Pastor Tracy Reads | 1983: Reagan, Andropov, and a World on the Brink by Taylor Downing

November 11, 2025 | Pastor Tracy Troxel

This is a true story of how the world escaped nuclear devastation in 1983. I was completely unaware of this story until I read this book. I do not want to give away the
main storyline so you will have to read it for yourself. This story chills you to the bone when you recognize how fragile our existence is on this planet. Despite massive
technological advances and attempts to normalize relationships among competing countries, the danger of miscommunication and miscalculation cannot be mitigated.
After reading this account, I found myself more grateful to simply wake up the next morning. I have found myself asking God to guide not only my country’s leaders but
also the leaders from other countries. When you read the Psalms that describe life as a vapor, you will see this quite clearly when reading this book. It is a frightening account,
and it is true. Politicians and foreign service officials could also benefit from this read so that they work hard at understanding other countries but also work hard being understood by others.

Pastor Tracy Troxel