Second Breakfast: Department of War, Warrior Culture, Sicario, Dick Winters, SEALs in North Korea,

Agents of Subversion explores America's attempts to cultivate a second front in the Chinese Civil War from 1949 through 1955. The book details the deployment of CIA agents into China. These agents, often lacking Chinese language skills or cultural understanding, faced immediate capture. It exposes the shortcomings and failures of American covert operations during the early Cold War era. The narrative reveals the complex dynamics of espionage and the challenges of intervening in foreign conflicts.

Matterhorn is a gripping novel that follows the journey of Second Lieutenant Waino Mellas and his comrades in Bravo Company as they fight in the jungles of Vietnam. The story delves into the intense struggles of war, including racial tensions, incompetent leadership, and the psychological toll on soldiers. Written over thirty years, the book is a testament to Marlantes's firsthand experience and offers a vivid portrayal of the horrors and complexities of war.

The novel tells the story of Sam Damon, a soldier committed to honor and duty, and his lifelong adversary, Courtney Massengale, who advances through ambition and connections. The narrative spans multiple conflicts, from the trenches of World War I to the jungles of World War II and the battlegrounds of Vietnam. It explores the complexities of military life, leadership, and the personal sacrifices that accompany military service. Through Sam Damon's journey, the book articulates profound lessons on service, ethics, and the realities of conflict, making it a tribute and a somber reflection on military life and universal themes of integrity, family, and sacrifice.

In 'Leaders Eat Last', Simon Sinek explores the principles of true leadership, emphasizing the importance of trust, safety, and the well-being of team members. The book delves into the biological and anthropological aspects of leadership, highlighting the role of neurochemicals such as serotonin, oxytocin, dopamine, and endorphins in shaping behavior. Sinek advocates for a 'Circle of Safety' where leaders prioritize the needs of their team members, ensuring they feel protected and valued. He contrasts short-term, self-serving leadership with long-term, people-centric leadership, using examples from various organizations to illustrate his points. The book stresses that leadership is a choice rather than a rank and that great leaders focus on the well-being of their people above all else.

Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner provides a detailed and critical examination of the Central Intelligence Agency's history, from its creation after World War II through the Cold War and the War on Terror. The book is based on extensive research, including over 50,000 documents and interviews with CIA veterans. It highlights the agency's repeated failures, questionable methods, and lack of accountability, arguing for fundamental reforms within the CIA.

A collection of interconnected short stories exploring the psychological and emotional toll of the Vietnam War on soldiers.