The following are the books that provided me with mental food during the deployment:

1. Crime and Punishment – Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Wonderful book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a gripping and wonderful reading. I thoroughly loved the writing style and indeed, all the characters involved, but took a special liking to Raskolnikov. I see some of him in me. There are some poignant scenes in this book: the excerpts from Raskolnikov’s essay, for one, the recommendation from Sonia to Raskolnikov to seek forgiveness in the marketplace; the suspenseful end. How much is an individual’s life relative to the good of society? What price is the human life? On a completely philosophical level, I certainly believe that one may do a wrong if there is logical and credible proof that as a result of that misdeed several good deeds would emanate. I remain, however, in doubt of this notion because that is the reason that states and governments are supposed to have a monopoly on the enforcement of laws.

2. Heart of Darkness – Josef Conrad. This is a rather interesting take on colonial exploration of central Africa. Inasmuch as people have discussed, cogitated and disputed Conrad’s intents in writing the book, I would have to say I totally appreciate what he tried to communicate. I also identify with his vilification of Mr. Kurtz, who iconifies himself based predominantly on the mythological prejudices of the “simple” natives. In the end, though, he accurately portrays the Heart of Darkness, for darkness is not something we are likely to admit to or even see ourselves as being guilty or party to. It is always those we “despise” or take to be inferior, particularly as concerns the continent of Africa, that we consider to be most representative of darkness, greed, barbarism. Then we have our magnificent cities, diseases and social problems.

3. Nanotechnology and Micromachines, An Investors Guide To – Glenn Fishbine. I would have to say that I was disappointed by this book, even though for reading matter it was not that bad. I suppose when I heard “investors guide” my neural valves were on hyperdrive. In any event, I did not get my money’s worth out of the content. I later did some research by building searches on some of the companies and technologies mentioned and came up with some Nanotechnology stocks that I will be following. There are opportunities that I have already missed and others that I will inevitably miss. But in between will be a chance to make a killing and I intend to make it.»