Top 5 Must Reads for 2012
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012Looking forward to 2012, top 5 “must” reads as we enter the last week of 2011.
An eclectic collection: two novels, one from a never-read author and the upcoming smash from a proven winner. A historical reflection on the Vietnam war, a look back at Berlin 1961 the most dangerous city in the world at that time, a blockbuster-to-be business book by a favorite business thinker. And… an old favourite to be revisited in electronic format.
Great by Choice: Uncertainty, Chaos & Luck – - Why Some Thrive Despite Them All by Jim Collins and Morten T. Hansen
Not surpassingly, “Great by Choice” is receiving strong reviews. Collins is an accomplished rock climber and an even more accomplished business observer. His books convey a great deal of common sense but I always find his contrarian, data-driven thinking to be provoking and insightful.
“Great by Choice” attacks the question of how to steer a company to lasting success in an environment characterized by change, uncertainty and even chaos. Likely to be one of the BIG business books of 2012 similar to his earlier “Good to Great” and “Built to Last”.
Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara and the Joint Chiefs and the Lies that Led to Vietnam by H.R. McMaster
I noted a reference to H.R. McMaster in George Bush’s “Decision Points”. Evidently, W found McMaster, a US Army General who served in Vietnam during his early army days, an engaging contrarian whose counsel W sought during the post-Iraq invasion years.
McMaster was passed over several times for promotion during his illustrious career, allegedly in retribution for his outspoken views, some of which are captured in “Dereliction of Duty”.
McMaster’s thesis is likely similar to the subject of a number of articles I read in Ramparts and other counter culture publications during the Vietnam debacle. Many referenced the absence of true military and political intelligence reaching LBJ and his advisers. Walt Rostow, LBJ’s Special Assistant for National Security Affairs, was an unwavering believer in the Vietnam war and America’s ability to triumph in the Asian jungles. Apparently, Rostow shaped and controlled the intelligence so selectively that the 1968 Tet Offensive was unthinkable and unimaginable for LBJ and his cabinet.
Rostow’s failed policies, of course, led to LBJ’s exit: “I will not seek, I will not accept another term as your President”. Rostow himself left Washington and retreated to Texas academia.
Look forward to this “insider’s” perspective on the Vietnam failure.
Berlin 1961: Kennedy, Khrushchev, and the Most Dangerous Place on Earth by Frederick Kempe
As a graduate student visiting Europe in the early 1970′s, I spent several days reveling in the-then West Berlin and trying to comprehend East Berlin.
West Berlin lived for the moment as if some invasion from the east would end the incessant freedom celebrations.
East Berlin was a very different world. Foreboding: bullet pock marks remained on the walls of building 30 years after WWII ended. Border patrols pointed weapons on the slightest provocation. While the feared Stasi were not visible their presence was palpable.
Looking back to 1961, not a stretch to imagine East Berlin as the most dangerous place on earth.
11/22/63: A Novel by Stephen King
An admission. I may be one of those rare individuals who has never read a Stephen King novel. Not certain why I have not broken the spine of a King novel and now that I’m reading e-books, I’ll likely never have that satisfaction.
In 2012 I’ll slay that dragon, empty that item from the bucket list. Reviews are good, subject matter is of great interest. So, I look forward to the inaugural.
A Wanted Man by Lee Child
I learned of author Lee Child earlier this year. Somehow had overlooked his Jack Reacher novels despite always searching for a new and refreshing thriller writer. Thanks to Malcolm Gladwell for the recommendation via an interview.
Now that I read my way through each one of the 15 Reacher novels, I’m awaiting the release of #16 “A Wanted Man” in September or October.
A very long wait! A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, an all-time favourite to be revisited.
Early last year I renewed acquaintance with Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls” after a 40+ year separation.
I plan to reconnect with “A Farewell to Arms” in 2012. My last encounter with this Hemingway masterpiece of WWI was as a first year York University undergrad reading the Scribner’s edition. Cost about $1.50.
This encounter will be via Kobo e-book version.