Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
Lab 257
The Disturbing Story of the Government's Secret Germ Laboratory
Michael C. Carroll
The book investigates the history and controversies surrounding the U.S. biological research facility on Plum Island, New York, detailing alleged connections to outbreaks and biological mishaps. It delves into the facility's secretive operations, potential links to Lyme disease, and the government's role in managing biohazards.
See full summary
Not Without My Sister
The True Story of Three Girls Violated and Betrayed by Those They Trusted
Celeste Jones|Celeste Jones|Juliana Buhring
The book chronicles the harrowing experiences of three sisters who grew up in the Children of God cult, detailing the abuse and control they endured. It follows their journey to escape the cult, confront their past, and reclaim their lives.
See full summary
The Accidental Billionaires
The Founding of Facebook: A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal
Ben Mezrich
The book chronicles the tumultuous early days of Facebook, detailing the conflicts and rivalries among co-founders Mark Zuckerberg and Eduardo Saverin, as well as the involvement of the Winklevoss twins and Divya Narendra. It explores the rapid rise of the social network amidst a backdrop of personal drama, legal battles, and the transformation of interpersonal relationships in the digital age.
See full summary
The Bastard Brigade
The True Story of the Renegade Scientists and Spies Who Sabotaged the Nazi Atomic Bomb
Sam Kean
The book chronicles the efforts of a group of Allied spies and scientists during World War II as they work to prevent Nazi Germany from developing nuclear weapons. It details the daring missions and scientific endeavors undertaken to disrupt the German atomic program, including the exploits of figures like Moe Berg and the Alsos Mission.
See full summary
Jimmy Buffett
A Good Life All the Way
Ryan White
The book chronicles the life and career of musician Jimmy Buffett, detailing his rise from a country singer to the creator of the "Margaritaville" empire. It explores his songwriting, the development of his laid-back beach-bum persona, and the dedicated fan base known as "Parrotheads."
See full summary
Figuring
Maria Popova
The book explores the interconnected lives of historical figures across various disciplines, weaving together the achievements and struggles of artists, writers, and scientists. It delves into themes of love, discovery, and the human search for truth and meaning through the stories of luminaries like Johannes Kepler, Maria Mitchell, and Rachel Carson.
See full summary
Sailing True North
Ten Admirals and the Voyage of Character
Admiral James Stavridis
The book explores the lives and leadership qualities of ten notable admirals throughout naval history, highlighting how their personal voyages of character shaped their legacies and impacted the world. It delves into themes of ethics, decision-making, and the moral dimensions of leadership in the context of maritime strategy and global security.
See full summary
17 Carnations
The Royals, the Nazis, and the Biggest Cover-Up in History
Andrew Morton
The book delves into the relationship between the British royal family and the Nazi regime, focusing on the Duke and Duchess of Windsor's ties to Adolf Hitler. It also explores the subsequent efforts to conceal these connections post-World War II, including the controversial story of the Marburg Files.
See full summary
Crazy Rich
Power, Scandal, and Tragedy Inside the Johnson & Johnson Dynasty
Jerry Oppenheimer
The book delves into the private lives and internal affairs of the Johnson family, known for their pharmaceutical empire, revealing a history of power struggles, personal conflicts, and scandals. It provides an in-depth look at the family's extravagant lifestyle, as well as the darker aspects of their story, including tragedies and controversies that have surrounded the dynasty.
See full summary
Powerhouse
The Untold Story of Hollywood's Creative Artists Agency
James Andrew Miller
The book delves into the history and influence of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), one of Hollywood's most powerful talent agencies, chronicling its rise from a small startup to an entertainment industry titan. It features candid interviews with key players and celebrities, revealing the inner workings, deals, and power dynamics that shaped the film and television landscape.
See full summary