Summaries of books about History & Biographies:
The Expendable
The true story of Patrol Wing 10, PT Squadron 3, and a Navy Corpsman who refused to surrender when the Philippine Islands fell to Japan
John Floyd
The book chronicles the harrowing experiences of a group of American servicemen, including Patrol Wing 10, PT Squadron 3, and a tenacious Navy Corpsman, as they face the overwhelming Japanese forces during the fall of the Philippine Islands in World War II. It details their struggle for survival, acts of bravery, and the Corpsman's refusal to surrender, highlighting the human spirit amidst the chaos of war.
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SHOT DOWN
The true story of pilot Howard Snyder and the crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth
Steve Snyder
The book recounts the experiences of Howard Snyder, a B-17 bomber pilot during World War II, after his plane, named Susan Ruth, was shot down over occupied Europe. It details his survival, evasion of capture, and the bravery of the Belgian resistance that helped him and his crew evade the Nazis.
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The War That Ended Peace
The Road to 1914
Margaret MacMillan
The book provides a detailed analysis of the complex political, social, and economic factors that led to the outbreak of World War I, examining the roles of various European powers and leaders. It explores the decisions and actions in the years leading up to 1914 that dismantled the fragile peace and set the stage for global conflict.
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We Die Alone
A WWII Epic of Escape and Endurance
David Armine Howarth
The book recounts the true story of Jan Baalsrud, a Norwegian commando who survives a Nazi ambush in occupied Norway during World War II. Severely wounded, he embarks on a harrowing journey to freedom, enduring the Arctic's brutal conditions and relying on the kindness of locals to evade capture.
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8 Miraculous Months in the Malayan Jungle
A WWII Pilot's True Story of Faith, Courage, and Survival
Donald J. "DJ" Humphrey II
The book recounts the harrowing survival story of a WWII pilot who, after being shot down, endures eight months in the hostile Malayan jungle. It details his struggles against nature, illness, and enemy pursuit, highlighting his unwavering faith and courage throughout the ordeal.
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The Man in the Arena
From Fighting ISIS to Fighting for My Freedom
Eddie Gallagher|Andrea Gallagher|Andy Symonds
The book recounts the experiences of former Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, detailing his combat missions against ISIS and the subsequent legal battle he faced over war crimes allegations. It provides a personal narrative of his trial, acquittal on most charges, and the public controversy surrounding his case, as well as the impact on his family and personal life.
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Cinema Speculation
Quentin Tarantino
The book offers a deep dive into 1970s cinema through the lens of the author's personal experiences and insights, blending film criticism with anecdotes and reflections on the era's impact on his own filmmaking career. It provides a unique perspective on classic movies, dissecting their themes, performances, and directorial choices while also exploring the cultural context in which they were made.
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Ferry Pilot
Nine Lives Over the North Atlantic.
Kerry McCauley
The book chronicles the daring adventures of a professional ferry pilot who delivers small aircraft across perilous routes over the North Atlantic. It details his harrowing experiences, close calls, and the unique challenges faced while flying solo in often treacherous weather conditions.
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Fabulous Finn
The Brave Police Dog Who Came Back from the Brink
Dave Wardell
The book tells the true story of Finn, a police dog who was stabbed while protecting his handler, PC Dave Wardell, during a violent confrontation with a suspect. It chronicles Finn's incredible recovery, the bond between him and his handler, and their campaign for stronger protection laws for service animals, leading to "Finn's Law."
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Lessons from the Edge
A Memoir
Marie Yovanovitch
The memoir recounts the career of a former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, detailing her experiences in the Foreign Service and her role in the events leading up to the 2019 Trump impeachment inquiry. It provides an insider's perspective on the challenges of diplomacy and the pressures faced by career diplomats in a politically charged environment.
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