OC/DC: Book Recommendation
Posted by: Jeff Solsby | 07/29/2008 11:46 AM
Permit me a few minutes to promote a book I just finished reading, "Destroyer Captain" by Adm. James Stavridis, Commander of the U.S. Southern Command.
As much as I love sailing, ships, the sea and the three intertwined in books, I rarely stray from the biographies of political or historical figures and the occasional O'Brien -- what a welcome diversion.
I learned of this book through a book review authored by former Pentagon spokesman Larry Di Rita, at National Review Online.
The book offers a wonderful insight into the physical, emotional, leadership and command structure challenges facing a modern day naval officer--and the admiral (a captain at the time the book takes place) does something rare in military circles: He takes you inside his thought process, disciplinary decisions, and the highs and lows of wardroom discussions as well as the routine, exciting and trudging moments of extended sea duty. And, he also questions not only his own decisions (who doesn't?) from time to time, but also those of his chain of command in a way that is respectful, but informative.
Admiral Stavridis' book is complied from his personal diary and sea journal, kept during a two year period as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, USS Barry.
I read the book in just a few hours overnight recently and found it enjoyable, enlightening, and a refreshing take on the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, and their officers. Check it out, here.
As much as I love sailing, ships, the sea and the three intertwined in books, I rarely stray from the biographies of political or historical figures and the occasional O'Brien -- what a welcome diversion.
I learned of this book through a book review authored by former Pentagon spokesman Larry Di Rita, at National Review Online.
The book offers a wonderful insight into the physical, emotional, leadership and command structure challenges facing a modern day naval officer--and the admiral (a captain at the time the book takes place) does something rare in military circles: He takes you inside his thought process, disciplinary decisions, and the highs and lows of wardroom discussions as well as the routine, exciting and trudging moments of extended sea duty. And, he also questions not only his own decisions (who doesn't?) from time to time, but also those of his chain of command in a way that is respectful, but informative.
Admiral Stavridis' book is complied from his personal diary and sea journal, kept during a two year period as commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, USS Barry.
I read the book in just a few hours overnight recently and found it enjoyable, enlightening, and a refreshing take on the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform, and their officers. Check it out, here.
Mr. Ayer registered as a Republican to be electable in an interim election with no incumbents. He did...
Thank you for that review Jeff. I am in need of a good book recomendation. Almost everything I read lately was in preparation for my trip to Europe. The last book I read was "The Name of the Rose," by Humberto Echo. I thought it would be good to have a mystery that touches on Catholic Church history. That book totally sucked. I liked Foucault's Pendulum by Echo, but I would not recomend the "Name of the Rose."
If anyone wants some good lecutures on CD for their commute, I highly recomend "Famous Greeks," and "Famous Romans," by Rufus Fears. Excellent!