Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
13 Hours
The Inside Account of What Really Happened In Benghazi
Mitchell Zuckoff with the Annex Security Team
The book provides a firsthand account of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. State Department Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA station called the Annex in Benghazi, Libya, on September 11, 2012. It details the experiences and actions of the security team members as they fought to protect Americans under siege during the 13-hour ordeal.
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Mythos
Stephen Fry
The book retells ancient Greek myths with a contemporary voice, infusing humor and modern sensibility into the stories of gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. It provides a fresh take on classic tales, making them accessible and entertaining for a modern audience.
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The Elephant Whisperer
My Life with the Herd in the African Wild
Lawrence Anthony|Graham Spence
The book recounts the true story of a conservationist who accepts a herd of 'rogue' wild elephants on his game reserve in South Africa, forming deep bonds with them. It details his efforts to communicate with the elephants, save them from execution, and the remarkable relationship that develops, transforming both the animals and the man.
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Call the Midwife
A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times
Jennifer Worth
The book is a personal account of a young midwife working in the East End of London during the 1950s, detailing the challenging conditions, the diverse community she served, and the poignant, often heartwarming birth stories she encountered. It provides a vivid portrayal of post-war life, the resilience of women, and the vital role of midwives in society at that time.
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Not My Father's Son
A Memoir
Alan Cumming
The memoir delves into the actor's traumatic childhood, marked by an abusive father and family secrets. It juxtaposes his personal journey of discovery and healing with his experience uncovering his family's past during the filming of a genealogy television show.
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Mahatma Gandhi Autobiography
The Story Of My Experiments With Truth
M. K. Gandhi
The book chronicles Gandhi's life from his early years to the 1920s, detailing his spiritual and moral experiments, including his involvement in the Indian struggle for civil rights and independence from British rule. It reflects on his personal quest for truth and the development of his concept of Satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance.
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Lion
A Long Way Home Young Readers' Edition
Saroo Brierley
The book recounts the true story of a five-year-old boy from India who gets lost on a train, ending up thousands of miles from home. After surviving alone in Kolkata and being adopted by an Australian couple, he embarks on a journey as an adult to find his birth family using Google Earth.
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Helmet for My Pillow
From Parris Island to the Pacific
Robert Leckie
The memoir recounts the author's experiences as a young Marine in the Pacific theater during World War II, detailing his training at Parris Island and the brutal combat he faced in battles such as Guadalcanal and Peleliu. It provides a personal and visceral account of the hardships, camaraderie, and psychological toll of war on the front lines.
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The Great Influenza
The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History
John M. Barry
The book chronicles the 1918 flu pandemic, detailing its origins, spread, and impact on the world, while also delving into the scientific and medical communities' struggle to understand and contain the virus. It highlights the interplay between politics, war, and public health, and the lasting effects of the pandemic on society and science.
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Just Tyrus
A Memoir
Tyrus
The memoir chronicles the life of professional wrestler and political commentator George Murdoch, known as Tyrus, detailing his journey from a difficult childhood through various career transformations. It offers insights into his personal struggles, behind-the-scenes wrestling experiences, and his perspectives on contemporary issues as he rose to fame.
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