A mind blowing book that takes a deep dive into biometrics and how the US Military applied it to Afghanistan. First Platoon is the main character in tA mind blowing book that takes a deep dive into biometrics and how the US Military applied it to Afghanistan. First Platoon is the main character in this look into the profanity that is war. And they got screwed. In every which way. Ironically, we've basically lost this war using high tech methods to a foe using low tech methods. Jacobsen does an amazing job pulling pieces from multiple sources and weaves it into fine tuned whole. Sure to evoke thought and emotion and opinion, I couldn't put this one down. Very simply, eye opening....more
I absolutely loved this book. Barry is a storyteller and he had me ignoring the rest of my life reading this book. There are sooooooooo many parallelsI absolutely loved this book. Barry is a storyteller and he had me ignoring the rest of my life reading this book. There are sooooooooo many parallels, direct parallels, to the Cornonavirus Pandemic of today. So many parallels. He is able to explain complex microbiology in layman's germs, And he is comprehensive. Start to finish.
I know a number of readers disliked that the first segment of the book is a tale of American Medicine, which for a long time was terrible, and it didn't take anything to become a doctor. Barry starts with that entry point and gives a shakedown on the transformation of American Medicine and the Institutions and Shakers and Movers who made that happen. It's those Institutions and icons of science, foreign and domestic, that hunted that deadly 1918 virus. With all their trials and tribulations. Fact is, the Influenza virus wasn't discovered until 1933, and before then so many of those pioneers went down the wrong path. And many of those same pioneers were not around in 1933. Yet their story, their paths, were instrumental in the discovery of the virus, and their take charge in 1918 saved a world from a worse fate. So, in my opinion, that early segment by Barry is of utmost relevant. Personally, I found that segment riveting....more
Exceptional book. I read it in like 4 days. I couldn't put it down. What I liked is Makos sticks to the story, keeps it rolling, and doesn't slow downExceptional book. I read it in like 4 days. I couldn't put it down. What I liked is Makos sticks to the story, keeps it rolling, and doesn't slow down the story with too many details. Enough details to keep the story relevant and interesting, but doesn't slow it down. An emotional connection is made with the main characters. And the hell that is war comes through loud and clear. An exceptional read....more
I found this book to be more fascinating in that Cliff Sims was an insider, someone who worked in the White House on a day-to-day basis. He also is a I found this book to be more fascinating in that Cliff Sims was an insider, someone who worked in the White House on a day-to-day basis. He also is a good storyteller, not just listing some snippets thrown in. In reading this he did his best to give his honest, objective, view about what transpired in the White House every day. I didn't think he wrote this book to do nothing but take snipes at others or to denigrate. Although, towards the end of the book I do detect bitterness towards General Kelly as It was Kelly's power plays, according to Mr. Sims, that prevented Mr. Sims from getting three different jobs either within the Administration and at the State Department.
And I didn't see where Mr. Sims went out of his way to take swipes at President Trump. He offered his opinion on what he saw, but didn't go out of his way to nail Trump. I only detected really one case towards the end of the book where he took an outright swipe, but that's the only time. A loyalty thing.
What I liked about this book is that it gave more context and detail about what transpires in a Trump White House: the pros and cons, the ups and downs, the camaraderie and the fights, the team and the factions., the victories and the defeats, and the inside thinking that went along with all of that.
He goes out of the way to explain, many times, that he himself was part of the viper's next, to the point of repeated apology. No apology needed. He also interdicts his faith into it. Certainly, what he was required to do, and got sucked into at times, were at odds with his faith. It was an interesting ride seeing how he navigated one with the other. And on a side note, I appreciated the honesty and learning experience of The Mooch.
All in all, an interesting, informative read that kept me occupied many nights in a row....more
Interesting book. Reading about, these various adventurers was quite motivating. In each little story there was enough detail to give a good flavor ofInteresting book. Reading about, these various adventurers was quite motivating. In each little story there was enough detail to give a good flavor of the adventurer and their story, but overwhelming with the details....more
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