Monday, January 13, 2014

Review - Priority (Doomsday Diaries) by Aaron Powell




Priority
Doomsday Diaries
by Aaron Powell

Goodreads blurb:  As mankind inches closer to self-destruction—corruption, greed, religious zealotry and intemperance—Patrick Mitchell struggles to find purpose and order amidst the growing chaos he’s witnessed in the world. As a former Marine serving in the Middle East, then as a college student, Patrick sees the mounting ignorance of mankind. He is distraught by the moral deficiencies and surrendering of principles he has observed. Patrick ignores the temptation of blissful ignorance, instead choosing to pursue wisdom, feeling that a life without examination is not a life worth living. Reflecting on his personal tribulations, Patrick Mitchell considers the future of mankind and has determined one thing alone to be his priority.


About the Author:  Aaron Powell served as a Marine during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2003 with a bachelor of arts in criminal justice, minoring in psychology. He also completed a second bachelor of arts in business administration at Ashford University, where he graduated with distinction in 2011. He is the author of the Doomsday Diaries series, C-Town, Sugar Baby, Hurry Up and Wait, Benjamin, and Scream, “Aye, Sir!” He enjoys reading—particularly military history and nonfiction—writing, and is an active marksman. Aaron and his wife, Michelle, and son, Luke, live near Austin, Texas. 

Connect with Aaron:

My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 unicorns - I really liked it!!
**Book gifted to me by author for honest review

Okay, the cover doesn’t do much for me, but it is purposeful.  This is definitely one of those books you should read to open your eyes.

Aaron hits on some things that are happening a lot in America today.  I really enjoyed this book, but it gets you really thinking.  I like Aaron and his character are all veterans.  This review is a little different because I use my own story to illustrate the idea behind this book.  I don’t want to give away this story because you need to read it yourself.

When I served (even though I was never where the action was), I felt like I had a higher purpose like I was making a difference.  When I got out (for my family, my son), I felt like part of me was missing (could be my soulmate, but that’s his choice), and I decided it was purpose.  I went from job to job making good money, but I was never really happy (I did live for my son though).  Until I decided to teach even though I laughed when my college professor suggested it to me, I feel like I have purpose again, trying to teach my high school students logic and reasoning through math and some integrity and drive which seems to be missing from American society.  I love all my kids even the ones who like to be turds.  It is especially satisfying this year because one of my students who was never great at math is my aid this year.  He tells my students to stop whining about what’s fair and to listen because I might actually teach them something about life.  He used to be my biggest trouble maker, and now he is sticking up for me.  I’m particularly proud of the fact he decided to join the Navy and aspires to be a Seal.  He has changed so much into a great young man.  But you all are probably wondering what all this has to do with this book, right?

This feeling of purpose and trying to figure life is what is happening in this book.  How often do you see people talking to each other?  Not very often unless it is texting or on the phone or computer what happened to knowing who your neighbors are.  Life has become impersonal.  The main character Patrick is putting his priority on his family and their lives.  He doesn’t whine about being too tired to play with and take care of his son (which I’m ashamed to feel sometimes).  How often do you go to the park or play with your kids?  I’d wager not enough.  He addresses the dreams some veterans have post-war.  This book is really deep for only being a novella and 89 pages long.  Aaron has a way with words, and I can’t wait to read the other books I have.

I recommend reading this book to all veterans and to those of you who have families and recommend opening your eyes a little.  Change one thing to make your life better and more purposeful and not for money.

Interested in reading??

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