Cole B

The wicked web they’ve weaved

Revisado: 03-12-25

Applebaum lays out in straightforward detail the methods and means by which autocrats maintain and effectuate their power — both at home and abroad.

She describes autocracies (whether theocratic or secular, capitalist or communist) as being incorporated due to their interconnections — often lacking inroads to western markets, the regimes support one another through banking, military/materiel support, law enforcement, and manufacturing.

Western liberal democracies have been caught flat-footed, perhaps surprised that the fall of the Soviet Union and the rise of the internet did not lead to worldwide democratization.

But it’s not too late.

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The Republic Collapses

Revisado: 02-03-25

Holland lays out a narrative history of the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of imperial autocracy. The parallels between modern first world democracies and Ancient Rome are hard to miss.

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Solid narrative

Revisado: 01-06-25

I’m a big fan of Mike Duncan’s podcasts, and I’m a big fan of this book. I’ve listened a few times now, as I tend to do with such topics.

Duncan presents a solid history of the Roman Republic, beginning with its mythical foundations to its wars with Carthage. In an eerie parallel with our own time, Rome’s biggest war would be with herself.

This history sets the stage for the Triumvirate and the fall of the Republic. It does not cover that infamous timeline, but lays its groundwork with figures such as the Gracci, Sunna, and Marius.

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Socrates, a full man

Revisado: 12-31-24

I’m a big Donald Robertson fan, so I was excited to meet Socrates again for the first time since high school.

Up front, I’ll admit that we can’t really know Socrates. He lived so long ago and never wrote anything down. However, we can put a picture together from other works and his surviving students. It’s not a perfect picture, for sure, but I think it’s a beautiful one.

Robertson weaves the politics of the Ancient Greek world into the story of Socrates and gives us a powerful insight into what and who this man was.

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Powerful performances, immersive audio

Revisado: 11-08-24

I really enjoyed the production values on this — as much as I enjoy audiobooks, audio productions like this can be wonderful if done properly.

This one is done perfectly. All the voice actors nailed it. The music is perfect. Absolutely wonderful.

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Tolkien + Serkis = Beautiful, Amazing, Epic

Revisado: 10-09-24

What can I say about this that hasn’t already been said?

Tolkien was amazing. The Hobbit is a wonderful piece of literature. It’s beautiful. It’s epic.

Andy Serkis is also amazingly talented. His performance is simply wonderful. Combining his narration with Tolkien’s writing is just perfect.

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Powerful insights well-presented

Revisado: 10-02-24

Robertson presents Marcus Aurelius’ personal Stoic practice and worldview in an easily-accessible way. He treats the material thoughtfully, calmly presenting historic episodes as backdrops to show Marcus’ philosophy in action.

Upon beginning this listen, it immediately became one of my favorite modern takes on Stoicism. The final chapter brought tears to my eyes and will stay with me for a long time (hopefully, until my sun sets).

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Good versus Evil

Revisado: 09-24-24

What a great take on vampire lore! King really does it with his tale of ancient evil descending on small town Maine.

I had a hard time with the first couple chapters, but soon it pulled me in and I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t want to pause — I had to know what was coming next to the Lot.

You feel for the characters. You meet them, you learn who and how they are, and fear for them. Better keep a flashlight handy — and maybe a crucifix.

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Fantastic, as always

Revisado: 09-17-24

I’m an avowed Constant Reader and have been for decades. You could say I’m biased. I accept that.

Every story in this collection is good. Some are great. Some are longer (“Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream”) and some are shorter (“Red Screen”).

Will Patton is — as always — amazing. Perhaps the single best narrator I’ve ever heard. King himself pops in for 2-3 as well.

Don’t delay.

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A Horrifying Likelihood

Revisado: 08-06-24

This book was as difficult to put down as it was difficult to listen to. I’ve never exclaimed “Oh my god!” so much before.

I’m a veteran and I’ve been to several of the places described in the book. Like every soldier, I had some training for NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) environments. I have first responder training and I used to hold multiple FEMA certificates.

None of that prepared me for the doomsday scenario laid out in this book. It’s shocking.

Did you know FEMA’s main responsibility in nuclear war isn’t to aid the public? Did you know President Reagan told the world in his memoir that in the event of a nuclear first strike against the USA a president only has 6 minutes to respond? Do you know what “jamming the president” is in context of military decisions?

You’ll learn more than you probably ever wanted to know about nuclear war. Everyone should read it — including the citizens and leaders of the 8 other nuclear-capable nations.

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