1992. Without that intervention, Johnson does not become a future Hall of Famer.
Previous books may have said what Ryan accomplished in his playing career but this one goes further in explaining how Nolan accomplished it.
There were people that were key to extending Nolan's career as a pitcher and they included Tom Morgan, Jimmie Reese, Gene Coleman, and Tom House. Ryan was one of the early pitchers to pioneer strength and conditioning to his routine.
Hardcover: 366 pages
Publisher: Triumph Books (April 1, 2014)
Rob Goldman brings an interesting perspective to his biography of Nolan Ryan in that he was the bat boy for the California Angels during the 1970s.
When one thinks of The Ryan Express, they think of the 100 mph fastball, over 5,700 strikeouts during a career that spanned 27 years and a historic seven no-hitters.
Ryan wrote a memoir or two but what Goldman presents is, for the first time, a comprehensive biography of one of the greatest power pitchers of all time. Because it is the first book written about Ryan since the 1990s, it may just be the definitive biography as it goes all the way through the 2013 season when Ryan exited his post as CEO of the Texas Rangers. Perhaps in an afterword for the paperback edition, there will be mention of his signing on with the Houston Astros as an executive advisor in early 2014.
There's some mention of Ryan's life before he was first scouted by the New York Mets but most of all that, I imagine, would have been touched upon in one of his previously published books in the 1990s. This book, for the most part, follows Ryan's career as a player and executive.
Stories are told by some of baseball's all time greats including Dave Winfield and Pete Rose as they share their take on Ryan. Others include journeymen, teammates, coaches, trainers, and clubhouse workers. There are many never-before-heard stories about Ryan and personal recollections of games, including those no-hitters.
Goldman explores what made Ryan the pitcher that he became. This coincided with his trade to the Angels in the early 1970s. Maybe if Ryan wasn't out for so many days or weeks at a time due to his army commitments in the late 1960s, he would have done better with the Mets. But by being out for days and weeks at a time, it just was not possible to build a pitching rhythm.
Ryan's personality on the field could not be more unlike who he was off the field. Here's a guy that offered advice to Randy Johnson after a game against the Seattle Mariners in 1992. Without that intervention, Johnson does not become a future Hall of Famer.
Previous books may have said what Ryan accomplished in his playing career but this one goes further in explaining how Nolan accomplished it.
There were people that were key to extending Nolan's career as a pitcher and they included Tom Morgan, Jimmie Reese, Gene Coleman, and Tom House. Ryan was one of the early pitchers to pioneer strength and conditioning to his routine.
Tuesday, June 03, 2014
Book Review: Dirty Daddy by Bob Saget
Dirty Daddy: The Chronicles of a Family Man Turned Filthy Comedian by Bob Saget
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: It Books (April 8, 2014)
To many, Bob Saget is known as Danny Tanner, the father on Full House. I grew up watching Saget star as Tanner on the long-running ABC sitcom and watched many reruns during my years in college when they aired on ABC Family. To me, he'll always be the host of America's Funniest Home Videos...which was YouTube before YouTube.
But there's more to Saget than meets the eye. Oh, yes, there is. Saget's memoir, Dirty Daddy, is by no means a book for those that think his humor is closer to that of Full House. Far from it in fact. Saget's stand-up act is as far from clean as it gets. His book, just like his stand-up, is just as...dirty.
Saget's sick, twisted sense of humor does not stop him from delivering a memoir that is uproarious, uncensored, and heartfelt. Saget's book is sincere, hilarious, and especially, dirty. Saget's voice is felt throughout the uncensored book, which explains why it was such a quick read for me.
It's not just all comedy in Dirty Daddy. There are heartbreaking stories from Bob's life as well. He saw many of his uncles die to heart attacks at relatively young ages. Two sisters died at young ages as well. But, despite the heartbreak, the stories are genuine. Saget uses humor to get through his pain and dark times in his life. He made the decision a long time ago that he would never drink and drive or drive and text.
Having three daughters of his own, Saget offers some parenting advice along with advice about relationships.
There's those who influenced Saget, be it in life or comedy: his family and legendary comedians such as Richard Pryor, David Letterman, Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Johnny Carson, and George Carlin.
There's a place for immature humor, or humor for mature audiences only, as well as family comedy. It comes as no surprise that there are some behind-the-scenes stories of Full House. Saget shares why he took up Comedy Central's offer to roast him and what changes he made them do. There's the appearances on Entourage and The Aristocrats, solidifying Saget as a true original with a dirty sense of humor and unique personality, not to mention the cameo in Half-Baked.
I highly recommend Saget's book but with a word of caution: If you are not familiar with his stand-up act, you'll never look at Bob Saget in the same way again.
Hardcover: 272 pages
Publisher: It Books (April 8, 2014)
To many, Bob Saget is known as Danny Tanner, the father on Full House. I grew up watching Saget star as Tanner on the long-running ABC sitcom and watched many reruns during my years in college when they aired on ABC Family. To me, he'll always be the host of America's Funniest Home Videos...which was YouTube before YouTube.
But there's more to Saget than meets the eye. Oh, yes, there is. Saget's memoir, Dirty Daddy, is by no means a book for those that think his humor is closer to that of Full House. Far from it in fact. Saget's stand-up act is as far from clean as it gets. His book, just like his stand-up, is just as...dirty.
Saget's sick, twisted sense of humor does not stop him from delivering a memoir that is uproarious, uncensored, and heartfelt. Saget's book is sincere, hilarious, and especially, dirty. Saget's voice is felt throughout the uncensored book, which explains why it was such a quick read for me.
It's not just all comedy in Dirty Daddy. There are heartbreaking stories from Bob's life as well. He saw many of his uncles die to heart attacks at relatively young ages. Two sisters died at young ages as well. But, despite the heartbreak, the stories are genuine. Saget uses humor to get through his pain and dark times in his life. He made the decision a long time ago that he would never drink and drive or drive and text.
Having three daughters of his own, Saget offers some parenting advice along with advice about relationships.
There's those who influenced Saget, be it in life or comedy: his family and legendary comedians such as Richard Pryor, David Letterman, Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Johnny Carson, and George Carlin.
There's a place for immature humor, or humor for mature audiences only, as well as family comedy. It comes as no surprise that there are some behind-the-scenes stories of Full House. Saget shares why he took up Comedy Central's offer to roast him and what changes he made them do. There's the appearances on Entourage and The Aristocrats, solidifying Saget as a true original with a dirty sense of humor and unique personality, not to mention the cameo in Half-Baked.
I highly recommend Saget's book but with a word of caution: If you are not familiar with his stand-up act, you'll never look at Bob Saget in the same way again.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Book Review - Seth MacFarlane's A Million Ways to Die in the West: A Novel
Seth MacFarlane's A Million Ways to Die in the West: A Novel
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books; First Edition edition (March 4, 2014)
From the genius mind of Seth MacFarlane comes his very first novel, A Million Ways to Die in the West: A Novel. Based on the screenplay written by MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin & Wellesley Wild, the novel is a tie-in to this week's upcoming motion picture of the same name.
MacFarlane wrote the novel during downtime of shooting the movie that stars himself, amongst others. Writing a novel is much different than writing a screenplay but the creator of Family Guy and director of Ted can write the funny no matter what medium it is being written for, be it big screen, small screen, or print.
If one is familiar with the trailers, they already know that MacFarlane portrays Albert Stark, a sheep farmer whose girlfriend, Louise, breaks up with him.
It's the Old American West, where just about anything can kill you. Albert would like to avoid all those million ways if he can help it. However, Albert gets dumped early on by Louise and when she chooses the most insufferable guy in town, Albert decides to fight back--even if he isn't the best shooter in town.
Albert soon meets Anna, a beautiful gunslinger, but unfortunately for him, she's married to the baddest guy in the West, Clinch Leatherwood. Only Albert doesn't know that and Clinch will want to kill Albert when he finds out.
As far as scenes in the trailer that are in the book, the comment Stark makes after the ice block falls was not the same comment in the book. That's one of the downsides that comes with writing books based on a screenplay when one knows that there will be a decent amount of improvised lines on set.
This book/movie has every classic trope of a western and MacFarlane does the best that he can when it comes to writing a western comedy.
When I learned that MacFarlane had written a novel based on his upcoming movie, I had high expectations. The book lived up to my high expectations. The book is very funny and MacFarlane writes the hell out of a sex scene that features a prostitute. I hope that he writes some more novels, even if they aren't tied in to a television show or motion picture.
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books; First Edition edition (March 4, 2014)
From the genius mind of Seth MacFarlane comes his very first novel, A Million Ways to Die in the West: A Novel. Based on the screenplay written by MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin & Wellesley Wild, the novel is a tie-in to this week's upcoming motion picture of the same name.
MacFarlane wrote the novel during downtime of shooting the movie that stars himself, amongst others. Writing a novel is much different than writing a screenplay but the creator of Family Guy and director of Ted can write the funny no matter what medium it is being written for, be it big screen, small screen, or print.
If one is familiar with the trailers, they already know that MacFarlane portrays Albert Stark, a sheep farmer whose girlfriend, Louise, breaks up with him.
It's the Old American West, where just about anything can kill you. Albert would like to avoid all those million ways if he can help it. However, Albert gets dumped early on by Louise and when she chooses the most insufferable guy in town, Albert decides to fight back--even if he isn't the best shooter in town.
Albert soon meets Anna, a beautiful gunslinger, but unfortunately for him, she's married to the baddest guy in the West, Clinch Leatherwood. Only Albert doesn't know that and Clinch will want to kill Albert when he finds out.
As far as scenes in the trailer that are in the book, the comment Stark makes after the ice block falls was not the same comment in the book. That's one of the downsides that comes with writing books based on a screenplay when one knows that there will be a decent amount of improvised lines on set.
This book/movie has every classic trope of a western and MacFarlane does the best that he can when it comes to writing a western comedy.
When I learned that MacFarlane had written a novel based on his upcoming movie, I had high expectations. The book lived up to my high expectations. The book is very funny and MacFarlane writes the hell out of a sex scene that features a prostitute. I hope that he writes some more novels, even if they aren't tied in to a television show or motion picture.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Book Review: Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line
Veronica Mars: An Original Mystery - The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line by Rob Thomas and Jennifer Graham
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Vintage (March 25, 2014)
Not even two weeks after the movie was released, the first Veronica Mars novel was published. They are considered as canon so any future films would likely make reference to the events that transpire in the novels. A second book is scheduled for release later this year.
The novel takes place a short time after the end of the movie but most potential readers will likely have seen the film before opening up the book.
Set ten years after graduating from high school, Veronica Mars has relocated from New York back to Neptune. The land of sun, sand, crime, and correction. Instead of pursuing a career in law, she's gotten back her license to serve as a private investigator.
Mars Investigations is struggling to pay the rent and employee paychecks. That is until a girl goes missing from a party.
With Sheriff Lamb inept as ever to do the job, the Neptune Chamber of Commerce turns to Veronica to keep money flowing in to Neptune from students on spring break. With a girl gone missing, students are canceling their trip--which means hotels and restaurants are losing revenue.
As the beach and boardwalks are transformed into a week-long party by college students, Veronica investigates the missing person's case. The house she vanished from? It's owned by someone with criminal ties. Veronica is soon plunged into this dangerous underworld as she tries to find out what happened.
Soon thereafter, another girl goes missing but this time, it hits close to home with a connection to Veronica's past.
Thomas keeps the classic Mars snark intact as he writes this first novel. While reading, I could imagine all the characters voices in my head reading the test aloud as I kept turning page after page. The plot is sharp and the shocking twists that nobody sees coming will keep readers turning page after page until they finish.
That said, given where Logan is when the movie ended, there's not much material there for Thomas and Graham to work with. He's serving overseas and is only available during Skype chats. In the meantime, Veronica does what she does best.
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Vintage (March 25, 2014)
Not even two weeks after the movie was released, the first Veronica Mars novel was published. They are considered as canon so any future films would likely make reference to the events that transpire in the novels. A second book is scheduled for release later this year.
The novel takes place a short time after the end of the movie but most potential readers will likely have seen the film before opening up the book.
Set ten years after graduating from high school, Veronica Mars has relocated from New York back to Neptune. The land of sun, sand, crime, and correction. Instead of pursuing a career in law, she's gotten back her license to serve as a private investigator.
Mars Investigations is struggling to pay the rent and employee paychecks. That is until a girl goes missing from a party.
With Sheriff Lamb inept as ever to do the job, the Neptune Chamber of Commerce turns to Veronica to keep money flowing in to Neptune from students on spring break. With a girl gone missing, students are canceling their trip--which means hotels and restaurants are losing revenue.
As the beach and boardwalks are transformed into a week-long party by college students, Veronica investigates the missing person's case. The house she vanished from? It's owned by someone with criminal ties. Veronica is soon plunged into this dangerous underworld as she tries to find out what happened.
Soon thereafter, another girl goes missing but this time, it hits close to home with a connection to Veronica's past.
Thomas keeps the classic Mars snark intact as he writes this first novel. While reading, I could imagine all the characters voices in my head reading the test aloud as I kept turning page after page. The plot is sharp and the shocking twists that nobody sees coming will keep readers turning page after page until they finish.
That said, given where Logan is when the movie ended, there's not much material there for Thomas and Graham to work with. He's serving overseas and is only available during Skype chats. In the meantime, Veronica does what she does best.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Book Review: Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring
Washington's Spies: The Story of America's First Spy Ring by Alexander Rose
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bantam; Reprint edition (May 1, 2007)
Washington's Spies is the basis for the recent AMC series, Turn. As a result of the series, the book was recently reprinted.
I've always had a fascination in the American Revolution. I made it a point to tour the historic sites whenever I vacation in Boston or Philadelphia.
Rose's book focuses exclusively on the Culper Spy Ring with a brief mention of Nathan Hale as well. Rose goes into detail on a certain quote attributed to Hale but the nation's first spy never said those words.
With a very fast pace, Rose's book is a non-fiction espionage thriller. I read it with great interest. When I was in school and studied the Revolution, the spy ring never came up. Ever. It was during an episode of Brad Meltzer's Decoded in which I first learned about the ring.
The last book that mentioned the Revolutionary ciphers appeared in the early 1900s so not much material survives on the spy ring because why would anyone have kept incriminating evidence around during a war! The fact that Washington's library of papers survives helped Rose in his quest to write this book. Tallmadge wrote a memoir as he neared 80 years old.
In 1778, General George Washington was desperate to know where the British would strike next. He turned to Benjamin Tallmadge to organize a spy ring to discover such plans and military strategies.
Abraham Woodhull is a Long Island farmer that lives behind enemy lines. He works with childhood friends, Benjamin Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster, to not only keep their work a secret but to get information that could help General Washington in their defeat of the British. What they did helped give birth to modern spy-craft with their secret code and all. The invisible ink helped to make sure that intelligence would not be discovered in the event that it got into the wrong hands.
These spies, who were American heroes, were not in the same mold as a Jason Bourne or James Bond. They aren't the type that would kick one's ass in a fight although Tallmadge certainly might, being in the military and all. These are real people that had some challenges in order to survive. At times, it seemed as if some would quit but they always came through in the end.
They played a role in the downfall of Benedict Arnold, a general who defected to the British only because of money. In wooing Arnold, the British hoped to find the members of the spy ring. It didn't work.
All in all, I highly recommend this book. Their story had never really been told until Rose decided to research into the spies.
Some notes:
Upon reading the book, I discovered a few things different from the TV series. As with anything, some things were made up for the TV show for dramatic purposes. On the series, Abraham Woodhull's father is working with the British army. In real life, this wasn't the case.
The Abe-Anna-Mary love triangle didn't happen in real life either since Anna is related to Abe through marriage!
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Bantam; Reprint edition (May 1, 2007)
Washington's Spies is the basis for the recent AMC series, Turn. As a result of the series, the book was recently reprinted.
I've always had a fascination in the American Revolution. I made it a point to tour the historic sites whenever I vacation in Boston or Philadelphia.
Rose's book focuses exclusively on the Culper Spy Ring with a brief mention of Nathan Hale as well. Rose goes into detail on a certain quote attributed to Hale but the nation's first spy never said those words.
With a very fast pace, Rose's book is a non-fiction espionage thriller. I read it with great interest. When I was in school and studied the Revolution, the spy ring never came up. Ever. It was during an episode of Brad Meltzer's Decoded in which I first learned about the ring.
The last book that mentioned the Revolutionary ciphers appeared in the early 1900s so not much material survives on the spy ring because why would anyone have kept incriminating evidence around during a war! The fact that Washington's library of papers survives helped Rose in his quest to write this book. Tallmadge wrote a memoir as he neared 80 years old.
In 1778, General George Washington was desperate to know where the British would strike next. He turned to Benjamin Tallmadge to organize a spy ring to discover such plans and military strategies.
Abraham Woodhull is a Long Island farmer that lives behind enemy lines. He works with childhood friends, Benjamin Tallmadge and Caleb Brewster, to not only keep their work a secret but to get information that could help General Washington in their defeat of the British. What they did helped give birth to modern spy-craft with their secret code and all. The invisible ink helped to make sure that intelligence would not be discovered in the event that it got into the wrong hands.
These spies, who were American heroes, were not in the same mold as a Jason Bourne or James Bond. They aren't the type that would kick one's ass in a fight although Tallmadge certainly might, being in the military and all. These are real people that had some challenges in order to survive. At times, it seemed as if some would quit but they always came through in the end.
They played a role in the downfall of Benedict Arnold, a general who defected to the British only because of money. In wooing Arnold, the British hoped to find the members of the spy ring. It didn't work.
All in all, I highly recommend this book. Their story had never really been told until Rose decided to research into the spies.
Some notes:
Upon reading the book, I discovered a few things different from the TV series. As with anything, some things were made up for the TV show for dramatic purposes. On the series, Abraham Woodhull's father is working with the British army. In real life, this wasn't the case.
The Abe-Anna-Mary love triangle didn't happen in real life either since Anna is related to Abe through marriage!
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Books
I review a wide array of books and don't limit myself to one subject:
Sports biographies and memoirs (mainly baseball and basketball)
American history
American political biographies/memoirs
Movies/entertainment non-fiction
Comedic fiction
Comedic memoirs
Fiction: Brad Meltzer, John Grisham and select titles (usually ones that draw my interest)
Sports biographies and memoirs (mainly baseball and basketball)
American history
American political biographies/memoirs
Movies/entertainment non-fiction
Comedic fiction
Comedic memoirs
Fiction: Brad Meltzer, John Grisham and select titles (usually ones that draw my interest)
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