John Platos

This book hit home in a way I didn't quite expect. Vance tells a story of growin' up in Appalachia that feels both personal and universal. It's got a raw honesty to it that's hard to ignore. If you're lookin' for a deep dive into what makes a community tick—and sometimes break—this is your read. It's a tough pill to swallow at times, but it's well worth the effort.

Got my hands on 'The Overstory' and reckon it's a breath of fresh air. This ain't your usual read. It's about these trees, y'know, but it's so much more. It talks 'bout how they shape our lives and the world around us. It was mighty different from what I'm used to, but it sure did make me think. It's like a tree that takes root in your mind and keeps growin'. It's not my usual cup of tea, but it's worth the time if you're lookin' for somethin' that'll make you see the world different.

This here's a good 'un. If ya like a good dose of history with some rough and tumble action, this book's got ya covered. S.C. Gwynne does a fine job spinnin' the tale of Quanah Parker and the fight between the Comanches and the settlers. It's a tough story, but it's got that realness that I reckon folks who enjoy military history and a bit of the wild west will really take to. Worth the read.

This one caught me off guard in the best way possible. Its like if you cranked up the action in 'The Hunger Games' and added a heavy dose of 'gladiator' school for the elite. It ain't your usual Southern read, but it sure keeps you pinned to your seat. The characters are sharp, and it's got that gritty undertone I can't get enough of.

This one took me by surprise with how spot-on it was about the ways we folks think different yet so similar when it comes to the right and wrong of things. Haidt digs into why we clash over politics and faith with such passion, and it made me think about my own views and where they come from. Real eye-opener, especially how it connects to my own life and what I hear on the streets every day driving around.

This ol' classic hit the spot! Talk about creepy, right? I reckon it's one of those spooky stories that sticks with ya. The way King writes, you feel like you're right there in the Overlook Hotel, livin' every scream and jump scare. It's not my usual cup of tea—mostly trucks and history, ya know—but this book was a good ol' wild ride. Kept my attention, sure did.

This one took me by surprise. I ain't typically one for tearjerkers, but this story about a mother and son tryin' to escape violence in Mexico really struck a chord. It's raw, it's real, and it's a stark reminder that the world's got a lotta tough spots. Cummins tells it like it is, no sugarcoatin', and it left me reckonin' on how lucky I am. Different from my usual picks, but worth the time.

This here book really digs deep into the early days of World War I, and let me tell ya, it's a good read. Tuchman does a bang-up job of making history feel like a thriller. I found myself turning pages faster than I usually do 'cause it felt like it could've been one of them war movies I'm a fan of. The detail about the military maneuvers and the political back-and-forth is solid, and it gave me a whole new respect for the era. For anyone with a keen interest in military history, this book hits the spot.

This book really hit the nail on the head about what gets folks motivated. It’s not just about the dollar; it’s more about finding that purpose, that drive from within. I reckon this could be a game-changer for anyone tryin’ to understand why they do what they do or how to get others to do it, too. It’s a straightforward read with some mighty fine takeaways.

This here book is right up my alley, talkin' 'bout how hard work and chance play into becomin' successful. Gladwell breaks it down in a way that's easy to understand and keeps ya thinkin' 'bout how luck and grind both got a hand in gettin' folks to the top. It's the kind of read that makes ya take a step back and look at things from a different angle. I reckon it's a solid pick for anyone lookin' to understand what really drives success.

This book took me on a wild ride, reckon it's a bit different from my usual picks but it hit the spot. The story's got grit, set in the Alaskan wilderness, and it's got that raw, real feel I appreciate. The characters, they're tough as nails and you can't help but root for 'em. It's a bit of a departure from the military history and sports tales I usually go for, but it's got heart and it kept me turning pages.

Well, I reckon this one's a bit different from what I usually pick up, but it sure did hit the spot. The Stand is a real page-turner, with a mix of horror and survival that kept me hooked. The characters felt real, and the story was solid, even if it's not my usual cup of tea. It's got that apocalyptic vibe that's hard to resist, and it made me think about what I'd do if the world went south. I'd say it's worth a read if you're in the mood for something a bit darker.

This ol' classic really hit different. It's not your typical read, but it's got some solid wisdom on strategy and tactics. I reckon it's a good fit for anyone who's into military history or just looking to get a leg up in life. It's concise, to the point, and surprisingly relevant even today. I'd say it's worth a read if you're looking to sharpen your mind.

This here book took me back to the roaring twenties, reckon it's a classic for a reason. The story of Gatsby and his pursuit of Daisy was something else, full of ambition and a touch of tragedy. The writing style was a bit different from what I'm usually into, but it grew on me. It's got that old-timey charm and a bit of a cautionary tale about the American Dream. I'd say it's worth a read if you're looking for something a bit different.

Murakami's blend of surreal and real worlds hit different. It's a wild ride that mixes mystery and everyday life, just like the backroads of Tennessee. The characters are real, and the story's got that gritty edge I love.

This book really took me back to the Dust Bowl days, and Steinbeck's storytelling is raw and real. It's not just about the hardships, it's about the grit and the community spirit. The way he tells it, you can feel the struggle and the hope. It's a tough read, but it's a testament to the kind of resilience that's hard to find in today's world.

Krakauer's account of Chris McCandless's journey into the Alaskan wilderness really hit the spot. It's a raw, honest look at the human spirit's drive to escape the everyday grind. The story's gritty and real, and it made me reckon with my own life's challenges.

This book really took me back to the days of grit and grind in the old West. Wilder's storytelling is raw and real, showing what it's like to face the harsh elements and make it through. It's not just about the cold and the snow; it's about the sheer will to survive and the community coming together. The way she tells it, you can feel the tension and the respect for the folks who made it through. It's a tough read, but it's a testament to the kind of courage that's hard to find in today's world. It made me appreciate the sacrifices made by those who lived through it.

This book really took me back to the gritty, no-nonsense days of World War II. Drury and Clavin did a bang-up job of capturing the raw reality of the battlefield. It's not just about the tactics and the firefights; it's about the brotherhood and the sheer will to survive. Reading about the Rangers, I felt like I was right there with them, facing the same dangers and making the same tough calls. It's a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our soldiers. The storytelling is top-notch, and it's a real eye-opener about the kind of courage it takes to face down the enemy.

This book really took me by surprise with its deep dive into college baseball and the lives of the players. Harbach's got a way of making you feel the dirt under your cleats and the weight of the bat. It's not just about the game; it's about the people who play it and the dreams they chase. The way he tells it, you can feel the pressure and the passion. It's a powerful reminder of what it means to be part of a team and the sacrifices you make for the love of the game. Rating: 4

This one was a real eye-opener. I ain't usually one for drama, but this movie touched me deep down. Robin Williams' performance as the inspiring teacher was something else. It made me think about the importance of passion and self-expression, something I reckon everyone can appreciate. A solid 5 from me.

Well, I'll tell ya, that DiCaprio's got a knack for showmanship, don't he? This here movie's like a high-octane ride through the wild world of Wall Street. It's flashy, loud, and downright audacious. Now, it ain't something you'd catch me doin', but it was a hoot to watch. Hill's sidekick was just right, too. It's not every day you get a movie that's so raw and in your face, and I reckon it's worth a watch for sure.

Well, reckon I just got done watchin' 'The Dark Knight' and boy howdy, it was somethin' else. Heath Ledger's Joker was just flat-out scary, but in a good way. The movie did real good in makin' you feel every punch and every twist. It hit all the right notes for me, especially with the tension between Batman and Joker. Ain't no way I'd rate this lower than a 5.

Well, if you're lookin' for a thrill ride, Top Gun: Maverick's got ya covered. It's got all the speed and edge you'd reckon from the original, but cranks it up a notch. Cruise still hits the mark with his flyboy charm, and the dogfights are somethin' to behold. If you're into action that hits the sweet spot, this one'll rev your engines.

This one was a wild ride, just like the name suggests. I ain't usually into post-apocalyptic stuff, but this movie had me at the edge of my seat. The action was off the charts, and the world they built was downright mesmerizing. If you're a truck guy like me, you'll appreciate the vehicle choreography. It's one of them movies where you just sit back, enjoy the spectacle, and let it wash over ya.

Well, ain't this a wild ride? This ain't your typical action flick, but boy, it's got some serious moxie. The main character, he's like a cross between a samurai and a tornado. The action's gritty, real, and it makes you sit up and pay attention. It's got that old-school charm, mixed with a touch of savagery that's hard to look away from. I reckon it's a good watch for anyone who appreciates a bit of blood, sweat, and tears.

I gotta say, 'Hidden Figures' was a real eye-opener. Them ladies bustin' their humps and gettin' the job done was powerful stuff. It's a story that deserves tellin', and it kept me engaged from start to finish. I ain't usually into period pieces, but this one was somethin' else. It's got heart, brains, and the whole nine yards. I reckon it's worth the watch.

This movie really hit the spot for me. The opening scene was intense, and it set the tone for the rest of the film. I reckon it's one of the best war movies out there, with a good mix of action and emotion. The characters felt real, and you could tell they were going through a lot. It's a solid pick for anyone who likes a good war story.

This here was a gritty, hard-hitting war flick that really struck a chord with me. It's got that raw, real feel that I reckon folks who've served will appreciate. The action scenes were intense, and it kept me glued to the seat. It's not just about the battles, though; it digs into the camaraderie and the tough calls that these soldiers had to make. A solid watch for sure.

This here's a gritty, hard-hitting tale of survival and revenge. DiCaprio's performance was top-notch, reckon he gave it his all. The scenery was something else, made you feel like you were right there in the wild with him. The pace was slow, but it fit the story well. A real test of endurance, just like the character.

This flick really hit the spot. The blend of romance and action, set against the backdrop of WWII, was something else. The way they captured the chaos and bravery of the soldiers struck a chord with me. It's a solid watch for anyone who appreciates a mix of history and heart.

This flick was a blast from start to finish. The aerial stunts were jaw-dropping and the storyline was gripping. The chemistry between the pilots was spot on, and the nostalgia factor hit home for me. A great mix of action and emotion.

This flick was a real nail-biter. The survival story in the freezing Arctic was gripping, and the tension never let up. Liam Neeson's performance was solid, and the way the film portrayed the struggle for survival hit right home. It's a solid watch for anyone who likes a good, intense thriller.

This flick really hit me right where it counted. The raw, gritty portrayal of a tank crew in WWII was something else. The camaraderie among the crew was palpable, and the intensity of the action scenes kept me on the edge. It's a solid watch for anyone who appreciates military history and the grit of war.

This flick had me hooked from start to finish. The blend of action, humor, and a bit of mystery made it a fun ride. The characters were likable, and the stunts were top-notch. It's a solid watch for anyone who enjoys a mix of excitement and a good laugh.

This flick was a wild ride, taking the franchise to the streets of Tokyo. The drift racing scenes were something else, and the blend of American and Japanese cultures was pretty cool. The story of a young American kid finding his place in a foreign land struck a chord with me. The cars were the stars of the show, and the action was non-stop. It's a solid watch for anyone who loves fast cars and a bit of adventure.

This flick really took me back to the days of gritty war movies. The story of a bunch of misfit soldiers on a suicide mission was something else. The action scenes were intense, and you could feel the weight of every decision these guys made. The camaraderie among the soldiers was something else. It's a solid watch for anyone who appreciates military history and the real deal when it comes to war movies. Lee Marvin's performance was top-notch, as always.

This flick was a real charmer. Tom Hanks, as always, brought his A-game to the role of a stranded traveler. The airport setting was unique and made for some interesting scenarios. The romance subplot was a nice touch, adding a bit of warmth to the story. It's a solid watch for anyone who appreciates a good, feel-good story with a bit of humor thrown in.

This flick took me right back to the good ol' days of cruising in a classic car. The story of a bunch of young folks on the eve of their departure for college or the military was something I could really relate to. The cars were the stars of the show, and the soundtrack was spot on. It's a nostalgic trip that'll make you appreciate the simpler times.