Permission is granted to use this review

Give full credit to Veit Johnson

Include our URL https://read52booksayear.blogspot.com

---

Book Review: Meghan and Harry: The Real Story by Lady Colin Campbell

Lady Colin Campbell’s Meghan and Harry: The Real Story is a provocative and controversial examination of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, positioning itself as a corrective to what the author views as a carefully managed public narrative. Known for her long-standing interest in royal history and her unapologetically direct style, Lady Colin Campbell brings a sharp, investigative tone to a subject that has generated global fascination and deep division.

The central aim of the book is to challenge popular media portrayals of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as misunderstood victims of an antiquated monarchy. Campbell argues instead that their difficulties stem largely from personal choices, ambition, and a misunderstanding—or rejection—of royal duty. She frames the monarchy as an institution rooted in service and continuity, contrasting it with what she depicts as the couple’s pursuit of celebrity, autonomy, and commercial opportunity.

One of the book’s defining features is its heavy reliance on interpretation, inference, and insider claims rather than direct access to the principals. Campbell draws on her knowledge of aristocratic culture, royal protocols, and historical precedent to argue that Meghan, in particular, struggled to adapt to the constraints of royal life and underestimated the expectations placed upon her role. Harry, meanwhile, is portrayed as emotionally conflicted, resentful of his upbringing, and susceptible to external influence.

Stylistically, the book is assertive and at times confrontational. Campbell’s writing leaves little doubt about her opinions, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Readers who appreciate decisive commentary and strong narrative framing may find the book compelling and even cathartic. However, those seeking a balanced or empathetic treatment of the Sussexes may view the tone as overly judgmental. The author does not attempt neutrality; rather, she positions herself as an exposer of inconvenient truths.

A notable strength of the book lies in its broader discussion of the monarchy itself. Campbell offers valuable insight into the unwritten rules, traditions, and pressures that define royal life, helping readers understand why certain actions by Harry and Meghan were met with resistance. In this sense, the book functions not only as a critique of individuals but also as a defense of the institution and its long-standing values.

That said, the book’s speculative elements raise legitimate questions. Without direct interviews or verifiable documentation, some claims rest on the author’s interpretation of events and personalities. Readers should therefore approach the text as one perspective among many rather than a definitive account.

In conclusion, Meghan and Harry: The Real Story is a bold, opinion-driven contribution to the ongoing debate surrounding the Sussexes and the modern monarchy. While it may polarize readers, it succeeds in challenging dominant narratives and encouraging critical engagement with media portrayals of royalty. For those interested in royal affairs, institutional tradition, or dissenting viewpoints, Lady Colin Campbell’s book offers a compelling—if contentious—read.

 

 

Permission is granted to use this review

Give full credit to Veit Johnson

Include our URL https://read52booksayear.blogspot.com

Book Review: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference is one of those rare nonfiction books that permanently changes the way you see the world. First published in 2000, it explores a deceptively simple question: why do some ideas, products, or behaviors suddenly explode into widespread popularity while others disappear without a trace? Gladwell’s answer is that social change works much like an epidemic. Just as viruses spread, so do trends, beliefs, and behaviors—once the right conditions are in place.

At the heart of the book is the concept of the “tipping point,” the moment when something crosses a threshold and becomes unstoppable. Gladwell argues that this happens when three forces come together: the Law of the Few, the Stickiness Factor, and the Power of Context. These principles form the framework through which he examines everything from fashion trends to crime rates to the popularity of children’s television.

The Law of the Few suggests that a small number of people are disproportionately responsible for spreading ideas. Gladwell divides them into three types: Connectors, who know lots of people across many social circles; Mavens, who are information specialists that love to share what they know; and Salesmen, who have the charisma and persuasion to convince others. This insight challenges the common belief that change requires huge numbers of people. Instead, Gladwell shows that finding and influencing the right people can matter far more than reaching everyone.

The Stickiness Factor explains why some messages are memorable and others fade away. Gladwell uses examples like Sesame Street and Blue’s Clues to show how small tweaks in presentation can dramatically improve how well people remember and act on information. An idea does not just need to be true or important—it must be packaged in a way that makes it “stick” in the mind. This concept has become especially relevant in today’s digital world, where countless messages compete for attention.

The Power of Context may be the book’s most surprising idea. Gladwell argues that people are far more influenced by their environment than they realize. Through stories such as the dramatic drop in New York City crime during the 1990s, he shows how small changes—like removing graffiti or cracking down on fare evasion—can reshape behavior on a massive scale. The message is clear: circumstances often matter more than character.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is Gladwell’s storytelling. He blends sociology, psychology, and history into engaging narratives that are easy to follow and hard to forget. His examples feel alive, making abstract theories feel practical and real. You do not need a background in social science to appreciate what he is saying.

However, some critics argue that Gladwell oversimplifies complex social phenomena. While the ideas are compelling, they are not always as neatly predictable as the book suggests. Still, this simplicity is also part of its power—it invites readers to think differently about influence, marketing, leadership, and change.

In the end, The Tipping Point is a thought-provoking and highly readable exploration of how small actions can lead to big results. Whether you are interested in business, ministry, education, or simply understanding people better, Gladwell’s insights give you a new lens through which to view the world. It is a book that does exactly what it describes: it creates a tipping point in the way you think.

Book Review: King: A Life

 

Permission is granted to use this review

Give full credit to Veit Johnson

include our URL https://read52booksayear.blogspot.com/

Book Review: King: A Life by Jonathan Eig

Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is a powerful and detailed biography of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most important leaders in American history. The book tells the story of King’s life from his childhood in Atlanta to his role as the leader of the civil rights movement, and finally to his tragic death in 1968. Eig does more than list events—he shows King as a real person, with strengths, struggles, doubts, and an unshakable belief in justice. Reading this book is not just about learning history; it is also about finding life lessons that can guide us today.

One of the strongest lessons from King: A Life is the power of courage in the face of fear. King knew that his work was dangerous. He received death threats, was arrested many times, and even had his house bombed. Still, he chose to continue leading marches, giving speeches, and calling for justice. This teaches us that doing what is right often comes with risks, but bravery means moving forward even when you are afraid.

Another lesson is the importance of nonviolence and love. King believed that hate could not drive out hate; only love could do that. He studied the teachings of Jesus and the example of Mahatma Gandhi, and he put those ideas into action. Even when attacked, he told his followers not to fight back. For young people today, this is a reminder that responding to conflict with anger usually makes things worse, but responding with calmness and love can change hearts.

The book also highlights the value of persistence. The civil rights movement was not won overnight. It took years of marches, speeches, meetings, and court cases. At times it seemed like nothing was changing, but King and his supporters refused to give up. Their persistence eventually led to landmark changes, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This teaches us that change often takes time and that we must keep working even when results are slow.

A fourth lesson is about balance and humanity. Eig shows that King was not perfect. He struggled with exhaustion, pressure, and doubts about whether he was making a difference. Sometimes he felt overwhelmed by criticism from both white leaders and even people within the movement. This shows us that even great leaders are human, and it is okay to admit struggles. The lesson is that leadership is not about being flawless—it is about staying committed to a bigger purpose despite weaknesses.

Finally, King’s life demonstrates the lesson of legacy. Though his life was cut short, the impact of his work continues to shape the United States and the world. His speeches and actions inspire people decades later. The takeaway is that what we do in our lifetime matters. Our actions, whether small or large, can leave a lasting impact on others.

In conclusion, Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is more than a history book. It is a guide for anyone who wants to live with courage, persistence, and love. By studying King’s struggles and triumphs, readers can learn how to face their own challenges and contribute to a better world.

Book Review In Order to Live

Permission is granted to use this review

Give full credit to Veit Johnson

include our URL https://read52booksayear.blogspot.com/

Book Review: In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park

Yeonmi Park’s memoir In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom is an extraordinary testament to human resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of liberty. It is both heartbreaking and inspiring, giving readers a rare and deeply personal look into the realities of life under one of the world’s most repressive regimes and the harrowing struggles of escape.

The book begins with Yeonmi’s childhood in North Korea, where the state-controlled environment shapes every aspect of existence. From an early age, she is taught never to question authority, never to speak carelessly, and never to trust anyone outside the family. She describes the pervasive hunger, the indoctrination through propaganda, and the daily fear that defines North Korean society. For Western readers, these details are eye-opening, as they expose the stark contrast between the freedoms we take for granted and the suffocating restrictions she endured.

When Yeonmi’s father is imprisoned for engaging in black-market trade, the family’s already fragile security collapses. Facing starvation, Yeonmi and her mother decide to flee to China in 2007. Instead of the freedom they had hoped for, they encounter a different kind of captivity: human trafficking. Park recounts, with unflinching honesty, the exploitation and abuse she endured as a teenager. These sections are some of the most painful to read, yet they are crucial to understanding the dangers many North Korean defectors face once they cross the border.

What makes the book especially compelling is Yeonmi’s ability to narrate not only the external events but also her inner transformation. She candidly shares her struggles with shame, guilt, and confusion as she attempts to reconcile her upbringing with the new realities she encounters. Her journey from North Korea to China, then eventually to South Korea, is not only a physical escape but also an intellectual and emotional awakening.

One of the most powerful themes in In Order to Live is the concept of freedom. For Yeonmi, freedom is not simply the absence of chains, but the ability to think for oneself, to make choices, and to embrace human dignity. Her reflections on learning about ideas like human rights and individual worth are profound. She describes the difficulty of unlearning the lies she had absorbed in North Korea and the painstaking process of developing her own moral compass.

The writing style is straightforward and accessible, which allows the gravity of her story to shine through without unnecessary embellishment. Park does not sensationalize her suffering, nor does she portray herself as a flawless hero. Instead, she writes with humility and vulnerability, which makes her story even more powerful.

Ultimately, In Order to Live is more than a memoir—it is a call to awareness and compassion. It reminds readers that behind political headlines are real people whose lives are deeply affected. Yeonmi Park’s story is one of survival, but also of hope. She demonstrates that even in the face of unimaginable hardship, the human spirit can endure and rise.

Verdict: A must-read for anyone interested in human rights, global issues, or stories of remarkable courage. This book challenges us to value freedom and to never forget those still fighting for theirs.

 

1776 by David mcCullough

 Introduction

1776 is a nonfiction history book written by David McCullough, a famous American historian who won two Pulitzer Prizes.  The book focuses on the military events of the American Revolutionary War during the year 1776.

---

The hero of the story is George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army. The book shows how he stayed calm and determined, even when things looked bad. We meet soldiers like Henry Knox and Nathanael Greene, as well as the British commander William Howe.

McCullough brings readers into battle scenes like Boston, Long Island, Trenton, and Dorchester Heights. He writes about how real people, farmers, teachers, and boys joined the battle.

The writing style is clear and full of action. It is easy to read, but still gives lots of historical details. He uses letters, maps, and maps drawn by British engineers. It feels like watching a movie, but through words.

The book is special because it shows both sides of the war, the Americans and the British. It doesn't just tell us facts; it tells us what soldiers ate, how they felt, and what they fought for. This makes history come alive. The book is exciting and clear. It has a great character focus where we learn why Washington stayed strong in hard times.

The book is exciting and clear, with great character focus. It does not just tell us facts, it tells us what soldiers ate, how they felt, and what they fought for. This makes history come alive.

In about 500 pages, the author delivers a powerful true story of courage and struggle in the first year of the Revolutionary War. It's exciting, easy to read and full of real moments. thou it doesn't cover all political history, it is a strong introduction to the bravery and challenges that shaped America.

• 
  

American Moonshot

Borrow this book from you local library

Book Review: American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race by Douglas Brinkley

Douglas Brinkley’s American Moonshot is a captivating blend of political biography, historical narrative, and scientific exploration that chronicles one of the most ambitious undertakings in American history: the race to the moon. Centered on President John F. Kennedy’s role in propelling the United States into the space age, the book provides a detailed account of how national ambition, technological innovation, and Cold War politics converged to achieve the unimaginable.

Brinkley, a respected historian and presidential biographer, frames the space race not merely as a scientific quest, but as a deeply political and cultural movement. He carefully constructs the narrative around Kennedy’s vision, beginning with his upbringing and formative years, and then transitioning into his rise in politics during a time when the Soviet Union's advancements in space caused a crisis of confidence in America. The launch of Sputnik in 1957 and Yuri Gagarin’s successful orbit in 1961 shook the U.S. psyche, convincing many that the country was losing the technological edge.

What sets American Moonshot apart is Brinkley’s ability to weave together the intricacies of policy-making, the pressures of Cold War diplomacy, and the raw human ambition that fueled the Apollo missions. Kennedy emerges not just as a politician making a strategic decision, but as a visionary leader who recognized that space exploration could unite the country and affirm its global leadership. His famous 1961 speech committing America to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade is portrayed not as a spontaneous act of idealism, but as a calculated and courageous political maneuver.

The book also delves into the lesser-known figures and circumstances that played critical roles in the moonshot, including scientists like Wernher von Braun, engineers at NASA, and civil rights activists who challenged the vast expenditure on space in the face of domestic inequality. Brinkley does not shy away from the contradictions of the era—highlighting how the moon landing took place during a time of deep social unrest and racial tension.

Stylistically, Brinkley’s prose is engaging and accessible, making complex technical and political issues understandable to general readers. His meticulous research and use of primary sources—speeches, letters, and personal interviews—add credibility and depth to the narrative. However, at times, the dense detail may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with the intricacies of mid-century American politics or the structure of NASA.

Ultimately, American Moonshot is not just a story of rockets and astronauts; it’s a story about leadership, vision, and the enduring power of national purpose. It captures a pivotal moment when the United States dared to dream big and, against all odds, succeeded. For readers interested in space history, presidential leadership, or Cold War dynamics, Brinkley’s work offers both insight and inspiration.

Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski by Ian O’Connor

 

​Click Here to purchase book

The definitive biography of college basketball’s all-time winningest coach, Mike Krzyzewski
 
Mike Krzyzewski, known worldwide as “Coach K,” is a five-time national champion at Duke, the NCAA's all-time leader in victories with nearly 1,200, and the first man to lead Team USA to three Olympic basketball gold medals. Through unprecedented access to Krzyzewski’s best friends, closest advisers, fiercest adversaries, and generations of his players and assistants, three-time New York Times bestselling author Ian O’Connor takes you behind the Blue Devil curtain with a penetrating examination of the great, but flawed leader as he closes out his iconic career.
 
Krzyzewski  built a staggering basketball empire that has endured for more than four decades, placing him among the all-time titans of American sport, and yet there has never been a defining portrait of the coach and his program. Until now. O’Connor uses scores of interviews with those who know Krzyzewski best  to deliver previously untold stories about the relationships that define the venerable Coach K, including the one with his volcanic mentor, Bob Knight, that died a premature death. Krzyzewski was always driven by an inner rage fueled by his tough Chicago upbringing, and by the blue-collar Polish-American parents who raised him to fight for a better life. As the retiring Coach K makes his final stand, vying for one more ring during the 2021-2022 season before saying goodbye at age 75, O’Connor shows you sides of the man and his methods that will surprise even the most dedicated Duke fan.    

Oceans Apart - Karen Kingsbury

 

To purchase this book click here

Billy Graham - Nearing Home

Click Here to purchase this book

Check with your local library to read/listen to this book for free!

Scripture is filled with examples of men and women whom God used late in life, often with great impact—Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elizabeth, and Anna, to name a few. They were ordinary men and women who discovered that the latter years of life can be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling. “For them, growing older wasn’t something to be denied or dreaded;” says Billy Graham, “it was to be embraced as part of God’s plan for their lives.” Billy Graham’s life and ministry have been dedicated to the here and now but always with a happy-ever-after in view. In this moving narrative he reflects on his life and contemplates what God still has in store for him. He also shares how he has learned to deal with grief, uncertainty, and loss by focusing on the promises found in the Bible.

“Explore with me not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment and even joy that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God’s point of view and discover His strength to sustain us every day.” —Billy Graham

Lioness: Golda Meir and the Nation of Israel

We get audiobooks and e-books from our local library for free.

We also use everland.com to obtain books for listening and reading.

You can get a free trial of Everland for 30 days.

You can get a free trial at audiobook.com

To purchase this book click here

Golda Meir was a world figure unlike any other. Born in tsarist Russia in 1898, she immigrated to America in 1906 and grew up in Milwaukee, where from her earliest years she displayed the political consciousness and organizational skills that would eventually catapult her into the inner circles of Israel's founding generation.

Moving to mandatory Palestine in 1921 with her husband, the passionate socialist joined a kibbutz but soon left and was hired at a public works office by the man who would become the great love of her life. A series of public service jobs brought her to the attention of David Ben-Gurion, and her political career took off.

Fund-raising in America in 1948, secretly meeting in Amman with King Abdullah right before Israel's declaration of independence, mobbed by thousands of Jews in a Moscow synagogue in 1948 as Israel's first representative to the USSR, serving as minister of labor and foreign minister in the 1950s and 1960s, Golda brought fiery oratory, plainspoken appeals, and shrewd deal-making to the cause to which she had dedicated her life - the welfare and security of the State of Israel and its inhabitants.

As prime minister, Golda negotiated arms agreements with Richard Nixon and Henry Kissinger and had dozens of clandestine meetings with Jordan's King Hussein in the unsuccessful pursuit of a land-for-peace agreement with Israel's neighbors. But her time in office ended in tragedy, when Israel was caught off guard by Egypt and Syria's surprise attack on Yom Kippur in 1973.

Analyzing newly available documents from Israeli government archives, Francine Klagsbrun looks into whether Golda could have prevented that war and whether in its darkest days she contemplated using nuclear force. Resigning in the war's aftermath, she spent her final years keeping a hand in national affairs and bemusedly enjoying international acclaim. Klagsbrun's superbly researched and masterly recounted story of Israel's founding mother gives us a Golda for the ages.

Tough Love

 

Tough Love: My Story of the things Worth Fighting For

Click HERE to purchase the book

Click HERE to read or listen to book for Free

Recalling pivotal moments from her dynamic career on the front lines of American diplomacy and foreign policy, Susan E. Rice—National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama and US Ambassador to the United Nations—reveals her surprising story with unflinching candor in this New York Times bestseller.

Mother, wife, scholar, diplomat, and fierce champion of American interests and values, Susan Rice powerfully connects the personal and the professional. Taught early, with tough love, how to compete and excel as an African American woman in settings where people of color are few, Susan now shares the wisdom she learned along the way.

Laying bare the family struggles that shaped her early life in Washington, DC, she also examines the ancestral legacies that influenced her. Rice’s elders—immigrants on one side and descendants of slaves on the other—had high expectations that each generation would rise. And rise they did, but not without paying it forward—in uniform and in the pulpit, as educators, community leaders, and public servants.

Susan too rose rapidly. She served throughout the Clinton administration, becoming one of the nation’s youngest assistant secretaries of state and, later, one of President Obama’s most trusted advisors.

Rice provides an insider’s account of some of the most complex issues confronting the United States over three decades, ranging from “Black Hawk Down” in Somalia to the genocide in Rwanda and the East Africa embassy bombings in the late 1990s, and from conflicts in Libya and Syria to the Ebola epidemic, a secret channel to Iran, and the opening to Cuba during the Obama years. With unmatched insight and characteristic bluntness, she reveals previously untold stories behind recent national security challenges, including confrontations with Russia and China, the war against ISIS, the struggle to contain the fallout from Edward Snowden’s NSA leaks, the U.S. response to Russian interference in the 2016 election, and the surreal transition to the Trump administration.

Although you might think you know Susan Rice—whose name became synonymous with Benghazi following her Sunday news show appearances after the deadly 2012 terrorist attacks in Libya—now, through these pages, you truly will know her for the first time. Often mischaracterized by both political opponents and champions, Rice emerges as neither a villain nor a victim, but a strong, resilient, compassionate leader.

Intimate, sometimes humorous, but always candid, Tough Love makes an urgent appeal to the American public to bridge our dangerous domestic divides in order to preserve our democracy and sustain our global leadership.

The Regime

 

The Regime: Evil Advances / Before They Were Left Behind

book review of The Regime: Evil Advances (Before They Were Left Behind) by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins:

---

The Regime: Evil Advances is the second book in the Before They Were Left Behind prequel series to the famous Left Behind novels. Set in the years leading up to the Rapture, it offers readers a deeper look at how key characters such as Nicolae Carpathia, Rayford Steele, and Buck Williams came into their own before the apocalyptic events that define the main series.

One of the greatest strengths of this novel lies in its exploration of character origins. Nicolae Carpathia, the future Antichrist, is revealed not as a fully formed political figure but as a dynamic, ambitious young man whose moral compass is warped by his thirst for power. Through his interactions with Leon Fortunato and his gradual consolidation of influence, we see how Carpathia’s charm, intelligence, and ruthless tactics begin laying the foundation for his terrifying rise. For readers familiar with the Left Behind series, this backstory adds new texture to a character whose later actions are central to Bible prophecy–inspired fiction.

Parallel to Carpathia’s arc is the narrative of Rayford Steele, a Pan-Con Airlines pilot whose life appears stable on the surface but is riddled with spiritual and relational tension. Rayford is portrayed as a man torn between worldly comfort and deeper meaning—a theme that resonates with many readers, especially those who have encountered spiritual struggles in their own lives. The contrast between Rayford and his wife Irene—whose newfound faith defines her choices—creates an emotional core to the story that is both engaging and, at times, painfully honest.

Another compelling subplot involves Buck Williams, whose early journalism career unfolds at an Ivy League school. Buck’s pursuit of excellence, his grappling with personal loss, and his eventual rise to prominence in the media add a grounded, human element to this largely theological and political narrative. His story serves as a bridge between the spiritual themes and the worldly ambitions that drive many events in the book.

Despite these strengths, the novel has drawn mixed reactions from readers. Many praise the book for its fast pace and intriguing shifts between perspectives, noting that it holds appeal for longtime fans of the Left Behind universe. The intertwining of personal faith journeys with the larger geopolitical setups makes it more than just a standard thriller.

However, some readers find fault with the sheer number of characters and viewpoints, feeling that it prevents deeper character development. Critics argue that the large cast can feel overwhelming and that some figures come across as one-dimensional. Others feel this installment doesn’t significantly expand on the main series’ events and may be less impactful for those not already invested in the Left Behind saga.

Stylistically, LaHaye and Jenkins maintain a clear, accessible prose that suits the genre and keeps the narrative moving. The novel blends political intrigue, personal conflict, and theological exploration in a way that will satisfy readers who enjoy Christian fiction with a prophetic bent.

Overall, The Regime: Evil Advances is a worthwhile addition to the Left Behind prequels, particularly for fans interested in the formative years of key characters. While not without flaws, it offers meaningful insights and sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow in this popular series.