“The World is Around You, but You are in Your Car” begins with a retrospective history from the year 3000 CE. I rather enjoyed “looking back,” as I often ask myself how future generations will regard us.   A pivotal concept discussed is freedom. Freedom is responsible for the economic prosperity of the U.S, as people are motivated to work hard for a better life. However, at this point in history, this has morphed into what Trently calls “the relentless pursuit of the perfect life.” Trently has summarized well our current fix—this “hyperrelentless pursuit of wants,” and the expectation and demand for perfection. “In the course of the cultivation of this attitude, [U.S. citizens of the 21st century] came to believe a flawless life—one without any obstacles or obstructions—was absolutely owed them, was automatically supposed to be had, was deservingly theirs to possess.” (p. 5)   The fruits of this belief are disease, depression, and even frivolous lawsuits. Additionally, as we collapse ourselves into our individual pursuits, becoming more and more self-centered, our connection to the world, and each other, becomes strained and even severed.   To address our current crises, Trently brings histories great philosophers and prophets (what he calls the “Great Minds”) to the year 2008, in order to advise anyone interested how to slow down this relentless (and ultimately destructive) pursuit. It is a wonderful device, to not only bring these men to the present, but to make them thoroughly modern as well. (Envision Aristotle sipping an espresso, or John Stuart Mill drinking a can of Coke.) Disposing of the historic/culture gap makes these men more approachable.   Some of the solutions offered are the cultivation of external and, more importantly, internal restraints (you’ll have to read the book for details), agreeing to participate in the solutions, and finding the common ground that unites us.   While short, this book is deep, original, thoughtful, and thought-provoking. Don’t think you’re going to blast your way through it. This book would be great for a discussion group, especially any group interested in solutions to contemporary problems.   Trently’s voice, which is rational, kind, and good-hearted is an important addition to the dialogue about contemporary problems and solutions that are more than just a band-aid.

While this book is very thick with information on advanced dental practices, it's also an extremely interesting memoir on the life of a medical professional in the Armed Forces.  The author went to naval officer candidate school and practiced dentistry on land at military naval bases and at sea on large aircraft carriers. I found the difference in officer training for medical practitioners versus more standard officer training to be highly interesting . I was unaware that as medical practitioners according to the Geneva convention, they are not considered armed combatants. While the narrative , if you're not very interested in advanced medical technology and or about learning about these types of technologies can certainly seem dry at times. If you find that you are like me, and are generally interested in learning new things. It's certainly interesting , and more than worth sticking through the book. I quite enjoyed it even though I'm sure the author wrote it for people who had a more general understanding of dentistry.The autobiographical nature was for me, someone who is very interested in various different ways people live their lives at sea, more than worth the seven or eight dollars I paid for this book for Kindle.