Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven

144 pages

4.5/5

If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.
On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university's slogan, "What starts here changes the world," he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.

Admiral McRaven's original speech went viral with over 10 million views. Building on the core tenets laid out in his speech, McRaven now recounts tales from his own life and from those of people he encountered during his military service who dealt with hardship and made tough decisions with determination, compassion, honor, and courage. Told with great humility and optimism, this timeless book provides simple wisdom, practical advice, and words of encouragement that will inspire readers to achieve more, even in life's darkest moments. 

American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle

American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The perspective about war, life, and death is very different coming from someone who lived within that world on a daily basis. To me, that was fascinating, even if there were a few things that made me uncomfortable along the way.

This was a compelling read, because this life was so different than any life I will ever lead. It's also interesting to hear about the war from someone who was on the ground. I appreciated the honesty, even when it didn't shed Chris in the best light.

Book 279 read in 2018

Pages: 538

Axel by Harper Sloan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The first part of this book was very hard to read, not that it's not good. It's more because it's such a hard thing to read about abuse. Isabelle is very lucky to have a group of good guys willing to help her out. However, this is just proof that even with the best people watching things can happen. 

View all my reviews

260 Pages

"Heat" by Wolf Specter & Angel Knots

Book 1 in the Fated Mates series focuses on Dane, a dragon shifter, and Wes, his fated mate and just a regular guy.  Dragon shifters have lived among humans protecting them for many years and are not supposed to make themselves known, but when Dane recognizes Wes as his mate he must reveal what he truly is.  I know it sounds weird, but this turned out to be a cute story that worked, even with a very unusual event between the two main characters.  140 pages (Kindle edition).

"Salvation" by Sloane Kennedy

Book two in The Protectors Series features Seth Nichols, whose parents were murdered and he was tortured when he was 14.  Now 21, he's trying to run his father's shipping company and deal with his PTSD and self-doubt.  He once had an older brother, but he died while serving in the military.  Out of the blue, his brother's fiance, Ronan Grisham, appears and throws Seth's life into even more turmoil because he's had a crush on the man since he was a teen.  Now someone is after Seth, and Ronan will do everything he can to protect him even if it breaks both of their hearts.  Like the previous book in this series, there was a ton of angst, terrible traumas in both men's lives, guilt, and suspense.  I was annoyed at how often Seth and Ronan pushed each other away then changed their minds, but it was still an interesting story.  367 pages (Kindle edition.)

"Strong Signal" by Megan Erickson and Santino Hassell

What an unusual story.  Staff Sergeant Garrett Reid has spent nearly eight years in the Army and is nearing the end of his deployment in the Middle East.  When he's not repairing military vehicles, he's fighting off boredom by playing online games.  It's during one of these games that he meets Kai Bannon, a serious gamer with a famous streaming gaming channel.  Garrett becomes a bit obsessed with Kai, and as their friendship grows through chats and e-mail their mutual desire for each other deepens.  As Garrett counts down the days to freedom, he imagines that meeting Kai in person will lead to their happily ever after; however, Kai has serious problems that may derail all of his plans.

I'd never read much about the online gaming community before this book, because I just couldn't see the point of watching someone I don't know play a video game over the Internet.  This popular pastime is an integral part of "Strong Signal" and brings the two main characters together and even gives one of them a full-time job.  Both characters were fleshed out very well; I felt like I could draw pictures of both of them (if I were an artist) and describe their personalities.  I really related, though, to Kai and his social anxiety.  The authors described his panic attacks and his struggles to do everyday things very well.  Garrett's reactions to Kai's anxiety were wonderful and should be emulated by everyone since he never made him feel ashamed for something Kai couldn't control.  This was a great story to which I would love to see a sequel, but I'll just have to settle fot the next in the series.  229 pages (Kindle edition).

"That Eighteenth Summer" by Raine O'Tierney

This is the story of Oliver Hannigan, who has just graduated from high school and plans to join the military like his older brother, Benjam, did five years earlier.  However, word comes that spring that Benjam has been killed on duty oversees; this changes Oliver's life in many ways.  His parents both go a little crazy, and his mom begs him not to follow in his brother's footsteps.  And the arrival of Benjam's best friend from the Army adds to Oliver's complications.

This was a well written coming-of-age story, which takes part in Oklahoma and Missouri.  Oliver is forced to grow up quickly after the death of his only sibling, and the author makes him credible and sympathetic.  174 pages (Kindle edition).

"Ex Equals" by L.A. Witt

Chris Reuben and Justin Hayes served in the Navy together until three years ago when Chris left the service because of Justin.  Now Chris teaches math at a community college near a naval base when Justin signs up for one of his classes.  It makes for a very uncomfortable situation due to their former relationship and how things ended, but Justin is determined to make amends and possibly start over.  However, Chris can barely look at him let alone forgive him for his terrible behavior. 

This was a well written novella that deals with "Don't Ask Don't Tell" and the repercussions of being gay in military.  152 pages (Kindle edition).

Shelter Mountain by Robin Carr

(Posted for Diann Stark)

This is the second book in the Virgin River series:

An abused battered woman with her three year old son shows up in Virgin River looking for a place to stay the night. She is on her way to her ‘next stop’ to have their identity changed and disappear where her abusive husband will never find them. The only place that is open in this little town is the local bar, this is where she meets John “Preacher” Middleton. Preacher notices the woman is covered in bruises and he realizes he wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.

Then Paige’s ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there’s one thing in the marines’ motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it’s that some things are worth fighting for.

Audio book: Reading time 11 hours and 50 minutes. 376 pages

"Touch & Geaux" by Abigail Roux

Book seven in the Cut & Run series mostly takes place in New Orleans where FBI Special Agents Zane Garrett and Ty Grady have gone to celebrate the birthday of a fallen comrade.  This fellow agent had also been in Ty's Marine Force Recon team Sidewinder, and those guys are there, too.  However, instead of celebrating the life of their buddy, Ty and Zane's undercover histories come back to haunt them in the forms of a crooked N.O. police sergeant, gris-gris bags, and Miami gangsters.

There were many anxious moments in this book.  Huge secrets kept by Ty involving his relationships with Zane and a former NIA spook are revealed, and much angst and heartbreak ensues.  Some of it was difficult to read since I have so much invested with Zane and Ty and their ongoing partnerships, both professional and personal.  Ty's Sidewinder team also feels betrayed when the truth of some of his deeds when they were stationed overseas years ago is revealed.  Action, suspense, shock, and negative emotions dominated this book.  There were also some great flashbacks that showed Ty and Zane's separate pasts - we see some of Ty's first military training and a trip to New Orleans taken by Zane with his late wife.  That latter scene is almost too good to believe for the event that occurs, but I still loved it.  And the ending scene - WOW - talk about a cliffhanger!  288 pages (Kindle edition).

"A SEAL's Seduction" by Tawny Weber

This so-so contemporary romance centers on Dr. Alexia Lane, a neuroscientist who has just moved back to San Diego for work.  Unfortunately, this move also brings her closer to her high ranking Naval officer father and socialite mother, neither of whom approves of her career.  One night, she meets Navy SEAL Blake Landon, who has been forced into leave for two weeks after witnessing the death of his close friend on a mission.  They have a weekend hook-up without exchanging much information, so Alexia is shocked to see Blake in uniform at her father's retirement party.  Naturally, she ends their affair due to her "no dating military men" rule, and they don't see each other again until she's kidnapped and Blake is ordered to rescue her many months later.

I didn't enjoy much in this book, and Alexia wasn't easy to like.  For supposedly being so smart, she made some really dumb choices.  The reason for her kidnapping and the rescue scenes really strained credibility.  224 pages.

The Affair by Lee Child

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Jack Reacher goes to Carter Crossing, Mississippi, to help clear the army honor in the murder of three local women. Finding a way to resolve all the loose ends, he is then released from the from the service himself at age 36, so begins his new life. 

Audio:  11 hrs. 46 min.

Print:  608 pages.