Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
Thank You for My Service
Mat Best|Ross Patterson|Nils Parker
The book is a humorous and candid memoir from a former U.S. Army Ranger and private military contractor, sharing his experiences in combat and the transition back to civilian life. It offers a blend of irreverent humor and sobering insight into the life and mindset of a veteran.
See full summary
Truman
David McCullough
The biography chronicles the life of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, detailing his modest upbringing in Missouri, his political rise, and his leadership during pivotal events such as the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. It provides an in-depth look at his presidential decisions, personal life, and the challenges he faced during his time in office.
See full summary
The Mother Tongue
English and How it Got that Way
Bill Bryson
The book delves into the history, quirks, and global evolution of the English language, exploring its origins, the influences of other languages, and its idiosyncrasies as it spread across the world. It combines etymology, cultural anecdotes, and linguistic oddities to illustrate the complexity and dynamism of English.
See full summary
Barracoon
The Story of the Last "Black Cargo"
Zora Neale Hurston
The book presents the firsthand account of Cudjo Lewis, the last known survivor of the transatlantic slave trade, who was brought to America on the ship Clotilda. Through interviews conducted by Zora Neale Hurston in the 1920s and 1930s, Lewis recounts his capture in Africa, the harrowing Middle Passage, and his life as an enslaved person and later as a free man in Alabama.
See full summary
His Truth Is Marching On
John Lewis and the Power of Hope
Jon Meacham
The book chronicles the life and legacy of civil rights icon John Lewis, detailing his journey from a young activist in the Jim Crow South to a long-serving congressman, emphasizing his commitment to nonviolent protest and his belief in the moral imperative of fighting for justice. It explores key moments in Lewis's life, including his leadership in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, his role in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches, and his enduring influence on American civil rights and politics.
See full summary
Scrappy Little Nobody
Anna Kendrick
The book is a collection of humorous autobiographical essays where the actress shares candid anecdotes from her life, ranging from her early days in show business to her experiences in Hollywood. It provides an insight into her quirky personality, behind-the-scenes moments, and her journey to finding her place in the entertainment industry.
See full summary
Medical Apartheid
The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present
Harriet A. Washington
The book chronicles the long history of unethical medical experimentation on African Americans, from the era of slavery to modern times. It exposes the exploitation and abuse in medical settings, revealing how race has played a role in scientific practices and the deep mistrust it has fostered within the Black community.
See full summary
The Last Castle
The Epic Story of Love, Loss, and American Royalty in the Nation's Largest Home
Denise Kiernan
The book delves into the history of the Biltmore Estate, the grand mansion built by George Vanderbilt in Asheville, North Carolina, and the lives of its inhabitants. It explores the legacy of the Vanderbilt family, the estate's impact on the local community, and the American Gilded Age's social and cultural nuances through personal stories, love, and loss.
See full summary
Four Hundred Souls
A Community History of African America, 1619-2019
Ibram X. Kendi, Keisha N. Blain
The book is a unique narrative that chronicles four hundred years of African American history through a series of ninety essays by different writers, each covering a five-year period. It combines historical accounts, personal narratives, and essays by historians, writers, and activists to explore the vast and complex experience of Black people in America from the arrival of the first enslaved Africans to the present day.
See full summary
Going There
Katie Couric
The memoir provides an intimate look into the personal and professional life of a renowned television journalist, detailing her rise in a male-dominated industry, behind-the-scenes experiences, and reflections on major events and interviews throughout her career. It also explores her personal challenges, including her husband's death from cancer and her own experiences with sexism and ageism in the media.
See full summary