Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
Inheritance
A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity and Love
Dani Shapiro
The memoir recounts the author's shocking discovery through a DNA test that her beloved deceased father was not her biological parent. This revelation sends her on a quest to understand her identity, unravel family secrets, and find her biological father, ultimately exploring the complex nature of family, memory, and the deep need for belonging.
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Pacific Crucible
War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941-1942 : War at Sea in the Pacific, 1941–1942
Ian W. Toll
The book provides a detailed narrative of the naval conflicts in the Pacific during the early years of World War II, focusing on the critical battles and strategic decisions from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the Battle of Midway. It examines the experiences of both American and Japanese forces, highlighting the tactical shifts, technological advancements, and the human stories that shaped the course of the war in the Pacific theater.
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Island of the Lost
An Extraordinary Story of Survival at the Edge of the World
Joan Druett
The book chronicles the true story of two shipwrecked groups who must survive the harsh conditions of Auckland Island in the southern Pacific Ocean in the 1860s. It details their separate struggles against the elements, isolation, and despair, as one group fares remarkably well while the other succumbs to the island's challenges.
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The Railway Man
A POW's Searing Account of War, Brutality and Forgiveness
Eric Lomax
The memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of a British Army officer who was captured by the Japanese during World War II and forced to work on the Burma-Siam Railway, enduring severe torture and deprivation. Years later, he confronts one of his tormentors, leading to an extraordinary journey of suffering, revelation, and reconciliation.
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First They Killed My Father
A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
Loung Ung
The memoir recounts a young girl's experience of survival under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia during the 1970s. It details her family's suffering, the loss of her parents and siblings, and her struggle to endure amidst war and genocide.
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Princess
A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia
Jean Sasson
The book recounts the personal experiences of a Saudi Arabian princess, providing insight into the lives of women under the restrictive laws and customs of Saudi society. It exposes the opulence, politics, and oppression within the royal family, particularly the gender discrimination and human rights abuses that women face.
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As You Wish
Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride
Cary Elwes|Joe Layden
The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the iconic film "The Princess Bride," as recounted by Cary Elwes, the actor who played Westley. It includes personal anecdotes, interviews with co-stars, and various untold stories about the challenges and triumphs during the movie's production.
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Meghan and Harry
The Real Story
Lady Colin Campbell
The book delves into the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, examining their relationship, departure from royal duties, and the impact on the British monarchy. It provides a critical perspective on the couple's actions and decisions, as well as their interactions with the media and public.
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Sniper on the Eastern Front
The Memoirs of Sepp Allerberger, Knights Cross
Albrecht Wacker
The book recounts the experiences of Sepp Allerberger, an Austrian conscript and one of the most successful snipers of the German Wehrmacht during World War II, as he fought on the Eastern Front against the Soviet Union. It details his personal account of the harrowing combat, his survival tactics, and the psychological impact of warfare, culminating in his receipt of the Knight's Cross for his military achievements.
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Undaunted Courage
Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West: Meriwether Lewis Thomas Jefferson and the Opening
Stephen E. Ambrose
The book chronicles the journey of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as they led the Corps of Discovery on an epic expedition across the newly acquired western territory of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase. It delves into their encounters with Native American tribes, the natural wonders they documented, and the significant role President Thomas Jefferson played in commissioning the exploration to map and open up the American West.
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