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Striking Similarities Yet. . .

By
Industry Observer CalDRE #01165532

 

 

Striking Similarities Yet

Distinct Differences. . .  

Lessons Learned in History

Post Number 3

November 2022 Gratitude Challenge

 

It was not my original intent to write a book report as my third entry for this month’s ActiveRain Challenge.  But things happen, right? 

 

Some background: I started reading A Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin earlier in 2022.  Subtitled The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, it was originally published in 2005.

 

Why it matters: It’s a hefty book.  In size as well as in the context of its content.  I put it aside.  Multiple times. And, since it was checked out from my local library, it needed to be renewed. More than once.   This caused a literary interruption as I discovered other books in the interim.

 

From the start of Ms. Goodwin's book, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep track of important details in its more than 800 pages. Would I remember this person. Or that situation. Admittedly, I sensed uncertainty underfoot more than once.

 

However, I found both striking similarities as well as some distinct differences from where we are now as well as from our past. Not a new thought for me but it's good to see a lesson explored so well. Connection continues to bring things t0gether from different parts of life.

 

I am grateful for having read the book as I am for continuing to learn new perspectives. In addition, a feeling of accomplishment is a sign that thankfulness needn't be so novel.   As for recommending it, I will leave that up to you.

 

As you have seen, this isn't exactly a book report although I did consider a pop quiz as a closing. Just for some Pre-Thanksgiving fun. And that day is quickly approaching.

 

 

The image in this post is from canstockphoto.com.

 

Posted by

Michael Jacobs

 

CalBRE # 01165532

P. O. Box 587

Pasadena, CA 91102

Call/Text:  818.516.4393

mtj916@gmail.com

 

 

Norma J. Elkins
Elite Realty Group - Morristown, TN
Realtor - Elkins Home Selling Team

Sounds like an interesting read for sure.  It seems like most everything tends to come full circle.  Thanks for sharing and hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Nov 18, 2022 06:24 AM
Michael Jacobs

Norma J. Elkins - "geometry" is all around us. Circling about, triangles pointing in many directions and don't even get me started with squares. . .     Thank you for the comment.  

Nov 18, 2022 07:15 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

I believe that you and my grandson love books about the same. He reads every chance he gets Michael Jacobs 

Nov 18, 2022 10:28 AM
Michael Jacobs

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS - I remember reading a lot as a child and loved it then.  With age and other activities competing as I grew up, it changed but I have seen a return to books.  I guess that's another part of the seeing cycles of life.  In the moment as well as the process.  

Nov 18, 2022 11:08 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Michael Jacobs Very heavy ready indeed . I am sure it is great reading but for me right now I think I would have preferred a book report.  Herman Wouk is one of my favorite authors and is about as heavy as I have read as late 

Nov 18, 2022 12:47 PM
Michael Jacobs

Hannah Williams - I have heard of Herman Wouk but I don't recall ever reading anything he has written.  One of Kearns' books I am currently reading is less heavy, it's her memoir which includes her appreciation of baseball.  And it's much lighter too.  In tone and in number of pages.  😃

Nov 18, 2022 02:00 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I'm not much of a reader...800 pages would be a fast no for me. LOL

I did appreciate your review though. I follow a historian on fb that compares recent events to the past and I do find it very interesting.

Nov 18, 2022 01:49 PM
Michael Jacobs

Sharon Tara - I joined FB prior to ActiveRain and my participation on each has seemed to have changed in the last few years.  There is an author (actually he is a former newspaper columnist) that I follow who shares a weekly post that I find entertaining.  

 

Nov 18, 2022 02:10 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Michael I have about a handful of books on the shelf that I tried three or four times to finish but couldn't so with that said the gratefulness goes to you that you finished it.... in case you are wondering which books I could not get through...one of them was Ulysses by James Joce.... tried it about four times and just could not get through... not wanting to make it a post there were three others:)Endre

Nov 18, 2022 09:15 PM
Michael Jacobs

Endre Barath, Jr. - like you, there are many books which I have started and stopped reading.  Unlike you, I haven't attempted Ulysees - far too daunting.  It's not even on my bookshelf which the public library has also replaced in recent years.  

Nov 19, 2022 04:34 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Saturday morning, Michael.

Have a lovely weekend. We have cold weather in Maryland.

Nov 19, 2022 06:04 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - Happy Saturday.  I hope your weekend is a good one filled with many memories-in-the-making.  Enjoy!

Nov 19, 2022 01:45 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael Jacobs headed to Steamboat to the Cabin for the week in about a hour, and thank you for sharing this blog with us here in the Rain, Make it a great Saturday!

 

Nov 19, 2022 08:13 AM
Michael Jacobs

Will Hamm - I am sure you will have a great time.  Happy and safe travels.  Thank you for the comment.  

Nov 19, 2022 09:31 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Monday morning, Michael.

Have an outstanding Thanksgiving week.

Nov 21, 2022 08:25 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - the same to you as well.  The temperatures were rather cool this morning when I walked earlier.  Of course, that's much different than what people experience in other parts of the country.  

Nov 21, 2022 08:36 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

At least it seems to be a healthy alternative, reading, to other activities in our golden years Michael 🙂.

Nov 21, 2022 04:21 PM
Michael Jacobs

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS - I welcome good habits whenever they become a part of life.  

Nov 27, 2022 09:53 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Thanks for mentioning Lincoln. He certainly lived in divided times, didn't he? Hope your Thanksgiving is special for you. All the best - Lynn

Nov 21, 2022 08:07 PM
Michael Jacobs

Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727 - perspective continues to have its place.  

Nov 22, 2022 02:05 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Hi Michael - when you finish her book she has another I love.  "Leadership in Turbulent Times."

Nov 22, 2022 03:32 AM
Michael Jacobs

Grant Schneider - I just finished her baseball memoir.  I'll check out the synopsis of the book you mentioned.  My reading list continues to grow.  Thank you.  

Nov 22, 2022 04:07 AM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

I was a voracious reader as a kid, but unfortunately the two job & a zookeeper life has seriously hindered my book reading time.  Tom Clancy novels for pure escape and the occasional history book are my exceptions.  I've heard of the Lincoln book, but not taken a whack at it yet.

Nov 23, 2022 05:42 AM
Michael Jacobs

Bill Liz and Bill Spear - I can't imagine the number of books about Abraham Lincoln that have been written.  Although I had long known about this book, it was one I never thought I would pick up let alone read.   I generally prefer something shorter.  And lighter in context too.  

Nov 23, 2022 05:51 AM
Michael Jacobs

Bill Liz and Bill Spear - another author on my growing list.  It appears that my bookshelf might sink with suggestions.  Would that be a decisive dilemma???

Nov 23, 2022 12:11 PM
Liz and Bill Spear

McCullough has been my most common go to for history books.  I've not read them all, but I've read most of his works.

Nov 23, 2022 05:53 AM
Liz and Bill Spear

If so, it's one of the better dilemmas to have!

Nov 23, 2022 12:31 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Wednesday morning, Michael.

Have a great day and an outstanding week.

Thanksgiving 2021: 100 Happy Thanksgiving Messages, Wishes For All |Golden  News

Nov 23, 2022 09:51 AM
Michael Jacobs

Roy Kelley - you as well.  Thanks.  

Nov 23, 2022 12:12 PM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Michael and may your table tomorrow be full with lots of friends and food for all.  Make it a good one!

Nov 23, 2022 10:09 AM
Michael Jacobs

Will Hamm - that's a nice thought.  Happy Thanksgiving in advance.  

Nov 23, 2022 12:13 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Well I'm late to the book review.....Oh wait it wasn't a book review and thank goodness no pop quiz!! I love to read and always have a book or two going. I know at this stage I couldn't consider an 800 page book to read because I tend to read for enjoyment or a get away from real estate activities. Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 23, 2022 10:35 AM
Michael Jacobs

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - I doubt I will consider anything that long again - at least not soon.  

Nov 23, 2022 12:14 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

You know I love trivia so, I would have enjoyed a quick quiz, Michael! Funny but, my very first thought was "800 pages - OH MY!" and it seems that I was not the only one taken by that thought! My hats off to you for persevering and completing the task - albeit following a renewal or two at the library! 

To your point of remembering characters, etc. - I am in a book club that meets once a month. While I don't always struggle to complete the book, I am always particular about having a thorough understanding of the characters. My fear of being put on the spot and not being able to discuss characters, motives, scenes in detail if put on the spot makes me pay particular attention when reading. It doesn't take the fun out of reading, as I'm sure that's how it sounds, it does make me pay more attention. So, 800 pages would do me in! My book-reading OCD may cause my brain to fry!! LOL

Great post of gratitude, Michael! Thank you for participating in this month's challenge. You know I love reading (and deeply into) your posts!!

Nov 26, 2022 07:42 PM
Michael Jacobs

Debe Maxwell, CRS - a pop quiz would have tested my own knowledge.  Upon closer examination, I had second (and third/fourth thoughts).   Getting through the book proved to be a task I knew I wanted to achieve.   This month's AR challenge came along at the right time.  

Nov 27, 2022 03:17 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Michael, you always have great posts, that make us think.   Finished my book on the plane home, it was a James Patterson.

Nov 27, 2022 09:33 AM
Michael Jacobs

Joan Cox - Patterson is a popular choice for readers.  On land and elsewhere.  

Nov 27, 2022 09:55 AM
Joan Cox

Michael Jacobs I liked his books better when he was the author only.   He is co-authoring books now.

Nov 27, 2022 10:24 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Michael Jacobs - I love reading. The more pages the better! I love all genres. With the exception of the Time Machine, I'm not into science fiction. History is well... history! We should all learn more about history. The fact that the author of "A Team of Rivals," is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American historian makes me even more interested in reading the book. I know I'm not the only one who read stories about comparing Lincoln to Kennedy, but to take a deep dive into Lincoln's past and his Administration sounds so intriguing. Something, I do not know anything about.

I'm currently reading "The Coming of Age Simone De Beauvoir." It was first published in 1970 and has had many revisions. No one likes to talk about old age but what the elderly don't know often comes with unpleasant surprises! So far, what I'm learning is that people are conditioned by what society thinks and what is written. Just like politics and history! They go together like a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down... 

Good books teach us how to think. To learn more, you have to read and what difference does it make if you read one, two, or three short books versus one that has about 800 pages or more? Thank you for the introduction to "A Team of Rivals." I confess. The title doesn't excite me and if it wasn't for this great and interesting blog post, I would have skipped it. Now, I am very curious! Thanks, Michael.

 

Nov 29, 2022 07:09 AM
Michael Jacobs

Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP - I have three books I'm in process of reading right now and each is quite diverse.  Team of Rivals was known to me for a while.   However, I avoided for different reasons.  Who knows why.   And while it doesn't cover his entire life, it does offer a glimpse (hardly seems like an appropriate word given the length of the book) of some of the decisions Lincoln faced.  Happy Reading wherever the adventure takes you.  

Nov 29, 2022 08:07 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I am sure I would enjoy this book Michael Jacobs but I do not read books, never had an interest or time (except for The Good Book) but thank you for calling it to the attention of book readers here in the Rain.

Dec 01, 2022 06:57 AM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

I have not endeavored to read a book with 800 pages in a very long time.  It would be fun to read such a short book once again.  🤣  Just kidding, kudos to you for sticking with it.  There was a day that politics held interest for me as a profession.  As the song goes, "Those days are gone my friend..."

Dec 04, 2022 05:59 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ray Henson - I guess the reasons for undertaking this "task" was multi-part as well as multi-layered.  That is, if "task" is even the correct way to describe reading anything.  

I knew of this book for a long time, had long admired its author despite not really knowing much about her beyond some flashes of news articles or interviews over the years.  And after reading somewhat lighter stuff, short stories and other fluff, I thought maybe I could attempt it although it seemed like a job of sorts. 

It obviously took a while.  For so long, I seem to read only things where there was the possibility of finding some sort of business connection.  In that process, I continue to find everything is inter-connected. 

"The days are gone. . ." reference you share in your comment make me wonder (but not too long) about coulda - shoulda - woulda.    Now, that's a campaign slogan, right?  

Dec 04, 2022 06:14 AM
Michael Jacobs

Ray Henson - your comment makes me think of Groucho Marx (or one of his brothers) who said - "I don't want to join any club who would have me as a member"- or something like that.  It seems to apply to political parties as well.  

Dec 04, 2022 02:39 PM
Ray Henson

If the slogan goes with your campaign, you have my vote, Michael Jacobs!

Dec 04, 2022 10:51 AM