Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
The Perfect Horse
The Daring U.S. Mission to Rescue the Priceless Stallions Kidnapped by the Nazis
Elizabeth Letts
The book recounts the true story of American soldiers during World War II who undertook a mission to save purebred horses from being captured or killed as the Nazi regime collapsed. It details the efforts to protect and recover the Lipizzaner stallions, symbols of equestrian heritage, amidst the chaos of the war's end.
See full summary
Adrift
Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea
Steven Callahan
The narrative recounts the harrowing experience of a man who survives for over two months on a life raft after his sailboat sinks in the Atlantic Ocean. He faces starvation, exposure to the elements, and psychological challenges while ingeniously using limited resources to stay alive until his eventual rescue.
See full summary
I Must Say
My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend
Martin Short
The memoir recounts the life and career of the Canadian comedian, from his childhood in Ontario through his rise to fame on shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "SCTV." It offers a humorous and heartfelt look at his personal relationships, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the tragedies and triumphs that shaped his comedic perspective.
See full summary
Three Days in January
Dwight Eisenhower's Final Mission
Bret Baier|Catherine Whitney
The book focuses on the final days of Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidency, highlighting his farewell address and his efforts to prepare the nation for a transition of power to John F. Kennedy. It delves into Eisenhower's warnings about the military-industrial complex, his reflections on his years in office, and his concerns for the future of America.
See full summary
First One In, Last One Out
Auschwitz Survivor 31321
Marilyn Shimon
The book recounts the harrowing experiences of a young Jewish man from Hungary who survives the horrors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald during the Holocaust. It details his journey of endurance and the loss of his family, culminating in his liberation and the emotional aftermath of his ordeal.
See full summary
The Office
The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s: An Oral History
Andy Greene
The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the creation and production of the American version of "The Office," featuring interviews with the cast, crew, and writers. It offers insights into the show's development, iconic moments, and the legacy it left on television comedy.
See full summary
Rocket Boys
Homer Hickam
The book is a memoir that chronicles the author's adolescence in a West Virginia coal mining town, where he becomes fascinated with rocketry. Along with a group of friends, he embarks on a journey of experimentation and learning, overcoming personal and community challenges to pursue his passion for building rockets.
See full summary
The Lost Child of Philomena Lee
A Mother, Her Son and a Fifty Year Search
Martin Sixsmith
The book recounts the true story of Philomena Lee, an Irish woman who was forced to give up her son, Anthony, for adoption in the 1950s by the nuns at the convent where she gave birth. It follows Anthony's life as he grows up in the United States and becomes a successful lawyer, while simultaneously detailing Philomena's search for him over five decades.
See full summary
The Time Traveler's Guide to Medieval England
A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century
Ian Mortimer
The book serves as a detailed guide to 14th-century England, exploring the daily life, customs, and experiences of people from various social classes. It provides a vivid portrayal of the period, from the sights, sounds, and smells of medieval streets to the intricacies of social hierarchy and the realities of living in an age of transition and turmoil.
See full summary
Into Africa
The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone
Martin Dugard
The book chronicles the true story of journalist Henry Morton Stanley's perilous quest to find Dr. David Livingstone, a missionary and explorer who had been missing in Africa. It details their eventual meeting and the broader historical context of European colonialism and exploration in Africa during the 19th century.
See full summary