Books by bjsea

Trump The America We Deserve

2008-06-18T23:56:00.004-06:00

The America We Deserve

Author: Donald Trump
With Dave Shiflett
Started: 05/20/08
Finished: 06/01/08

When I was in High School, my mother took me to buy my first suit jacket. She wouldn’t let me buy a black, brown, or blue jacket. She didn’t want me to be a conservative ‘suit’ when I grew up, so she picked out a suit jacket as far from conservative as could be found in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA in the mid 1980’s. I was reminded of that shopping trip when I first picked up this book. Because, if there is a man who seems to represent what my mother didn’t want me to become, that man would have to be Donald Trump.

When I was growing up my mother was a big time Libertarian, and her biggest fear seemed to be that I would grow up a conservative ‘suit’, a Donald Trump. I am not so sure which way she leans politically now, she seems to have grown more conservative as she has gotten older. But after reading this book I wouldn’t call Trump a conservative, of course he isn’t a bleeding heart liberal either.

In 2000 there could have been an additional candidate for President of the United States of America, Donald Trump. This book outlines what Trump would do as President to turn America into the America we deserve. The one thing you can say about Trump is that he doesn’t have to pull any punches, and he doesn’t have to worry about toeing the party line, either party. Trumps plans will upset both the right and the left, he doesn’t discriminate in that regard. He even has a plan to make the rich pay off the national debt.

Trump discusses issues in this book that are troubling America today, the problems he addresses are still prevalent. I would be willing to vote for a candidate who was willing to stand up and address these same problems, and present us with well thought out and viable solutions, regardless of his or her party affiliations.

Infected: A Novel

2008-06-12T23:43:00.003-06:00

Infected: A Novel

Author: Scott Sigler
Started: 05/18/2008
Finished: 05/24/2008

Scott Sigler’s Infected is a Science Fiction - Horror cross-over. For those of you unfamiliar with Sigler, he is the self-procliamed Future Dark Overlord of Podcasting, and one of the original authors on podiobooks.com. This isn’t his first published novel(he has published two novels with Dragon Moon Press) but this is his first book deal with a major publisher, Crown Publishing.

Infected tells the story of Perry Dawsey, an Ex-Michigan Linebacker, who becomes “infected” with an alien organism. Perry fights the infestation in a way that would make his dead dad proud. He fights the 'Triangles' all the way to the end, a final battle that involves chicken scissors, and is sure to make you cross your legs, at least if you are male.

I listened to the original podcast version of this novel, which meant that I had to put up with Sigler’s voice in my head as I read the book. Sigler has a disturbing mind, but the result was a book that kept me turning the pages and wanting more.

I am a fan of Sigler's work and look forward to some of his other podcast novels becoming available in print.

Why We Want You To Be Rich

2008-05-01T20:49:00.007-06:00

Why We Want You to Be Rich: Two Men, One Message

Authors: Donald J. Trump
Robert T. Kiyosaki
Started: 04/26/2008
Finished: 05/01/2008

This is a book that goes counter to most of the financial books that I have read recently. The two authors state that they do not believe in current trend of "Live below your means, pay off your debts and save in mutual funds", a-la Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.

They talk about financial education, which Dave Ramsey also makes a big deal about. But these two authors have now trouble leveraging other peoples money(borrowing money) to make their additional money.

I enjoyed the book, and the messages that Trump and Kiyosaki are trying to get acrossed. The main message that I think is applicable is that we are all responsible for our own financial education and if we educate ourselves then we can leverage that education, as well as other outside forces to increase our income.

I think that there are ideas in the book that can be used in conjuction with Dave Ramsey's teachings, but the results will be slower than the results that Trump and Kiyosaki talk about.

The Fifth Book of Lost Swords, COINSPINNER'S STORY

2008-04-04T16:11:00.002-06:00

Author: Fred Saberhagen
Finished: 03/05/2008

In this installation Fred shows us a bit of the Prince Mark's oldest son. But the series has started to drag a bit for me, maybe because I am reading other things between them. I am going to try and read the rest more quickly.

The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth

2008-04-04T16:08:00.002-06:00

Author: Thomas Jefferson
Finished: 01/27/2008

Also known as the Jefferson Bible.

Talion: Revenant

2008-03-24T23:41:00.003-06:00

Author: Michael A. Stackpole
Started: 03/22/2008
Finished: 03/24/2008

I really enjoyed this book. I had trouble putting it down. I loved the idea of the Talions. I would love to see more work done in the universe. I could see books written from the point of view of the Elites, Lancers, Warriors, Wizards, and Service as well as more Justice books. I think there is more to be written about Nolan's life as well. After all, there is all that treasure still to deal with.

This is my 23rd book in about 12 weeks. I still need to pick up the pace to complete 150. But the numbers are looking good, I am averaging 3 a week, if I didn't have 3 weeks to make up for I would be doing good.

An Armory of Swords

2008-03-24T23:34:00.003-06:00

Editor: Fred Saberhagen
Started: 03/14/2008
Finished: 03/21/20008

A collections of short stories written in the Twelve Swords worlds, I was thrilled to find that Michael Stackpole had written a story. I have recently found Stackpole's work, through his connection with FarPoint Media. I enjoyed most of the stories, except the one about Townsaver, I felt it messed with the origins too much.

The Last Book of Swords, SHIELDBREAKER'S STORY

2008-03-24T23:26:00.004-06:00

Author: Fred Saberhagen
Started: 03/14/2008
Finished: 03/21/2008

The final book in the story of the Twelve Swords, we have followed the Swords, Mark and Ben for 20+ years. I was happy to see Draffut restored to his original glory, though the way it happened left something to be desired. Over all I enjoyed the series, and was glad I picked the series up and finally read them.

The Fourth Book Of Lost Swords - FARSLAYER'S STORY

2008-03-14T00:15:00.003-06:00

Author: Fred Saberhagen
Finished: 01/27/2008

An harrowing tale about the dangers of vengeance run amok between two fueding families. This tale of course revolves around Prince Mark and his friend Ben, as well as other familiar faces such as Zoltan and the pilgrim Yambu.

This isn't my first book of the year, but it is the first since I began my goal of 150 books. That is almost three books a week. And already I am 12 books behind.

Total Money Makeover

2008-03-12T14:23:00.002-06:00

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

Author: Dave Ramsey
Started: 02/29/2008
Finished: 03/02/2008

This book is a life changer. I am still in step one, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and I know that it is not a train. Dave will walk you through the steps of financial freedom. I am looking forward to moving through Dave's various steps. If you are like most Americans then buy this book and let Dave show you how to get out of debt and on your way to financial peace.