Reading is brilliant. From picking up a physical book to reading a variety of genres and publications on a digital device. Audio versions of book are just as gratifying, especially if the narrator has a good voice. I ask myself why so many publications are in print format, when arguably publishing houses have greater reach on digital platforms? Caveat, I do prefer to read a physical copy of the broadsheets.
If find the most gratifying thing about reading (or listening) is discovery. Partway through James Holland’s Brothers in Arms, (Al Murray narrating) James introduces a young officer by the name of David Render, from the village of Totteridge, North London. Bizarrely, I was driving through Totteridge when 2Lt Render’s name cropped up. What are the chances?
2Lt Render was one of many brave cavalryman from the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry. The regiment began the Second World War on horse back, and they ended it as an armoured unit, having fought in North Africa, Normandy, Belgium Holland, and into Germany. I enjoyed the book so much, I listened to if for a second time.
“At some point, the pain of not doing it becomes greater than the pain of doing it.”
Steven Pressfield
What goes up, must come down
During my recovery from depression, I discovered Audible, a fantastic app with a seemingly endless library.
The first title in my library was No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World’s 14 Highest Peaks; a brilliant account of Ed Viesturs’s monumental challenge to climb all 8,000 metre peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen.
Ed is a first-class leader, and he emphasises the importance of preparation and finishing the task. “Getting to the top is half the job.”
There are many lessons in Ed’s book. My biggest takeaways was Ed’s persistence and resilience to adversity. Ed’s journey exemplifies why some people have to work harder than others to achieve their goals. From a guide on Mount Rainier, to a maintenance worker, to a veterinarian, Ed worked all hours to raise the funds needed for his climbing expeditions. Ed’s book helped me through some difficult times because it gave me focus.
Around the world in 90 minutes
Endurance fascinates me, and it’s the title of Scott Kelly’s book about his year on the International Space Station. Astronauts are leaders in their field, yet Scott struggled at school, especially with math.
Both Scott, and his twin brother Mark, graduated as pilots in the United States Navy. Scott was a fighter pilot before becoming a test pilot. In 1996, Scott passed selection as an astronaut in the same NASA class as his identical twin brother Mark.
Scott’s overall health remained in good condition while he was on the ISS. But based on comparisons between him and Mark, scientists did observe several small shifts. National Geographic
Scott’s year long mission was an experiment to see if humans could endure longer duration missions. I’ve spent any months away from home, but I returned for a short period. Scott didn’t have that luxury of leaving his workplace. Scott’s story is remarkable.
From Russia with Love
Bond, James Bond. Not quite, but 007 worked in the same mysterious ways as my next subject, Oleg Gordievsky, a former KGB officer. Written by Ben Macintyre, The Spy and the Traitor is a brilliant true story of Cold War subversion, paranoia, betrayal and sheer bravery.
He was a star of the KGB - Ben Macintrye
Gordievsky rose through the ranks of Soviet Military Intelligence at record speeds. His father was also a KGB officer, but Oleg questioned the Soviet regime after a posting to Copenhagen. The enjoyment, freedoms and luxuries of Denmark made Gordievsky come to resent the restrictive life in the Soviet Union.
It took another tour of Denmark before Danish intelligence operatives recruited Gordievsky as a double agent. Gordievsky eventually worked for MI6, and smelling a rat, the KGB recalled him to Moscow from London Station.
Macintyre’s words dance on the pages as he describes the treachery, the deceit and the ingenuity of those involved in Gordievsky’s double-life. This too, is a book I have read for a second time.
Thank you for reading the Woz Report. So tell me, what book should I read next?
John is a sustainability professional, with experience of running operations in hostile environments.
Great read Woz, you are a true wordsmith. Well done buddy