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Welcome to My Library!
This is my library, where I help you find the books you need to expand your knowledge. In order to understand the problems facing us today, we need context. So, I'm making my personal library a public library and letting you in. Rather than looking for a "library near me," this will bring you the joy of reading no matter where you are.
Recent Releases:
12 Rules For Life by Jordan B. Peterson
In this book, Dr. Peterson walks through 12 rules that sometimes seem apparent, and sometimes not, in order to give the reader a way of living a productive, fruitful, meaningful life. This book is an amazing guide to becoming a better person. It is a mixture of Psychology, Religion, Ethics, Philosophy, and Literature that shows you how all of truth is related to other types. And, each of these is a tool for us to use by participating in the truth by speaking it and defending it. Buy your copy of 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson here>>
Filthy Rich by James Patterson
There are some, actually many, gross details in this book. So, if you're not comfortable with that, it may not be for you. But, if you're up for it, I think it's an important read to be ready for the storm to come. The narrative style of this book is engaging and easy to follow. It almost flows like a story, not reporting, but it is incredibly informational and documented. Honestly, I wasn't sure what it would be like going into this book, but it was a captivating story, although off-putting, and the book was written well also. Overall, I think it was a great read. Get your copy of Filthy Rich by James Patterson here>>
The Recovery of Family Life by Scott Yenor
I'll be discussing a book by Scott Yenor. The Recovery of Family Life is an insightful look into the attack on the family, and how to push back. I learned about this book because someone reached out to me about it. After reading most of it, I can say this is a crucial read for everyone in our culture today. Grab your copy of The Recovery of Family Life by Scott Yenor here>>
Philosophy Library:
Support my work at the Conversation of Our Generation while you shop on Amazon. Just click my link and all you buy helps support my work. Here are some philosophy books for you to check out:
Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
The Abolition of Man is a work that I believe is prophetic, but not just because it described a problem we'd deal with decades later. Rather, the prophecy lies in the ability to predict the end result. It does so by following the logic to its conclusion with tremendous accuracy. Near the end, he says, "But you cannot go on 'explaining away' for ever; you will find that you have explained explanation itself away." If that doesn't call to mind our current Postmodern culture, I don't know what does. So, if you're interested in how Lewis check out this review. Get your copy of Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis here >>
Art of War by Sun Tzu
It's truly amazing the way the wisdom from Art of War has lasted, and most likely will last much longer. There's tremendous advice relevant to those who may not be in war, but are vying for position or competing in some way. The wisdom in this book is timeless, although it may not apply in the same way. Get your copy of Art of War by Sun Tzu here>>
Nichomachean Ethics by Aristotle
A lot of people are happy to note that virtue is lacking in our society, and we have a lot of work to do if we want a virtuous society. But, I hear only a few voices offering a solution to this problem. Only a few people are calling people to act virtuously and live a life of virtue. The Vital Masculinity podcast is doing great work to promote that, but sadly not many others are. Not many people are answering the basic questions like "What is virtue?" or "How do I become a virtuous person?" Get your copy of Nichomachean Ethics by Aristotle here >>
Meditations of Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was an Emperor of Rome. He was also a wise, Stoic philosopher. He might be more remembered for his writings than what he did as a political and military leader. His understanding of discipline and how you can grow in virtue only through channeling liberty for good is one that strikes a cord with me. I think that in an emotionally-driven culture, we can use some more stoicism and cold rationality as we discuss the relevant topics today. Get your copy of Meditations by Marcus Aurelius here>>
Meditations on First Philosophy by Rene Descartes
I once heard a teacher tell his students, "If you want to be able to break the rules, you have to know them first." Basically, the point is something similar to Chesterton's fence. Rather than breaking the rules when you don't understand them, you should only remove barriers with a good cause. In Meditations on First Philosophy, Rene Descartes flips the rules of philosophy on their head in this experiment. Get your copy of Meditations on First Philosophy by Rene Descartes here>>
Property Rights in the Digital Age by Nick Jamell
Privacy is a major concern right now as big tech runs rampant, doing whatever it pleases. So, how do we protect our rights to privacy and property from the greedy and intrusive hands of big tech? That's what I discuss in this book. Instead of specific policy prescriptions, I offer a methodology and framework for protecting rights. Get your copy of Property Rights in the Digital Age>>
Republic by Plato
Plato, one of the best known Greek philosophers, was a student of Socrates and a teacher of Aristotle. He's notable not only for his tremendous insight into philosophy, but his style as well. Instead of explaining his ideas in a long soliloquy, he used dialogue to teach. For his dialogues, he uses Socrates and what we now know as the Socratic method to extract ideas from his characters. In Plato's Republic, we take a look at what he thinks the ideal society would be. So, let's take a look at what Plato has to say about his ideal political situation. Grab your copy of Plato's Republic here>>
Syposium by Plato
Plato's Symposium is a great guide on how to discuss ideas. In this book, you'll get an in-depth look at a lengthy discussion about love. Despite having competing theories, the people in this book are able to discuss their ideas amicably. Furthermore, they ask good questions and understand each other's ideas. This helps the conversation dive into a deep discussion, rather than staying at the surface-level. If that interests you at all, listen here to learn more. Get your copy of Plato's Symposium here >>
The First Philosophers: The Presocratics and the Sophists
As you know, at the Conversation of Our Generation, we are trying to build a dialogue and discuss the ideas that affect our society, culture, politics and philosophy. As we discuss the ideas that will define our generation, it is important to look back at the foundations of thought. This book is great for understanding how the dialogue developed and how these ideas are still relevant today. When I started the Conversation of Our Generation, this was one of the books that inspired me. Grab your copy of The First Philosophers: The Presocratics and the Sophists here>>
The Meaning of Conservatism by Roger Scruton
Roger Scruton is one of the leading conservative philosophers of the last century, and potentially of all time. His book, The Meaning of Conservatism, was instrumental in developing how I think about politics. So, I want to share this book with you. Honestly, I think anyone - whether conservative or not - would learn a lot from this book. Interested? Grab your copy of The Meaning of Conservatism by Roger Scruton here>>
Walden and Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau
Walden is a journal Thoreau wrote as he lived off on his own on the Lake Walden in New England. It was a time where he got away from society, which allowed him to see it clearly. It's a great look at the society at the time, and we could learn something today as we are shut in as well. Civil Disobedience is his essay on, well, civil disobedience. He talks about how he takes steps to push back against a government he finds unjust due to slavery. Grab your copy of Walden and Civil Disobedience here>>
The Soul of the World by Roger Scruton
In The Soul of the World, Roger Scruton explores the spirit behind the music, art, and architecture and in doing so makes an argument for a human soul as well. There is little to no mention of God, and he still is able to show how a spirit can emanate from the physical. Get your copy of The Soul of the World by Roger Scruton here>>
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu
Check out my newest book review on Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu! This book is full of insights and I hope to bring some of those to light for you in this video. It's definitely worth checking out if you have any interest in Religion or Philosophy. Lao Tzu is an amazing thinker and prophet, and his wisdom is beautifully articulated in the Tao Te Ching! Grab your copy of the Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu here >>
The Analects And The Doctrine Of The Mean by Confucius
I wanted to review the Doctrine of the Mean and the Analects because I think they are full of amazing wisdom. Confucius is, in my opinion, on par with some of the greatest Greek philosophers. Having now read more of Plato's work, I would compare these works to something like the Symposium or Republic. The question-and-answer style is very engaging and I think makes for a good demonstration of how to discuss ideas. Grab your copy of the Analects by Confucius >>
Books on Politics:
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Common sense is in short supply nowadays. People are up in arms about politics, but should we be? Well, Thomas Paine explains his case for rebellion, and I can say we're nowhere close to that. After reading his pamphlet arguing for independence, I don't think we're anywhere close. So, listen below to find out why. Then, get your copy here so you can read. for yourself. Get your copy of Common Sense by Thomas Paine here >>
Controversial Essays by Thomas Sowell
This book is an easy read. Each of the essays is only a couple pages, so you can do it in bursts. It's a great book to have on the table to pick up here and there and flip through a couple essays. I found it really helpful to read a couple then reflect on them and gather my thoughts so I can distill it. He writes simply, yet profoundly, and there are layers to it that you can unravel the more you contemplate. Also, it's a great way to get lots of facts and figures quickly and easily that are well sourced and cited if that's something you need. Grab your copy of Controversial Essays by Thomas Sowell here>>
Don't Burn This Book by Dave Rubin
In a time when discussion is angry and partisan, it is refreshing to have a book that addresses real issues seriously- but not too seriously. Don't Burn This Book is a great look at Dave Rubin's political transformation, and it comes with great advice for those afraid of the PC Mob. Get your copy of Don't Burn This Book here>>
Freedom of Religion Decisions of the United States by Maureen Harrison & Steve Gilbert
How much do you know about the history of religious freedom? These cases are truly interesting, especially if you want to see where the "Wall of Separation" between church and state lies. Listen below to learn more. A great bonus to buying this book is that it has a copy of the entire Constitution and the amendments in the back. (Just sayin...) But, more importantly, it is a barely-edited version of the decisions by the Supreme Court. The few edits are to take out the "legalese" and make it more understandable and readable for the lay person. I was able to fly through it and really enjoyed it all the way. Get your copy of Freedom of Religion Decisions of the United States by Maureen Harrison & Steve Gilbert here >>
Anatomy of the State by Murray Rothbard
The Anatomy of the State is a great look into how the modern state operates. It is a guide to understanding how the idea of government has largely been perverted. This book review will dive into the book and the importance of Murray Rothbard. This book is important largely due to the author, Murray Rothbard. His work is one of the major foundations on Libertarian thought, and if you wish to understand libertarians, it would be good to understand his ideas. Grab your copy of Anatomy of the State by Murray Rothbard >>
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
In order for you understand the modern political landscape, it is important to read Machiavelli's The Prince. It includes detailed and wise accounts of how rulers gain, retain and lose power. The version that I recommend in this video also includes a couple other works by Machiavelli. In these other works, he describes the forms of government and which are most preferable and why. Grab your copy of The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli here >>
Two Treatises on Government by John Locke
John Locke was an influential Enlightenment thinker whose work inspired many of the Founding Fathers. Locke was a philosopher and is commonly regarded as the Father of Liberalism. Since his work has come up in other discussions, like the one I had with Dr. Yenor. Plus, Locke was a focal point of my conversation with Brooke Medina from the John Locke Foundation. Because he's top of mind, and because we're ready to tear apart anything anyone tries to build in our society, I wanted to discuss Two Treatises on Government to learn how to criticize government. Get your copy of Two Treatises on Government by John Locke here>>
History Library:
Jefferson's Great Gamble by Charles Cerami
One president and two future presidents worked together on the Louisiana Purchase. This book dives into the story of how they did that, and what it took to coordinate the deal with Napoleon Bonaparte's France. If you don't know this story, I recommend you listen to this book review. So, listen below to learn why you need to know this story. Get your copy of Jefferson's Great Gamble by Charles Cerami here>>
Shocking Secrets of American History by Bill Coate
In keeping with this week's episode on history, I decided to bring out a book from my library on history to review today. In this episode, we'll look at some of the secrets of history from this book. Basically, this book is a collection of short stories that many may not know about American history. Despite being a history buff, I hadn't heard many of the stories, so I think there's a lot of learning for anyone. Tune into this episode, I'll show you why you should pick up your copy. Get your copy of Shocking Secrets of American History by Bill Coate here >>
The Real Lincoln by Thomas DiLorenzo
Many will argue that Abraham Lincoln was the best president we've had, or at least one of the best. What made Abraham Lincoln great in many people's eyes is the preservation of the union. But was Lincoln a good president? In The Real Lincoln, Thomas DiLorenzo shows the problems with Lincoln's presidency. By taking a look at this book, we'll ask if Lincoln was good or bad for our country by looking at the results of his presidency. Get your copy of The Real Lincoln by Thomas DiLorenzo here>>
The Supreme Court Landmark Decisions by Tony Mauro
This is a great book that will help you understand the Supreme Court, how they make decisions, and how those decisions affect you. It's a great look into the major cases that have shaped America, and most especially, American jurisprudence. I thought it would be good to talk more about one of the arenas where these values are put to the test, and at times, come to fruition. This is a great book to help you understand what was going through the minds of the Justices as they made their decisions. And, when the Supreme Court is making some insane decisions now, it's a great reminder that these are fallible people and can be overturned.Get your copy of The Supreme Court Landmark Decisions by Tony Mauro here>>
Books on Economics:
The Fair Tax Book
The Fair Tax has made waves in Washington, but there aren't many people talking about it as an alternative to the Income Tax. Instead, many people are talking about Tax Cuts, Tax Reform or the Flat Tax. This book gives you all the reasons why we should turn away from the Income Tax and toward a consumption tax, namely the Fair Tax. I go through some of the points in the book in the video below, but you have to read it for yourself! Check out my video and then let me know what you think once you read the book! Get your copy of The Fair Tax Book by Neil Boortz >>
Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell
Discrimination and Disparities by Thomas Sowell is a great look into how economic disparities that we hear a lot about play out in the real world. Statistics are a snapshot at a certain time, in a certain place, of a certain group. It isn't the whole picture, let alone the whole story. Grab your copy of Discrimination and Disparities here>>
Literature & Fiction Library:
Empire of Lies by Andrew Klavan
Action thrillers are some of my favorite movies, and this book really has that feel to it. A newspaper reporter with a checkered past stumbles on a story that he can't believe, and tries not to, but the evidence is something he has to follow up on. When he looks into it, he ends up on an adventure that is hard to believe. The characters in this story are realistic, complicated, and dynamic - and throughout the book they develop in a way that attaches you to the characters and helps you sympathize with them. Because of that, you are constantly questioning the truth of the story the main character is chasing, especially since you don't know who to trust. Get your copy of Empire of Lies by Andrew Klavan here >>
King Henry VI by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare's King Henry VI teaches us what the costs of civil unrest can be. Furthermore, it shows us how tensions rise and reach a boiling point that cannot be reversed. So, have we reached that point? I don't think that's the case, but we are not charting a good course. In this episode, we'll see what we can glean from this fictionalized account of actual history. Get your copy of King Henry VI by William Shakespeare here>>
Nasty Story by Fyodor Dostoevsky
In Dostoevsky's Nasty Story, we follow the dreadful evening of a prideful bureaucrat. The story follows Ivan Ilyich Pralinsky, as he decides to crash his subordinate's wedding reception. His reason for doing so, whether he admits it or not, is his pride. And, that's what I want to discuss today: how elitism leads people to pride and a disdain for "common people." Get your copy of Nasty Story by Fyodor Dostoevsky here>>
Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Not sure if you've ever read Russian literature (I know I avoided it in high school). But, if you haven't it is something unique. In Notes From Underground, Fyodor Dostoevsky shows how someone paves the road to hell for himself by how they think and act. So, in today's episode, we'll take a look into the psyche of a man on that path to learn from his mistakes. Buy your Copy of Notes from Underground here. Check out the review here.
The Importance of Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde
Recently, I decided to revisit The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde because it had been a while since I'd read it. And, I must say that I forgot how entertaining the book is. That's why I recommend you listen and grab yourself a copy. The Importance of Being Earnest is a clever look at the frivolity of high society in 19th century England, which I think would ring true today. Grab your copy of The Importance of Being Earnest >>
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
Today, I want to talk about the first book of the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring. I think we're in a place where each of us has had something similar to Frodo thrust upon us. In the book, Gandalf basically says that we don't ask for these hard times, but when they come, we have to deal with it. This comes up as Frodo is lamenting about how he has to bear this burden and fight to save the world. Even though he did nothing to deserve his fate, he has to take responsibility and go on this journey. Grab your copy of The Lord of the Rings trilogy>>
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
There comes a time when you have to fight, even if it seems hopeless. I think we're at that point in our culture. And no, I'm not calling for actual violence. I'm calling for us to simply rise up and speak the truth, even when it's hard.You may not want to be the one to take part in the battle. But when it's time to fight, you don't always have a choice. I think this book demonstrates how we ought to act when we're up against the wall and see no way out. Grab your copy of The Lord of the Rings trilogy>>
Lord of the Rings The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
In my previous book reviews on the first two books, I discussed how to take responsibility and know when it's time to fight. Each of those is a great lesson, and I recommend you check those out if you haven't. For this episode, we'll discuss conquering evil and what the fallout is when it's defeated. Both of these are important to understand, and if we're to be successful at driving evil out of our culture, we'll need these lessons. So, either watch this discussion (above) or listen (below). Grab your copy of The Lord of the Rings trilogy>>
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
In Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway tells the story of an elderly fisherman in Cuba who's struggling to make ends meet. He's poor, and desperately so. He has a young man who helps him, and he mentors him some. The story is a lot about grit, determination, and striving to regain the vibrancy of youth. I won't give away the story, but it is a great embodiment of the Stoic ideal as this old man battles with nature out at sea. Get your copy of Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway here>>
The Screwtape Letters
We all can fall to temptation, normally without even realizing it. The Screwtape Letters are a riveting series of story-like letters that show how people can be tempted to turn away from God. Whether or not you believe in God, this story can teach you how to be aware of the parts of human nature that steer you away from your purpose and towards self-destruction. Get your copy of The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis here >>
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
This Ernest Hemingway book highlights a writer living an Upper Class lifestyle in Paris. There's action and fist fights as well as a good story of a broken love interest. But this is a great piece of literature and a short read. It's a great look into the life of men and women with nothing solid to cling to. Grab your copy The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingwayof here>>
Titus Andronicus By William Shakespeare
Titus Andronicus is a beautiful tragedy out of the collection of William Shakespeare's works. I think it's important for modern people to read tragedies from the past. We are so disconnected from our history and heritage that it's easy to dissociate from what they went through. Obviously, this is a fictional story; however, there is a way that we can see what our forefathers experienced in these stories. These are real depictions of what life was like, although fictionalized. And, in this book review, I'll explain why you should read this masterpiece from Shakespeare. Get your copy of Titus Andronicus By William Shakespeare here >>
Books on Religion:
Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine of Hippo, a late-in-life convert and one of the Fathers of the Church. His influence on the growth and theology of the Church is hard to calculate, but he has definitely changed the course of the Catholic Church. I love the way he speaks to God in this book and how he asks God for the truth. I think it is a great example of how to be an honest seeker of truth. Instead of choosing what you believe and asserting your points, be humble and seek the truth and accept it. Get your copy of Confessions by St. Augustine here>>
Letter to a Suffering Church by Bishop Robert Barron
I know the abuse scandal was a huge obstacle in my faith. I felt as though I couldn't trust the Church or the pastors who were supposed to shepherd me. It was a betrayal. Despite all this, I found a way to separate the sins of shepherds from the mission they pursue. Letter to a Suffering Church is a great, short book that can be very comforting to anyone who's angry about this. Grab your copy of Letter to a Suffering Church by Bishop Robert Barron here >>
Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton
I recent finished Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, and it was a truly delightful book. Although it might have helped reading it with a scotch and cigar. All joking aside, it was an interesting look at new arguments for Christianity that really spoke to me.As someone who fell away from the faith and returned due to the good arguments faithful Christians and Jews put forward, as well as bad Atheist arguments, I know why I believe what I believe.In this exploration of why Christianity is true, and how Chesterton came to know that, I came across a set of arguments I hadn't heard. And, they only fortified my belief further. Buy your copy of Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton here>
Villains of the Early Church by Mike Aquilina
Wonder how the Church has addressed issues as they arise? If you want to learn more about the early heretics and persecutors the early Christians faced, this is an easy book to read. What I enjoy, besides learning the history, is to see how ideas are addressed over and over. We have a lot of interesting ideas popping up in our culture that challenge established truths. This book shows how to dissect why something is wrong, explain that, and show why the truth holds. I think we need more of this, and it offers many examples of this process while under duress. Get your copy of Villains of the Early Church by Mike Aquilina here>>
Self-help Books:
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
I found this book tremendously helpful as I left college and entered the business world. It was difficult to talk to experienced professionals, and I needed a confidence boost. Before graduating college, I worked in retail and had no problem talking to customers. But, being thrust into a new world, I was out of my element and needed help. If you ask me, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to lead a successful life. Grab your copy of How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie here >>
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