Steven Pressfield Painted Porch Book Tour

This book provides a moving narrative of Ulysses S. Grant's last year, as he battled throat cancer and financial disaster to complete his memoirs. Flood's account highlights Grant's determination and resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing his heroic efforts to secure his family's future.

Jan Morris's 'Conundrum' is a deeply personal and poetic memoir that explores her journey from being James Morris to Jan Morris. The book delves into her experiences with gender identity, her transition, and the societal and personal challenges she faced. It is a powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and the human quest for authenticity.

The Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant is a two-volume autobiography that primarily details Grant's military experiences. Written in the last year of his life, the memoirs cover his participation in the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War. Despite his severe illness and financial struggles, Grant maintained a clear and concise writing style, which has been praised for its clarity and effectiveness. The work avoids detailed discussions of his childhood and presidency, instead focusing on his military career and offering insights into his strategic decisions and personal observations during the wars.

In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.

In 'Right Thing, Right Now', Ryan Holiday argues for the necessity of doing what’s right, even when it isn’t easy. He draws on stories of historical figures such as Marcus Aurelius, Florence Nightingale, Jimmy Carter, Gandhi, and Frederick Douglass to illustrate the importance of justice, kindness, honesty, integrity, and loyalty. The book emphasizes that justice is not an abstract concept but a daily practice that shapes one’s character and impacts those around us. Holiday challenges readers to develop their own moral code and uphold it consistently, providing concrete steps and exercises to help incorporate these values into their lives.

In 'Discipline is Destiny', Ryan Holiday explores the Stoic virtue of self-discipline, drawing on historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate its transformative power. The book emphasizes that discipline is the foundation upon which other virtues such as courage, justice, and wisdom depend. Holiday argues that self-control is essential for personal triumph and fulfillment, and he provides engaging stories and practical advice on how to cultivate discipline in a world filled with distractions and temptations. The book also cautions against the perils of extravagance and hedonism, stressing the importance of balance and self-mastery in achieving success and happiness.

In 'Courage Is Calling', Ryan Holiday explores the virtue of courage through engaging stories about historic and contemporary leaders such as Florence Nightingale, Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The book breaks down the elements of fear, cowardice, bravery, and heroism, and shows how to conquer fear and practice courage in daily life. Holiday also shares personal anecdotes, including his own experiences with courage and cowardice, to emphasize the importance of choosing to act courageously despite the presence of fear.

This book provides a detailed account of the tragic events surrounding the murders of three civil rights activists in Mississippi during the summer of 1964. It explores the backgrounds of the victims and the perpetrators, shedding light on the deep-seated prejudices that led to the crime. The book also includes Huie's report on the trial that followed.

Furious Hours by Casey Cep is a captivating blend of true crime and literary biography. It explores the mysterious murders linked to Reverend Willie Maxwell in rural Alabama and Harper Lee's fascination with the case, which she hoped to turn into her next book. The narrative delves into the racial politics of the Deep South and offers a poignant portrait of Lee's struggles with fame and creativity.

William Seabrook's "Asylum" is a compelling memoir detailing his experiences with alcoholism and his treatment in an insane asylum in the 1930s. The book offers a raw and unflinching account of his struggles with addiction and his journey toward recovery. Seabrook's vivid descriptions and introspective reflections provide a powerful insight into the challenges of addiction and the complexities of mental health. The book's enduring relevance lies in its honest portrayal of addiction and its exploration of the human capacity for self-destruction and redemption. It remains a significant work in the literature of addiction and recovery.

Gates of Fire tells the story of the Battle of Thermopylae through the eyes of Xeones, a wounded Greek soldier who recounts his life and the events leading up to the battle. The novel explores Spartan culture, the rigorous training regimen known as the *agoge*, and the heroic stand of the Spartans against the overwhelming forces of the Persian Empire. The story is framed as a series of interviews between Xeones and members of the Persian court, detailing the battle and its aftermath, as well as the personal and philosophical aspects of Spartan warfare and culture.