Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
The Ride of Her Life
The True Story of a Woman, Her Horse, and Their Last-Chance Journey Across America
Elizabeth Letts
The book tells the true story of Annie Wilkins, a 63-year-old woman who, in 1954, rode her horse Tarzan across America from Maine to California when she was told she had only two years to live. It chronicles her remarkable journey, the people she met, and the post-war American landscape she traversed, seeking a final adventure and a place to call home.
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My Promised Land
The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel
Ari Shavit
The book provides a personal and historical exploration of Israel, examining its complex and often turbulent history through the author's family narrative and interviews with citizens. It delves into the moral dilemmas, achievements, and challenges faced by the Jewish state from its founding to the modern era.
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Benjamin Franklin
An American Life
Walter Isaacson
The biography delves into the multifaceted life of founding father Benjamin Franklin, exploring his roles as a diplomat, scientist, inventor, and writer. It provides a detailed account of his personal life, public service, and significant contributions to the American Enlightenment and the formation of the United States.
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Escape
A Memoir
Carolyn Jessop|Laura Palmer
The memoir recounts the life of a woman who was born into the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamous sect, and her eventual escape from an oppressive and abusive marriage. It details her struggles within the community, the challenges of raising her eight children in that environment, and her courageous flight to freedom.
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Alone at Dawn
Medal of Honor Recipient John Chapman and the Untold Story of the World's Deadliest Special Operations Force
Dan Schilling|Lori Longfritz
The book chronicles the heroic actions of Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during a fierce battle in Afghanistan. It also delves into the history and operations of the Air Force Special Tactics community, highlighting the critical yet often overlooked role these elite forces play in modern warfare.
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A Piece of Cake
A Memoir
Cupcake Brown
The memoir recounts the harrowing life story of a woman who overcomes a childhood marked by abuse, addiction, and homelessness to eventually find redemption and success. It details her journey through foster care, gang life, and drug abuse before her eventual recovery and transformation into a successful attorney.
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The Lessons of History
Will Durant|Ariel Durant
The book distills the insights and analyses from the authors' extensive study of history and civilization, exploring recurring themes and patterns in human behavior, societies, and governments. It examines the impact of geography, biology, race, character, religion, economics, socialism, government, and war on the course of history and the lessons these elements teach about the human experience.
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The Big Show
The Classic Account of WWII Aerial Combat
Pierre Clostermann
The book is a memoir by French fighter pilot Pierre Clostermann, detailing his experiences during World War II as he flew missions for the Free French Forces. It provides a firsthand account of the intensity and danger of aerial combat, as well as the camaraderie and challenges faced by the Allied pilots.
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Slash
Slash|Anthony Bozza
The book is an autobiography that chronicles the life of the iconic lead guitarist of Guns N' Roses, detailing his rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and experiences in the world of rock and roll. It provides an intimate look at his personal and professional relationships, as well as the music industry from the perspective of one of its most notorious figures.
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Full Service
My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars
Scotty Bowers|Lionel Friedberg
The book is a memoir detailing the personal experiences of a former Marine who became a confidante, bartender, and fixer for Hollywood stars, arranging clandestine sexual encounters for them during the 1940s to 1980s. It reveals the hidden sexual escapades and secrets of numerous iconic celebrities, offering an insider's look at the private lives of the rich and famous in a pre-social media era.
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