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(WBR) Wayne’s Book Review

Aren’t you lucky?  Yes, I think you are.  Because I am continuing my quest to read a book every month (last year’s New Year’s Resolution), and you get a rare glimpse into the somewhat chaotic mind of Wayne Romain and his take on said book.

Just so you know, I’m not a reader.  Other than last year, I have probably read six or seven books in the previous 10.  No literary giant here, but like a lot of things in life, you get outside your element, do things you don’t normally do, and you might learn something.

What does this have to do with the outdoors?  Maybe nothing.  Maybe a lot. But it does represent another pastime that we can enjoy (or muddle through) in The Outdoors.

This month’s book:

The Border Rifleman (1876)

by Albert W. Aiken

Book Overview

The book appears to delve into the tensions of the Black-Hawk Uprising, focusing on the interactions between settlers and Native Americans during this turbulent period. The opening of the novel introduces readers to a serene frontier setting, abruptly interrupted by tension between characters. We meet Sadie Wescott, a brave young woman facing the unwanted advances of William Jackwood, who threatens violence when rejected. Just as things escalate, Cooney Joe confronts Jackwood to defend Sadie. This confrontation hints at deeper issues, as tensions are rising on the frontier due to growing unrest among Native Americans, led by figures like Black-Hawk. Through this vivid portrayal of interpersonal conflicts and simmering tensions, the opening sets a dramatic backdrop for the unfolding struggle against the backdrop of historical events. 

For me, what is striking about this “novel” is that the classic stereotypical “Cowboys and Indians” theme, while shown, is not implicitly “Good vs Evil”.  It touches upon the truth of all human beings and human nature.  Yes, there are evil “whites” and righteous “Natives”.  The story also shows the human emotions of pride, ego, fear, humility, kindness, selfishness, resentments, and the like.  It’s the clash of cultures, misunderstandings, and ignorance on both sides, the “Whites” and the “Natives”, that fuel the violence and passions of this tale.

Good short book.  Not earth shattering, but enlightening, nonetheless.

On a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a 6.

Note: This is my unprofessional, biased, informal review. I make no claims and receive no money or support for my reviews.  It’s just an extrapolation from the mind of WR.

La Última Palabra (The Last Word)

Yoga practitioners are known to say, “No hurry, no pause.”

The Navy SEALs have a mantra, “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.”

And then of course, there is the slow and steady tortoise we’re all introduced to in first grade.

But the lesson of all these invocations isn’t so much about winning the race. It’s that life (is) so much more pleasurable when you’re in the flow and enjoying the journey.

HOW? “You don’t need to go through life huffing and puffing, straining and red-faced; you can get 95% (and maybe even more) of the results you want by calmly putting one foot in front of the other,” notes Tim Ferriss in Tools of Titans.

SOURCE: VMSD