Tag: Lone Survivor

Books I Recommended to Someone who Asked for a sad Read

John Guillen3 Comments

The actual request was for a book that may make them cry.

Lone Survivor

Night

To Kill a Mockingbird

The Martian

All of the books have completely different storylines. Two are based in fact. Two are not. The common thing from all of them is that I believe there are lessons to be learned from each. Just like there’s a lesson to be learned from nearly every book ever published. The messaging may be off and the writing poor, but find a book in which you take nothing away from it and I’ll gladly hand you hundreds in which you’ll find something hidden beneath the printed words.

What was the last book that made you cry?

Five Books I Recommended to a Non-Reader

John GuillenLeave a comment

This was my video topic for this week, but I decided that I’d better express myself through a written post.

I typically don’t recommend books. It doesn’t matter who is asking or why, but I’ve made exceptions to my rule over the last couple of years. The following is the most recent example.

Earlier this week a friend of mine told me he wanted to start reading in an effort to adopt more healthy habits. With all the things one can do with free time, I think reading would definitely qualify as a healthy habit. What did I do when he told me this? I took him to Half Price Books, of course! Not kidding.

The first thing I did when we reached the store was ask him what he enjoys reading. His response was anything that keeps his attention, he’s open to any topic. So I did the only thing I could do in that situation, I referred back to my own reading history. Kind of like your Google history in books. I came up with five books to tell him about.

Lone Survivor – Marcus Luttrell

No matter your position on war or the military, I’m well aware that nonfiction war books are not for everyone. But to say this book is only about war would be a disservice to Marcus Luttrell and every other man who died during the operation to save him and his fellow Navy SEALs. This book is about faith, family, survival, life and death, and yes, war. Most people living today will never know what it means to trust another person with your life and have them entrust you with theirs. The men described in this book are the best the United States has to offer, and their story is one to remember.

Unstoppable – Bill Nye

I’ve read a few hundred books during my lifetime, and this one (like I said here) is easily the best book I’ve read. It’s science. Another type of book that simply isn’t for everyone. But this book isn’t written for scientists. That would defeat the entire purpose. The book takes on climate change, one of those topics that people seem to want to give up on or kick down the road. But not Bill Nye, nope. The reason this book holds so much weight with me is because of the optimism. Bill Nye is part of the generation currently in power. It’s his generation that has moved technology further than ever before, but it’s this same generation that has gotten us to this point in the climate change debate. This isn’t about blame, it’s about what’s happened. The beauty of this book is that Bill Nye recognizes who will ultimately enact the necessary changes to really combat climate change and begin the the process of preserving our planet for generations to come. Millennials. That group of young adults who gets blamed for things completely out of their control. It’s that same group of young people who are more aware of current issues than just about any generation of people who have come before them. Some would say the issues aren’t as important as the ones previous generations have had to tackle, but to say this is to once again belittle the issues Millennials face today. Humans are imperfect, but we have the ability to preserve this beautiful world we have. I believe history will hold Millennials in particularly high regard when humans look back at who decided enough was enough and that the issue of climate change is not something to leave for others to deal with.

To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

Atticus Finch. I can go on and on about Atticus Finch. I’ll be short and simple. I recommended this book because even when everyone around you is guilty of buying into society’s backward and wrong beliefs, one person can stand up for what’s right and what’s true to the human spirit. That’s what I believe Atticus did in this book, and it’s an idea still relevant after nearly 60 years in print.

The Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank

With social media today we’re able to get a glimpse into the lives of persecuted individuals. Anne Frank’s diary is more than just a glimpse. It’s her life. Now that I’m sitting here writing this I realize that her diary is her version of a blog or Facebook account. Through her words we know what a young girl and her family endured during humanity’s darkest hour. She gives us an idea of what it means to be unwanted, untouchable, and hated. She shows us that we always have the ability to be kind, even when facing the worst of circumstances. Another book that has never lost its relevance.

The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

Society has expectations for just about everyone. It’s up to the individual person and the people they’re surrounded by to stick to what they’re supposed to be doing or to exceed every expectation imaginable. That’s what this book is about. And that’s why I recommended it. In this world the districts are expected to contribute to the welfare of the Capitol by maintaining the status quo and doing as previous generations have done. There’s really no avenue for any individuality. Katniss turns the whole thing upside down. She proved that no matter what society expects of you, you can use your voice to accomplish and change just about anything.

An honorable mention was Elie Wiesel’s Night.

I won’t tell you which book he ultimately decided to buy, but he did buy one.

So those are the books I recommended to an admitted non-reader. I took several minutes to describe the message I took away from each one. This wasn’t a planned thing and I did the whole thing in real time, but I think the books I mentioned shed light on the topics and issues important to me. Every one of these is a notch above their counterparts in my eyes.

Sorry for the LONG post! Have you ever had to suddenly recommend books and felt it was more important than a typical recommendation? What do you think of the books I came up with?

On Books on War

John Guillen11 Comments

I’ve said on here multiple times that Lone Survivor is easily the best book I’ve ever read. At this point it’s actually the only war book I’ve read, although I’ve acquired several over the last few months. The thing is that I don’t expect any of them to read like a novel, which might be a turn off for some and obvious to others.

But these books are important. Not because of the cliche that if we don’t learn from history we’re bound to repeat it. As true as that statement might be, I can’t foresee a future on earth in which wars are not taking place. To me, it’s a part of the human condition. It’s an unfortunate truth.

But these books are important because they show us a side of what it means to be human that we just don’t get to see firsthand. Most people will only see pictures and reports of war. They’ll never be on the front lines with a rifle. But books on war put a face and a story to it. We see more than the news reports and the images and the aftereffects of war. We get a glimpse into the minds of the men and women who volunteer (mostly) to partake in the ugliest of human interaction. We get to learn about them, and about what happens to them between the time they first deploy to the time they return home.

To me, books on war are not for the oblivious or close-minded. They’re not written for those who go days, weeks, or months at a time without at least thinking of the men and women at war in the world and why they’re usually far from home. Books on war are important to people who may never experience it firsthand, but who truly appreciate and support those who do. Not because they have to or because there’s some feeling of guilt for what militaries have to do, but because supporting one’s military members is right. Even if they disagree with things they have to do.

Books on war are important to me because I know fellow Americans are putting their lives at risk every single day, and I think there’s a lot I can learn from them.

What’s your opinion on these books?

Deciding on a Staff Pick

John Guillen18 Comments

Throughout the year those of us at Half Price Books review any book, movie, or CD we want to.

And this month I volunteered. But then I realized I needed something to review. At first I wanted to read something and then review it, but then I started thinking of books I’ve read recently. Then I thought of one book in particular. Lone Survivor. I’ve said on here that it’s easily the best book I’ve read and one of two books I’d recommend to anyone asking. So what better book to review for the company?

Sure it may not be a new release, but it’s one of those rare stories you read and simply don’t forget.

If you could review and recommend just one book like I have to, what would it be? I know I’ve asked about the best books you’ve read and about favorites, but this would be for people who enjoy reading. It wouldn’t be geared toward any other specific group. So, what would you review?

If you Could Only Recommend one Book…

John Guillen28 Comments

What would it be? Think of a world in which you could only recommend a single book to others for the rest of your life. Then tell me what it is.

I’m not doing this because I’m looking for new books. I’m really wanting to see which ones are repeated. I can probably think of 50 that I’d expect to see here. But I know mine without having to think about it.

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.

There are so many things to be learned from this book, and it’s one of two I’ve read that I believe appeal to any person with a conscience. Recommended it today to a coworker, actually.

So tell me the one book you’d recommend to anyone regardless of their reading tastes or preferences.

If you Could | Book Tag

John Guillen5 Comments

Hey look, after three videos during my first month on YouTube I’ve finally gotten started on my second month! I told y’all I’d meant to make a video a few weeks ago when I finished Lone Survivor, but I just wouldn’t have been able to speak if I’d done it then. And even with all my new book purchases recently I still haven’t finished a new book from the Amazon list. So it was really something of a blessing to be tagged to do this, even though I know absolutely nothing about any BookTube tags floating around. But I figured I might as well do it so I could get SOMETHING on my channel while I work my way through a few more books.

Now go ahead and watch so you can see me answer random question about books!

So what did you think of my answers?

PS: I know you haven’t made a video in a little while, but you’re the only other person I know who might do this. So I tagged you, JOSIE, to do this! It’s okay if you don’t have time or something.

On Lending Books

John Guillen63 Comments

I’ve written pretty extensively on here about all things books. I know I’ve mentioned in numerous posts that I do NOT lend out books. At all. I believe I’ve let someone borrow one of my books just once. It was my senior year of high school and the book borrowed is still the fourth best book I’ve read according to my personal list. It now appears there will be a second time that I lend out a book.

A couple of days ago I wrote about Lone Survivor being the best book I’ve read. Well yesterday afternoon I did something I don’t normally do. I recommended a book to someone. *gasp* That’s right. And she’s not a big reader. But for whatever reason, I’m sitting there in the break room at work and decide that I need to recommend this book. I know why it happened (it’s the best book I’ve ever read), but I don’t know why it happened the way it did. We weren’t talking about books. As a matter of fact, she was telling me how horrible I look just a few minutes before. (Still sick) But when I told her about it she asked if she could borrow my copy so she wouldn’t have to buy it. Let me sum up my initial reaction for you. “MY copy?!” *insert crazy stare* I even said something about people damaging books.

BUT I ultimately let her talk me into lending her my book. I sound like such a guy, letting a girl talk me into something I don’t want to do. HA! Guys, that’s sarcasm there. Don’t get upset.

Tell me what your policy is on lending books. I’m normally 100 percent against it, but I guess exceptions are made when the person asking is a girl I’ve known a few years. Eh.

On this day in 2014 I published Am I a Book Blogger?.

 

Discussing the Best Book I’ve Read

John Guillen22 Comments

*sigh*

The book I’m about to talk about is not on the Amazon list, but I had every intention of making a video for it. Except that I’m sick and I don’t think I could speak loud enough or long enough for y’all to hear me. So, I’ll just write about it here instead.

The book I’m talking about is Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell.

Before I tell you about the book, I’d first like to say that I don’t label books as the best I’ve read often. I’ve only had three different books hold the top spot, ever. And I was fully convinced that Anne Frank’s diary would remain in that spot for years to come. Until I read this book.

Lone Survivor tells the story of Operation Redwing, which took place in 2005 in the mountains of Afghanistan. The goal of the four Navy SEALs who were sent in was to kill a high ranking terrorist. But it went horribly wrong when the SEALs were stumbled upon by local farmers and made the decision to release them without further harm.

This is where I say to not keep reading if you haven’t read the book or perhaps plan on doing so in the  future because I’ll be revealing details. Proceed at your own risk.

The decision to release the farmers came back to bite the members of SEAL Team 10. The terrorists in the area (100-200 men) made their way up the mountain and eventually came upon the SEALs and a firefight ensued. But the SEALs’ communications with HQ could not be established, and the terrain was not conducive for a quick retreat. They repeatedly retreated down the sheer sides of mountains when no other option was available. But ultimately the terrorist fighting force proved too much for the four-man SEAL team, and three men were killed up in those mountains after fighting longer and harder than I can possibly describe here.

Marcus Luttrell became the lone survivor after a local tribe took him in and protected him at all costs.

But let me tell you why this book hit me so hard.

First, I’ve never cried reading any book as much as I cried reading this one. And I’m someone who knew a little about what happened because I’ve seen the movie adaptation that pretty much stuck to the original.

Marcus Luttrell put you in the shoes of a Navy SEAL. We don’t start the book in the mountains of Afghanistan, we start long before that here in the US as he’s training to become a SEAL. He gives insight into the training and mindsets of future SEALs that cannot be understated. He gives readers an idea as to what it takes to become a SEAL and only then does he take you into the fight in Afghanistan.

This story is not a story of death or sadness. It’s the story of the unsung heroes of war who never make it home. Because those three members of SEAL Team 10 were and forever will be heroes, along with every member of our military who died on that mountain trying to save the life of Marcus Luttrell. Those men knew they were going into incredibly hostile territory, but a SEAL Team was in bad shape and help was coming whether it was ideal or not.

This book is not written as a novel. And it’s not meant to be read as one. It’s written as if you’re sitting on the back porch of Luttrell’s Texas home and he’s describing every aspect of being a SEAL and Operation Redwing to you. If you read it accordingly, there is no doubt in my mind that you’ll appreciate it like I have.

I told y’all that I’d never forget the dedication page found at the beginning of this book, and I won’t. But I’ll also never forget this book. The story of those men on that mountain will stay with me, forever.

I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you should read this book because of how great I believe it to be. I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you should read this book if you’re interested in a story about modern war. I’m not going to tell you that you should read this story at all. But I’m glad that I did.

Have you read Lone Survivor yet? What did you think?

You can visit the Amazon product page for the book here.

 

On this day in 2014 I published Keeping a Journal.

The Dedication Page (an update)

John Guillen25 Comments

Last week I posted about the dedication pages in books. It ended up being even better received than I expected. In that post (which you can view here) I talked about the dedication pages in books I’ve read. And I mentioned that I had yet to come across any really memorable ones. Well that changed just a few nights ago. I even took a picture of the actual dedication because it hit me so hard. Let me show you.20150626_003337The above dedication is from Marcus Luttrell’s Lone Survivor. Yes, Mark Wahlberg starred in the movie adaptation. Guys, when I read this for the first time I had tears in my eyes. I’ve seen the movie, which is what prompted me to buy the book, so I know a little about what happened. I imagine that I’ll know a little more once I finish reading. But read that. Just read it. I’m not going to sit here and say that you SHOULD feel something when you read that, but I know I did. This is the only dedication I’ve ever read from a book that will likely stay with me for the rest of my life. And that’s not an exaggeration.

Sorry guys, I know this isn’t really new content. I really just had to share it.

You can read more about the events that are chronicled in the book here.

Tell me what you think of that dedication up there. I know you have to be thinking something.

On this day in 2014 I published “Write What you Know” or “Write What you Read”.

 

 

The Best of 2014: Books that became movies

John Guillen5 Comments

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NPR Books

The Best of 2014 is a series of posts in which I talk about a different topic each day this week. Today’s topic will be adaptations. Except today’s post is different. I don’t have a list for you. I’m going to ask what you all think. Because I don’t go to the movies enough to have any idea what the best adaptations of 2014 are.

2014 was no different from other recent calendar years in that there were MANY books adapted into major films. Just a few off the top of my head that were at least fairly well received…Lone Survivor, Gone Girl, Mockingjay Part 1, The Theory of Everything, The Fault in Our Stars, and The Maze Runner. I could have named a lot more, but the point of this post isn’t for me to list out random literary adaptations. I want to know which movies adapted from books you enjoyed this year. Sure there’s an inherent bias if the book happened to be written by an author you like, but who cares.

I have two movies in mind that I think are probably the best movies based on books, but that’s just based on reviews and critics. Y’all may think differently. So tell me, which books adapted into movies did you think stood above the rest in 2014?

PS: Lone Survivor was actually released on Christmas day last year, but it received a wide release in January.