Category: Book Review

Book Review: Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs by Luis Elizondo

Luis Elizondo, the former director of the Pentagon’s Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP), offers a provocative look into the United States government’s investigation of unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) in Imminent: Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs. For readers accustomed to the term “UFOs,” the rebranding to UAPs signals a shift—an attempt to expand the narrative beyond flying objects to include all unexplained phenomena.

Elizondo’s book delves into two compelling narratives. The first is his recounting of extraordinary encounters with UAPs—incidents that suggest extraterrestrial involvement. The second is an exposé of governmental resistance to transparency, raising questions about secrecy, incompetence, and ideological opposition within the military and intelligence community. Both threads are bound to captivate anyone with even a passing curiosity about the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

The revelations are staggering: reports of extraterrestrial craft allegedly recovered and reverse-engineered; claims of alien “bodies” found at crash sites; and the disconcerting assertion that UAPs have interfered with U.S. nuclear missile systems. Elizondo even speculates on the potential motives of these visitors—our planet’s water as fuel, or concern over humanity’s penchant for self-destruction via nuclear warfare. Such theories are supported by numerous sightings near military bases and naval fleets.

The book doesn’t shy away from darker implications. While some suggest UAPs could be benign observers, others, including Elizondo, entertain the notion that their intentions may not be friendly. Reports of abductions and injuries suffered by those who’ve come into direct contact with UAPs lend credence to a more ominous view. Alarmingly, Elizondo recounts how a faction within the U.S. government dismissed UAP research altogether, citing their belief that these phenomena were “demonic.”

Yet, for all its intrigue, Imminent stops short of providing definitive proof. The anecdotes are enthralling, but they remain just that—anecdotes. While Elizondo’s credentials and credibility, evident in his congressional testimony and media appearances, lend weight to his claims, the lack of conclusive evidence may frustrate skeptics. In fact, prominent skeptic Michael Shermer has questioned Elizondo’s background and methods, though his critiques might suffer from a superficial engagement with the book’s content.

What truly stands out is Elizondo’s call for an evolution in our understanding of physics and time. He suggests that UAP technology—capable of unimaginable speed and maneuverability—might reveal the limitations of our current scientific paradigms. This conjecture is tantalizing, leaving readers to ponder whether humanity is on the brink of its most profound discovery.

While Elizondo’s accounts fuel fascination and trepidation, they also underscore a broader question: Could humanity cope with the existential shock of proving extraterrestrial life? As the author posits, the mere acknowledgment that we lack the means to defend against such advanced technology could induce global panic.

Despite the lack of a smoking gun, Imminent is undeniably engrossing. It invites readers to consider the implications of UAPs and the reasons behind governmental obfuscation. If clearer evidence—those alleged high-definition images and videos—exists, one wonders when, if ever, the public will see them. Until then, Imminent serves as a tantalizing, if inconclusive, prelude to what might be the greatest story ever told.

For anyone intrigued by the intersection of science, philosophy, and national security, Elizondo’s account is a must-read, even if it leaves more questions than answers. The next chapter of this unfolding story will undoubtedly be one to watch.

The Myth of American Idealism: How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World by Noam Chomsky and Nathan J. Robinson (Review)

The received wisdom insists that the United States is the tireless champion of democracy and human rights—a paragon of “Wilsonian idealism” and “American exceptionalism.” Noam Chomsky’s and Nathan J. Robinson’s The Myth of American Idealism: How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World eviscerates this comforting narrative. The authors argue that U.S. foreign policy aligns not with noble ideals but with the strategic and economic interests of domestic elites. The result? A history marred by moral indifference, lawlessness, and a ruthless adherence to what Adam Smith once called “the vile maxim of the masters of mankind: All for ourselves and nothing for other people.”

This is not a book for the faint of heart or those who prefer their history wrapped in the star-spangled illusions of Hollywood. It is a damning indictment of U.S. actions abroad, examining case studies from Vietnam to Iraq, Chile to Palestine. The authors spare no sacred cow, exposing the contradictions between America’s lofty rhetoric and its sordid realpolitik.

I approached this book with some skepticism. Chomsky’s political ideology leans further left than my own, and I was wary of polemics. Yet his analysis aligns uncomfortably well with historical evidence. Take, for instance, his examination of U.S. support for Israel. The one-sided nature of American backing—military aid, UN vetoes, and tacit approval of Israeli excesses—has devastated Palestinians while fueling anti-American animus across the Middle East. Chomsky is clear-eyed about the complexities: there are cruel men on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide. But the suffering of millions of innocent Palestinians, bombed, maimed, and displaced, is a humanitarian tragedy in which the United States is deeply complicit.

Equally scathing is his treatment of the Vietnam War—a blunder of monumental proportions. The authors chronicle how leaders lied to the public, sent thousands of soldiers to die needlessly, and plunged the nation into chaos. As someone who lived through that era, I can attest to the war’s divisive impact. For younger readers, this history is essential reading, a sobering reminder of how disastrously foreign policy can go astray when guided by hubris and deceit.

The prose is not exactly uplifting, but it is brutally clarifying. Are we, as Americans, driven by democracy and justice—or by greed and oil? The book challenges readers to reckon with a less flattering version of our heritage, one that calls for reflection rather than whitewashing.

No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, The Myth of American Idealism will provoke thought, discomfort, and perhaps a much-needed reckoning. If you prefer fairy tales about America’s benevolence, look elsewhere. For those willing to confront uncomfortable truths, this book is indispensable.

Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter by Kate Conger and Ryan Mac (Rview

**One of the best-researched and well-written business books I have read, *Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter* by Kate Conger and Ryan Mac is a compelling exploration of Elon Musk’s controversial purchase of Twitter. The book offers a rich narrative populated by a cast of hundreds of Twitter employees and executives, each bringing a unique perspective. Readers may find heroes and villains among them, all presented in vivid, humanizing detail. With a length far exceeding a tweet at 436 pages, it still keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

At the heart of the book is Elon Musk, whose reputation as a visionary, eccentric, and often self-centered figure is fully displayed here. Musk is depicted as the center of Twitter’s universe, around which all other stories orbit. His personality and decisions drive the narrative, illustrating his complex and, at times, erratic leadership style.

As a reader, I found myself feeling sympathetic for the executives and employees who had to work with Musk. Many were caught in a difficult position, needing their jobs to support themselves and their families. Musk, however, was a challenging boss, setting impossible deadlines, frequently changing his mind, and often requiring flattery before he would listen to advice. This environment, as described in the book, made for a grueling workplace experience.

The book also draws comparisons between Musk and Donald Trump, noting both men’s tendencies to act impulsively, seeking adulation and approval without considering the full consequences of their decisions. This parallel underscores the irony that Musk, who initially sought to reduce misinformation on Twitter, ended up frequently sharing and amplifying misinformation himself.

After reading this book, I would not want to work with Elon Musk. The book notes that there has been speculation Musk could take on efficiency reforms in the federal government by cutting expenses and staff. However, his approach at Twitter—firing over half the staff without a clear strategy—highlights the dangers of indiscriminately cutting headcount without considering the broader ramifications.

America First: Roosevelt vs. Lindbergh in the Shadow of War by H.W. Brands (Review)


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


On September 1, 1939, fighting broke out in Europe. After the invasion of Poland by Germany, both France and England declared war against the Nazis. Many, if not most Americans, were resistant to participating in a European war. Indeed, there was resistance to even supplying military supplies and other goods to Britain while they basically fought Germany on their own. There was also significant support for the Germany and Hitler’s regime at this time.

Franklin D. Roosevelt managed a fine line. He wished to be re-elected for a third term, but he also understood that Hitler’s goals were not only the conquest of Europe, but world conquest. Charles Lindbergh was an American hero for his exploits about flying across the Atlantic on his own. He and his wife Anne endured the kidnapping and murder of his son in 1932 and this endeared him more to the American public.

Lindbergh opposed US involvement in any war overseas. Lindbergh felt that America was invincible as it was protected by oceans and not vulnerable to air attacks. Lindbergh saw no reason for America to sacrifice its sons in European wars and spoke out strongly against any intervention.

How FDR positioned the United States to prepare for World War II is an interesting story of great judgment and leadership. FDR coordinated closely with Winston Churchill to ensure that Britain had the necessary weapons and materials to survive German assaults. Roosevelt had to skillfully maneuver his aid to Churchill under the watchful eye and some time opposition of a reluctant Congress.

Charles Lindbergh was accused of being an agent and dupe of the German government. There seems to be a little evidence of that. Lindbergh firmly believed that United States could stand on its own and ably defend itself against any foreign attack or invasion. Circumstances and events proved that Lindburgh was incorrect in his analysis but he did volunteer to help the military in any capacity once United States entered the war.

Today there are isolationist policies still being supported. There are many Americans and people in Congress, who do not feel that we should be supporting Ukraine in its battle against Russia and Putin. Are they guilty of being short sighted too? There are some interesting historical similarities there.

This book was well researched and an excellent read. It quotes from Lindbergh’s diaries and provides a good measure of the man and his ambitions. I think that Lindbergh was largely circumspect and responsible in his criticism over American foreign policy. FDR happened to be right in his judgement about Hitler and America’s role in stopping tyranny.



Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation by Brenda Wineapple (Book Review)

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Before reading this book, I was already intrigued by the Scopes trial, having encountered it through reading Inherit the Wind by Lawrence and Lee in my youth and viewing the film adaptation starring Spencer Tracy as Clarence Darrow.

This book captivated me, not just with the story of the Scopes trial itself but also with the rich background it provides on the cultural and political climate in America leading up to the trial. The country was grappling with racism, antisemitism, women’s disenfranchisement, and a stark divide between the North and South. Religious leaders were increasingly uneasy with the rise of science, and efforts to suppress scientific education in schools were prevalent—an issue that resonates even today.

Wineapple profiles three key figures of the era: Clarence Darrow, H.L. Mencken, and William Jennings Bryan. These profiles were the highlight for me. All three were intelligent, influential, articulate, and deeply flawed. Their strong beliefs on issues like racism, antisemitism, and religion shaped their actions.

Bryan, a staunch defender of the Bible, believed its teachings should be taken literally. His speeches and sermons, especially in the South, were widely popular. Despite three failed presidential campaigns, his political ambition never waned.

Darrow and Mencken, both agnostics, were critical of religious hypocrisy. Liberals in their politics, they used their legal and journalistic skills to push their principles. It’s fascinating that Bryan, Darrow, and Mencken ended up at the center of such a pivotal cultural and political moment.

Reading this book made me reflect on how much progress the United States has—or hasn’t—made in areas like racism, antisemitism, and the influence of religion in education, law, and politics. The challenges to science that existed in the 1920s are still relevant today.

I highly recommend this book as an insightful snapshot of American culture and politics in the 1920s and is still happening today.

Saturday Night will always remain burned in my memory as long as I live, as being the day when I heard the most religion preached, and the least practiced.

Will Rogers


What This Comedian Said Will Shock You by Bill Maher (Review and Notes)

I am a huge Bill Maher fan. I’ve been watching Politically Incorrect since it debuted in 1993. Maher could be considered the Will Rogers of today’s culture. But Maher is more cutting, dynamic, controversial and cynical than Rogers ever was. Plus Maher has met plenty of people he did not like. Maher’s style is more like H.L. Mencken. Maher and Jon Stewart are the rational minds and voices that Americans need badly.

I’d recommend Maher’s books of essays about politics, media, cancel culture, Trump, education and civil war etc. to anyone interested in current events, history and politics. But I understand that 40% of the country might prefer to listen to Greg Gutfield and The Five. Their loss! I find Maher to be a very fair interviewer on his show, civil and willing to give opposite views from him a fair hearing.

Read the varied essays at your leisure. Maher incorporates humor with his opinions and criticisms. Try it, you may like it…

I have posted some excerpts that caught my eye and mind…

A job in Congress is just so much better than racking the weights at CrossFit, which is what Marjorie Taylor Greene did before she set her crazy eyes on the prize. And once you get the gig, it’s yours for life. The re-election rate in the house for incumbents in 2022 was 95% – – that’s better job security than a pedophile priest has.

Everybody keeps asking, how could a guy (George Santos) like this happen?” I’ll tell you how: because no one cares anymore about substance. It’s all tribalism. The only thing that matters is “is he on our team?” Is he doing our schtick?” Santos is just the first one to realize you could do both sides’ schtick and get away with it because people have completely tuned out anything that doesn’t already fit their narrative.

Americans are far too dim and distracted to responsibly make a (voting) choice in just weeks or even months. Americans actually think it’s a brag to say that they’re cynical about politics and therefore don’t follow it. Don’t flatter yourself. Cynical comes when you know too much; you, on the other hand, haven’t bothered to learn anything.

This country simply has no education standards anymore – – they will let you out of a public high school and give you a diploma and you don’t have to actually know anything. Which used to be a mission of schools: knowing things.

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – – these are not places to read in the sense of garnering real and valuable information; they are what replaced reading so you’d have more time to take pictures of your dick. Sorry, but staring at your phone doesn’t make you a reader anymore than watching fireworks makes you an astronomer, or getting a tramp stamp makes you ass a museum.

Trump calls the Mueller report “the crazy Mueller report, “and in a way he’s right, because it’s over 400 pages detailing terrible crimes by a corrupt president, yet Mueller doesn’t prosecute. If Dostoevsky had written this report, it would be called “Crime and no Punishment.”

In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Trump nicknamed his penis “Mike Pence” because it’s not hung like it should be.

Our economy no longer creates a middle class, it sucks it dry. Sometimes “middle class” just means you’re poor but you don’t do meth. And remember, this is the good economy, where 40% of Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency expense and 50 million have nothing saved for retirement. Sorry, but it is not middle-class when your retirement plan is a lotto ticket.

When did the American business model switch from honestly selling you a product to tricking the consumer who doesn’t read the fine print? You ever wonder, “Why is my cell phone contract longer than a CVS receipt?” If you forget to turn off “data roaming” and you go to Vancouver for the weekend, Verizon gets to keep your children. This is the way we do business, and it’s all based on the cynical premise of you fucking up: that they can wear you down, confuse you or count on you to forget.

Before we tackle any of our daunting specific problems here in America, we have to figure out how a country can solve any problem if so, many of its people are so intractably,, astoundingly, mind numbingly stupid. And I’m not saying that as hyperbole or just out of frustration. I mean this country just might be empirically, verifiably too fucking dumb to continue as an ongoing enterprise.

Colleges have turned into giant, luxury daycare centers with overpaid babysitters anxious to indulge every student whim.

Every year at graduation time we witnessed the ritual of commencement addresses, when America’s overrated, gas bags, and wisdom-free celebrities are invited by star fucking universities to come to their school and tell a bunch of spoiled, stoned, debt laden brats things like “You’re only limit is your own imagination” and The world will be a better place for having you in it.”

Before the Internet, you only had to put up with your wingnut uncle on Thanksgiving. Now he’s forwarding you proof that Trump won Arizona and Epstein was murdered by the QAnon shaman. The street corner nut with the sandwich board used to be laughed at; now he’s linked to.

Do you know the reason why advertisers in this country love the 18 to 34 demographic? Because it’s the most gullible. A third of people under 35 say they’re in favor of abolishing the police – – not defunding, but doing away with a police force altogether, which is less of a policy position, and more of a leg tattoo. 36% of millennials think it might be a good idea to try communism.

Is there anything more self-defeating than not using old people as a resource? Not taking advantage of their accumulated knowledge? Everywhere else in the world elders are sought for guidance. In America, elders are sought for TikTok pranks.

Now, I get it, Christians love to feel persecuted – – it’s part of their origin story. But it’s been a long time since anyone was getting eaten by the lions in the Colosseum. 64% of the country is Christian, not to mention every president we’ve ever had, so please don’t tell me, in what universe does it make sense when Sean Hannity says, “The liberal media’s war against religion is alive and well.”

Nuclear War:A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen (A Book Review)

Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So if the reader enjoys horror stories, there is no potential horror story greater than described in this book. What Jacobsen writes about is the end of human civilization. As soon as North Korea sends missiles towards the United States, there really is no mystery on how this story will end. The world is relying on nuclear deterrence. However, if a crazed leader of a country gets an idea in his head or a terrorist group manages to obtain and arm a nuclear warhead, all bets are off.

What Jacobson wrote is not particularly novel. There have been movies and other books which have explained what could happen if there is a nuclear war. This book does contain additional material and references based on her extensive research. The consequences of a nuclear war to mankind is described in horrifying detail.

The author is guessing as to how decision-makers within this type of scenario will respond. At one point, there is indecision by the secretary of defense, who now acting as President, to issue a full out nuclear retaliation. It seems that once the first nuclear rocket is launched, there is no going back. Nuclear winter is described in great detail – – however, very very few of us would experience it, maybe no one.

I remember reading Failsafe when I was a young boy. That book provided no horrific details as to the horrible ways that people would die, be maimed and struggle to survive.

Much of this book is based on the author’s research. She describes the process by which various agencies, military and government officials should follow if a nuclear war is to start. After reading this book, if I anticipate an imminent nuclear attack by a foreign government, I am not going to hide in some basement. I am going to look for away to die quickly before I experience the horror of a nuclear bomb.

A lot of people should read this book before they go vote this November.





View all my reviews

Dick Cavett Books and Review

Brief Encounters: Conversations, Magic Moments, And Assorted Hijinks By Dick Cavett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I am going to combine this review with Talk Show: Confrontations, Pointed Commentary and Off-Screen Secrets also written by Dick Cavett. I read these books at the same time. I admire Cavett’s wit, intelligence, humor, and storytelling. I enjoyed his talk show when it was on in the 1970s. Both books were series of short essays and articles that he wrote for the New York Times. Here are some of the people and topics that he covered, and with which I enjoyed: Groucho, Marx, George W. Bush, Johnny, Carson, Muhammad Ali, John Lennon, James Gandolfini, William F Buckley, Elizabeth Taylor, the Vidal – Mailer incident, Richard Nixon, David Letterman etc.

Cavett’s writing is crisp and humorous and as elegant and entertaining as the many interviews that he did on his ABC talkshow.

I doubt that very many readers under 60 years old may know of Cavett, but he was a bit of a cultural icon and hero in my day. His books represent a nostalgic trip for me into the celebrity world of the 1960s and 70s.

Good fun!