Stephen Mansfield’s book that describes itself a “an utterly invigorating guide to being your most masculine self” was a book I looked so forward to reading. At first, I was very thrilled by what the pages contained. Mansfield begins with his “Four Manly Maxims” that are important for men to hold. I agree with them wholeheartedly, and he illustrates his four points very well. For the remainder of the text of the book–which is the bulk of the material–Mansfield then shares many traits that men need to have in their lives. Traits such as humility, humor, presence and many others fill the pages. Each chapter, then, uses a historical figure…

Jerry Parr is considered to be the man who saved the life of President Ronald Reagan when the President was shot early in his time in Washington. This book is simply the autobiography of Parr. The book reads simply enough, as Parr walks the reader through the major crossroads and events of his life, from childhood through a quite interesting life in the Secret Service. Parr helped protect leaders from both political parties, and also became acquainted with a few world leaders, so he has some interesting tales to tell. Of course, there is some obvious restraint in the stories, which the reader will have to understand is necessary, but…

It may come as a surprise, coming from someone who writes thousands of words every week, but I used to despise writing. Maybe it was because the writing was always in “assignment” form, and I didn’t get to select the themes or topics often, but I just didn’t enjoy it. Now, though, all that is different. I think blogging has really set this part of my life free. While I do not consider myself a true author (I like to refer to this part of my life as being a “materialer;” someone who makes material), I love the process. For a natural introvert, blogging and writing are a perfect way…