World War I, spy novels, and self-help were the three books I tackled in my September reading list. Books that are part of my September reading list include The First World War, The Order, and The Wisdom of the Bullfrog. All three of these books brought me value in some shape or form. The Order was yet another incredible Daniel Silva spy novel I enjoyed. Silva’s writing is superb. The Wisdom of the Bullfrog was the second book I read by Admiral William McRaven who writes with a conciseness that I appreciate. For all of the books I have read this year, check out my reading lists [HERE].
The First World War was my least favorite book in my September reading list. Not that The First World War is a bad book. The writing simply is not on par with the other two books. In terms of the best book in my September reading list, I will go with The Wisdom of the Bullfrog. The Order is a fantastic fast-paced read. However, the leadership lessons in The Wisdom of the Bullfrog were impactful on my day-to-day life. With that preamble out of the way, here is my September reading list.
The First World War
In “The First World War,” historian Michael Howard offers a concise and engaging account of WWI, delving into its causes, consequences, and historical debates. From Karl von Clausewitz’s concept of war, Howard provides a comprehensive understanding of the war’s origins and progression. The book succinctly covers key aspects, including the European situation in 1914, military preparations, causes, major campaigns, U.S. involvement, crises, victory, and the post-war settlement. Howard’s insights into political motivations, military strategies, and public sentiments, make it an excellent starting point for anyone seeking an authoritative understanding of this pivotal 20th-century event.
The Order
In “The Order” by Daniel Silva, Gabriel Allon, an art restorer and Israeli intelligence officer, is enjoying a holiday in Venice with his family when Pope Paul VII suddenly dies. He’s called to Rome by Archbishop Luigi Donati, who suspects foul play in the pope’s death. The missing Swiss Guard and a mysterious letter addressed to Gabriel raise suspicions. Gabriel discovers a suppressed gospel in the Vatican Secret Archives that challenges the New Testament’s depiction of a crucial historical event. The Order of St. Helena, a shadowy Catholic society with far-right ties, aims to control the papacy and will stop at nothing to prevent Gabriel from accessing this gospel. As cardinals gather in Rome for the conclave, Gabriel embarks on a quest to uncover the Order’s conspiracy and find the lost gospel, taking him from Florence’s Ponte Vecchio to an Assisi monastery and the depths of the Secret Archives. The story climaxes in the Sistine Chapel, where Gabriel witnesses a historic event—the passing of the Keys of St. Peter to a new pope. “The Order” is book #20 of #23 in the series that once again delivered.
The Wisdom of the Bullfrog
“The Wisdom of the Bullfrog” by Admiral William H. McRaven. McRaven, a Navy SEAL with over four decades of experience, shares invaluable leadership principles in this book. The title “Bullfrog” is an honor bestowed upon the Navy SEAL with the longest active-duty service, a title McRaven earned in 2011. In “The Wisdom of the Bullfrog,” McRaven seamlessly weaves historical and personal leadership lessons. Whether you’re interested in leadership in the context of warfare, business, or life in general, you’ll find insightful takeaways here. McRaven’s previous work that I read in 2018, “Make Your Bed,” was a hit, and “The Wisdom of the Bullfrog” will likely be another gem in his collection.
